Cycling Vibrations by Jose Azul

“Cycling Vibrations” came up as result of a series of improvisations I recorded and sequenced using Bandlab (a very interesting online free DAW), Cubase and Logic at the recording facilities of Brunel University. The tune was recorded and mastered in 3 different sessions in collaboration with Ace Of Diamond.

During the first session, I was experimenting with electronic beats and synthesizers on Bandlab. Until I formed some industrial sounding textures which I had sequenced using MIDI. This texture combined a synthesized bass, keyboards and drums in quite an efficient way. Musically, I aimed to do a funky beat influenced by sounds I had been listening to from bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Bauhaus, Nirvana, Joy Division, etc.

I decided to direct the sound in a more dark, alternative and electronic way, at the same time, continuing the exploration of psychedelic and funky passages I had done on my previous single “Sick!”.

On the second session I focused on arranging the form of the piece, I derived a second section from the demo I had previously created by transposing and changing the rhythm of the bass line, also, adding some synthesized strings and wind instruments that harmonized with the tune. I also extended certain parts of the sequence to add variety to the piece. In terms of the form it is quite simple, based on an AB form, it recapitulates A with an electric guitar solo that leads to the end.

For the third recording session, I exported the sounds I had created on Bandlab to Logic as audio tracks. I made a few changes on the mix in terms of balance, including modifications in compression and timbre. On this session, I dedicated my time to record and mix electric guitars. 2 rhythm guitars were recorded, as well as 2 ambient guitars using an Ebow, a slide and reverb. Also, 3 guitars were recorded for the howling solo towards the end. The mood of the guitar was inspired by sounds like Grunge, Blues and Funk. Getting a very rough and expressive sounding material.

The track was then mixed, bounced and mastered in Cubase.

Additionally, an audiovisual piece was composed to go along with the music, the piece was based on the industrial theme of the music. It reflects on how life in big cities can be rough and isolating despite that we are usually surrounded by others, when depression and solitude kicks in, it gets very hard to get out of that emptiness experienced. Showing empathy to others, even in “insignificant”/ daily actions such as just saying hello or sharing a smile with someone, can make a difference on a person's day.

José Daniel Soto, más conocido por su seudónimo "José Azul", emerge como un artista multifacético en el mundo de la música contemporánea. Como músico e ingeniero, ha logrado fusionar sus habilidades técnicas con su pasión por la expresión artística, creando un estilo distintivo que desafía las convenciones.

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