Sound Effects in Songs

[Henry Millbrook]

When the title of a song or the lyrics call for a sound effect do you add it? I recently downloaded some of the MIDI songs and was playing along with Far Away Places where the lyrics are "the whistle of a train" and so immediately added a chord on the right hand to suggest it. Similarly for the tune Leaving on a Jet Plane I'd add a jet sound. What do other members think?

[andyg]

If appropriate, then yes, I'd go for it.

I've used surf in 'Ebb Tide' and 'Bali Hai', explosions and machine guns in a Bond medley, a whipcrack in 'Xanadu' and howling wind, thunder, lightning and horses hooves for 'Riders in the Sky'. I encourage my students to add in effects if they suit the piece, but never to over use them.

I was playing a bit of 'Far Away Places' this afternoon, but the way I play the piece would make the inclusion of the train whistle very much out of place.

'Appropriate' has got to be the watch word here!

[Gloria]

Yes Henry, I agree, these "keyboards" are wonderful inventions; providing melodies, styles & sound effects; and as Andy G suggested;  "never over use them."

Gloria

[JohnS (Ugawoga)]

Hi Gloria

I say go for it!!

Sound effecting only enhances the reality of a song and or adds creativity that puts your own stamp on it.
When I played the Beatles song  Octupusses Garden, i added an Octopuss, or what sound i would think it makes!! lol!!
Also when I done Seaside Shuffle i put a bycicle pump sound in the middle, the one that goes whoop whoop whoooooooooooop!!
Either use the sound effects onboard the Genos or make them yourself.
You could also buy a 24 bit sound recorder and really go for it, but there are many sound effects around .
Just grab an effect and turn to a wave file if needed and put them on the Pad section via audio input.
You can edit in Audacity to what length of sample you need.

Roll on November 15th when the Fireworks really begin!!!


All the best
John