MusicTech 195: Composing for a virtual world
We delve into a futuristic world of revolutionary VR tech for performance and recording.
Last issue, we looked at the music-making practices and beloved sounds of the past.
This time, we look ahead, and analyse two massively exciting innovations that are already fundamentally affecting the music-making and listening worlds.
In our cover feature this month, Adam Crute explores the history, science and music-production implications of virtual reality. VR headsets are becoming increasingly popular and with a wide range of music-themed VR applications available to buy or in development, we ask whether making music in virtual space will rival the traditional DAW-based method, and how composing with virtual reality in mind requires a whole new approach to mixing.
Elsewhere, Jim Ottewill explores the astounding new realm of hologram performance, speaking to those companies that have utilised modern optics technology to, in a sense, resurrect deceased musicians and send them back out to the live arena. We discuss the technology behind – as well as the ethical implications of – holograms.
Also, in this issue, we speak to the legendary Howard Jones, LA’s genre-defying Battle Tapes as well as video-game sound designer Matt Boch, who explains how, when working on the recent game Ape Out, he approached soundtracking in an incredibly unique way. We review the latest tech from Universal Audio, Elektron, EastWest and Korg and also bring you a buyer’s guide to turntables, should you want to try your hand at a spot of DJ’ing. I hope you enjoy the issue.
MusicTech 195 includes:
- The virtual future of music – Will virtual reality fundamentally change the way you make music? We delve into a futuristic world of revolutionary tech for performance and recording
- Let there be light – Hologram performers are coming to a stage near you. What are the implications for musicians?
- Interviews – Synth maestro Howard Jones on the cutting-edge production of his new LP; game sound designer Matt Boch on the creation of his interactive percussive soundtrack to Ape Out; Battle Tapes on their production and songwriting process; Grammy-winning producer Michael Beinhorn on pre-production techniques and studio politics
- Tutorials – How to make the most of the versatility of Logic’s Compressor plug-in; how to use Ableton Live to link to external hardware and older gear; tips on streamlining your workflow by combining tracks to be processed as one; and more!
- Reviews – We get hands-on with the Universal Audio Apollo x6, Elektron Model:Samples, Audient Sono, Teenage Engineering OP-Z, Studiologic Mixface, and more!
- DVD – 4GB of video tutorials, workshops, software plug-ins and samples including ADPTR Audio MetricAB (demo), Equinox Sounds Reggaeton & Moombahton Kits & Vocals, SIR Audio Tools SIR3 (demo), and more!
