Our Rising Sound» music

5th grade chorus PS22 sings “Lisztomania” and kills it!

Kyle — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:51:59 +0000

PS22 Chorus have sung a lot of other cool tunes, but this is one of my favorite songs(Lisztomania by Phoenix) in the past few years and they killed it!

Video: Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris perform “Hallelujah” (Hope 4 Haiti)

Kyle — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:35:11 +0000

Absolutely incredible performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. As good if not better than Jeff Buckley’s cover…blasphemy I know.

The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldier (Live on Jools Holland)

Kyle — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:49:37 +0000

One of the great joys of Direct TV is my season pass for Jools Holland. On this occasion they had a pretty packed lineup, John Legend, Amy Winehouse, The Raconteurs and Muse. Hands down, Raconteurs stole the show, their performance of Broken Boy Soldier was incredible. Enjoy.

Looking for custom loops? I’m for hire

Kyle — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:03:28 +0000

I’ve had several inquiries about whether I’d do loops for hire, or custom loops for people. I’ve always turned down those requests because I just didn’t have the time. But due to recent unforseen changes in the job security landscape(ah hem), I have more time now.

If you or anyone you know is looking for some custom loops. backtracks or just wants to work together on some music projects please do contact me. You can browse my current freely available loops to get a sense of what my music sensibility is. I will still release loops for free as I have been, I don’t plan on stopping that. But any special requests would have some agreed upon fee.

I don’t have any set rates at this point for a few reasons.

I want to be flexible and be able to bless and help out in creative ways. I don’t want to only contribute to projects that have a lot of money.
I have no idea what people think my services are worth, if anything.
I would be open to accepting trades for gear and such.

If you would be so kind as to pass the word along, by retweeting, sharing on facebook, etc… that would really be appreciated. ORS just recently passed the 15,000 mark for downloaded/played loops, so thank you for the interest you’ve shown to this point. I sincerely hope this has been a valuable resource for you and your churches.

Adam Pasion Interview Part 2 – “Gypsy Girl” story

Kyle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:59:05 +0000

I recently sat down with Adam Pasion who’s new album “O Hear the Rattling” (iTunes) seriously impressed me. The music to me is best described as dark folk, very rich lyrically, with dark melodies and full folk string instrumentation and groove. I’ve not heard another Christian album like this at all, and by Christian album I just mean Adam is a Christian who wants to see Christ glorified in his music, but these aren’t necessarily corporate worship songs.

In part 2 of the interview we talk about the story behind the track “Gypsy Girl.”

Phoenix: download the multitrack and make your own mix

Kyle — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:57:44 +0000

At the risk of repeating myself for the 20th time, Phoenix is one of my new favorite bands and their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is my record of the year for 2009. They didn’t need to do anything else to raise their cool index for me but they just did. You can download the multi-track of their song “Fences” for free and make your own mix of the song. They released 10 tracks for the song. Brilliant promotion.

Video: John Mark McMillan – Skeleton Bones (live in studio)

Kyle — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:54:08 +0000

Killer video of John Mark McMillan performing “Skeleton Bones” live at Bright City Studios. Directed by The Calnin Brothers.

New free single from Volcano Choir “Island, Is” (Bon Iver)

Kyle — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:24:40 +0000

Excerpt from the press release at American Songwriter:

“The Volcano Choir, a collaboration between Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Milwaukee band Collections of Colonies of Bees, are offering up the first track from their upcoming album as a free download. It’s called “Island, IS.” Check it out(download) here. The track is featured on the Volcano Choir’s debut Unmap, due September 22 via Jagjaguwar records.”

I love everything about this track, the slick Radiohead’ish loops, to the guitar work, to Justin’s vocals. I think I’m going to love this album, can’t wait for it to come out.

Download audio file (islandis.mp3)

Video: Ryan Delmore “You Are Strong” in studio

Kyle — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:51:59 +0000

Ran across this beautiful song of Ryan’s on his blog. One thing that I just love about Ryan is how natural and effortless his songs come across. I never get the sense that his songs were crafted for any particular audience but that he just let out on paper and through music what’s in his heart. Here’s an excerpt from his blog regarding this song:

Recently I spent some time with a friend in Tennessee who discovered that his father in law was diagnosed with lung cancer. The shock and pain that a sentence like that brings is devastating to family and friends alike. It made me think of some recent suffering Ryan went through over the holidays with a bulging disc on his spine. During the many months that Ryan was writhing in pain he had to consider the issue of suffering in relation to our loving God and as a result wrote this song. Many people gathered to pray for Ryan, but he was never healed. Ryan had to go to the hospital on a few occasions for heavy medication. It was really sad to see him spend Christmas drugged on the floor in chronic pain instead of playing with his kids. Through it all Ryan questioned God and through it all he could sense God’s presence and love. I wanted Ryan to record this song so that I could share it with my friend who’s father in law is suffering through chemo and all that cancer brings. Hopefully this song can be a banner of encouragement to those who are weary and burdened with heavy suffering.

Video: Phoenix playing “1901″ live on Letterman

Kyle — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:42:28 +0000

As I’ve said before, Phoenix’s record “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” is my record of the year so far and “1901” is certainly one of the best songs off that record. These guys kill live, I really, really want to see them.

Phoenix – 1901 live from wearephoenix on Vimeo.

Barcelona sings to the fish at Kuroshio Sea and it’s beautiful

Kyle — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:18:16 +0000

An absolutely beautiful video was posted on You Tube of Kuroshio Sea, the world’s second largest aquarium, using Barcelona’s “Please Don’t Go” as the music. The still shot of the tank with the shadowed figures in front is just visually awesome, and then the Barcelona song fits it so well. A stirring video for sure. If you don’t have Barcelona’s Absolutes album go pick it up, it’s a killer record.

Top 5 Favorite Michael Jackson songs

Kyle — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:29:08 +0000

In remembrance of Michael Jackson who passed yesterday, I thought I’d do a Top 5 with my favorite MJ songs of all time. I grew up singing and dancing to Michael Jackson, I have a lot of respect for his music ability and a lot of sadness for how he lived his life.

1. Thriller

Where else is there to start. The best music video of all time, an incredible song and it gave me nightmares when I was a kid, but I loved it.

2. Smooth Criminal

Another epic video, will anyone ever be able to do music videos like this guy again? I doubt it. Great song as well, I can always jam to this song.

3. Billie Jean

Man I can remember dancing to this song in my room. This video always tripped me out, I still don’t think I really get it. But talk about epic, sidewalk lighting up, I mean…brilliant. I can’t say enough about his sense of melody, it’s incredible.

4. Dirty Diana

I’ve never been in a concert atmosphere like this and I really wonder if I’ll ever have the opportunity in my life to experience it. And no I’m not going into the Jonas brothers teenage mosh pit.

5. Beat It

This was back in the day when gangs just had break dancing battles to settle turf wars. Simpler times.

Farewell Michael, you inspired me as a kid and I’m not sure this world will ever see or hear anyone quite like you again.

Folks what are your Top 5 MJ tunes?

What’s the worst thing in your iPod?

Kyle — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:17:51 +0000

I realized as I was listening to my iTunes on shuffle is that I have some real garbage in there and I don’t know how it got there. My tweet about it got some feedback that I wasn’t the only one with this issue. So I want to know, what tracks in your music collection have you throw up in your mouth a little bit each time it comes on and make you wonder how that sick song crawled into your rotation? The following are the worst 5 songs in my collection and I have no good excuse for why they are in there:

1. Haddaway – What Is Love?

If I were a sketch comedian I might have an excuse. But Night at the Roxbury was cool like what 10 years ago? My only defense is I have this track unchecked. A brief moment of sanity in an otherwise bat crazy decision.

2. Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Me

Wut the….how the…where the….why is this track within 10 laptops of me? Some one slipped me a rufee and popped this in my iTunes and somehow rigged it so it comes on EVERY TIME I shuffle. There’s only a couple acceptable raggae artists and this isn’t one of them.

3. Dirty Vegas – Days Go By

Ok yeah I get it, it was a big hit for a while. But I never even liked this song. I’m chalking this one up to some friend’s wedding I dj’d and they made a special request. I can’t be held responsible for this.

4. Duncan Sheik – On a High

I must have been on a high when I purchased this one. Yes kids, the evidence comes back this was purchased by me. This proves total human depravity more than any other experiential evidence ever could.

5. Boyz II Men – End of the Road

No this isn’t cool, not even in a reminiscent sense. Confession: I remember playing this in the background as I talked to ladies on the phone when I was in middle school. I was Leon Phelps smooth. Double Halfway confession: I actually did this first in the 5th grade to a much worse song that I will take to the grave. I’ll never tell, my mom reads this blog for heaven’s sake. Mom aren’t you amazed I made it through?

one more as a special bonus…

6. Randy Travis – Open the Eyes of My Heart

If Jesus would have opened the ears of my head up I would have nothing to do with this track. This officially marked Open the Eyes of My Heart covers had run their course. The Randy growl going into the chorus does bring a smile to my face for all the wrong reasons. Lord I apologize, I should have stopped at 5.

Ok so let’s hear it, don’t be embarrassed we all have our musical skeletons in the closet. What’s the worst in your collection?

The Rep performing “Praiz Him” Live at LCC

Kyle — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:09:09 +0000

If you’re like the rest of the Christian hip hop community starved for good music, then you gotta check out The Rep. Dude is crazy talented, crazy in love with Jesus, and speaks crazy truth in every track. He performed live at Life Connection Church (my church) on May 8th of this year and we’re releasing a track, maybe 2, as a teaser. Go check him out on myspace and buy his new album Say No More!

Must have music: Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Kyle — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:45:14 +0000

This is one of the best records of the year so far and will be right up there at the end. If you are into MGMT then you will dig Phoenix. Easily the best French band I’ve ever heard, though I couldn’t name another one, even still they take the top spot. They just released their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and I highly recommend picking it up. Here’s a video to give you a nice sample.

Lisztomania (The Brat Pack Special)

Anyone know any better French bands? Please chime in.

New music: Flagship (Brigade) – live videos

Kyle — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:39:42 +0000

I’ve hit the wall with my current music selection, I need a refresh. Enter my friend John Mark McMillan. We were chatting about him coming out to Phoenix again to play some shows(gonna be off the chain BTW) and he mentioned his former bass player’s new band Flagship (formerly Flagship Brigade). Check Flagship out on myspace, they are incredible! I’m just bummed that there newer stuff doesn’t seem to be released yet.

But you can get their older EP “We Are Lions” on Amazon and Snocap downloads on their myspace. Here are some live videos of them performing. Killer stuff and ironically some tunes come across very Killers’ish, as in the band.

holy ghost live

cautious eyes live 2nd show ever

Wedding music reflections on our anniversary

Kyle — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:27:08 +0000

Today marks 8 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Melissa. Much has changed since we married on April 14th, 2001, much has grown, much has been gained and lost. We are now 3 kids deep, we moved from our hometown of Santa Barbara CA to the desert, and I was able to convince Mel to enjoy a lot of foods she vowed she hated when we first met. A couple days ago I talked with my wife and we both agreed that each year we learn something new about each other that causes us to fall deeper in love. I know my wife so much better today than in 2001 and our love truly keeps on growing.

I thought a cool way to tie today’s celebration into ORS would be to take a musical journey through our wedding, the songs we chose and why. So let’s get started.

Wedding party walk in

Ben Harper – The Three of Us (Welcome to the Cruel World)

Download audio file (01%20The%20Three%20Of%20Us.mp3)

I love the vibe of this acoustic instrumental. Felt like a perfect fit for the initial wedding party walk in. Just the right length and everything.

Here comes the bride

Deseree – Kissing You (Supernatural)

Download audio file (Kissing%20You.mp3)

The greatest moment in our wedding, the coolest thing I’ve seen in any wedding, with all due respect to my friends and family who thought they had cool parts in their wedding, this beat em all. My wife starts her walk down the aisle from this trail (actually called the Campos trail) that winds down the hill from above the grass area the wedding is at. This song is playing as she walks down the path, obstructed by trees and rock, then emerges and walks across the creek and down the aisle.

Ceremony walk out

Victoria Williams – Let It Be So (Musings of a Creekdipper)

Download audio file (14%20Let%20It%20Be%20So.mp3)

One of the greatest wedding songs ever written, in fact I believe Victoria wrote it for her sister’s wedding. Joyous, unique, truthful lyrics, just seemed like the greatest way to wrap up the ceremony. Walk out in joy and have some fun after being uptight and formal for too long.

First Dance

Stevie Wonder – Ribbon in the Sky (Original Musiquarium I)

Download audio file (1-11%20Ribbon%20In%20The%20Sky.mp3)

Probably one of the most popular wedding songs of all time. The only reason I didn’t want to dance to this song was due to it’s popularity, but then I thought that’s a dumb reason. We both loved the song and it felt so perfect to dance to so who cares if others feel the same way. Nobody does it like Stevie, just beautiful beautiful music plain and simple.

Special Dance

Kyle Campos – Become One (Pneumatics Demo)

Download audio file (05%20Become%20One.mp3)

I wrote this song especially for our wedding, it was a simple love song to my wife. One a couple weeks before our wedding I sat down and just started writing my my heart and hopes for the future. I wanted to thank God and give credit to him for bringing us together and then sing our hope and desire for the future. It was hastily recorded, maybe even the night before the wedding, I can’t remember but I know I was panicking. Despite it’s rough quality it expressed my heart to my wife and she loved it so that’s all that matters. The lyrics to this song were also in my vows to my wife in the ceremony.

Party Dance

Earth Wind & Fire – September (Discover Earth, Wind and Fire)

Download audio file (September.mp3)

My favorite group and song to dance to. I LOVE Earth, Wind and Fire, nobody breaks it down like them. Ridiculous vocals, crazy hip rockin disco, they are the bomb. our party hasn’t started until the first EW&F song drops, believe it.

Looking back on that day makes me smile and see just how lucky I am. I love my wife and family. Happy Anniversary Mel!

Death In His Grave – an Easter song more should be doing

Kyle — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:00:09 +0000

I feel so guilty that I’ve kept John Mark McMillan’s brilliant song, Death In His Grave too close to my chest. I did mention in my review of John Mark’s “The Medicine” album that this song was one of the best on the album and I couldn’t wait to do it on Easter. Well Easter is upon us and as we practiced this for the first time I was just as encouraged, moved, convicted, slammed, by the song as I had hoped. It’s the perfect Easter song and I’m so thankful for John Mark writing it. Here are the words:

Though the earth cried out for blood
satisfied her hunger was
Her billows calmed the raging seas
for the souls of men she craved

Sun and moon from balcony
Turned their head in disbelief
Their precious love would taste the sting
disfigured and disdained

Chorus
On Friday a thief
On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief
But awoke with the keys
Of Hell on that day
The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ laid death in his grave

So three days in darkness slept
The Morning Sun of righteousness
But rose to shame the throws of death
And over turn his rule
Now daughters and the sons of men
Would pay not their dues again
The debt of blood they owed was rent
When the day rolled a new

(to chorus)

Bridge
He has cheated
Hell and seated
Us above the fall
In desperate places
He paid our wages
One time once and for all

The only lyric I will change is “cheated”, I believe I know the intent there but I think “defeated” is a clearer way of presenting it, so we’ll make that change. I’m sorry if this is the first time you’ve heard this song and it’s too late for you to incorporate in your service. I take full responsibility.

By the way if you don’t already you can follow him on twitter @johnmarkmc and John Mark also started a blog at johnmarkmcmillan.blogspot.com

Album Review: The Rep “Say No More”

Brett — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:49:34 +0000

Fresh out of the Valley of the Sun, comes Brandon Kagel a.k.a. “The Rep” with his sophomore project- Say No More courtesy of Blood Marked Entertainment. This album is a definite banger with beats by Mustafas Beats and guest appearances by lyrical monster Lee Green as well as vocals by Suzie K and L Sol. This masterpiece contains incredible diversity, tracks that will make you bang ya head till ya neck hurts on tracks like Say No Names, as well as melodious heart hitting tearjerkers on Dear baby which is a letter to his son, and Unborn Child which is a rhyme from the inside of the womb of a pregnant woman.

The Rep is definitely a Phoenix Son and his music reflects the essence of the inner city and cries out for the redemption of our blackout generation. “He was age 5 when the movie Goonies came out, and put 5 on a doobie when the Looniz came out..” If you can relate to that, then this album is definitely for you.

I definitely admire and respect the boldness that is brought forth on this album with straight up no BS truth about struggles that our generation faces today. With hard knock punchlines and similes that you don’t catch until 8 bars later. The Rep is a BEAST on this one and it is a must. Go pick this one up, you can thank me later.

John Legend sings about cheating Christians

Kyle — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:25 +0000

I’m a sucker for some R&B, I dig John Legend. But the thing about R&B is the lyrics are usually the most blunt, abrasive ways to communicate a story. Metaphors and poetic phrasing are of no use to the R&B community. They just go to the basest level of language to express themselves, which is certainly efficient if not tactful. How else do you explain “I wanna make love in dis club“? Tell me how you really feel Usher.

John Legend has this song called Number One, which is sung from the perspective of a cheating boyfriend basically telling his girlfriend to stop whining about him cheating, in fact the opening line is:

You can’t say I don’t love you just because I cheat on you

I always found the song grossly comedic and had a fun time singing it with my wife in the car in jest. But as I was singing the chorus I got convicted that I’ve sang this same chorus to God many times, with the same pathetically transparent BS that John sings with. Tell me if you’ve ever sung this to God during worship:

You know that I love You
There’s no one above You
I said it the last time, that this is the last time
Don’t make me over
Cuz I can be faithful
You’re my number one, You’re my number one

We carry on “struggling” in sin, willfully choosing ourselves over God throughout the week, walk in on Sunday and sing this weak love song claiming that “this is the last time.” We should stop making promises to God we have no intention or ability to keep. Matt Chandler addresses this topic of “white knuckle struggling” where in our flesh we just grit our teeth and repeatedly promise to never do it again. Only to fail time and time again. But as Paul said in Romans 9:16

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

How do I need to continue to rest in the Holy Spirit and to continually place myself in his hands to form me and shape me. I can’t do it on my own no matter how hard I try, no matter how much I want it. Religion is a tricky thing, it’s constantly at our heels, presenting itself as some new level of spirituality. Take me back to your heart Jesus, I have no righteousness in myself.

How to sync two live bands

Kyle — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:17 +0000

Bryan Nelson at Vertical Resonator recently did a post showing how his church actually syncs two live bands in 2 different rooms for their worship service. He leads worship at Topeka Bible Church and is really doing some great creative stuff. The two bands play the same set, at the exact same time in 2 different rooms and are forced to do this due to the bleed through in the rooms they are in. It’s a really awesome and interesting setup. Here’s the full diagram showing the setup.

Heavy metal monk terrifies Satan

Kyle — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:51:04 +0000

This monk figured he’d beat Satan at his own game, a little musical/spiritual jujitsu. The demon scream at the end had Satan wetting himself in fear.

[via BoingBoing]

I’m sharing great, lesser known Christian music

Kyle — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:08:01 +0000

Here’s the thing about Christian music. Most of it sucks, I’m sorry if that offends anyone, but it’s just my opinion, take it or leave it. I’m just being a straight shooter. That being said there is some great Christian music out there that needs to be heard and I love finding it, sharing it and doing whatever I can to promote it. So to that end I have this new feature in the sidebar, a little MP3 widget that contains some of the great, lesser known artists and songs I’m digging. You can listen to it right there in the sidebar and if so inclined buy it right there for yourself.

After clicking on the widget the full list of songs will appear. The playlist will rotate. Go check it out.

Review: Ryan Delmore “The Spirit, the Water and the Blood”

Kyle — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:59:12 +0000

This album has been out for a few months and I’m glad I’ve waited to review until I was really able to dig into it. I’ve known about Ryan for many years, we were both leading worship in the Vineyard in our youth, Ryan was about an hour north of me in the 5 Cities area on the coast of California. We shared many of the same friends but our paths never crossed until recently when I sat down to interview him upon the release of this album.

His music, voice, songwriting has all matured so much from The Burn days. I can’t tell you how blown away I am by this album. Songs like Jesus Name, Sing Like Mary Sang and The World Can’t Take It Away immediately grab you, you don’t need any more listens than 1 to love. Then songs like Sacred, True Religion and Love of God grow in your heart on each listen, the depth to these songs deserves and calls for repeated listens.

Ryan has all the sensibility of Tom Waits and Petty with the grit and country hooks of Ryan Adams. The absolute worst thing about much of the Christian contemporary music is the cheap, cheesy melody hooks. You won’t find any of those here. The richness and sincerity of these songs and production can’t help but make you feel like you just wandered into a basement worship session to hear Ryan’s love songs to Jesus.

If you’re wondering how many of these could be done in church, I pretty much plan on doing every one of them, I’ve never said or done that with any other album. This truly is one of the greatest worship albums I’ve heard. Period. If you don’t like alt-country-folk-rock and are looking for another Hillsong album, well move along, but if you love some twang and soul then by all means this is the album for you. You can and should buy the entire album at Vineyard Music or on iTunes.

If you want to hear Ryan in the flesh, he’s playing with my band at Anthropology Men’s Conference at Life Connection Church this weekend, starting tonight. Get there!

How to transpose a loop in Reason

Kyle — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:53:17 +0000

I receive a lot of questions and requests for transposing my loops so I thought I might as well give a tutorial on how it’s done. It’s really quite simple to do in Reason, so let’s get started. This tutorial assumes you have Reason and have opened some project.

1. Select pitched midi notes

You want to select all the pitched midi notes, you do not need or want to select non-pitched midi notes like drum kits or percussion instruments. For those changing the midi note actually changes the instrument. So usually what I’ll do is organize my project so that non-pitched instruments are all at the bottom or top to make selecting all the others quite easy.

After drawing a box around all your midi notes it should look something like this:

2. Set the semi-tones in Tool Window

In the Tool Window click the “Tools” menu item. Then set the semi-tone adjustment you want to make. A semi-tone is a half step. So if you want to raise the key a full step you’d set the semi-tones to 2, if you want to lower the key 2 full steps you’d set the semi-tones to -4. A semi-tone level of 0 would be no adjustment, it’s where you are currently.

3. Click apply

Now all that’s left is clicking Apply and you’re all set.

Video: Andrew Bird – “A Nervous Tic Motion” Live Looping

Kyle — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:02:23 +0000

Live looping is a technique made more popular recently by people like KT Tunstall, but it’s not really a new concept at all. Basically it consists of one or more musicians capturing live audio in a loop and adding more layers on to the loop throughout the song. Usually accomplished with something like a Boss Loop Station or Electro-Harmonix Super Multi-Track Looper. If done well it can be an incredible thing to see and hear.

Andrew Bird is an incredible musician, vocalist, live looper and whistler. In fact I’ve not heard many give as clean and on pitch whistle as Andrew. Noble Beast is Andrew’s latest album and it sounds incredible.

Here is a video of Andrew performing “A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left“ live at Bonnaroo in ‘06 showing off his sick live looping skills.

Incredible Radiohead performance at Grammys

Kyle — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:19:54 +0000

I just started going through all the performances at the Grammys on my dvr and I was absolutely blown away by Radiohead’s performance. They played 15 Step off their In Rainbows album (which is phenomenal) with a full marching band. Just watch and be amazed.

Radiohead – 15 Step
by Alisvideo

Obama’s inauguration speech (Reaktor remix)

Kyle — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:27:54 +0000

Here’s a nice little remix on Obama’s inauguration speech by Tim Exile. Would have been a lot more fun to watch the speech live like this.

[via CreateDigitalMusic]

How do you send a click track to monitors and not mains?

Kyle — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:14:34 +0000

Micah D. sent in this question on the “How to introduce click tracks to your band” post.

How do I put the click track through monitors [and] the loop … through the main speakers?

Good question. The goal is to get the loop playing through the mains and available to monitor mixes but the click only in monitors and not through the mains. Getting the loop to play through the mains is just like getting any signal to the mains so I’ll assume that part needs no explanation and focus on getting a click isolated in monitor mixes and not mains. There are a couple ways to do this, I’ll start with the best and most flexible way that I know of.

Route the click signal to the board on an isolated channel. How exactly you do this depends on what is generating your click. In my case I take the left channel from my audio interface which carries the click signal generated by Ableton Live. The right channel carries the loop signal. Ableton makes it easy to split your click signal. In my upcoming posts on how to create your own click tracks I’ll show how to go about doing this.
Take the click channel’s fader all the way down. This of course turns it off in the main house mix.
Use your pre-fade aux sends on the board to control monitor levels. In order for your monitors to pickup the click with the fader all the way down these sends must be on a pre-fade send. That basically means that the fader doesn’t come into play at all in the aux send level. Post-fade takes into account where the fader is at.

Wikipedia does a better job at explaining pre/post fade aux sends:

The Auxiliary send routes a split of the incoming signal to an auxiliary bus which can then be used with external devices. Auxiliary sends can either be pre-fader or post-fader, in that the level of a pre-fade send is set by the Auxiliary send control, whereas post-fade sends depend on the position of the channel fader as well. Auxiliary sends can be used to send the signal to an external processor such as a reverb, which can then be routed back through another channel or designated auxiliary returns on the mixer. These will normally be post-fader. Pre-fade auxiliary sends can be used to provide a monitor mix to musicians onstage, this mix is thus independent of the main mix.

What to watch out for?

You want to listen for channel bleed through where your click is still audible in the house even though the fader is all the way down. We recently had this issue and the cause, besides the board being to blame, is how hot a signal was being sent to the board. The click channel was clipping, so we fixed our gain structure and brought it down a lot and that helped our bleed.

Other options: In ear monitor pack Mix-In

Another way of doing this is using the Mix-In input on your in ear monitor packs. Most in ear monitoring packs have a 1/4″ in. input for mixing in some auxillary signal. You could use a multi-channel headphone amp to carry the click signal and then take the 1/4″ in. outs on each channel to all your monitor packs.

This isn’t a great way of doing this if not for complexity sake then for the cabling mess, but maybe if you had limited aux sends on your board this could come in handy.

I hope that helps.

Video: MGMT – Electric Feel – live on Abbey Road

Kyle — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:59:56 +0000

My bro sent me this video of MGMT live on Abbey Road. Electric Feel is just a killer song and this is a killer performance. Skip to 1:30 to get to the music. This video has been tripping out a bit showing “unavailable” randomly. So if you first don’t succeed, try try again.

Another great tune of theirs live, Time to Pretend. Skip to 1:00 for the music.

Our Rising Sound» music

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