Mashups and Covers
In this project you will either recreate a popular song by using keyboard, guitar or loops -OR- you can create a mash up of songs by importing the actual songs in mp3 format to Garageband and edit them to create one tune.
Option #1: Cover Song- In this version of the project, you will recreate an original song with your own twist to it. You may keep the same chord structure, but you should change a major element of the song to make it your own (like different instruments, etc.).
Here is what you need to do:
Option #2: Mash Up- This version of the project will have you explore songs that share a common theme. This could include style of music, lyrical meanings, or genre to name a few.
Here is what you need to do:
Option #1: Cover Song- In this version of the project, you will recreate an original song with your own twist to it. You may keep the same chord structure, but you should change a major element of the song to make it your own (like different instruments, etc.).
Here is what you need to do:
- Search a TAB or Chord website like www.ultimate-guitar.com or one like it to find the structure of your song. If you know it from memory, even better!
- Using a different beat, alter the instruments used to play the song, or change parts of the melody to create a variation of the original.
- Use iPad smart instruments, loops (either iPad or Desktop), software instruments, or the M-Audio box (Desktop only) to plug in a live guitar or microphone and recreate the version of your song.
- If no vocals are present, the melody must be played by an instrumental track- some choose to use the vocal only track from YouTube.
Option #2: Mash Up- This version of the project will have you explore songs that share a common theme. This could include style of music, lyrical meanings, or genre to name a few.
Here is what you need to do:
- Select 2 or more songs that share a similar speed and key signature, this can be searched for on BMP sites such as https://songbpm.com/ You can find them on You Tube, but be careful of sound degradation. When possible, use original, purchased tracks.
- Put 2 or more songs together at the same time. For example: use the instrumental version of one song and combine it with the vocals of another. TIP: using rap vocal tracks are much easier to mash into songs that have complex melodies and harmonies- they won't clash as much. Same is true if you put singing vocal tracks to a simpler bass and drum instrumental.
- The magic comes in the editing. It will be much easier to match tempo and phrasing of songs if you cut one of your tracks into individual phrases, or sometimes even words. You will need to identify the peaks and valleys of the audio files to determine where you place the edited sounds. See the example below.
- Make sure to edit with the following effects in garageband to help make you songs transition together smoothly:
- Use "Command/T" to cut your sound files up at the play head- use clips to better match up your beats of individual tracks.
- Fade/volume control to fade in and out your songs.
- Loop/software instruments to provide transitions for your songs.