The 30-Second Power Trip
Note From The Judges
Tony’s Comments
Emotionally and musically, David really got into the vibe of the bass and drum loops. He created something that is unusual and interesting. I can tell that he really put some thought and creativity into this. Great note choices and great articulation with the delays. It has a trippy modern feel and at the same time it almost has a 1940's big band feel, like the clarinet and sax sections of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It's an unusual combination, with organic/electronic overtones, and it's hypnotic and unpredictable. I like music that’s just a little different, but still accessible. David’s part stands alone in the intro as an interesting musical section, and then easily finds its place inside the heavy-hitting drum and bass rhythm groove. In this era of predictable, rehashed, and ‘safe’ sounds and songs, David's creation is refreshing. While there were some excellent entries in the contest, most of them were revisited versions of things that I'd heard before. The Tony/Siggi libraries are breaking new ground, and David's work fits perfectly. This is interesting and captivating music. I would love to hear more of this kind of work played over these libraries.
Mike’s Comments
Out of the 200+ tracks submitted, Tony and I independently selected David’s track as our favorite. That fact by itself is kind of amazing. I was impressed by all the different styles that came in: hard rock, funky stuff, rap, industrial, R&B – everyone found a way to make this content bend to suit their favorite music genres. Terrific! I was impressed (to varying degrees) by all the entries as I listened to each one. Then, when ‘Three’s a Crowd’ came on, boom – instant transformation. Whatever I was processing, whatever analytical tool I was using, whatever I was ‘thinking’ - just dissolved as my mind was taken over and enslaved by the opening riff. Here is a riff, a simple little sing-songy pattern made of four notes, presented in a sparkling, spectral context. It intrudes on your thought patterns and switches the brain into endless recycle mode. After the first twelve seconds I was hooked. Congratulations, David!
Grand Prize Winner
Runner Ups
Honorable Mentions
Grand Prize
Consideration for recording an Artist Integrated sample library.SWR WorkingPro 15 200 Watt 1x15" Bass Combo Amp.
ACID Pro 6 software.
Not Just Another Pretty Bass™ Premium Loop Library.
The Best of Siggi Baldursson™ Standard Loop Library.
Sony Walkman MP3 Player NW-E505.
About the Contest
Power trios are a staple of rock. Think Cream, Husker Du, James Gang, The Jam, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Nirvana, the Police, ZZ Top. The list goes on.Now think of yourself in a power trio. Whatever instrument you play, supported by a killer, tightly-woven drum and bass rhythm section that propels your music beyond limits. All in 30 seconds.
That's what the 30-second power trip is all about. Utilizing our new Artist Integrated sample libraries, you're tasked to create a 30-second slice of power music that not only displays your chops, but demonstrates your ability to interconnect your playing with the backing tracks. Integrate yourself with our integrated libraries. Some rules. You can only use the provided Tony Franklin/Siggi Baldursson integrated loops as backing tracks. You can only play one instrument. It's a trio, remember? You need to be up-front and center, boldly blazing away, comfortable in the knowledge that the Tony/Siggi synergy will keep your music solid, swinging, and spontaneous.
Our judges will have their big ears on for this one, because the winner of this gig may be considered for thier own Artist Integrated sample library!
Your submission cannot be more than 30 seconds long. No extended muscle jams. Control yourself. Be a part of the trio. Integrate.
And rock on.
About the Artists
Well, you're artist #1 for this gig. A bit about your sidemen:Tony Franklin: Tony's had an illustrious career in music. As the bass player for the Firm as well as many other bands, Tony's played with some of the best, including Roy Harper, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour and Kate Bush, Warren D. Martini, Carmine Appice, and others.
Siggi Baldursson: most famously drummer for the Sugarcubes, Siggi started his gig with the band Theyr, which recorded with Youth and Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke. As soon as Theyr got on the map, Siggi was stolen away to join a band that would become the Sugarcubes. The rest, as they say, is history.
With these two behind you, your jam couldn't be more in the pocket. Speaking of in the pocket, learn more about our new line of Artist Integrated loop libraries by visiting Sony. And check out the prizes for this gig: a 200 watt SWR bass amp! If that doesn't get the neighbors to yell "Turn it down!" nothing will.
