tag:philmcclean.com,2005:/blogs/http-therealphilmcclean-blogspot-com-m-1?p=2http://therealphilmcclean.blogspot.com/?m=12023-10-22T15:30:41+01:00Phil McCleanfalsetag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/72917702023-10-22T15:30:41+01:002023-10-22T15:30:42+01:00Magic Month.<p>October always feels magic. It's my favourite time of year. Samhain draws in and spooky season really begins. I love those witchy forest walks, just before twilight hits and the changing light tricks the eye into seeing things…..</p><p>Having completed the score to my first feature length film<strong>*</strong>, which I loved - I dove headfirst into October.</p><p>I have been working hard on a special project which I can't really divulge any details yet. Bar the music I have written is amongst the most unusual for me. As it is coming from a “Scandi-noir” place, which is more about texture and mood, than a melodic place. Not that I didn't get to flex a little melodic muscle either!</p><p>This project, you can tell it's coming from a group of very talented people who clearly love what they do and want to create something special. I was very lucky to be invited on the project, and as is the way with the composers, I arrived post production. And was hugely impressed with what I was presented with. As such it made my job easier with the presentation and as a result, the inspiration that followed. As previously stated, I can't really share anything more with you but I am excited to share all, once I get the nod!</p><p>In other news, “Hangin' On The Line” was officially selected amongst the nominees for “Best Music Video” category. On my 40th birthday, no less! It feels unusual that my film making skills are under the microscope, as opposed to my musical ones and I won't deny the degree of pride knowing this video was filmed in a box room with a RealMe C21 android phone. November 26th is D-Day. I have no idea if it will make it any further along in the process. But for now, I'll enjoy my little 15 minutes of fame, as it were.</p><p>Magic month indeed.</p><p><i><strong>*</strong>"<strong>Am Fear Liath</strong>" which is in post production from </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.pauricbrennan.ie/" data-link-type="url"><i><strong><u>Bren Enterprises</u></strong></i></a><i>. It also feels pretty damn special, and we are trés excited! We have a blog about this incoming soon.</i></p><p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="pLgdsaoCmco" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pLgdsaoCmco?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/72775682023-09-23T09:53:16+01:002023-10-16T16:00:35+01:00STAR WARS or "These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For".<p>Some time ago, I was approached by a talented actor friend with the idea of creating music for a Star Wars type “proof of concept” trailer. </p><p>First thought was "John Williams - the guy is a living genius. I couldn't clean those shoes, never mind attempt to wear them. But I was still intrigued. I'm a Star Wars fan to begin with, and the only way you could hope to measure yourself as an artist / sportsperson etc, is to attempt to tangle with the best. And of course, in terms of sheer, epic, cinematic scale - Williams is the godfather.</p><p>Yes, Hans Zimmer is the current standard bearer (and a brilliant one at that), but even he will tell you that Williams is the benchmark.</p><p>The idea was straightforward: “A hero rises from the ashes / memorable melodic music / the big bad”. I won't get into detailed technicalities as I'm unsure if there will be developments in the future, but COVID did what it will and the world shut down. In the meantime, my wife and I took a messy trip through adoption territory which seemed to imply a “halcyon days” ending, but every time we took a step forward, we seemed to be pushed several back. It was a form of psychological torture. Topped with the emotional toll of working through the pandemic and the genuinely devastating death of our beloved dog, Norma Jean…. I stopped enjoying music.</p><p>Fast forward to now, and I've rediscovered a certain joy in the music I have created. So much so, I'm revisiting and touching up the 3 piece movement which I have named (*winks) “<i><strong>These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For</strong></i>.” Part I: <i><strong>The Jedi</strong></i>,<strong> </strong>part II: <i><strong>The Duel</strong></i>, part III: <i><strong>The Dark Side</strong>.</i></p><p>I'm currently in the process of creating a video for social media, for the purposes of hearing and sharing the piece. I'm also considering entering one or two competitions with it. The question is, oh reader: Does anybody out there actually want to hear it?</p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/147391/0ac513c3953a9cb3c14121d0310ec87790b18763/original/ep1-r1-6.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/72446302023-07-20T09:59:56+01:002023-07-20T09:59:56+01:00It's been a little quiet.<p>Hey. I'm still alive this side. And it's been a pretty topsy, turvy few months. We have felt the highs and some pretty damning lows. I guess we are almost at the other side of them. Nothing too personal I wish to share here, but I can only assure you - I wouldn't wish the lows we've had on anybody.</p><p>I'm really only getting back to making music again now. Maybe it was all the distractions, lack of inspiration or even interest. It's a funny old game, is life. I'll check back in soon. Thank you for checking in here. I hope you're keeping healthy and happy.</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/71451722023-01-29T15:11:04+00:002023-05-29T06:30:10+01:00Why so serious?<p>I've recently been checking out my competition's websites. It's good for comparison's sake. You can pick up ideas, appreciate how far you have to go and find out what makes them tick. But there is one thing that is a common denominator: In their photos, they look completely miserable. </p>
<p>The majority of these seem to be generally Berklee / Julliard grads. I always thought having that kind of educational clout behind you, you'd be a happy camper, proud as punch. I'd scream it from the rooftops. Frame it on the wall! College was never an option for me. I never aspired to it. I generally hated my school years. They were boring, I often felt like an idiot and therefore had no drive to learn. I was in many ways, the quintessential "Weird Kid". The only good thing I brought with me from school, was a couple of close friends.</p>
<p>And to those who did it, more power to them. They should be rightly proud of their achievements. But back to these moody 80's band style photos. Many composers seem to be unable to crack a smile, even their eyes bear no hint of emotional salience. So I tried a few moody pictures myself, but not too serious. Here's an example...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/1e9093d650b476257fb831fa3cd1115a2402fe6e/original/327655701-1170863263604561-3922060178376191601-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>There's a little levity behind my eyes. I'm not exactly smirking, but there's definitely a sense of humour there. I don't want to look completely unapproachable!</p>
<p>I can understand actors having these types of photos. It's all about range. But I don't see why composers (not all of them do it, of course) feel the need to plaster photos which just make them appear uncomfortable, depressed and / or constipated. Maybe it helps them be taken more seriously. Or maybe that's how they wish to perceive themselves.</p>
<p>I won't post any of the guilty parties' photos but here's Tears for Fears, doing a pretty spot on impression of what I'm talking about...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/2676203185a36051d51f86d00ed12aa2a8b66d08/original/123492148-hi000555384.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Not knocking the band. It was always their "thing" and they've released some cracking songs to boot. This is just similar to the visual wares many of these composers post on their website. So, why so serious? I may give it a lash myself.</p>
<p>EDIT: My wife, full of wisdom and more smarts than I (College kid, <em>y'know?</em>) has just informed me as these composers tend to be Berklee and Julliard graduates and all, they clearly have a mountain of student debt to their names.<em><strong> "You'd be f***in' miserable too, Phil."</strong></em></p>
<p>There endeth the lesson.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Couple more moody pictures here, as I contemplate the nature of student debt. And strange camera angles. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/4a0111a0ea4742c18ad58bf70b03827268ddd027/original/327357935-924947025190467-7950759766709867755-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/607e48e8c00c0be25d5bee518fa30ad72e430e0b/original/327450444-1239634236909346-6581359593726417030-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Thanks for reading folks. Stay healthy, be happy.</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/71302302022-12-30T09:54:39+00:002022-12-30T09:59:45+00:00The Jerry Goldsmith Awards - A Christmas Miracle<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/bd6628a5eb5e8e2137b488e633ead7dbc20b0e74/original/321415602-1146229529586433-7180493299466148349-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A very Happy Christmas and New Year (or your own preferred holiday sentiment / celebration) to you! Been a long time since I've updated this, but let me tell you of my very strange Christmas evening, but first we must journey back almost two years to the creation of "<a contents="The Last Illusion" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://philmcclean.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-illusion-ode-to-clive-barker"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">The Last Illusion</span></a>".</p>
<p>I knew I'd created something, a little different. It sounded different, it felt different. It felt like mine. It had a personal stamp on it. Like listening to a popular artist and you know, immediately because of the way they sound, that it's them. True, it wasn't for everyone - but that's okay. I write music for me. Around the same time I saw an advertisement for The<span style="color:#e74c3c;"> </span><a contents="Jerry Goldsmith Awards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://filmmusicfestival.org/en/jerrygoldsmithawards/"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Jerry Goldsmith Awards</span></a><span style="color:#e74c3c;"> </span>whilst googling that particular legend's works to add to my Spotify, and decided with some Dutch courage, The Last Illusion deserved to be considered in the FREE CREATION category. I filled out the necessary documentation and sent it off, laughing to myself and yet patting myself on the back for having the guts to do it.</p>
<p>Long story short, COVID 19 hit and that was that. I didn't hear anything after and thought "Fair dues, young Philip - you still had the guts to send it." Then, completely forgot about it. Mind you, I have already been blessed this year, having placed second in <a contents="The Cue Tube's General Composition category for "I Catch You".&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/-wQYJvJIzzg"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">The Cue Tube's General Composition category for "I Catch You". </span></a></p>
<p>Christmas evening 2022, the JGA had updated their nominees in all categories and released the top 10 for consideration. I went into the lists and see a literal icon in <a contents="Philip Glass" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001275/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Philip Glass</span></a>, Hollywood big hitters such as<a contents=" Natalie Holt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2570742/"> <span style="color:#e74c3c;">Natalie Holt</span></a> for "Loki", <a contents="Jeff Russo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751642/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Jeff Russo</span></a> for "Fargo". My eyes moved through the various categories, until I nearly spat my Guinness out when I spotted a name in the FREE CREATION category. Phil McClean: The Last Illusion. I paused for a second, to double check that it wasn't a cruel combined trick of the evening half light and my Guinness. Then I looked at my wife, eyes wide. "F*** off, f*** off, f*** OFF!!!"</p>
<p>Once I'd calmed down and she'd cleared up that nobody had died or wronged me in some way, she was just as surprised and delighted as I was. </p>
<p>Naturally, the imposter syndrome is strong. I have received no formal music education bar playing truant from my secondary school music class and being advised that music probably wasn't for me as my recorder skills were extremely limited. My real love with music began when I bought a bass in my late teens and attempted to learn Korn songs, and writing my own with my dear friend Tom. But I have decided that I'm not an imposter, and I will endeavor to try and not feel like one. I have been checking up on my fellow nominees in the FREE CREATION category and the talent is out of this world. To be even selected in the top 10 is enough to make any person blush with pride, especially considering the quality of works mine is measured against. I don't know what's going to happen further down the line as regards ceremony etc, but I will enjoy this moment in the spotlight. Regardless how short the duration it shines on me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/b4a1fb1a38241f8ec7d7ce49e28fa7e815bebb8a/original/298944641-742591093699862-8544741736724843082-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/69112772022-03-02T10:28:54+00:002022-08-30T14:19:43+01:00"Something Outside".<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="r0TTqgAt9tU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/r0TTqgAt9tU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r0TTqgAt9tU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>First things first. Apologies for the low quality - but this was never meant to make it as a final published piece!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is from a low quality video file that I'd filmed on a mobile phone as a sort of a motion storyboard for "Backyard Gothic". A project I long struggled to keep going before and throughout COVID. But I think it best for my (and my crew's) mental health - we just leave it alone. I found this rooting through an old hard drive and thought it effective enough to stand on it's own for comedy and an effective "JUMP SCARE". A big thank you to Paul Dempsey, Patrick May. Also to Denika McClean and Susan Dempsey for effective hairdryer skills (both verbal and actual) on what was easily one of the funnier nights I'll have behind a camera.</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/68336872021-12-08T10:44:30+00:002022-03-02T10:17:18+00:00Tom Waits Appreciation Post.<p><em>"I hate him", "Jesus, that's dark"</em> or <em>"What the hell is that?"</em>. Generally most of the responses I get towards playing Tom Waits. But I can't help but love what the guy does. He is just unlike anything that came before (or indeed after) and that is the true beauty of it. Artists as diverse as Bette Midler to Primus appreciate this. His songs are known by millions and a majority of them are better known through other artists. How I discovered him, could almost be a Tom Waits song in itself.</p>
<p>I worked nights in a retail unit in the early noughties and myself and a co worker had snuck out the back of the warehouse to have a cheeky cigarette at about four in the morning. The co worker in question was definitely an individual with diminished mental capacity and nowadays, sadly, can be seen in a semi permanent state of unemployed intoxication about the town. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He always brought his radio in to play old cassettes of odd sounds and songs from the radio that recorded in the wee hours. As we sat on the old loading ramp, my ears were drawn to the lyrics, delivered by a raspy, ancient sounding drawl: </p>
<p><em><strong>"He had a bullet proof smile <br> He had money to burn <br> She thought she had the moon <br> In her pocket </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>But now she's dead <br>She's so dead <br>Forever dead and lovely now"</strong></em></p>
<p>"Who's that?!" I inquired. "Tom Waits." And I was sold. I went home and stayed awake, knowing my local music shop was open at ten. I went in and bought "<strong>Real Gone</strong>". It was the only CD they had, which incidentally had "Dead & Lovely" on it as it had been just released. I wore that CD out, It was on repeat for weeks. Every song was better than the one before. Naturally, I went through the back catalogue which as anyone who knows Tom Waits more recent stuff, was a shock to venture further past "<strong>SwordFishTrombones</strong>" but no less brilliant. Even crazier to know he was responsible for writing "Tom Traubert's Blues", "Jersey Girl" and "Downtown Train" to name a few. Most reassuring, is that you never feel ALONE with Tom Waits. If you feel down, depressed - you always felt, at some point - he was there in that position too. In his own way, he makes loneliness beautiful. Not that all the songs are depressing. There are some absolute bangers in there coupled with countless monologues! He is the reason for my noir inspired journeys through my own musical journey, at times</p>
<p>I am pretty sure Tom Waits' songs have saved many lives and changed even more...</p>
<p>Happy birthday, Tom. And thanks for the music. Never stop. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_h7PwmqnaC0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_h7PwmqnaC0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_h7PwmqnaC0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/68162382021-11-20T10:41:09+00:002021-11-20T10:41:09+00:00"Danny Zimmerman": A Batman musical mashup.<p>Did this to escape foley burnout. I imagined a musical meeting of the minds between Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. Was a lot of fun, and work.</p>
<p>Sorry for the bad pun title. I hope you enjoy though.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening!</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/68124402021-11-17T12:46:01+00:002021-11-17T12:46:01+00:00Hey you, hiding in the bushes: My foley effects adventures.<p>A large part of this job is sound effects or foley effects. So named after the originator of the art: Jack Foley. But enough of the history lesson. Let's look at how<em><strong> insane</strong></em> foley artists are...</p>
<p>I am no stranger to creating sounds, but since I have been tasked with sound effects, I am frankly shocked at how much I've begun to notice and overthink every sound I make. From dissecting the chewing noises I make, and how my inner ear perceives them, to randomly satisfying thoughts like "if I squash enough flour into that leather glove, I can make it sound like I'm stepping in snow" or recording wind through trees and bushes. (Don't worry, it's <em><strong>not </strong></em>the human kind yet.)</p>
<p>And right now I can be found wearing different shoes with a mic pointing at my feet to record various types of footfall in different ambiences. Today, I wet a balloon just to squeak it enough to sound like canvas shoes or sports runners... </p>
<p>I am trying to create a kind of hyper realism to capture the vision my director has for this upcoming project, without it being too cartoon-ish. Yet keeping tongue firmly in cheek. It's no easy task whilst trying create a musical score at the same time. But I am much happier with too much to do, than too little. My director is a self confessed workaholic, who's very passionate about his art too. So I guess, I'm in good company. Wes Anderson has been cited as a strong reference point sonically, so I now spend my days studying the foley work that is trademark in so many of his films.</p>
<p>I fear I may be getting a little obsessed.</p>
<p><strong><em>Help me..........</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CoQCyZ0eXAs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/CoQCyZ0eXAs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CoQCyZ0eXAs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/68053942021-11-11T09:29:47+00:002022-03-02T10:17:35+00:00Lights, Camera, Action!<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/6ed652f64afcc0104d14a1762bcc05cf937495ad/original/hafb38e180ebd4b1a9c13a565f7f29a37v.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have been hired for my first "grown up" scoring job.</p>
<p>Naturally there is a mixture of excitement and healthy nerves. I can't share any juicy details as it's not my place, that's at the discretion of the producer and director who come across as warm, relatable and professional people. I was a practical bystander (<em>as advised beforehand, but was no less thrilled to attend</em>) at the first production meeting as my work will be post production, but the energy from them was contagious and I couldn't help but feel excited and inspired to do the best job I can possibly do.</p>
<p>Seeing location photos and watching them discuss set design ideas was great. I love films, it's no secret and it's just as much fun to watch the artists get excited talking about their work and ideas for the project.</p>
<p>Musically I've received a couple of good leads on specific soundtracks for reference, and obviously I want to be able to add as much of my own sound pallet to it, whilst making sure it suits the director's vision. I am also responsible for the foley fx work, which is leading me down the veritable "rabbit-hole". And I'm having a lot of fun with it.</p>
<p>It's going to be a very quick production, so I am already working on ideas as per the script, to keep ahead of the game. </p>
<p>As already stated, I can't really reveal much more than that but hopefully, soon - I can shed a little more light on it.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading, and stay safe.</p>
<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/67891702021-10-28T13:33:20+01:002022-03-02T10:17:58+00:00Rejection Email...and I'm happy about it.<p>I received my first ever rejection email today and felt oddly... satisfied. </p>
<p>It's a strange feeling but bear with me. As a media composer, your professional life is basically one whole "LOOK WHAT I CAN DO" through lots of emails, and the result of those is almost always, a radio silence. This morning I received an email informing me that amongst a lot of competition, they had opted to go with somebody else but they would keep me in mind for future projects etc. I was addressed personally at the top, so even if it had been a copy and paste email - it still felt personable.</p>
<p>What surprised me was the fact I actually received an email, at all. And it contained the fact they were aware I had sent several pieces of work. I believe I may have sent enough to the point of pestering, unintentionally, as my first email was stupidly sent minus any examples. Enough to make any professional think "What an idiot". But they never intimated or mocked this.</p>
<p>So many times you can be even further along in negotiations and discussion - texting, messaging etc and suddenly the trail runs cold. Dead. And in these times of late, things are so very uncertain. Particularly in the entertainment industry. So thanks to you, kind individual. I can only wish you the very, very best in the future. May you win an Oscar, one day. And even more so, I will happily cheer you on. With that email, you made a random person feel they were heard - even for a second. </p>
<p>Stay safe, and thanks for reading. </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/67697592021-10-08T13:23:02+01:002021-10-08T13:29:03+01:00Bear Hugs: Mixing in 5.1 SURROUND SOUND<p>Have attempted my first surround sound mix (5.1) for film recently and took a few liberties with sound placement but it's ok, I can't fire myself!</p>
<p>Recently I came up with a score (not the original) to the short film "Bear Hugs". The subject matter is hard hitting and may trigger some individuals who may have suffered or witnessed the scourge that is domestic violence so approach with caution, please. I will leave a link to the surround sound mix (as Youtube doesn't accommodate the format, simply downmixing it to standard stereo) below the stereo mixed video. Keep in mind that you MUST have a surround sound set up to actually listen to the 5.1 mix properly. That's 6 speakers (or more) on your TV or pc. L+R Stereo, Centre Speaker, L+R Side / Rear Speakers and a subwoofer. Of course you can still attempt to listen to it but you will find yourself missing important sounds etc. The dialogue is kept exclusive to the centre monitor, except for the concluding part which included muffled arguing so I routed that to the Side / Rear speakers for greater effect.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c;">FYI: The video must be downloaded to hear the Surround audio as to just play it online only outputs to stereo.</span></strong></p>
<p>I completed the original in stereo which I will leave here:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MwiLR-1oq2I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/MwiLR-1oq2I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MwiLR-1oq2I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="BEAR HUGS 5.1 can be downloaded here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2k2ty77ns7lyff2/BEAR%20HUGS%20SURROUND%20SOUND.mov?dl=0"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">BEAR HUGS 5.1 can be downloaded here.</span></a></strong></p>
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<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66343122021-05-19T13:23:55+01:002021-10-28T13:14:25+01:00The Morrigan and my "American Gods" delusion....<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/147391/5098408be3168683a9032a37465d1fc06ceccb3a/original/ff43eec4b935dbebe3d08d441601addddcb1c1b2v2-hq.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
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<p>I have recently composed a piece inspired by tales of "The Morrigan". She is a fantastic and ancient character with a lot of theories as to where exactly she came from and what she is.</p>
<p>One thing is for sure, she is one of the most enduring characters from Irish folklore. Powerful, terrifying and mysterious.</p>
<p>Recently, I've been playing catch up on the "American Gods" series which was inspired by the novel written by Neil Gaiman. I've not read it - I'm a heathen. I believe that in one form or another - The Morrigan makes an appearance, but I have no idea in what fashion.</p>
<p>So in my own delusion - I crafted a theme for her, that I believe would not be out of place if she appeared in a big budget series like "American Gods" or some slick big budget production befitting a Goddess of War & Death. One that incorporates the ancient sounds of the Uilleann Pipes and some bonkers cello and gives way to more modern, relentless big budget Heavy metal... But I have a proper presentation planned, one which involves a music video. So bar the odd snippet or three, I won't be releasing it until the vision is fully realised. Which I hope to be soon. I am excited about this one.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading.</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66208942021-05-04T11:46:54+01:002021-11-11T09:03:13+00:00Hello stranger...<p>A lot of wins and losses have happened since I last updated this blog. From successful projects to failed ideas and projects that didn't make the cut on account of the massive COVID 19 upheaval and various related issues. But I am still here feverishly working behind my piano. Inspired as ever, really. I will fill you in properly very soon. In the meantime, stay safe and thanks for reading.</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201862020-07-02T18:08:00+01:002021-10-06T10:59:22+01:00Gavin Dempsey - Far from a stereotype...<p>I'm writing today about my nephew, Gavin. He has for a long time had an interest in music and singing and it's only recently I've become aware that he was actually writing song lyrics. Apparently he had been waiting to ask me to assist him in producing a number of tracks but he has never been one to abuse familial privileges. No idea why, it's what family is for!<br><br>In all seriousness, I was hugely surprised by the lyrics he produced for me. They were honest, sensitive and vulnerable. Not your typical bravado bullshit that you'd expect from a teen. He had a melody too, so I was tasked with helping him realise the vision he had. Every single thing in the recording was his idea, even my little guitar solo dilly dally towards the end was suggested by him. We goofed around a little for the first day and created a skeleton track which we completely tossed on the second day to create a piece from the ground up.<br><br>Gavin is clearly influenced by a little bit of everything. From the classic rock and pop sounds of yester year to the latter day sounds of the rap giants and all that falls in between. Initially we were both scratching our heads as my songwriting production experience is pretty much sandwiched in the rock genre and I was expecting to be inundated with requests for an urban, reverb drenched, compressed shit show that is comprised of current sounds. I was prepared to do this if asked, my only rule from the start has always been no autotune. And I could tell that he was nervous about the vocals as Mother Nature herself has decreed his voice make the shaky transition from boy to man.<br><br>I was pleasantly surprised by his production choices, which lent me a certain amount of freedom to have a proper go at the song. Not a single decision was made without his agreement and I think we've created a song he can truly be very proud of. We're already looking towards an e.p. such was the fun we had creating "Stereotypical World". The reception has been great, and the song has even been remixed! Not really to my taste, but I'm sure the kids will lap it up.<br><br>Expect to hear more music from the man soon. I'm genuinely honoured he thinks I have the chops to do his work justice. But for now, here's his latest work. Enjoy!<br> </p>
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<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201872020-03-31T20:57:00+01:002023-12-10T16:59:12+00:00Creating "Majik" (The Corona Sessions)<p>First blog of 2020 and of course, we're all elbow deep in social distancing / isolation. A double edged sword for me as an "essential" worker as shops need to stay open (to prevent riots?) so I have been stuck in a bizarre limbo of work / home / work / home and "Backyard Gothic" is dead in the water on account.<br><br>To counteract the boredom, I embarked upon the "Corona Sessions". Creating music is never boring but I do have a very short attention span, so I've had to force myself to concentrate on creating a viable collection of music. It eventually found it's title in "Majik".<br><br>Why this title? Because most of these songs were created in a stream of consciousness, particularly the first and third songs which bear the word in their titles. They in many ways wrote themselves, before I realised I was writing them. To anyone who writes books, poetry or music - I'm sure you understand what I mean, but I can't really explain it in words. As the late, great Tom Petty said:<br><br><span style='background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "PT Serif", TimesNewRoman, "Times New Roman", Times, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px;'>“Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things.”</span><br><br><br>Amen.<br><br>The pictures were taken by my very talented better half and I twisted and distorted them into a cover I thought suited the theme of the EP. The subject matter in the songs is almost nihilist in nature, but I assure you, a pinch of salt is never far from the lyrics I write....<br> </p>
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<div style="text-align: left;">It's currently in the processing stage, en route to spotify / google play / itunes etc courtesy of Distrokid. And the track listing is:</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">1. Majik, Pt.I: The Man In The Ivory Castle </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">2. Throne Ruminations (co - produced by Denika McClean)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">3. Majik, Pt.II: The End</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">4. Who Rules Hollywood?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">5. (BANG!) Bombs Are Falling</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Stylistically, it's a return to the sound on "Heresy". But with the extra six years experience in the production side (I hope!) It's bigger, more mature and sounds more professional. More importantly, I hope people get a kick out of listening to it, as much as I got creating it. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading..... and listening. </div>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201882019-12-06T09:45:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:20+01:00Backyard Gothic Soundtrack (A Guide)So, I have released the soundtrack to Backyard Gothic<b> <a href="https://philmcclean.bandcamp.com/album/backyard-gothic-ost">HERE</a></b> on BANDCAMP.COM.<br><br>"Even before the film is completed?" I hear you exclaim. Yes, it generally works for Christopher Nolan / Hans Zimmer and whilst I'm in no way comparing their world conquering exploits to mine - it seems to have renewed the enthusiasm I originally had for the project and sonically has influenced certain camera angles and techniques so it's a win / win. It's a necessity too.<br><br>A- It gives a little buzz and has reignited conversation about the film and ...<br><br>B - Every penny the soundtrack makes is going straight back into financing the movie.<br><br>I have been feverishly composing since August and this is the fruit of my labours. I have no doubt, there will be new pieces as the filming progresses but rest assured, anyone who has already or is planning to buy the soundtrack will receive these free as a bonus for their trouble and a huge dose of my heartfelt gratitude.<br><br>As is we have.<br><br>1: "Main Titles" - Does exactly what it says on the tin, whilst introducing us to our heroes: Charlie and his best friend, Jellybean. His trusty Cavalier King Charles.<br><br>2: "Monsters Are Real" - An ominous cautionary narrative from a grown up Charlie as we journey through a storm hit neighbourhood.<br><br>3: "Bad News" - It's rare to hear good news on the telly anymore.<br><br>4: "Beast In The Backyard" - What lurks outside in the dead of night?<br><br>5: "Silver Bullet or Holy Water" - How do you kill a monster? Ok Google....<br><br>6: "Cain Gives Chase" - A race for survival as a shocking discovery is made.<br><br>7: "A Mother's Love Vs The Big Bad Wolf" - There's someone at the door...<br><br>8: "Charlie To The Rescue" - Charlie and his Uncle Eddie attempt a daring rescue.<br><br>9: "A Hero Falls" - Not everyone will survive....<br><br>10: "Farewell To A Friend / Prepare for War" - Vengeance in the air.<br><br>11: "The Final Confrontation" - The proverbial shit hits the fan.<br><br>12: "The End" - Or is it?<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOcqgUK2eo0/XeokU47s28I/AAAAAAAAAXY/Q3miBJUUT9Qyikm4sPQasnzTjbs2uuv7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Backyard%2BGothic%2BOST%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOcqgUK2eo0/XeokU47s28I/AAAAAAAAAXY/Q3miBJUUT9Qyikm4sPQasnzTjbs2uuv7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Backyard%2BGothic%2BOST%2B1.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still curious, check out <a href="http://backyardgothic.rf.gd/?i=2&fbclid=IwAR2HElEusxSXNTE7_-1pC1dD-guNw_lyCpVm53CND0pcWKebvrAXBZbXTBY"><b>HERE</b></a> with MASSIVE thanks to Pijus Jasaitis!</div><br>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201892019-08-30T10:56:00+01:002022-08-18T12:34:37+01:00Film Scoring Update: "Charlie To The Rescue"<p> </p>
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<p><br>Filming "Backyard Gothic" is a slow and tedious task, between getting people together and working on the right dialogue, but as a labour of love, I'll get there by hook or crook.<br><br>I would consider myself a competent composer, who enjoys leitmotifs. Leitmotifs, I suppose are a character theme. As ambient soundtracks take hold - themes hold less weight. It's now more about atmosphere and sound fx. Which I've no qualms with. There are some truly wonderful examples of it out there. But for my little short film, I wanted it to be a throwback to the John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein sound. You know the 80's / 90's BIG sound with leitmotifs galore?<br><br>Now, I am not comparing myself to these guys, I am not anywhere near that level but as a reference, there are none better. I also want to use as little hybrid sound as possible. Keeping the electronic sound from the orchestral. I am employing at points but for a retro sound, they are kept to the bare minimum.<br><br>I uploaded a version of "Charlie To The Rescue" a little while back and surprise, surprise.....it was missing something. The entire scene is basically child vs The Big, Bad Wolf and it needed more "Oomph!". I added some trumpet triplets and the ominous bad guy motif at the start, with some marching snares deep, but noticeable, in the mix. It's a piece I'm very proud of. And I can't wait to start editing it into the scene.</p>
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<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201902019-06-25T11:12:00+01:002021-11-11T09:02:52+00:00BACKYARD GOTHIC<p>Growing up, most people would have been aware of their local "haunted house" in the neighbourhood.<br><br>As a young child in what was then, a very different Jobstown in Tallaght back in the late 80's - early 90's. There was Wolfy's house. It was the house of a man that went mad, turned into a wolf and killed his family. It was said on nights of the full moon, you could hear him scarpering around the rooftops in search of his next victim.<br><br>Of course, as a child - the original story was much more convoluted and scary. Mainly due to my older sister's gift for embellishing upon it.<br><br>However it was a story that always stayed with me and recently, it resurfaced. My music has been coming to the fore in various places so why not take it to the next level? Why not create a short movie inspired by the above story, that will engage the viewer and I can add my own sonic touch to it? It's not hard to make a film, with a slight bit of know how and understanding of the various techniques, all learned through trial and error over the years - I'm confident. Not overly so. It's a low to no budget movie which will be heavily dependent on quite a bit of charity and goodwill but if I get my passion across (and guilt several family members) it is entirely possible. Full credit to family and friends, they are always game for my mad creative tangents. The star will be my young nephew, Paul. Who's cheeky, a lunatic and most important for the role - has a big, huge heart. The premise is a well used one, hopefully with a fresh take: "What if your neighbour was a werewolf and, nobody believed you?" I'm feeling a fun Goonies meets Fright Night (the original) vibe<br><br> I have fleshed out the story over the bones of the last year and created a poster along with soundtrack leifmotifs for the various characters. I'm looking forward to filming over the next month or so. Laois is an actual goldmine of beautiful and interesting locations that will be well suited to the story so am genuinely excited about getting this up and running.<br><br><br>HERE'S THE POSTER I CREATED, MAINLY FOR MY AMUSEMENT FEATURING OUR HERO IN A NO NONSENSE POSE, CREEPILY WATCHED BY THE ANTAGONIST........<br> </p>
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<p> </p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201912019-04-17T10:34:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:20+01:00TOP TEN Result: The International Horror Hotel Film Festival Scoring Competition.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZkaRzy4oso/XLbyex_M2tI/AAAAAAAAAUo/tdu-ADgzoyoyJBaH1CRTA1rDVv85e2-FACLcBGAs/s1600/41675841_10212849008046671_3454691085232635904_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZkaRzy4oso/XLbyex_M2tI/AAAAAAAAAUo/tdu-ADgzoyoyJBaH1CRTA1rDVv85e2-FACLcBGAs/s320/41675841_10212849008046671_3454691085232635904_o.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'>Celebrating a little victory is important!</span><br><br><span style='background: rgb(255 , 255 , 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;'>1. It makes you feel happy.</span><br><span style='background: rgb(255 , 255 , 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;'><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. It gives you motivation to keep going.</span></span><br><span style='background: rgb(255 , 255 , 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;'><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. It builds your confidence.</span></span></span><br><span style='background: rgb(255 , 255 , 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;'><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'>And boy, is this true! To be specific, I came 9th (yet to be officially revealed) but judging by the number of last years highly commended numbering 20 outside of the top ten, I am gonna celebrate this like I made it to the podium!</span></span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><br></span></span></span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'>I generally suffer from extreme self doubt when it comes to my work (I'm not complaining, I believe it helps me improve every day) and this was a welcome and timely email to my inbox at a time when I'd been feeling a little jaded as regards to where I am and where I'm progressing - i.e work.</span></span></span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><br></span></span></span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'>I actually submitted the work last year and immediately doubted the mix after sending it (I was right, I'm never happy) and kept half an eye on proceedings and then slowly..... forgot about it.</span></span></span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'>I received the email yesterday morning and scared my wife by almost somersaulting out of bed - she forgave me, don't worry. I'll post a link to the video here:<a href="https://youtu.be/9zNHTTJYU28">Phil McClean - Horror Hotel Scoring 2019</a>. </span></span></span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><br></span></span></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;">Granted the awards presentation and subsequent screening is in Ohio, so unless I can grow money, I'll be celebrating in the Old World with a certificate and a tasty drop of whiskey come Friday when my next day off arrives. Until then I'll be grinding my teeth in retail hell and and cleaning up the loose ends for "The Last Illusion".</span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks for reading. And more importantly, thanks for listening.</span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;">P.S. The above picture was taken by my favourite human, once upon a time in Vegas. In it I'm drinking the most expensive Jameson I ever paid for. It was the last time I felt this rich, albeit more for achievement than cash - but I'll take that anytime!</span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;">Cheers.</span></span></span><br><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span></span><span style='font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201922019-04-15T09:44:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00The Last Illusion (Final Renders & Update)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oSeMiixMlQ/XLRAgAFvOwI/AAAAAAAAAUc/U-PkSXjJEmY6AO8RK1S2ABDGn6Bq1L3AgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oSeMiixMlQ/XLRAgAFvOwI/AAAAAAAAAUc/U-PkSXjJEmY6AO8RK1S2ABDGn6Bq1L3AgCLcBGAs/s400/Screenshot%2B%25281%2529.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br><br>Am busy mastering the final renders of "The Last Illusion" and am decidedly pleased with the forthcoming results. My original vision of pseudo ethnic with classical sounds has remained true. And there is metal, crushingly heavy at times but those times are rarer than I originally envisioned but as a result those times are immediate and incredibly effective.<br><br>When I started to write this piece (All 13 and a half minutes!) I had a sound in my head almost immediately - Jerry Goldsmith meets Danny Elfman sharing a pint with old school Korn. Not that I'm fit to shine the shoes of those mentioned but the core sound is in that ballpark. I even surprised myself with a cool Jazz trio sound at one point. I call it J(Ass) as I am only a pretender in the Jazz genre.<br><br>Next up is a bit of a photo shoot, nothing pro - just a bit of fun to accompany the music's eventual upload into cyberspace. For now, maybe I can pique your interest with the leif motif titles and description. Early reviews have been promising and flattering. I trust it's not just lip service!<br><br><br>1. A THEME FOR HARRY D'AMOUR / MAGIC TRICK (0.00)<br>2. SECRET MEETING / DEATH FROM ABOVE / INTO THE MOUTH OF MADNESS (2.08)<br>3. MEETING DOROTHEA / DEAD MAN'S LETTER (3.47)<br>4. HARRY'S NIGHTMARE (5.31)<br>5. VALENTIN / SWANN'S BACKSTORY (7.03)<br>6. ALLEYWAY CHASE / INTO THE MOUTH OF MADNESS II (7.51)<br>7. BYRON THE POET (9.31)<br>8. THE BETRAYAL (10.33)<br>9. D'AMOUR VS HELL (11.06)<br>10. THE LAST ILLUSION (12.10)<br><br>1. Experimental, Gothic, Ethnic.<br>2. Classical / Electronic Hybrid<br>3. Gothic / Classical<br>4. Gothic / Epic / Choral<br>5. Piano / Ethnic<br>6. Gothic / Epic / Metal<br>7. Cool Jazz<br>8. Classical<br>9. Gothic / Epic / Metal<br>10. Classical / Electronic Hybrid<br><br><br><br>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201932019-03-11T11:08:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00TECH NOIR update <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rL8Va-JQvM0/XIY9nmPaAWI/AAAAAAAAATw/bpZXeC8juIA1HkfynAihXqoBn71nHIm0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Phil%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rL8Va-JQvM0/XIY9nmPaAWI/AAAAAAAAATw/bpZXeC8juIA1HkfynAihXqoBn71nHIm0wCLcBGAs/s320/Phil%2B%25282%2529.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="274" /></a></div> <br><br>So am currently hard at work on Tech Noir's final track and to say I'm sorry I started it would be a lie but to say I'm sorry I announced it before finishing it, would be the truth! This e.p. is a world away from "Heresy", which was pretty much an all organic musical affair (guitar, bass, mandolin) bar drum machine and a (now defunct / well retired) Yamaha keyboard.<br><br>The focus on this was more on technology driven music without losing the human heart of it. Recent listening forays into synthwave and electropop have been a major influence. Also the subject matter ranges from loss of human connection by technology and fun instrumental asides to pure, insane obsession. With a tasty amount of swearing. I'm such a rebel. Looking to having it finished by the end of March. Anybody with a passing interest can send an email to<u> philmcclean@hotmail.com</u> or find me on Facebook and send me a pm. Thanks for reading and more importantly, thanks for listening,<br><br>Phil.<br><br>Track Listing (subject to change)<br><br>I. WE ARE AT WAR<br>II. GOT NO TIME<br>III. I'VE MET MORE MONSTERS THAN I HAVE MET HEROES<br>IV. TECH NOIR: A THEME FOR KEN COLTON<br>V. LOVE LETTERS FROM A CRAZED EX<br>VI. PULL ME APART (GENERATION CYBERBULLY)Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201942019-01-05T13:06:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00Big year, big plans!So, first of all, happy new year to anyone reading this. It's been a while since I've been on here. A big 2018, gives way to the promise of 2019 and I assure you that behind the scenes, I've been working feverishly as ever.<br><br>Having gotten hold of some quality synths, I've been experimenting no end this January, rediscovering my love for Vangelis and Heavy Metal (eclectic, I know) along the way. The first piece, albeit rehashed, of the year has been thrown out there <a href="https://soundcloud.com/phil-mcclean/a-theme-for-ken-colton">"A Theme For Ken Colton"</a>. A tongue in cheek tribute to a colleague and friend of mine. But this is only the tip of the iceberg and I have my fingers in quite a few pies!<br><br>Speaking of fingers, I've been blighted by pain in both hands which is quite severe at times, particularly in the cold. I'm not one to self diagnose but it could be a touch of arthritis. It's affected my guitar playing quite a bit but due to the miracle of programming and copy and paste, it's next to unnoticeable. Just a case of looking after myself more as regards to diet etc (fish oils, ugh).<br><br>For now, I'm back and more inspired than ever, thanks for reading and more so - thanks for listening.<br>Take care and a very happy new year,<br><br>Phil.Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201952018-05-08T18:14:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00BACK GARDEN GOTHIC E.P.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJBkk28lpd0/WvHZeE4E8AI/AAAAAAAAAR8/9gQqF77BEsM1CHlWECKz0EgcMRinb1t-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Musician.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJBkk28lpd0/WvHZeE4E8AI/AAAAAAAAAR8/9gQqF77BEsM1CHlWECKz0EgcMRinb1t-wCLcBGAs/s320/Musician.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="287" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br>So after life threw me several curve balls this year, I have decided that it's high time to release another e.p. It's been 4 years since "Heresy". It's not made me famous but as a piece of personal art, it's something I'm proud of, and the satisfaction in revisiting it gives me a buzz every time.<br><br>After several false starts, such as "Faith" and "Hades" - I realised I was trying way too hard to reinvent the wheel and songwriting became a chore which led to me producing all instrumentals.<br><br>I have had a lot of time to reflect recently. There have been big changes in my life. Between buying a house, family bereavement and growing a little bit older and (hopefully) wiser, I have realised life is a lot more fleeting than we realise. So if I'm gonna promise myself I'll do something, I should keep that promise to myself.<br><br>I have selected six songs which, I believe, are up to standard. Each song has been written over the years, a couple have been recorded before, from the mid noughties up until the present. The theme I noticed running through them, is suggested in the name. Neighbours spying on neighbours, children's imaginations running wild, urban legends etc. I can't promise what it will sound like as I don't know myself to be honest. My biggest influence at this current time are Glam Rock, ethnic Romany folk (see "Gypsy" without intending offence) and Yemenite folk music. This doesn't necessarily suggest what it will sound like but I would suggest listeners expect a surprise or 3!<br><br>The real work starts on Thursday, my next day off. But the work has already begun and I'm feeling excited about producing songs (of the lyrical persuasion) for the first time in a long time.<br><br>Thanks for reading. Watch this space.Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201962018-04-10T09:54:00+01:002021-11-11T09:06:24+00:00RIDE ON<p>"Ride On" as performed by Christy Moore, takes on a life of it's on when you hear it. It's iconic, hell - it's an anthem. And it is virtually untouchable and to think it could be is pure sacrilege. So the rest of us mere mortals can only tread around a perfect song with our imperfect versions. I recorded my own version over a year ago and being unhappy with it, consigned it to the "vaults" as it were. Said "vaults" being a dusty old hard-drive.<br><br>Recently having moved, a lot of old stuff has popped up out of everywhere and upon reviewing the files on my hard-drive, I rediscovered my recording. There was a certain charm to it, my view had softened through time. My broken down voice surprised me coming out of the speaker. It had been that long since I recorded my vocals, I'd forgotten the sound of my own voice. I've always veered between trying to sing and struggling with a singing voice a good few years of chain smoking can produce, but I kind of liked this version.<br><br>So yesterday, I sat down with the rough version and added a few strings and an oboe. That was what I'd been missing in the mix. Amazing the clarity of a year can produce when you've thrown something by the wayside. I love this song and I'd never do it a disservice. I only hope someone else will find a place in their ears or heart for my own humble version. This is "Ride On". Thanks for listening.<br><br>I employed my trusty Partsocaster "Selena", and a treble boosted Boss CE-5 into a Liverpool pedal (Vox Sim). The strings and woodwinds were samples from Eastwest Hollywood Strings, Woodwinds respectively.<br> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/omlxSUDy5nE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/omlxSUDy5nE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201972018-01-03T19:09:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:002018 - Plots and plans.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bs__On1_8I/Wk0qUDdaNXI/AAAAAAAAARQ/zAuxxoXZboA30X3lW2MCj72nliXCmP4bwCLcBGAs/s1600/Horror-Hotel-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bs__On1_8I/Wk0qUDdaNXI/AAAAAAAAARQ/zAuxxoXZboA30X3lW2MCj72nliXCmP4bwCLcBGAs/s320/Horror-Hotel-poster.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br>A very happy new year to you all! I've been pretty busy musically. Personally too - and this will take precedent over the next couple of months as plans come to fruition so expect my musical output to be significantly less during this time.<br><br>I've signed up for an international trailer scoring competition, which I have completed over the Christmas but the final judging takes place in April, so I must keep the piece to myself before then. Anyone who is curious or willing to take part can find the details at <a href="http://horrorhotel.net/">HORRORHOTEL.NET</a>.<br><br>I've reviewed the previous competition winners and it does seem pretty competitive and high quality. I'm also happy with my own efforts and quite confident in my ability, as one would need to be. It involves scoring a trailer (provided) which is shorn of the original music.<br><br>The trailer is of the film "The City Of The Dead" renamed "Horror Hotel" for American audiences. It features Christopher Lee in a Hammer-esque role typical of his career at the time c.1960.<br><br>It provides pure gold in terms of theme and timing and I think I may be on to a good thing with what I have created. Watch this space and thanks for reading.Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201982017-11-18T16:04:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00THE BATMAN<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HIQSz2SiaFQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HIQSz2SiaFQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we go again, you're saying! Yep, here we go again. This piece has been a long time in the making. Over two years in fact. I produced more imperfect ideas of it but being limited as regards to my instrumental pallet, I was never truly happy with it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I originally had a different idea, utilising my nephew's vocals to produce a piece more in line with an early Danny Elfman sound. But over time, his voice started to break and it was obviously no longer possible to use it. I worked on other things in the background but this was a distraction and a half. It was always that piece I couldn't finish. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I decided to revisit it and work on it until my ears and fingers bled. It is now practically unrecognisable to the original demo idea scraped together, which I uploaded almost a year ago, having exhausted all avenues to find a replacement for my nephew's voice, which I obviously didn't. You can watch it here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WwbYZmaCT7s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WwbYZmaCT7s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Between the instruments and the massive learning curve a year gave me, I think the resulting pieces are an interesting study between themselves. Some ideas were kept and embellished upon, others were dumped entirely. Suffice to say, I'm very pleased with "The Batman" and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.</div>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66201992017-10-21T20:05:00+01:002022-07-04T20:33:14+01:00Bechstein Debauchery & An Ode To Danny Elfman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXrAQMzhxWk/WeuaP_r7wOI/AAAAAAAAARA/DWA2j1gy_WkR5an9LJypyYdoOTuWJnGlACLcBGAs/s1600/Danny%2BElfman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXrAQMzhxWk/WeuaP_r7wOI/AAAAAAAAARA/DWA2j1gy_WkR5an9LJypyYdoOTuWJnGlACLcBGAs/s320/Danny%2BElfman.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<p><br>I recently acquired a Bechstein D 280 concert grand piano. Well the sound samples of one anyway! My dream piano, and unfortunately, I don't possess the fortune or solid gold bank account to buy one.<br><br>Eastwest QL pianos have a collection of 4 pianos: Steinway, Bosendorfer , Yamaha and Bechstein. A very expensive collection but upon investigation I discovered that I could buy just one of the models, thus saving a fortune and the Bechstein tone won it out for me.<br><br>Having a tinkle on the (plastic) ivories today, I tested the dynamic of the touch sensitivity by playing the opening chords to Danny Elfman's "Beetlejuice" and it struck me that I'd never really paid tribute to the man who is by far one of my biggest influences. So I utilised the driving hammered piano style and added trombone, french horn, 3 part choir (men and women in stereo, boys in mono), some deep staccato brass ensemble and some cheeky organ. I finished with celesta, boys choir, some flautando strings and the oboe. I'm very pleased with it and named it "Oiche Shamhna" as it is that time of year!<br><br>I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed creating it. You can listen to it <a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/philmcclean/song/28712698-oiche-shamhna-ode-to-danny-elfman">HERE.</a></p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202002017-09-24T16:57:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00Tesco's Got Talent RelectionsPerformed with 3 other colleagues at the now annual "Tesco's got Talent" heats. All for charity and a lot of fun, technical issues and biased judging aside. It got me to thinking how interesting it would be to recreate "HERESY" live.<br><br>For anyone new here, "HERESY" is a 6 song concept e.p. I created chronicling the torment of a priest trapped in a mysterious desert who is battling demons both mentally and in reality. A quick tap on "Heresy" in labels should take you there. I really enjoyed jamming with the guys, there was a certain chemistry in our ragtag group, though I was not happy with my own performance in parts. Afterwards, feeling hopeful, I enquired about the possibility of producing the songs in a live setting. The guys seemed open to it and I hope that this comes to fruition. It was truly a labour of love and having waited since 2014 to do this, I am cautiously optimistic about it happening.<br><br>Below is the video of our performance from the other night. It is the exclusive property of Ginte Cepaitis. He is the singer of the video playing the Tele, and hopefully he won't mind me sharing it!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8kA6TkuDd5I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8kA6TkuDd5I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202012017-08-07T17:31:00+01:002022-03-02T10:20:05+00:00Tools, Tools And More Tools!<p>I can't remember ever really explaining the tools behind the music I create but there are no real secrets behind what I do. But knowing how to play music is pretty much standard. You don't need to be a prodigy and the tools certainly help both at work and helping to inspire.<br><br>The DAW I use is Reaper. Incredible value with all the modern assets for the modern producer. I can't afford Pro Tools or the like but I have everything I need with Reaper. Pro Tools is a great tool but extortionately overpriced and Reaper has every thing I possibly need.<br><br>A great producer only sounds as good as his samples and that's why I have chosen my libraries VERY carefully. High quality samplers and plugins are usually not cheap:<br><br>EastWest Quantum Leap Silk (Caters to my love of Indian and Persian sounds)<br>EastWest Quantum Leap Gypsy (For that ethnic folk sound - think Violin, Accordians, Dulcimer)<br><br>These are my go-to samplers. I have a certain "sound" in my head and I always seem to find it in these.<br>For the big lush Hollywood sound, I employ:<br><br>EastWest Hollywood Strings Gold<br>Eastwest Hollywood Brass Gold<br>Eastwest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold<br>Eastwest Hollywood Woodwinds Gold<br><br>The realism in these is at all times absolutely breathtaking and can be upgraded over time as a less costly option when purchasing the licences.<br><br>For the more interesting "blockbuster" sounds, I use U-he Zebra. A Synth with incredible capabilities and highly adaptable sounds. Hans Zimmer is a big fan and he uses it in virtually all his later scores such as The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar and Dunkirk.<br><br>Kontakt Instruments I employ are<br><br>SoundIron Apocalypse Ensemble (For a huge drum sound)<br>SoundIron Mercury (A boys Choir)<br>SoundIron Olympus (Full Adult Choir)<br>India (Again a lot of fun ethnic sounds)<br>Soniccouture Glass Works (Weird and wonderful Glass Instruments)<br>Waves Factory Mercury (Piano)<br>Kirnu Cream (A fun arpeggiator)<br><br>A pretty modest collection but one that is growing slowly but surely!</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202022017-08-02T21:38:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:21+01:00For The Love Of Woodwinds.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2HXpaOww8/WYH3-LDATLI/AAAAAAAAAQU/KE25DkEjQ-0-Jejc9viMcQSzvPYr6qLGgCLcBGAs/s1600/woodwind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2HXpaOww8/WYH3-LDATLI/AAAAAAAAAQU/KE25DkEjQ-0-Jejc9viMcQSzvPYr6qLGgCLcBGAs/s320/woodwind.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="133" width="320" /></a></div><br>The venerable Woodwind section. I've never really used it in my pieces, but I do love listening to them. Especially when they are used well. Media-wise Ennio Morricone and Jerry Goldsmith do them the most justice. It takes a certain talent and subtlety to bring them to the fore (and well) but being I do love a good brass section, I've overlooked them.<br><br>Let's be honest, a loud enough brass instrument on it's own could probably demolish and entire orchestra, and seeing as I don't do "subtle" well, it's been a learning curve both writing and producing a piece which utilises two woodwind instruments as the lead. Namely the Oboe and the Flute.<br><br>I've actually employed an older piece (Magpies & Rockstars Pt. I) to create this piece and I've kept it true to the original but I've replaced the guitars with Violas & Violins and the two above instruments. I didn't want to copy it exactly as regards melody and the two Woodwinds both compete and harmonise with each other throughout the piece, but never impeding each other. I hope. I through in a restrained trumpet duo just to add a little "ooomph" in the final third. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed producing it. Thanks for listening. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bQ-AlRSbBSo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bQ-AlRSbBSo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202032017-07-23T14:18:00+01:002022-03-02T10:20:22+00:00Opus Pica Pica: An Insight<p>This piece of music is split into three sections and it is an aural study of the relationship I have with my better half. The first piece was originally written for a film I was in talks to score. This fell through, not through animosity - more so lack of communication. I hope the film makers in question treat those who choose to work with them in a more respectful way than ignoring them completely as they wont be going too far in the industry based on what I've experienced.... Rant Over.<br><br>I was thrilled with this piece of music. I was also afraid it would never see the light of day in context to the above. It was written to convey fear, dissolution but ultimately, hope. I realised it was merely a reflection of everyone's journey and it was only the beginning......<br><br>My wife is a fantastic muse - so much personality, so much passion. She fuels almost everything I do, musically. So I took the first peace and rejigged it a little bit. This is the first instrumental track in which I've not used any synth sounds to stay true to a more classical sound.<br><br>Part I: Ups & Downs. The story of how the road in life is never straight for us or indeed anyone.<br><br>Part II: Silver Linings. This is signalled by a playful bass line and grows into a choir led crescendo with flutes and some unexpected glass armonium.<br><br>Part III: When We Soar. Violas and Violins duel in opposing but complementary melodies while accompanied by big drum ensembles in stereo which grow in intensity towards the end whilst the glass armonium returns in a more rhythmic, less chaotic fashion this time.<br><br>For the curious "Pica Pica" is the latin for the Eurasian Magpie. "Magpie" is a playful name I call my wife for how easily distracted she is. Like a magpie to a shiny object....<br> </p>
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<p><br>It appears I've been neglecting my blog quite a bit recently.....<br><br>I've been up to my ears in work commitments. Alas, retail is a cruel mistress. But as always - there is plenty of time for music and I finally got around to securing myself a piano simulator. Which is frankly incredible, as the piano is my favourite means of composing! I wanted the best of the best and I researched all possible software before discovering "Mercury" for Kontakt by Waves Factory. It's a HUGE sample factory based on Freddie Mercury's Fazioli piano which he employed at the turn of the 90's before his untimely death. A huge chunk of his work from "Innuendo" and "Made In Heaven" were either composed or performed on this particular piano, which now resides in "Metropolis Studios", London.<br><br>I'm frankly blown away by the sound. It is truly remarkable, but due to such a huge amount of sampling it is quite taxing on the CPU so I don't employ all 5 mic positions at once. Nevertheless it sounds phenomenal and I am looking to using it on some of my pieces very soon. For the curious, here's a demo video:</p>
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<p><br>The sands of Cairo carry a massive host in the distance, which moves forward - as though sailing through the parched earth. The shape grows bigger and bigger as it approaches the pyramids. The behemoth object ceases to be a mirage and reveals itself through the wavering heatwaves as a gigantic schooner ship, but she is no ordinary schooner....<br><br>The ship carries the stench of death on her. Made of burnt black wood and rusting steel, she almost resembles a boat built around a gigantic rib cage. But even more curious, is the way she makes her way through the sands....<br><br>Thousands of men, or what once were men, carry the ship on their shoulders. They carry the rot of a thousand years and more on their bodies. Each one guilty of crimes against humanity so great, they were personally selected for this particular task. Rapists, murderers, the treasonous, the dictators. Each one retrieved from the darkest, vilest corners of history.<br><br>On the deck, stands a tall dark figure. With the horns and face of a goat, leering into the distance. The schooner is flanked by two horses on either side, carrying ghostly riders. These are named Pestilence, War, Famine and Death. The sun seems to grow dimmer, casting a deep orange glow over the procession.<br><br>Back on the deck, the goat figure swings a whip towards a captive man on the boat, contained by huge chains. He screams in pain and spreads a blood spattered pair of wings. The captive is Gabriel, who struggles to his feet, lifts a giant golden horn and blows. The noise is both deafening and terrifying. As the boat nears the city boundary, her name comes into view. It reads "Hades".<br><br>(THE MUSIC IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AND WILL BE UPLOADED THIS WEEKEND. I WILL NOT UPLOAD IT, UNTIL I AM 100 % HAPPY WITH IT. BUT THE SECOND PART OF THE STORY HAS BEGUN AND "HERESY" WILL FINALLY REACH IT'S CONCLUSION.)</p>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202062017-05-09T21:23:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:22+01:005 Favourites From Off The Beaten (Sound) TrackSoundtracks. We love 'em! But some soundtracks get a lot more love than others. We all have a soundtrack (or two, or three etc!) that ticks all the right boxes for us but never seems to receive the acclaim we feel it deserves.<br><br>Obviously there are some pure classics out there. The most identifiable themes probably belong to John Williams, but I'm just looking at some of the less lauded and potentially, not as well known, that have had a huge influence on me personally.<br><br>Number I - "Dances With Wolves" by John Barry. My father took me to see this film when it was released and I fell in love with the story, the imagery and the beautiful music. Here is my personal highlight from the soundtrack:<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z6wNO2-4_Ro/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6wNO2-4_Ro?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number II - "Fright Night" by Brad Fiedel. Rented out on a VHS tape (remember them) way back in the early to mid 90's. Fiedel is generally revered, and rightly so, for his Terminator soundtracks - T1 & T2. But this soundtrack, awash with 80's idiosyncrasies (Fat synths, guitar with a brutally obvious chorus) spoke to me on another level altogether - particularly this piece:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number III - "Candyman" by Philip Glass. Introduced to this in the early / mid 90's by a good friend of mine who lent me the VHS. I think what appealed to me was that it wasn't a typical horror/slasher soundtrack, it had more of Gothic fairytale vibe to it. My wife bought the vinyl as a Christmas present for me, just gone. Yeah, she's awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number IV - "The Edge" by Jerry Goldsmith. Ok, so Jerry Goldsmith is immediately synonymous with big budget, sweeping, grandiose soundtracks. Deservedly on a pedestal with Williams, Jarre et al. But I don't think this soundtrack gets half as much love as so many of his others. Bought this on, you guessed it, VHS when it was newly released. Just listen to that from 0.51. It positively soars and takes your soul and breath with it. You can almost touch the Alaskan wilderness....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number V - "The Last Of The Mohicans" by Trevor Jones. Now funnily enough, the following piece was actually written by Dougie Maclean but is interspersed with the main theme from the film which was written by Trevor Jones. It's a perfect musical marriage. The whole soundtrack is absolutely stunning and well worth snapping up, should you feel so compelled. Nightwish clearly plagiarised the theme for their song "Stargazers". But that's none of my business. (Insert VHS viewing story here)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know this guy pretty well, so I knew this advice was far from blase. Tom's a musician himself. He'd expect more than a drone and a few pipes. But I was also aware that it might be a good place to start and he generally lets me run wild, musically, when I'm producing something!<br><br>I produced a demo and he liked it. Phew! The blueprint was laid. So I set to work on a professional version and it sounded....shit. I tried again, no joy. I couldn't define what was wrong. It just didn't sound right. So I buried it and began my "GUNSLINGER" journey, all the while being tormented by my inability to complete "The Standing Stone".<br><br>Coming into Easter is a pretty special time to be Irish, as regards to the 1916 rising and the centenary has awakened a wonderful sense of pride in many Irish people, myself included. The old songs are being played again and have heavily inspired me lately. So I revisited the piece that I'd long promised my old friend and it still sounded....shit! The difference this time was I stuck at it. I added brass - French horns, trumpets - "Sounds promising, Phil". Uilleann pipes..... nope, bad idea - reverse! And then I added the marching snares and bass drum. Finally, it sounded .... grand. He seemed genuinely pleased with the result, though my ears hear all that's wrong. Sure, it'll pass. One day I'll pat myself on the back and say I did a good job. And never compose again!!<br><br>Some day soon, it will hopefully accompany one of Dr Nelligan's podcasts - but for now, here it is in all it's glory (or lack of). I give you THE STANDING STONE:<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bawryJ8pBvQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bawryJ8pBvQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202082017-03-28T14:54:00+01:002021-05-03T17:14:22+01:00New Toy.Actually, it's not a toy. More a very useful tool.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB1qxq8tmF0/WNpq5QXHLHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/NVdUiHw7Tc0uEbD_4XbdhQDHMyHl0qqfgCLcB/s1600/yay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB1qxq8tmF0/WNpq5QXHLHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/NVdUiHw7Tc0uEbD_4XbdhQDHMyHl0qqfgCLcB/s320/yay.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br><br>My fingers are getting used to returning to the full sized keys having been using the microkey for so long and there's a learning curve along with it. I appreciate that I've not posted a lot, if any new music lately but rest assured, plenty has been created and will be forthcoming very soon. But work (paying wise, that is) calls my name. And there is bills to be paid.Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202092017-03-23T11:11:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:22+01:00A TOE IN THE WATER.So I have been in minimal contact with a producer about the possibility of scoring a feature film. Nothing has been decided as of yet. We've not even personally met but there has been conversation over social media as regards to the would be job. There is an agreement that we should meet soon, but post production has taken precedent over this, and rightly so. I have composed a few ideas based on the trailer that I've viewed whilst conscientiously ignoring the temp track that accompanies it.<br><br>I imagine the fee would be a main talking point, but as they are an independent company and have done some fund raising appeals, I am willing to work on contingency. If I become as passionate about the project as they are - then it will be more a focus on art, than financial. I'm not in it for the money. I'm blessed to have a full time job, as much as I loathe it. But a credit, and a little recognition, would go a long way.<br><br>In other news, I bought a desk to contain my ever expanding software orchestra and a chair. Not terribly exciting but..... IT HAS WHEELS! I've also ordered a proper sized midi keyboard as the trusty and reliable KORG microkey 37 is too small for my sausage fingers and it's becoming increasingly harder to play more complicated passages without deleting them several times due to fluffed notes. I may cut down on the breakfast fries.Phil McCleantag:philmcclean.com,2005:Post/66202102017-02-09T18:09:00+00:002021-05-03T17:14:22+01:00The Gunslinger (A Suite)So I've finished "The Gunslinger" suite and I'm pretty damn happy with it!<br><br>Thematically, the pieces are similar as well as melodically, without being repetitive. Which is a big plus for me. It's the first time I've employed a brass section and am quite happy with it. I always envisioned a big brass "Old West" sound for this story, with a few little oddities - given it's otherworldly status.<br><br>Part I - Lots of fun!<br> Big, golden era trumpet driven intro followed by a big driving rhythm courtesy of some celli, synth drums and 6 (!) French horns. I sprinkled on a little sequencer bass to add a modern edge towards the end. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dGs7e4jdh8U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dGs7e4jdh8U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div>Part II - Rather unexpected.<br>I originally wanted write a piece inspired by the Man in Black but straight in, I knew this was to be Jake's theme. Between the flautando violins, legato violas and the boys choir, it would only ever be Jake's. The choir was a big challenge as I wanted one to play off against the other without them actually fighting each other. Thankfully, it sounds well. The French horn immediately presents the piece as a direct descendant to Part I, along with the melody.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t1Sbwj1Csig/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t1Sbwj1Csig?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part III - Difficult. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew the Man in Black needed to be represented, as he is the first character mentioned in the book, though he doesn't make a hugely significant contribution until the later books. Is he an immortal wizard, is he a God, is he the Devil?? What is his game? And why is Roland determined to catch him? The piece, like him is hard to label. Hard driven sequencer with percussive bass, guitar, quanun, duduk and some brass, again to link it with the original piece. I wanted it to be mysterious, more than pursuit driven and hopefully I succeeded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_LlzoUJR6H4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_LlzoUJR6H4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br><br><br><br><br>Phil McClean