First attempt at a virtual session

Subject: First attempt at a virtual session
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 04:09 PM

Here is our first go at a virtual music session. There was absolutely no rehearsal and even less fore-thought. The experience was more important than the outcome. It's not raggy, it's authentic!
The tune is Planxty Irwin

Planxty Irwin

Apologies for the naff title screen, that was entirely my fault.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: GUEST,Kenny B(Inactive)
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 04:17 PM

Good vid well mixed

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 04:20 PM

Pretty darn good for a first attempt, I'd say. What software were you using that allowed you to play together, and how did it work? Did you all play together from the start? Did one person record a lead track, and then the others play along with that track? What's the secret?


Cheers!

-Joe-

(email me if you need help logging in as a member - [e-mail] )

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 04:45 PM

I've added it to the Mudcat Channel playlist of videos by Mudcatters. Hope you don't mind.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Helen
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 05:18 PM

Captain Swing, I'd also like to know what software you were using. Our session group is thinking about trying to have a virtual session but we aren't sure which way to do it.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 06:17 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind words and cheers Dave for adding it to the playlist.

I've used iMovie software for many years on family and work projects eg training vids. I've also used Garageband for audio recording and editing. I've never done a split screen vid before and this was as good a time as any to have a go.

I had a look at the split screen process in iMovie but it seemed to be quite complicated to use more than two screens. It was also quite restricted as to placement of clips within the screens. Then I came across Wondershare Filmora 9 and downloaded the free trial. It seemed to have what I needed.

If I tell you exactly the process I used I will lead you up many dead-ends because I made so many mistakes and had to keep revising. So I'll explain how I intend to do it next time, of course this has not been tried and tested yet! For simplicity I'll deal with a tune rather than a song. Technical details will vary with different software packages so I'll try to stick to processes.

* One person creates a simple clear guide track of the tune using a click track. The track also needs a good count in eg, 123, 123, 123, 12_. Also duplicate the track and remove the clicks on the duplicate - this is for people who find playing to click tracks difficult.

* Guide tracks sent as mp3 to all members

* Each member needs a device to play the guide track, a film and recording device and some headphones

* Each member to listen to the track through a couple of times to be aware of dynamics in the tune.

* Each member to produce their own film+audio track by listening to the guide (on headphones) while playing their own instrument into their film+audio recording device. The headphones ensure the guide track is not heard on the new track. When recording, each member MUST count audibly in with the last couple of bars before the tune starts.

* Each member returns their track by message (mp4 or whichever is best for the techi) to the techi

* Techi makes an audio mix by loading the mp4s into audio software ( I used Garageband). The software will treat it as audio only ( if it doesn't there are ways around it). Using the audible count in for each track it is reasonably easy to layer and synchronise the tracks. Save audio mix.

* Techi uses video software to edit each video to about equal length and including count-ins and a period after the tune has finished ( 15-20 sec). Each video saved as MOV or mp4

* Using the video software the techi will set up a split screen track and load all of the videos on to it. The videos can then be aligned using the count-ins. This main vid is all saved as MOV or mp4

* Using video software a new project is created and the main vid file is loaded in along with the audio mix. The two tracks are aligned using the count-ins. When the audio track and the video audio track sound as one then the tracks are aligned.

* Detach the audio from the video track leaving only the separate audio track in place. Save as MOV or mp4

* Reload the MOV/mp4 into a new project in the video software. Trim off the count-ins at the beginning and trim off the ends so it looks like you all look good at the end - don't want anyone walking out of shot while everyone else is still smiling and waving!

* Add titles if needed. Send to Cannes for next festival or at least upload to FB or youtube.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Captain Swing
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 06:39 PM

Sometimes it can be quite difficult to play well while being filmed. There are three things to think about: being recorded, looking OK and actually playing in tune and without mistakes. To make life easier, on my guitar part I recorded my self with a decent mic (audio) only. Then I filmed myself playing along to the audio (using discreet headphones). The video and audio can then be aligned and the filmed audio disregarded. I found it took a bit of pressure away from the filming as the odd fluffed note wouldn't be heard and it's easier then to look relaxed.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 06:47 PM

Send to Cannes for next festival or at least upload to FB or youtube.

Thanks, Captain Swing. That's the clearest (and funniest) description I've heard do far.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: mg
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 06:53 PM

someone on facebook says he recorded the basic tune and put it on youtube and then people put on headphones and listened and played

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Captain Swing
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 07:09 PM

mg Thanks for that. That's a nice way of doing it. I might use that one. Also, no possibility of files not loading etc. Uploading to youtube might be daunting to people who haven't done it before but nevertheless, it's not insurmountable.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: leeneia
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 11:42 PM

Thanks for sharing. That is good music.

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: Captain Swing
Date: 26 Apr 20 - 08:12 AM

Thanks Leeneia

Subject: RE: First attempt at a virtual session
From: JHW
Date: 28 Apr 20 - 08:26 AM

Very Good, and on my little old laptop which often says Your Browser (Firefox) doesn't recognise etc.