Audio - Three Free Songs! Thunderhead Debut

Audio here,

First of all, I need to thank every one of you guys for the warm welcome back. We have been getting more feedback, and more traffic than ever. And it's all thanks to you. :)

All right, gushing aside, I have some awesome stuff to offer to you fine readers. Now, think way way back to when i said i was setting up new production software, and would have new Drum and Bass soon? Well, eventually, I deliver. This is Thunderhead Drum and Bass.

I have here, my FREE three track EP, "Frozen Dreams":
http://www.mediafire.com/?k3pvc95ty4caz8t
Or each individually, on my Soundcloud page:
http://soundcloud.com/thunderheadDNB

So i thought i might give a quick run-down of the tracks. (If you want me to actually de-construct them, drop us a comment or e-mail, and if enough people want it I'll do a tutorial sort of post.)

Track 1: Humility (Intro)

This song was rather spontaneous, I wrote it the morning i was going to release the other two tracks. It was a chilly autumn morning, and I was  feeling simple, melancholy, and cold. To add to the vibe of "Frozen Dreams", I composed this atmospheric, minimalistic piece of music. Relaxing chords, and interesting percussion; in this way I sought to 'refresh the mind' of the listener, and go into the rest of the EP with an open mind.

Track 2: Frozen Dreams

The title track of the EP, Frozen Dreams is what really steered the direction of the EP. Before this tune I wasn't quite sure where I was going to take the Thunderhead project. I tried a few neurofunk, dubstep, liquid, jungle, and soundtrack tunes, before finally getting on a roll when I downloaded the London Elektricity sample pack, and started crafting Frozen Dreams. Ironically enough, there are very few samples from that pack in the song Frozen Dreams, but it still felt as if it was the catalyst.

Track 3: Sun Dog

This ended up being my favourite song of the EP, so it felt only natural to place it at the end. I love liquid drum and bass. Period. This song feels like a song I would have listened to two years ago and would smile and dance, and wish to be making music like this. 'Nuff said. Killer tune.

In addition to all of this, Sun Dog was recently featured on Weekend Confirmed Podcast: Episode #81, and met with high praise and regard. I couldn't be more happy, this is my favourite video game podcast, and have been listening for years. If anyone is interested in using or featuring these tracks anywhere, just drop an email to me at audiovisua@gmail.com, and i would be happy to talk to you.

Go ahead and pick up the podcast, if you like Video Games and Thunderhead DNB
Weekend Confirmed #81

In the near future, you can expect 30 minute DJ mixes from myself, Thunderhead, available for free download, right here on AudioVisua Productions. And as always, drop a comment, and email, whatever you like. I'm super stoked to be releasing this EP, and I would love it if you all picked it up. Come on, the thing is free.

Cheers,
             Audio

Visua - Avengers First Trailer!

Hey readers!

Sorry this is going to be a really quick post, I just had to share this. The first theatrical trailer for the Avengers has been released! It looks beautiful!

Just thought you should be the first to see it! Enjoy!

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

 audiovisua@gmail.com

Visua - The Avengers! New Pics & Info

Hey readers!


One of the most anticipated films of 2012, The Avengers, is getting closer with every day! Marvel fans will marvel--clever eh?--at the scale of this movie, and how much entertainment will be brought to not only comic book readers, but everybody else.


Just incase you're wondering what The Avengers might entail, here's a quick few words to give you a good idea. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor are recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. to help save the world from annihilation thanks to the twisted villain, Loki. Also fighting alongside these Avengers are Nick Fury, Black Widow, the Hulk and Hawkeye.


The Avengers is now done filming and is in post-production, so we can expect to see more stills, interviews and trailers coming in the near future!


Here are some of the newer stills you can get your hands on:

Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

Loki (Tom Hiddleston)

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans)

Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)

Thor & Captain America (Chris Hemsworth & Chris Evans)

Like those? There are more where that came from, just continue to check our blog for more updates!

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

audiovisua@gmail.com

Visua - My Latest and Greatest Short Film!

Hey there!

It's Visua here and boy has it been a long time. I have something I'd like to share with you all that might just be the biggest thing I've ever done!

It was not long ago that I lost my grandfather, he was a really cool guy and I just want to say I love him very much. I was pretty conflicted with it all, loss and such, so you know what I had to do? Make a movie. I spent the better half of May writing a screenplay for a short film I based around my feelings of loss, and with the help of some really close friends of mine, we converted that script into film. 

"For Them, For You" is a short film I made--that was recently screened at the Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) and is to be screened at the Future of Cinema Film Festival in Michigan next weekend--which centres around a boy experiencing the loss of his toy soldier who discovers answers and truths through the stages of grief in a dream. He meets five different images of himself and they all guide him in different ways to have him deal with feelings.

I wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this film, while my friend, Timothy Choy, acted all 6 roles and composed the music with our good friend Zachary Vydra. Near the end of the film, there is such a beautiful and chilling composition of strings those two talented boys pulled off, gives me goosebumps every time.

It was honestly one of the greatest experiences of my life making this film that meant a lot to us, and seeing the final product...and that's only part of it! We had a lot of media coverage! We were interviewed numerous times and made it into two online news websites, three newspapers and 3 television broadcasts! Not only that, we had one of the highest attended short films in the entire festival! It was amazing to see our film up on the big screen, just amazing. 

Now that all the excitement that came along with making and release of the short film has died down, looking back makes all the hard work seem very worth it. Even though we put our hearts into this, the funny things is, it's not even our full potential. We're getting ready to embark on greater projects!

I'll leave you folks with some links, clips, and trailers for the short film to check it out if you want! I will be uploading it to youtube very soon, so watch for that! We're even on IMDB now!

Thank you!

Visua, AudioVisua Productions

audiovisua@gmail.com

CLIP

TRAILER

Extra Links!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1980122/

http://edmonton.festivalgenius.com/2011/films/forthemforyou_akashsherman_edmonton2011

http://vimeo.com/29193467

http://vimeo.com/29197372

Audio & Visua - We're Back!

Audio and Visua here,

It's been a while. We know that, you know that. Firstly we would like to apologize for the extended absence, Visua had a rough time managing the blog solo while I (Audio) was in china, and ever since I returned there was a bit of a downwards spiral of business, and it resulted in the informal closure of the blog.

This does not mean we weren't busy. Visua created and finished a short film while I was away which was recently screen in the Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF), and has just been accepted into the Michigan Film Festival. As for myself, I created a new DnB alias (Thunderhead) for my Liquid DnB projects using Logic 9, (yes, i finally sorted that whole thing out) and have already completed a three-track EP under this name.

We also thought it courteous to re-launch the blogs design, to start fresh in all sorts of ways.


So in the next little while, you can expect:
                                                                   
                                                                                - Free downloads off my new EP, "Frozen Dreams"
                                                                                - News concerning Visua's short film
                                                                                - Free 30 min DJ mixes from Audio 
                                                                                - More film and music reveiws
                                                                                - Off-topic columns
                                                                                - News on our upcoming projects.


We appreciate all of your kindness and courtesy over these events.

Cheers,
             AudioVisua

Audio: Brand New Original Dubstep! + Important Notice From Audio

Audio here,
                    I know I've been teasing you guys with the promise of a new DnB tune, but as you might know, I've been in in the process of setting up new software, a new DJ rig, and making arrangements for an upcoming trip of mine. To tell the truth, I'm currently trying to upgrade to Logic 9, but things haven;t been going smoothly.

But enough jibber-jabber! During my process of creating this new DnB track, I felt like experimenting with a little Dubstep, and ended up finishing the Dubstep before the DnB! So the good news is that my new project, 'Two-Thirds Omega' is officially underway, with an experimental Dubstep tune I'm going to share with you right now, and a DnB song almost finished, waiting in the wings. Expect a lot more original music coming from me in the coming months.

I do have one more important announcement, I will be away for three weeks starting tomorrow (May 10th) because I'm flying to China to train Kung-Fu with the Shaolin monks. I've been doing martial arts nearly all my life, and I'm nearing my Kung-Fu black belt test, and it's a well known rite of passage for a Kung-Fu student to visit the birth place of Kung-Fu and bring back techniques and secrets for his/her school. This does mean that I will not be posting any blog entries whatsoever until June 1, as I will be devoting this trip solely for my training. I appreciate your understanding.

Easy,
         Audio

Visua: Thor Opening

Hey guys!

Thor is coming out tomorrow, and by then I should have a review. I honestly don't know what to expect because the trailers didn't make it seem all that great, but the first views are out and they have given pretty decent reviews. I think Chris Hemsworth was a great choice for the role and I can't wait to see Natalie Portman as Jane Foster.

I hear there is something after the credits, so watch for that!

Do you think it will be good?

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Visua: Movie Spotlight - Cemetery Junction

Hey there!

I remember when I went to London, England in spring '10, I saw posters of 'Cemetery Junction' (2010) in many places on the walls of the Underground stations. The young stylish males, the pretty redhead and Ricky Gervais all taking up most of the poster, it caught my eye as it being a new, persona-driven, proper Brit independent film with a certain style to it, and indeed it was. So there I am, no more than two days ago, scrolling through my bloated PVR hard drive full of movies from the movie channel, and I land on 'Cemetery Junction'. I click Play.

Now this isn't a review because I don't want to analyze it, but instead shed light on its triumphs. I can honestly say this is now a film I very much like, one that I score well, and one that I recommend. It's written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also, so it will not disappoint. I won't dwell on anything for too long, I'll keep things short and sweet.

A Quick Summary: Cemetery Junction follows 3 friends--Bruce [The rebel] (Tom Hughes), Freddie [The ambitious] (Christian Cooke), and Snork [The Funnyman] (Jack Doolan)-- who are getting sick and tired of their little, English, working-class town. The 1970s is a time of freedom and they aren't getting a piece of it. Being foolish children for such a long time, they begin to grow up and bring meaning into their life, without losing who they really are.

First off this movie had just such great characters that their persona's seems like they could all be parts of a normal human being, so there is a little something for everyone. My favorite character was Bruce, he was just so....cool, almost as if he were straight out of 'The Outsiders' but not as greasy. Another thing I loved about this movie was the soundtrack, good old classic '70s hits. Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, Elton John, Mott the Hoople, Slade. My favorite scene is when Snork gets up on stage and rocks out to Slade's 'Cum On Feel the Noize". I can also say I might be in love with the actress who played Julie [Felicity Jones] was just so pretty and humble, something we don't see often in North American cinema. Matthew Goode was in it which was great. The humor was all around pretty awesome and quite British. Lastly I love the theme, even though its been done before, I just love the idea of freedom. Be young. Be free. Be somebody.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it!

Visua's Rating: **** out of *****

Thanks for reading!

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Audio: 10 Songs I'm Listening To

Audio here,

                    So someone recently requested that I do a post about my top ten bands, and i figured i would take this to heart. Problem is, when i started thinking about this, i realized this was a hard question. I go through phases like anyone, and my top ten bands this week will probably be different from next week, or last week. But I still did really want to share what i was listening to with you guys, so I decided to put my iPod on shuffle, and talk about the first 10 songs to pop up. I've made an effort to take whatever song is given to me, no matter how much i may want to change it.

#1: Deep Purple - Lazy

Haha, to be honest i was a little surprised this was the first one. I do love this song, with a solid 3 minute organ solo at the beginning, this track totally conveys everything I love about Deep Purple. Most people know them for "Smoke On The Water", but if you start to delve into their other stuff, you can quickly see that this band is talented, weird, and fun. This song reminds me of a vacation I took two years ago with my good buddy (the guitar player from my punk band), and we spent the time sleeping in hammocks, hitting on the local girls, and playing Deep Purple way too loudly in our cabin. Good times.

#2: The Prodigy - Thunder
Honestly, I'm very pleased my iPod decided to be nice to me. I love this track. I mean, L-O-V-E. I want to marry it. This was probably one of the first real electronic tracks I listened to that i 'got'. Everything from the ominous vocal intro, to the lovely synthesized drum kit and chorus of "Thunder! Thunder!", this track blew my mind the first time i stumbled across it, in the 9th grade. If you haven't heard it, please do so now. Listen to "Thunder" here.

#3: Jimi Hendrix - Mr. Bad Luck
For those of you who know their Hendrix, you'll know that this track is off his relatively recent album "Valleys Of Neptune", that is comprised of unreleased tracks that were caught up in legal dispute between Hendrix's estate and his record company. Regardless, this album is a surprising medley of original and cover tracks that are sure to impress any fan of Hendrix. This particular track is one of my favourites off the album, mostly for the silly lyrics.  :p

#4: Gorillaz - We Are Happy Landfill
The Gorrilaz and I have a bit of a love-hate relationship. It's true that I own every one of their songs, but at times, i just can't stand the music. Creepy, atmospheric, eccentric, brooding, electronic, esoteric, experimental, odd, perplexing, catchy, joyous, and moving. At times i would use all of these words to describe a single song of the Gorrilaz, because even though I may not always be in the mood, their songs have a lot to tell if you just give them some patience, and open your mind.

#5: The Locust - Your Mantel Disguised As A      Psychic Sasquatch   
Ok, this is where i may loose a lot of you. If you haven't heard of The Locust, i suggest you do check them out, if only in scientific curiosity. I'm not sure how to explain this band, but if I had to try i would say that their a seemingly-random cacaphone of electric barbed wired served in a politically ironic soup of screams and growls during a fever dream. I really love their stuff. I couldn't find this track uploaded anywhere, so I had to do it myself. Just, listen to the track and leave me alone, ok?
http://www.mediafire.com/?ferjgf3lbzmlm

#6: Datsik - Retreat

Yeah, I know, it's shocking, the Drum and Bass guy also listens to Dubstep. Gimme a break ok? He's from Canada, and this track is awesome. Personally i love politically-charging music, and I didn't think you could to this to Dubstep, but Datsik did it. It's really a killer track, and i suggest you all give it a listen sometime. A nice little trivia, the opening sound clip to "Retreat" is also used in "Teenage Bomb Threat", by my punk band 'Raptor Strike!', and we do have a forthcoming 7" record being mixed as we speak, if you're interested.

#7: Duke Ellington - Stepping Into Swing Society

For those of you who really know me, you'll know that I also love Jazz. Duke Ellington is the grandfather of most be-bop, swing, and Jazz that came after him. You don't have to be a big jazz fan to really appreciate his music, as at one time this was the mainstream, top 40 music. You just have to have a bit of an open mind about music outside of electronic beeps and whistles. Coincidentally, I play trombone in a Jazz band that is currently recording an album as well, and that could be expected some time around June.

#8: The Casualties - Riot

As I've already eluded to in this article, I have a soft spot (or a hard, badass spot) for punk, and especially hardcore punk. The Casualties are looked at by mixed views in the punk community, because their sound and style is completely representative of the direction of modern hardcore punk, but they did sort of sell out. Their songs got less thrashy, their lyrics had less political messages, and they started actually making money. Personally, I think some of their old stuff often gets overshadowed by the drama of the whole "sellout" question, and is actually really worth a listen to.

#9: The Pixies - All Over The World

Well, the funny story about me and The Pixies is that not only was I introduced to them by our very own Visua, but it took me about three tries to like them. It sounds weird, but I honestly tried to listen to them two times, trying so hard to like them, and couldn't do it. But finally, I took the plunge and borrowed two of their CD's from Visua and listened to them over, and over, and over. The Pixies aren't for everyone, hell, i wouldn't even say their for most. But if you want to try good rhythmic, catchy, melodic, interesting, and intelligent pre-indie rock with a touch of early Punk and Alt rock, then I would recommend The Pixies for you.

#10: Cecil Taylor - Conquistador (Part 2)

Oh, iPod, you have been good to me today. If you had to ask me who my most influential person to me is, right now i would answer Cecil Taylor. His music if for very few. You won't like it. I can tell you that right now. But if your feeling like some drastically different free-jazz, then follow the link... If you dare. Go ahead, try to like it.  

Well there you have it folks, I let you all into my personal iPod for just ten songs. Did you like it? Did you hate it? Did you have questions? Did you discover a new love? Could you actually see why i love Cecil Taylor? Or stomach The Locust? I want to know guys, so drop me a comment, or send us an email, audiovisua@gmail.com.

Easy,

         Audio 

  

 

AudioVisua: 1000 hits! 50 Followers!

Hey everyone!

Thank you all for reading up on all our posts and of course thanks for the comments. We are now currently over 1000 hits and 50 followers with our 8 day-old blog, AudioVisua Productions. We promise to keep posting about the things you want to read, and remember we are happy to answer any questions!
We hope to soon come out with a logo which Audio is designing (he is a very talented graphic artist) and also Visua is getting a lot of work done on his own film projects.

[Audio sez: sorry you haven't heard much from me lately, I'm in the process of rigging up my new DJ set-up, and studio software, but I'm sporadically working on a new Drum and Bass tune, so I'll be letting you guys know about this soon. Thanks again.]

email us at audiovisua@gmail.com!

Cheers,
-Audio & Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Visua: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 News!

Hey readers,

Sorry I haven't posted for a bit, I've been caught up in my own video projects (which I'll reveal at a later date), but for now let me keep you up to date on Warner Bros. next big release, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. New pictures were released today which I will share with you, and I will also like to discuss what we're presented with in a new featurette!


Take a look at these!

Our three heroes, Harry, Ron and Hermione back together for this epic finale

Neville Longbottom wielding the sword of Godric Griffondor

Harry Potter wielding the sword of Godric Griffondor

Lord Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters

Harry in the higher sections of Hogwarts

Theatrical Poster

These pictures just look too perfect! The one with Neville holding the sword of Godric Griffondor is exactly as I pictured it while reading the book. I believe that this last installment in the Harry Potter Saga will really deliver something to the fans that they will never forget.


Watch this highly impressive featurette! I honestly cannot wait until July 15th!

Tell me what you guys think of how this last chapter might foil out!



-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Audio: 12" Record Review - Breed 003, Utopia + Kubrack

Audio here,
                    So i decided i might keep to my word after all, and do a little album review for you guys. This is a Vinyl 12' record released from Breed 12"'s, through Lifted music. This record features Utopia with Force Of Mind on the A side, and Kubrak's Fast Forward on the flip. An interesting point to note before i start the review, is that Utopia is a Russian based collective, featuring many artists, including Kubrak.

Side A
Side A features Force Of Mind, by Utopia, and sums up the entire Russian Drum and Bass scene quite nicely. Gritty and catchy. This track starts with the usual swell of atmospheric noises, but quickly settles into a jumpy, synth melody that sets the tone for the side. With it's ominous tones, the track then descends into gritty wobble-style bass with locomotive percussion. Each two bars are accentuated with an orgasmic grunt that will make all listeners moan along. Utopia has mixed this track to perfection, with flow that makes you listen to the entire 6 minutes and fourty-two seconds in a trance, bobbing your head and grunting, and as abruptly as it came in, the beat stops, leaving you feeling silly and embarrassed in your chair. This is some of the best Drum and Bass east of the UK.

Side B
Side B features Fast Forward, by Kubrak, who is recently becoming one of the brightest jems to come from Russia. This track starts of similarly to Force Of Mind, with atmospheric tension eventually bubbling into a huge drop. And if you like a big drop, Fast Forward is one of the nicest I've heard this year. With a drum fill, Kubrak drops some of the dirtiest synths that could only come from mother Russia. With accents reminiscent of 16-bit sounds, this track is perfect for a video game soundtrack. This track sets up the stage, and stays in the pocket, overwhelming the listener with strange and amazing synth chords. A perfect flip to this record, it is obvious what influence Kubrak has over the direction of Utopia, with the similarities of atmosphere between these two tracks. This is the sort of track that would make people loose their minds at a crowded Moscow nightclub.

Conclusion
Overall, this record is a perfect example of some of the best Drum and Bass Russia has to offer. Kubrak offers dirty synths that fans of Dubstep will love, and Utopia offers a catchy melody that will get you humming in the shower again.

Side A: 9/10 - Exceptional

Side B: 9.5/10 - Track of the Year Contender

Overall Grade:           93% - Must Have   

Visua: A behind the Scenes Look at the Filming of The Hobbit!

Hey guys!

I don't mean to specialize only on matters to do with the upcoming motion picture "The Hobbit", but this is something I just had to share!

Director Peter Jackson gives us a tour of the sets, technology and experience during the beginning of this new 3-year journey of filming the Hobbit (parts I and II). I was really excited to be brought back into the Lord of the Rings style surroundings and by seeing them with a whole new perspective!

After watching this I'm 10x more excited! Plus it's kind of nice to see how cool of a guy Peter Jackson is.

What are your thoughts on this!

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Visua: Discussion - Is 3D a good thing or a bad thing?

Hey guys it's Visua here,


If any of you are like me you would love seeing movies in theater when a good looking new flick makes it way to the big screen. As the film industry grows with each year, we as viewers begin to notice a trend catching on with every new blockbuster that comes out; they all in 3D.


Being viewers, we all know there are pros and cons to watching films in 3D.

PROS:
A different experience. Every now and then we love to have something feel like it is chucked right as us from the screen.
New possibilities. Sometimes filmmakers can do some really creative things with 3D, adding a whole new dynamic to certain sequences.
It's an idea that filmmakers have been wanting for decades. Although the 3D we have isn't perfect, it's a stepping stone to a potential way of seeing movies so it might be easier to get into the director's head (debatable).

CONS:
Nobody likes to wear special glasses. I mean we don't pay good money to go put those silly glasses on. I don't know if you have ever walked into a theater near the beginning of a 3D movie and you see the whole audience as you scout out a seat, everybody looks like a dumb-ass with their "special glasses" gazing at the screen. Try putting those special glasses over real glasses. Not fun.
It makes people sick. I've heard stories of motion sickness, but another big thing is headaches. Some people have actually had migraines.
It's distracting. Sometimes I miss just the plain old 2D so I can grasp the emotional factor of the film more. 3D doesn't have a direct way of contributing positively to the understanding of the storytelling.


3D viewing is becoming more and more common for some reason but how could it if receives such mixed feelings from the masses? Right now I want to get at why more and more films are implementing it.
One easy reason is money which i'm sure anyone could have guessed. It's a fad! An that isn't a debatable point because now TV and video games are starting to get in on it. Even youtube! For some reason there is actually money being made off this stuff where I personally don't understand because 3D is so insignificant to me. But that's business; money money money.
Now the second reason, which I actually support, is a technical reason that filmmakers took seriously. The amount of movies being torrented and watched online is growing fast, so the movie industry has to backlash because this is ruining them. Having movies filmed by 3D cameras, or made 3D in post-production prevents douchebags with cameras from filming the big screen. Cam-version are always the first movie torrents to be up for download soon after a movie's release, but if its footage by someone who filmed a 3D movie, things might not look so good. A pretty smart move on Hollywood's behalf, making things more visually complex so consumer cameras will not take advantage of them. Bravo.

As a film connoisseur, 3D isn't a big deal to me, storytelling is where it's all at. I'd prefer if it didn't exist but if it's done right then I'd be up for it. I want you guys to ask yourself if you like 3D or not. If you do then great! You'll probably see much more of it in the future! If you don't....STOP TORRENTING! 

Tell me your thoughts on this subject.

Cheers,
-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

Audio: How To Go From Basement Tinkerer To Serious Producer In 5 Steps

Audio here,
                   So I'm writing this entry because i recently went through this same transition. I had been having a lot of fun producing songs with free programs, and they were turning out decent, but at some point, you start to wonder if you can make your own stuff sound like what you hear from your favourite DJs and producers. For the purposes of this guide, I am assuming you have already spent a year or so making your own tracks, but you want to upgrade to a more professional set-up. I can show you how to do just this in 5 easy steps.


Step 1: Upgrade Your Software
I realize this may seem obvious, but it is true, no professional DJ or producer uses Garageband to make their original tracks. When i was trying to take this jump for myself, I had a really tough time understanding which program to get. The reason for this is that there are A LOT of audio engineering programs out there, and honestly, it's confusing. Maybe another time I'll give you guys a run-down of different programs, but this guide I'm going to tell you about Logic 9. Logic 9 is the latest version of the popular Apple software, and this program is the real deal. I've heard pros in the Dubstep, Trance, and Drum and Bass world all say that they have used some form of Logic Studio at some point in their career. If you're at all familiar with Garageband, this program will come as a breeze for you. If you're not, don't worry, as Apple supplies many tutorials, and youtube is full of similar resources. But assuming you've seen your way through a few tracks, Logic 9 should be a good step forward. Seeing how this is professional software, it does not come cheap. The price for the full version of Logic 9 now runs for $500. If you can't afford this, I've heard there might be ways to possibly download this program from certain... Less than honourable websites. (Nudge nudge wink wink)

Step 2: Get Some Studio Monitors
If your gonna be a profession producer now, your gonna need to hear your music in a wide variety of ways. This will include through your laptop speakers, through your headphones, through your DJ rig, and most importantly, through a pair of professional studio monitors. These are simply really nice speakers that you are going to put up in your studio so you can hear every detail of the sounds you're making. Like software, good audio equipment isn't cheap. But believe me, this isn't a step you want to skimp out on. These monitors are an investment, and you will appreciate them for much more than just their professional applications. Of course, when buying any sort of amplification, there are going to be powered and passive models. I'm going to assume you know the difference, and if not, you may want to refer to my article on DJ gear. For this guide, I'm going to show you a pair of powered monitors that will cost about $200 each. This is actually a fairly reasonable price, that will give you studio-quality listening.

Step 3: Look Into a MIDI Keyboard
This step isn't absolutely necessary, although it will help greatly when making your tracks. A MIDI keyboard is basically a small piano keyboard that plugs into your computer, that you can play on while making your songs. This means you can record directly from it, and program it with any sound under the sun, including synths and textures you have made for yourself. Not everyone feels they need this, as all these functions can be duplicated on your computer itself, but if you want a solid professional setup, this is a great option. MIDI keyboards run in a large range of prices, but for this guide, you can pick up an introductory model for only $100. If you find you would like, and need, a more upscale model, these can run anywhere into a few thousand dollars.

Step 4: Buy An Analog Synth Or Two
In truth, these work very similarly to a MIDI keyboard and some audio software. Really, an analog synth is just a program dedicated to making certain sounds. This is almost like you took the 'virtual instruments' section out of Garageband and made it amazing. You can shop around for these, but one that was recommended to me by various sources, including the producer behind the E-Z Rollers, is the Native Instruments - Massive synth. This program isn't cheap, but many world-class producers have used this in engineering some of their best audio. you can pick this little program up for $200.

Step 5: Make Production A Priority
This one may not cost any money, but it's one of the hardest steps for many people. If you want a serious shot at becoming a professional producer, you're going to have to drop your other hobbies, stop caring so much about your girlfriend/boyfriend, and spend every free moment you have either in your studio making beats and synths, or listening to your heroes, and analyzing every single technique they use. No one said it would be easy, but this is what it takes to make the jump from average joe to legit producer.

So there you have it, a nice little laundry list of the things you should be doing to turn into a respected producer. Of course, everyone comes about this process different ways, and this guide is just here to point you in the right direction. No one said this would be cheap, but if you have $1200 to drop on your passion, this might just be a guide you can use. As always, if you have any more questions about this process, or anything else audio-related, you can drop a comment on this post, or email me at audiovisua@gmail.com,with the subject line "Audio: your topic here", and I'll make an effort to get back to you soon. Writing this entry has inspired me, and hopefully once my studio is up and running again, I'll have a new track coming for you guys soon.


Easy, 
         Audio

Visua: News Update on the Hobbit!

Hey readers, big news!

All you Tolkein and Jackson fans who have been awaiting the next big addition to the Lord of the Rings series....well, the prequel, The Hobbit (Part 1) (2012) that began filming recently is making film history! Director Peter Jackson has announced that he is shooting The Hobbit at 48 frames per second instead of regular 24fps used for 9 decades in the art of film!

Film purists will not take to this happily, but Jackson states that audiences will "get used to it quickly" and that it may bring forth a "much more lifelike and comfortable viewing experience". By his technical knowledge this will also make films "easier to watch, especially in 3D".

Later he addresses the difference between 24fps and 48fps as "significant", similarly to the difference between vinyl and digital CD's. Warner Bros. is positively supporting Jackson's position in this potential technological evolution of film.

What do you think? Leave a comment.

-Visua, AudiVisua Productions

Visua: My Top 10 Movies

Hey there,

If there is one thing I love it's watching movies. In light of this I'm going to post a quick top 10 that is quite simply the greatest list of movies in human history, and if you disagree, I will fight you. Perhaps in the future I will make a more detailed list explaining why I love these movies so much, but for now I just have to share my favorites with the world as quickly as possible! **NOTE: I suggest you make an effort to watch every single on of these if you haven't already!!!

VISUA'S TOP 10 FAVOURITE MOVIES EVER

 

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) - Directed by Peter Jackson

 I love this whole Lord of the Rings Trilogy but this one is my favorite to watch over and over again.

9. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - Directed by Irvin Kershner

I personally think this specific Star Wars movie is work of art. I still love the rest of the Original Trilogy though!

8. In Bruges (2008) - Directed by Martin McDonagh

Not only does this just make me utterly love the town of Bruges, Belgium, it's a character-driven dark comedy that takes its time for the viewer to love.

7. Gladiator (2000) - Directed by Ridley Scott

Perhaps one of the greatest epics ever filmed with fantastic acting by Russell Crowe. This film reminds us guys what it's like to be a real man.

6. Let The Right One In (2009) - Directed by Tomas Alfredson

The beautiful, dark Swedish vampire drama that honestly has the best message of friendship. Wonderfully filmed, great storytelling, this movie reminds us how much better world cinema can be than Hollywood.

 

5. A Single Man (2009) - Directed by Tom Ford

This has to be the most beautiful film ever shot thanks to the eye of Tom Ford. I have never been so visually stimulated and drawn into a drama like was with A Single Man. Colin Firth's performance was probably my favorite of all time, maybe second.

4. Kingdom of Heaven [Director's Cut] (2005) - Directed by Ridley Scott

Another epic similar to Gladiator but instead of focusing on just a man, it focuses on the importance of the people. Action, story, acting, music, scenery are all key parts to this film. The Director's Cut has it all, it is twice as better than the original

3. The Fountain (2006) - Directed by Darren Aronofsky

My third favorite movie of all time because it makes me cry every time and puts life and death into a whole new perspective. Unbelievably artistic, beautifully shot and scored, The Fountain to me is the drama of the decade.

2. V for Vendetta (2006) - Directed by James McTeigue

This movie is bulletproof as by just merely watching this the idea of revolution will live on through the viewer It's so dark, so fresh, so different that by the end I wish was wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.

1. Fight Club (1999) - Directed by David Fincher

The first rule about Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club.

There you have it folks! Those are my top 10 favourite movies ever! In the history of man! Now it should be said that my feelings about movies change every now and then but this list has generally been static, though there is always room for new ones. It was very tough to do because movies like American History X, American Beauty, Spirited Away, Toy Story 3 were SO close! I might have to make a top 20 some time! Also I may repost this with more personal love written in words to accompany each and every one of these fantastic films. I strongly suggest you watch them all in your lifetime!

POST YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE(S) IN THE COMMENTS!

-Visua, AudioVisua Productions

I am Jack's good taste in movies.