Music Session Journal
Date: 10.11.24
Duration:
- Start Time: 16.30
- End Time: 17.20
Focus:
- Main Activity: Synth Exploration
I played around a little bit with the KORG SQ-1 today, hooked up to the Make Noise Zerocoast. I did this because today I wanted to buy the Zero Control, but it turns out it was out of stock. So I decided to explore the KORG SQ-1 and see what kinds of things I might come up with, especially since the Zerocoast doesn’t play so well on its own. You can set up self-playing patches, but they’re a bit complex and you end up wasting some of the modules.
- Tools Used: Make Noise Zerocoast, KORG SQ-1, Zoom H2 recorder, small speaker
Observations:
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What Worked Well:
- I was able to just open the case, plug everything in easily, and start playing. The speaker was really important to hear what was going on, and at the end, I plugged into the Zoom H2 to record the session. It was a little bit experimental, but I recorded a live session and I think the next steps would be to cut that up into samples.
- I didn’t overanalyze things. I just plugged in some basics on the KORG SQ-1, got some decent sounds going, and started experimenting.
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Challenges or Issues:
- I tried using the second row on the SQ-1 in a six-step pattern to create some emphasis on the dynamics or mixing, but it was very subtle—not exactly what I expected.
- I had to use the attenuverter to get baseline sounds out of the KORG, which felt a bit like a hack. I knew about this from watching videos, but it’s still not ideal.
Creative Insights:
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Interesting Discoveries:
- I really like the warm analog sound coming out of the setup. It’s inspiring and engaging, and it gets my heart racing in a way that digital synths on the iPad don’t, for the most part.
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Ideas for Next Session:
- Maybe set up and do the same kind of thing again. It might be interesting to bring in a Pocket Operator or something with basic drums to create some structure and composition.
Mood/Reflection:
- How I Felt Before: I was kind of a little depressed because I was on sick leave today and had a lot of time. I could have done something with music but didn’t. I mostly just chatted with ChatGPT.
- How I Felt After: I felt really good that I set this up quickly on the kitchen table. The space worked well, and my whole idea of the music suitcase worked even though I don’t have it perfected. I still feel pretty good, and now I have something (an artifact) that I can maybe do something else with.