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Custom Accompaniment CD Tracks |
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Update: Although I only do limited recording, I am now available to record a few customized tracks, as time allows. If you are interested in talking with me about a project, please give me a call or send me an email. I will honestly tell you what my schedule looks like. Thanks! - dp
Consider using the Back Porch Studio if you need customized accompaniment tracks for yourself, your choir, or your church -- or if you'd like to have one CD of your favorite accompaniment tracks that are now on casette tapes. Explore the many possibilities below. You might be surprised to learn about some of the technology that is available. As always, contact me by email or phone if you have questions, or if you are ready to get a project underway.
- Don
• CD compilation of cassette accompaniment tracks
Do you have a drawer full of cassette accompaniment tracks and can't remember whether you used the "high," "medium," or "low" option? In today's digital world, cassette tapes are quickly becoming a relic, and because we have a "need for speed," fast-forwarding or rewinding now seems to take a lot longer than it did ten years ago! Multiple keys are great -- but opens the possibility that when the track starts playing, it may be the "high key" for your low alto voice! I can take those cassette tapes, forward them to the appropriate key, and put fifteen to eighteen tracks on one CD. No longer will you have to wonder whether or not the guy in the sound booth remembered to rewind your tape to the right spot before he hits "play!"
• Custom key, custom speed
Maybe this scenario sounds familiar: You hear a great song in another church or on the radio that you would love to sing -- and are excited to learn that an accompaniment track is available. However, when you get the track you find that it is too high, too low, too fast, or too slow. Never fear! Back Porch Studio to the rescue! Through some amazing technological wizardry, I can raise or lower the accompaniment track as needed (+ or - five half steps) without affecting the tempo! [Note: This works best with instrumental tracks only, or only going up or down more than 1 1/2 steps if using background vocals.] I can also slow down or increase the tempo of your track without affecting the key. Presto! Chango!
• Accompaniment tracks for songs for which a track is not available
Over the years I have recorded accompaniment tracks for soloists as well as for choirs to use when no track is available or when there is no one who can play the accompaniment. This accompaniment can be anything from basic piano only to fully-orchestrated, or anything in between, depending on your budget and your needs. I can also alter the key on projects like this.
• Adding strings or other instruments to existing accompaniment tracks
Accompaniment tracks are exactly what they say: accompaniment. Most of the time, those who orchestrate the tracks assume that the choir will be carrying the choral parts. This works well if you have a strong, well-balanced choir or strong soloist. However, for those who need just a little "help" with the choral parts or vocal lines, I can add strings, pipe organ, accordion, kazoos, or other instruments to reinforce parts or add some body to existing tracks. I actually have done this several times on some of the tracks I have used with my choir and have found that it really helps them feel more confident and that they greatly appreciate it!
• Removing vocals from tapes or CDs
I probably get more queries about this than any of the other options. I think some people have heard tracks at their church or elsewhere without the vocals and assume that I have done that in the studio. Although I have some equipment that is supposed to remove background vocals, the results are not always totally convincing. And if I am able to remove most of the vocals, this brings up some copyright issues. So the bottom line is that I'd rather not try it.
• Costs
Studio time is $40.00 per hour, whether I am compiling or "enhancing" existing tracks or recording new ones. In addition to the studio charge, there will be a charge for the actual CD (see "Recording a CD at the Back Porch Studio"). Because I try to work within the parameters of the copyright law, I can only record two CDs of accompaniment tracks (an original and one back-up) per project. In other words, I could not record a CD compilation of fifteen accompaniment tracks and then make multiple copies that could be given to others without being in violation of the copyright laws. If you have any questions or are uncertain about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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