Scoring A Nike Commercial with Zelig Sound

Summary

Matt, a composer, discusses creating music from jogging sounds. He explores rhythms from footsteps and other street noises, using software like Sam liner for sound management. The process involves experimenting with different sounds and tempos, layering drum beats with recorded footsteps, and adjusting sound design to complement visuals. Matt emphasizes the importance of maintaining engagement and interest, using high-quality recordings and EQ to enhance the mix.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Matt, a composer, co-runs a league and describes the project's goal to create music from environmental sounds heard while jogging on the street.
• 👟 The project started with the idea of using footsteps as a rhythmic element, which is a common theme in music inspired by movement.
• 🎧 They didn't have an initial edit, which allowed for a more open and creative approach, leading to the production of unique and unconventional sounds.
• 🔍 The use of Sam liner, a sound library management program, provided access to a vast array of sounds, from small boutique libraries to larger, more common ones.
• 🏃‍♂️ The project incorporated a mix of recorded footsteps from different projects and library sounds to create a rich tapestry of auditory textures.
• 🎹 The composition process involved building a melody from the sounds of sneakers, but this was later dropped because it didn't align with the desired auditory perspective.
• 🎚️ The final tempo was faster than initial attempts to maintain engagement and allow for more dynamic rhythmic play.
• 🎵 The editing process was iterative, with pictures and sound design elements being added to fill in the rhythm and create a cohesive piece.
• 🔊 The importance of high-quality, high-fidelity recordings was emphasized, as they respond well to EQ and allow for detailed sound design without losing clarity.
• 🎨 Sound design played a significant role in enhancing the rhythm and maintaining interest, with the use of cloth and debris sounds adding a satisfying texture to the mix.
• 🎬 The project aimed to complement and keep pace with strong visual content, ensuring the audio was engaging enough to stand on its own while supporting the visuals.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the project described in the transcript?

The main idea of the project is to create a piece of music using sounds that people hear while jogging or running on the street. The focus is on making music out of natural street sounds like footsteps and incorporating those into rhythmic, engaging compositions.

What specific sounds are highlighted as key elements in creating the rhythm for the project?

Footsteps are highlighted as a key element in creating the rhythm, with an emphasis on transforming them into engaging musical elements. Other sounds like sneaker squeaks and basketball bounces are also mentioned.

Why did the creators find it fun to work without a predefined edit?

The creators found it fun to work without a predefined edit because it allowed them the creative freedom to experiment with various ideas and approaches. This unrestricted process encouraged the creation of more interesting and unique content.

What software tools were mentioned for managing sound libraries?

The software tool mentioned for managing sound libraries is 'Sam liner,' a database sound library management program that allows the team to store and organize various sounds from boutique to large libraries, as well as their own recorded sounds.

How did the creators approach the use of recorded sounds versus using new recordings for the project?

For this project, the creators prioritized using previously recorded sounds and sounds from libraries instead of doing new recordings. The focus was on quickly building a feel and vibe for the piece rather than spending time on new sound recording.

What was one of the challenges the creators faced in terms of tempo?

One challenge was that the early versions of the music had a tempo that felt slow and not very engaging. It took several iterations to adjust the tempo and make it work rhythmically and musically, eventually speeding it up to maintain engagement.

How did the creators integrate sound design with music in this project?

The creators integrated sound design with music by using specific sounds like footsteps as percussion and building layers of sound to enhance the rhythmic structure. The sound design elements were treated musically to add to the overall composition.

What types of sounds were used to create depth and atmosphere in the mix?

To create depth and atmosphere, sounds like city noises, suburban ambiance, and high-fidelity recordings of debris, air, and particle sounds were used. These sounds helped fill out the mix and added texture and presence to the audio.

What sound effect did the creators find particularly satisfying to use, and why?

The creators found using cloth and debris sounds particularly satisfying because they had a unique presence and airy quality that opened up the mix. These sounds were versatile and often used in multiple projects to enhance the rhythmic feel.

What is the overall goal of balancing music with visuals in this project?

The overall goal is to ensure that the music is engaging and keeps up with the high-quality visuals. The creators were conscious of the need for the music and sound design to complement the visuals without being overshadowed by them.