First ICS virtual game done!

It was great fun but hard work with my sons sharing the attic space. Their constant noise and chatter was quite distracting and I didn't get into my stride until they left to watch TV.

So the first lesson: don't participate unless you can work uninterrupted! Or expect to work slowly.

The second lesson is don't work when knackered but that's not an option in the game and part of the fun! One of the tracks really shows the period when I was feeling completely wrecked. It sounds disjointed and reviewing it I discovered why - the time signature is completely off! Well I had to laugh but really, how stupid. Oh well.

A couple of other things struck me as I worked. The first is that I seriously lack good drum samples outside of Kontakt 2 . Without a decent drum mapper I doubt I will tackle Kontakt's drum sets from Live.

This is one of the reasons I have avoided software like Battery and BFD. Since I want to focus on song writing, not messing about with potentially complex mappings/mapping work-arounds.

However if I can upgrade my computer, then Battery 3 has to be in my sights. I suspect Battery is more appropriate for the kind of music I am producing (as opposed to BFD... but of course both would be fantastic).

Ah the music.

I cannot say I am satisfied with my current sound. But I have to go with the flow. With no guitar and no immediate prospect of getting a guitar the electro noise I am currently making will at least get me into the software.

I also need to focus on sound design. I need a toolbox to work with, something in line with where I want to go musically.

My current lack of a working guitar is really hurting. I was surprised how much I wanted to pick up a guitar and just jam a little. Instead I have this tiny Axiom 25 that I cannot get two hand to play on. Very frustrating.

Of course learning to work within a set of constraints is a useful tool in and of itself. Of course my only real constraints are my 'input' devices. The computer grants me a huge unconstrained working environment well beyond anything I have experienced previously. Right up to the point my PC hits about 65% CPU utilisation!

Final note - roll on the next virtual event!