sjsocane Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I know this question has probably been asked but I am using Audacity to create new sounds for my halloween display. I am curious as to the thoughts on creating one long song track (I have one which is 16+ minutes) which includes several songs with continous sound effects or should I break them up into smaller segements? I am new to this (1st year) and am finding I am learning and thinking about what to do instead of actually doing!! Any input will help. Thanks in advance for your time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 There is no right or wrong answer to this question. In my opinion, I would break the songs out separately. If you needed/wanted to get to a certain song it be possible to do if they were separate. If it's one long mix, then no way to get to that song while the show is playing. You'd have to stop the show and run it manually in the sequence editor to get to the song you want to play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsocane Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 Good point Don. Thank you for taking the time to help.. I just feel a little overwhelmed being this is my first time.. I am sure Christmas will be worse!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Having lived through my first year I can say it will be as bad as you make it out to be. Hindsight is always 20/20, but try not to stress to much and you'll have more fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsocane Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 I am trying.. At this point I am over trying to be perfect on my first attempt at this.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sanch Mafia Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 I am trying.. At this point I am over trying to be perfect on my first attempt at this....No matter what you do or try to do.. you will continue to learn and improve as you go. I'm on my second yr and have come a long way since yr 1. I thought i had it down and all bases covered in yr 1 and then this yr as im sequencing, I'm seeing that i have learned some new things and i say to myself.. what i was thinking last yr. so don't beat yourself up..a lot to learn and take in and a lot of years to go..enjoy!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsocane Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 Thank Big Sanch Mafia and Thanks Don... Don I have gone with multiple songsand not one long song.. It does seem easier to deal with. Thanks both I some how feel better.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem5136 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 One thing you'll wanna think about is sequencing. Sequencing is difficult, especially when you're still getting used to it and if you're running one long mix up, it'll take a lot of time to sequence it, but once you've sequenced it you're done. However if you sequence your songs split up, it might make it easier to sequence, especially if you don't sequence every song you wanted too, you'll still have a show come opening night. Best of luck you ya, can't wait to see what you've got!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 (edited) Keep in mind that every viewer besides you will see only what's lit. They'll see only what's done and have no clue about the things that aren't. While that doesn't give you license to leave your yard overly trashy, try to keep those things in mind before you get too anal.So the key is sequencing. Mind the beat so the lights make sense visually. Take advantage of what the music provides to entertain. And use fades to keep from getting overly flashing.Don't worry about berating yourself until next year. As others have mentioned, there will be plenty of time for that AFTER the Christmas lighting season. Edited September 5, 2014 by George Simmons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem5136 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 This is some excellent advice coming from a man who knows what he's talking about. I just wish u could have known that my first year. Keep in mind that every viewer besides you will see only what's lit. They'll see only what's done and have no clue about the things that aren't. While that doesn't give you license to leave your yard overly trashy, try to keep those things in mind before you get too anal.So the key is sequencing. Mind the beat so the lights make sense visually. Take advantage of what the music provides to entertain. And use fades to keep from getting overly flashing.Don't worry about berating yourself until next year. As others have mentioned, there will be plenty of time for that AFTER the Christmas lighting season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem5136 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 *I could have know*... Stupid auto correct, hardly ever gets it correct lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurbani Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Excellent advice from Don on keeping the songs seperate. Another benefit is that you can actually check off each song as done. (Versus one big check for everything done) I think that people lose interest after 3-4 minutes. I used to have an 8 minute version of Thriller at Halloween and I saw too many people leave before Vincent Price did his awesome poem. I've cut it down to just over 4 minutes and I notice more people hang around for the whole thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyD Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I have 3 songs from 1 group I would like to feature. I would like your opinions on: 1). Editing the 3 songs together into 1 continuous song and attempt to "flow" and transition each song seamlessly (as much as possible).2). Edit each song individually but with clear short breaks (shorter than i would normally between 2 songs). It would be obvious these are separate songs but hopefully somehow "tied" together. The overall length would be approx the same regardless. Thanks for your input.Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 For all the same reasons contained in the previous posts, and probably a few other reasons as well, I recommend separate songs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I think that people lose interest after 3-4 minutes. I used to have an 8 minute version of Thriller at Halloween and I saw too many people leave before Vincent Price did his awesome poem. I've cut it down to just over 4 minutes and I notice more people hang around for the whole thing. It depends on where you live, and also which season (people may have more patience in October before the Christmas shopping season starts). In metropolitan areas, like here in Silicon Valley, I find that people have trouble with even 3 minutes, so I keep most of my songs to about 2 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem5136 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The average person loses interest on something after 2 minutes (I did learn something in college, what do ya know lol). I try to keep my songs around 2-2:30 mins to keep everyone's attention and not let them get bored. I also usually sequence one or two songs that are not a seasonal songs, such as hit songs or old classics. I find that it gets everyone excited to see the lights dance to their favorite song... It also give me a break from listening to Christmas music while sequencing lol I think that people lose interest after 3-4 minutes. I used to have an 8 minute version of Thriller at Halloween and I saw too many people leave before Vincent Price did his awesome poem. I've cut it down to just over 4 minutes and I notice more people hang around for the whole thing. It depends on where you live, and also which season (people may have more patience in October before the Christmas shopping season starts). In metropolitan areas, like here in Silicon Valley, I find that people have trouble with even 3 minutes, so I keep most of my songs to about 2 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 (edited) I also usually sequence one or two songs that are not a seasonal songs, such as hit songs or old classics. I find that it gets everyone excited to see the lights dance to their favorite song... It also give me a break from listening to Christmas music while sequencing lolMany displays have done this. I decided that all the songs in my display will either be Christmas music, or at least songs about Christmas. In order to get some old classics while still being Christmas, I use O Little Town of Bethlehem by Bob Rivers (sung to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun"), "Decorations", also by Bob Rivers, to the tune of "Good Vibrations". I also discovered December People, a local band that does Christmas songs in the style of rock classics (like "White Christmas" in the style of "White Wedding"). Edited September 5, 2014 by Steven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem5136 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Sometimes I'll edit it, it depends on the song usually. If it's somewhere in the 2 minute range, usually I'll leave it alone, if it's much longer than that I'll edit it. I also usually sequence one or two songs that are not a seasonal songs, such as hit songs or old classics. I find that it gets everyone excited to see the lights dance to their favorite song... It also give me a break from listening to Christmas music while sequencing lolEditing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsocane Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 Thank you to everyone who took a moment to chime in. It does mean a lot I promise!! I have headed the advice and HOPEFULLY wont fail!! I am sure I will see more errors than the average person walking or driving by!!! Thanks Again!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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