For artists the battle has always raged between the desire for complete artistic freedom and the need to work within a limiting set of rules. Some people insist that creativity and limits are mutually exclusive. I would argue the opposite: people are never more creative than when forced to work within limitations. Limits generate their own kind of creative freedom. Don’t believe me?

This is the second article in a two-part series on MIDI and Songwriting. Going beyond the basics of MIDI and how it works, this piece speaks to the songwriter / composer and what kind of role MIDI plays in the creative process. Some of the topics covered here are choosing sounds, time management, and fighting the urge to be a perfectionist.

With the state of today’s economy, everyone is looking to save cash and cut corners wherever they can. Songwriters and producers are no exception. Instead of paying by the hour at expensive recording studios, they’re turning to the home recording set up as a way to save money and avoid time-constraints. Having a comfortable space to let the creative juices flow and lay down recordings is great way to keep churning out music during these rough economic times. Today’s topic covers a key component in any home recording set up: Acoustic treatments.

What more can I say about Elliott Smith? I consider him to be the best songwriter of our time. It’s an absolute tragedy that we lost such a natural talent. He left behind a remarkable but sadly incomplete body of work that receives constant play in my listening rotation.

Holiday shopping season is upon us and with the state of the economy, this year’s theme is save cash wherever you can. That means getting more bang for your buck. For songwriters and producers who run a home studio, the wish list of hot gear items seems to last all year long. While many of you may be dreaming of a shiny new pro tools rig, a smooth condenser vocal mic, or a trusted name-brand piece of vintage outboard gear, I’m here to tell you that this is the year to think on a smaller scale. But that’s OK, because there are several key pieces that are both essential to any recording studio and also cost under $100.