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Portraits

By orangedrink on February 26, 2022 10:27 am

Audio works licensed by author under:
CC Attribution Noncommercial Share Alike (BY-NC-SA)

Awesome drumming and trumpet. What an atmosphere. Much love.

Really enjoying the space here. The way you deconstruct around 2:35 and then dial up the explosive reverb sounds before coming in with the outro trumpet solo is awesome. The melodies are haunting, but not quite sinister. Not quite melancholy either. Hard to put my finger on it, but I like it. This proggy riff in 13 is a nice way of subverting listener expectations. Well done!

love the fakebit vibe with the wobbly arps, greasy 8bit bass blended with the real drums!
Imma have to quote my friend drinkorange on this one:

drinkorange wrote:

track fantastic

I really enjoyed this. It feels so much bigger than just the three instruments you used, and there's something almost haunting about the melodies that I really like. Video is great too, as always. smile

"I'm having fun, I guess...?" lol

Dancing to 13/8 is the true prog

I really liked the vibe of this one.  Those arpeggiated synths were insistent and relentless in a good way.  The trumpet was a nice little touch and blended in really well.  Awesome video once again.  I have no idea how you're doing this, but keep it up!

I really like the 13-8 time signature. I quite like the acoustic drums fills, and this is a cool looking drum that you have there. smile Is it an old Ludwig? Anyways, keep it up and have fun.

aww yeah... those drums are great!

you're a madman, making amazing songs and videos every week. Take it easy! Something felt slightly off-kilter (not in a bad way) about this track and after listening to the video I realize it's probably the time signature. But it could also be the timbre selection? Somewhat unsettling. But I like it.

this was sick! the 13/8 phrasing somehow felt really natural. nice drum playing and the trumpet + synth combo created a cool texture. the lighting and feel of the music video fit perfectly.

I feel you about being tired all the time...it's like there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything I wanna do.

Haaa! I told you before that your drummer didn't seem very serious... How did he end up with 13 beats? Anyway, he must be going crazy or something. I love those quirky time signature, well done!

I like the  challage of this time signature. You made the song sound so natural and it has much more energy like this, as an ordinary 4/4. Great video again, marvellous drumming and trompet blasts. supergood.

I love this, once the acoustic drums come in, its like a lost Boards of Canada track heart heart heart heart

Another masterpiece. I wonder how you plan the videos, there is a very strong abstract elements that resonates with the subconscious. This zoom-in sequences with the digital distortion of the image are very hypnotic, as if they made you look at the daily life through a different lens, showed things you don't usually see.

The 13/4 pattern, even though it's by accident, is contributing to the hypnosis as my brain is totally confused as to what is happening. During the weekly meets chat, I think you explained how the dance choregraphy was challenging, I definitely can understand, especially the one where you walk around Frank.

Very cool track. The Op-1, simple drums, and trumpet - just a perfect match for this.

Really super good, but don't burn yourself out. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it easy, sleep enough and breathe. I'd rather have a speedtrash without a video or even a week off rather than you burning out and crashing!

ah the hesitation step
it's so good orangedrink
more life, less work
the world needs orangedrink

Loved it! I think it's funny and endearing and also it works musically how you solved the drum beat with a little tomtom at the end of the cycle big_smile it's a nice groove, it's good to try some irregular grooves now and then and really get to feel them. I like the long trumpet notes on this one, feels like it ties it together.

Regarding the work life balance, it's also something I've been learning about for the past many years. The best approach yet has been scoping the project down until it seems to be doable in less time than I actually have, so that I can finish it and even put a little extra effort to make it nice at the end. Then I can end the work day with some satisfaction that I made some progress and the end is in sight.  even the creativity about it has room to emerge (what if I do this or this? do I have time for it? well YEA because I scoped it down! hehe) but I'm very good nowadays to cut ideas or go around them when they seem to be too much work.

Usually this turns into finishing just in time or still being a little overworked just before the deadline, because there's always a bit more to it than you think, for anything you do. So I guess the balance comes over time, by just putting effort into scoping and cutting features (or parts), putting new ideas on a backburner etc. So yea you're doing fine! keep at it smile thanks for the cool track!

Hi to the doggy!!!!!

Love the reverse-reverb fade-in and slow filter transitions at the beginning. Reminds me a little of Radiohead in that you've made a non-standard time signature sound quite natural despite being a little off kilter. Nice work on the drums,

I love your intros. Good thoughts here, can really pick up on the feelings, struggles of the work, which I appreciate seeing. Stuff is real! Glad it sounds like you are indeed having some fun with all the work right?! The old sleep art balance, a tough one! My late nights are fading away, the were usually fueled not just with inspiration juice, but also substance juice as well, so took its toll. There's balance to be found I suppose. I liked this song, mesmerizing. And the video, the zooming in effect is also mesmerizing, fits so well, a portrait frozen in time, morphing into something else! Awesome to see you play drums and trumpet! Respect!

This is insanity! The video is brilliant, the 8 bit synth and drums just go together so well and the trumpet is just the icing. Well done!

This is phenomenal! The music, the video, the dancing/choreography!!!

The rhythm really worked - the drum beats played together so perfectly - the op1 sounds so cool!& the trumpet!!! what!?!!! YAS!!! It all just went together so beautifully!

I hope you got some rest!

ASingleEcho wrote:

Awesome drumming and trumpet. What an atmosphere. Much love.

Thank you!

blighters_rock wrote:

Really enjoying the space here. The way you deconstruct around 2:35 and then dial up the explosive reverb sounds before coming in with the outro trumpet solo is awesome. The melodies are haunting, but not quite sinister. Not quite melancholy either. Hard to put my finger on it, but I like it. This proggy riff in 13 is a nice way of subverting listener expectations. Well done!

Thanks, I also felt like it was haunting but not necessarily sad.

ScanianWolf wrote:

love the fakebit vibe with the wobbly arps, greasy 8bit bass blended with the real drums!
Imma have to quote my friend drinkorange on this one:

drinkorange wrote:

track fantastic

lol u quoted drinkorange u madman.  greasy 8bit bass, best way to describe it!!!

hent03 wrote:

I really enjoyed this. It feels so much bigger than just the three instruments you used, and there's something almost haunting about the melodies that I really like. Video is great too, as always. smile

"I'm having fun, I guess...?" lol

thank you so much, 2nd person to say haunting!  that’s wonderful.  lol what is “fun” during a weeklybeats year?

ViridianLoom wrote:

Dancing to 13/8 is the true prog

“that’s prog baby” - our matching tattoos! lol

CosmicCairns wrote:

I really liked the vibe of this one.  Those arpeggiated synths were insistent and relentless in a good way.  The trumpet was a nice little touch and blended in really well.  Awesome video once again.  I have no idea how you're doing this, but keep it up!

thank you!  i have no idea either, pray for me smile

djippy wrote:

I really like the 13-8 time signature. I quite like the acoustic drums fills, and this is a cool looking drum that you have there. smile Is it an old Ludwig? Anyways, keep it up and have fun.

thank you!  YES a 70s Ludwig!  I was so overjoyed when I found it.

7506 wrote:

aww yeah... those drums are great!

Thanks!

ddmm64 wrote:

you're a madman, making amazing songs and videos every week. Take it easy! Something felt slightly off-kilter (not in a bad way) about this track and after listening to the video I realize it's probably the time signature. But it could also be the timbre selection? Somewhat unsettling. But I like it.

I’m going to try to sleep this week I THINK.  Thanks so much the time signature really threw me off but then I listened to it on repeat for over an hour and really “absorbed” it and then playing drums felt natural after two days.

zirafa wrote:

this was sick! the 13/8 phrasing somehow felt really natural. nice drum playing and the trumpet + synth combo created a cool texture. the lighting and feel of the music video fit perfectly.

I feel you about being tired all the time...it's like there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything I wanna do.

Thank you!  Yeah, I think there were some melodic and rhythmic elements that helped move it forward, and that’s so important to me to make a time signature not feel gimmicky or uncomfortable.  wait, why isn’t it 13/4?  I know, I need like a 28 hour day cycle.

??? wrote:

Haaa! I told you before that your drummer didn't seem very serious... How did he end up with 13 beats? Anyway, he must be going crazy or something. I love those quirky time signature, well done!

The Orange Drink drummer is always goofing off!!  lolz  Thank you kindly

Q-Rosh wrote:

I like the  challage of this time signature. You made the song sound so natural and it has much more energy like this, as an ordinary 4/4. Great video again, marvellous drumming and trompet blasts. supergood.

I appreciate it.  I agree, 13 gave it a big boost.  Not sure if it was a typo, but I really like TROMPET smile

alonemusic wrote:

I love this, once the acoustic drums come in, its like a lost Boards of Canada track <3 <3 <3 <3

WOW huge compliment I love BoC forever - you are too kind!

Kedbreak136 wrote:

Another masterpiece. I wonder how you plan the videos, there is a very strong abstract elements that resonates with the subconscious. This zoom-in sequences with the digital distortion of the image are very hypnotic, as if they made you look at the daily life through a different lens, showed things you don't usually see.

The 13/4 pattern, even though it's by accident, is contributing to the hypnosis as my brain is totally confused as to what is happening. During the weekly meets chat, I think you explained how the dance choregraphy was challenging, I definitely can understand, especially the one where you walk around Frank.

Very cool track. The Op-1, simple drums, and trumpet - just a perfect match for this.

Really super good, but don't burn yourself out. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it easy, sleep enough and breathe. I'd rather have a speedtrash without a video or even a week off rather than you burning out and crashing!

I don’t know, I think I’m getting “lucky” with things coming together.  They’re not nearly as planned as you might think, but I liken it to hitting a bullseye on a dartboard.  If you throw a LOT of darts, you’re bound to hit a bullseye.  So WB is throwing a LOT of darts.

Thanks, I felt like the video feedback made us go “into” the images in a compelling way (hopefully).  I’m hopefully going to do a “relaxing song and video” tomorrow and hopefully will have a good weekend to relax!  I appreciate you Mr. Break!

fetalface wrote:

ah the hesitation step
it's so good orangedrink
more life, less work
the world needs orangedrink

thank you thank you (hesitation step) thank you!

horatiuromantic wrote:

Loved it! I think it's funny and endearing and also it works musically how you solved the drum beat with a little tomtom at the end of the cycle big_smile it's a nice groove, it's good to try some irregular grooves now and then and really get to feel them. I like the long trumpet notes on this one, feels like it ties it together.

Regarding the work life balance, it's also something I've been learning about for the past many years. The best approach yet has been scoping the project down until it seems to be doable in less time than I actually have, so that I can finish it and even put a little extra effort to make it nice at the end. Then I can end the work day with some satisfaction that I made some progress and the end is in sight.  even the creativity about it has room to emerge (what if I do this or this? do I have time for it? well YEA because I scoped it down! hehe) but I'm very good nowadays to cut ideas or go around them when they seem to be too much work.

Usually this turns into finishing just in time or still being a little overworked just before the deadline, because there's always a bit more to it than you think, for anything you do. So I guess the balance comes over time, by just putting effort into scoping and cutting features (or parts), putting new ideas on a backburner etc. So yea you're doing fine! keep at it smile thanks for the cool track!

Hi to the doggy!!!!!

Awesome response!  YES the tom tom was like “HEY GET READY GO” - I’m taking your note about the scale back, knowing you’ll want to go over time, hopefully it works!  This is really confronting my chronic overachiever issues!

Autovessel wrote:

Love the reverse-reverb fade-in and slow filter transitions at the beginning. Reminds me a little of Radiohead in that you've made a non-standard time signature sound quite natural despite being a little off kilter. Nice work on the drums,

I can die happy with Radiohead comparisons, Phil Selway is always a king at putting musicality in the drum beat so you’re not thrown off when it changes.  Thanks!

miraclemiles wrote:

I love your intros. Good thoughts here, can really pick up on the feelings, struggles of the work, which I appreciate seeing. Stuff is real! Glad it sounds like you are indeed having some fun with all the work right?! The old sleep art balance, a tough one! My late nights are fading away, the were usually fueled not just with inspiration juice, but also substance juice as well, so took its toll. There's balance to be found I suppose. I liked this song, mesmerizing. And the video, the zooming in effect is also mesmerizing, fits so well, a portrait frozen in time, morphing into something else! Awesome to see you play drums and trumpet! Respect!

I’m glad you love the intros!  I was questioning them but now I’m assuredly keeping them.  Thank you!  Nice to getting somewhere with trumpet after many years of struggles.  WB is the final showdown of work/life balance!

gurtej wrote:

This is insanity! The video is brilliant, the 8 bit synth and drums just go together so well and the trumpet is just the icing. Well done!

You are too kind!  Thank you!

emily wrote:

This is phenomenal! The music, the video, the dancing/choreography!!!

The rhythm really worked - the drum beats played together so perfectly - the op1 sounds so cool!& the trumpet!!! what!?!!! YAS!!! It all just went together so beautifully!

I hope you got some rest!

So glad you liked the various elements!!!  I think I got some rest!  And hopefully this weekend!  LOVE the gifs as usual

Every new section really hit good heart Great tune!

Lol... breaking new ground by accident! Many of my arrangements are shaped by counting errors but none to the benefit and effect you got smile The song title and main pattern have an 80s vibe but it gets more nuanced and almost jazz-like as the song progress.  Solid drum and pattern work.  The live drums sound really tight.  Love the signature video zoom & posterization effect. Your work always has very well thought out themes and unique elements. Well done sir now get some rest! Don't know how you do it! 

Damn! On my 2nd listen of this and I love the timing and feel of the drums with the synths. That one section where it feels like a hidden level for Zelda and then bam the brass kicks in. Such a head nodder. So chill how the chords just sorta fall. Hope you’re catching up on your sleep!

I love how you accidentally thirteened, and it turns out to be the best shit ever. heart I really really really like the unswung metronome-esque simple-sound OP-1 drums and their contrast to live drumming on top is badassssss. heart

That's some creepy vibrato, the whole song is kinda creepy, but no lyrics is interesting coming from you

This is truly beautiful!! The drums bring me back to my Death Cab days.
Lovely.

Sweet- great track and video- the tones, melody- perfect, and in the video the zoom in stuff is awesome. Also really dig that green jacket

Those are some wild video effects, you're getting good at the video production aspect of this for sure.  Totally digging the synth sequence too, very satisfying. 

Love this track, the lead synth sounds so good and the use of the trumpet fits so well with the overall sound (definitely the best part!)

Mortistar wrote:

Every new section really hit good <3 Great tune!

Thank you so kindly!  Was hoping the arrangement would be good despite the time signature

NWSPR wrote:

Lol... breaking new ground by accident! Many of my arrangements are shaped by counting errors but none to the benefit and effect you got smile The song title and main pattern have an 80s vibe but it gets more nuanced and almost jazz-like as the song progress.  Solid drum and pattern work.  The live drums sound really tight.  Love the signature video zoom & posterization effect. Your work always has very well thought out themes and unique elements. Well done sir now get some rest! Don't know how you do it!

Thank you and thank you.  It's video feedback!  I will say the themes and elements are mostly the work of the universe, not me smile

Tone Matrix wrote:

Damn! On my 2nd listen of this and I love the timing and feel of the drums with the synths. That one section where it feels like a hidden level for Zelda and then bam the brass kicks in. Such a head nodder. So chill how the chords just sorta fall. Hope you’re catching up on your sleep!

Thank you for listening twice!  Yeah, the main lead is modeled the one in Zelda II (by Cuckoo, his OPINES preset pack of NES sounds for OP-1)

ilzxc wrote:

I love how you accidentally thirteened, and it turns out to be the best shit ever. <3 I really really really like the unswung metronome-esque simple-sound OP-1 drums and their contrast to live drumming on top is badassssss. <3

Thanks buddy!  There was a really weird thing with the drums swinging and the hi-hat accent changed after a certain snare hit.

Devieus wrote:

That's some creepy vibrato, the whole song is kinda creepy, but no lyrics is interesting coming from you

I’m glad it was creepy!

RorrE wrote:

This is truly beautiful!! The drums bring me back to my Death Cab days.
Lovely.

Huge compliment - Jason McGerr did a drum sample pack for Reason and I LOVE his drums (and have sampled them on many tracks!)

Himelstein wrote:

Sweet- great track and video- the tones, melody- perfect, and in the video the zoom in stuff is awesome. Also really dig that green jacket

thank you thank you!

Chrisfoo wrote:

Those are some wild video effects, you're getting good at the video production aspect of this for sure.  Totally digging the synth sequence too, very satisfying.

WB is just a crash course in everything - I feel like I’m learning a ton, thanks!

Jason Nijjer wrote:

Love this track, the lead synth sounds so good and the use of the trumpet fits so well with the overall sound (definitely the best part!)

glad you liked it!  it’s great to be finally getting some trumpet skills after a long battle.

Love that synth line... you really know how to make 13/8 sound good!

Ipaghost wrote:

Love that synth line... you really know how to make 13/8 sound good!

Thanks!  That gif is incredibly mesmerizing.  The more I look at it, the more secret details I see in the corners.  Amazing how people make that stuff.  Really feels 3D

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