Jim Well: Get Smart With SmartSheet

This month’s theme is Gear and Software. I’ll bet you think I’m gonna talk about the latest and greatest library, synth, hunk of rack gear, or atomic banjo tuner – but I’m not. Instead, we’ll explore a game-changer that addresses something you might be overlooking: glue. The kind you can use to keep your projects well-organized and the members of your film music team on the same page through the obstacle course of score concept development, cue prototyping, orchestration, and production, in the face of a barrage of revisions, even at the last minute. Previous SCOREcast Online articles have mentioned a few tools and services that fit into this category. Deane Ogden, for instance, has…

Jim Well: Something From Nothing: Anatomy of a Project

This article has nothing whatsoever to do with television, this month’s theme. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t watch it – with the result that I just don’t have much to say. Instead, I’m going to write about something I do know about – a composing and production project I completed a few months ago. The project was simple enough that I can give you the details here, but sophisticated enough to make for some interesting discussion. Actually, this was a songwriting (and recording) project. I’m not going to pretend to be more of an expert song composer or producer than I really am. I’m simply going to tell you what I did, and in…

Jim Well: Sample Libraries, Meet WIVI

In last month’s Inside The Outside column, I explained that as a composer-in-the-making, I’m hard at work in the School of Chops, learning about writing for traditional orchestra. I want to know how I can create various timbres, textures, and effects – that communicate emotions and moods – using combinations of instruments and playing techniques. By studying scores, listening to performances, and emulating, I aim to unlock the secrets of great composers who, either long ago or recently, have written music that moves my soul. At the same time, I’m striving to perfect the methods I use to mock up complete orchestras and scores, using my DAW, studio gear, and collection of virtual instruments. These…

Jim Well: The Journey

This monthly column, Inside The Outside, takes you inside one man’s ongoing journey to a composing career. I’ll be thinking out loud about challenges as they hit. I can’t say for sure I’ll arrive intact. But if you’re a fellow traveler, we’ll confront the same demons. May The Farce be with us. “Who is this Jim Well guy?” you wonder. I didn’t start out to be a composer. As a kid, I longed to be a music guy. Dad said, “Son, be an engineer instead. Do music on the side.” Taking his advice, I went to the Dark Side, while Muse took a nap. Can’t say I regret my eons as an engineer. It put…