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Demystifying The Cue: Thoughts and strategies for creating competitive Film and TV music in today’s new media world
The complete DIY guide to creating music for Film, TV and all new media. Dean Krippaehne’s book “Demystifying The Cue” contains tips and strategies for learning to write, record and produce quality music quickly in your home studio. Learn how the pros break through writers block, create production templates, record, pan and mix their real and virtual instruments. Gain knowledge on networking and learn how to avoid the most common music biz pitfalls. Within these pages you will discover how to optimize your talents, minimize your frustration and maximize your chances for success.
- GenresMusic
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2014
12 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 20, 2020
This book was recommended in a video sponsored by Taxi.Com, an independent Artists & Repertoire company. It is about how to compose, record and produce music for film and TV, in a home studio. The book is packed with advice about how to produce great music tracks in a very competitive market. An overall motto for the book would be, "It's not the gear--it's the ear." This means that using your ear to judge the music is more important than what physical tools and devices and software you have.
A "cue" is usually about two minutes in duration. It should always end with a "stinger", meaning it should never have a fade-out ending. It should end on the dominant or root chord. The mood and vibe of the cue should be consistent throughout. It should not change key or tempo. The mood of the key should be used as a label.
In order to maximize realism, real instruments are very helpful. MIDI tracks should be recorded dry, or a pair of tracks recorded as dry and wet. Here "dry" and "wet" mean without and with reverb. If a vocalist is involved, record the vocalist while he or she is warming up, as that is when you may get the best result. Choose the best vocalist for the job, and always encourage him or her with praise.
When it comes to MIDI, writing a great arrangement is always more important than relying on the latest and greatest virtual instruments. Never simply play chords--instead, play individual notes. Articulate the individual notes on each instrument, just as a real player would. Save time by cataloging your sample names. Also, don't try to over-perfect your productions.
These are just a few of the pieces of advice the book has to offer. The author has a wonderfully pragmatic, down-to-earth approach. I highly recommend this book for all those producing music for film and TV.
A "cue" is usually about two minutes in duration. It should always end with a "stinger", meaning it should never have a fade-out ending. It should end on the dominant or root chord. The mood and vibe of the cue should be consistent throughout. It should not change key or tempo. The mood of the key should be used as a label.
In order to maximize realism, real instruments are very helpful. MIDI tracks should be recorded dry, or a pair of tracks recorded as dry and wet. Here "dry" and "wet" mean without and with reverb. If a vocalist is involved, record the vocalist while he or she is warming up, as that is when you may get the best result. Choose the best vocalist for the job, and always encourage him or her with praise.
When it comes to MIDI, writing a great arrangement is always more important than relying on the latest and greatest virtual instruments. Never simply play chords--instead, play individual notes. Articulate the individual notes on each instrument, just as a real player would. Save time by cataloging your sample names. Also, don't try to over-perfect your productions.
These are just a few of the pieces of advice the book has to offer. The author has a wonderfully pragmatic, down-to-earth approach. I highly recommend this book for all those producing music for film and TV.
February 3, 2021
More than just about The Cue
Enjoyed the easy read, because I'm a musician. It held my interest without sending me elsewhere too many times. I did, however, expected it to be mostly about The Cue. There was info about scheduling, habits and Dean's life too.
Enjoyed the easy read, because I'm a musician. It held my interest without sending me elsewhere too many times. I did, however, expected it to be mostly about The Cue. There was info about scheduling, habits and Dean's life too.
January 16, 2021
Encouraging, clear roadmap for producing music.
January 14, 2022
A great book with tons of information if you are trying to begin writing music for television and media.
June 27, 2019
Great read for composers looking for tips and tricks of the trade ! Very empirical commonsense !
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews