Alpha Two

With an extremely understated 18Hz beat, this week's episode is musically simple but otherwise includes a lot of experimentation. Loop-free, the whole thing was multitracked "live" and includes the first solo that I've taken on any of these podcast tunes so far. In fact, every track except the drone gets a solo moment, with the piece overall being carried by rhythmic motifs rather than melodic ones. There is a melody, but it gets pushed to the back for much of the tune. The emphasis is on texture.

Overall, I personally like it but it's hard to say how well it will hold up to repeated listenings. There is a bit of high end hiss which may detract from listening with headphones. A candidate for some remastering? Comments and criticisms welcome.

Alpha Two

Alpha One

After several weeks of distractions, I was finally able to give some decent time to producing the first episode in the alpha beat series. Along with an 18Hz beat, this one comes with a nice string sound and a greater emphasis on melody - albeit a very simple melody - than the pieces from the beta series. I think this is also the first episode to use a 7/4 time signature. Hopefully, that won't be too distracting!

Alpha One

Intermezzo

This tune had been intended as the first in the alpha beat series, and indeed carries a 16Hz beat. Weird week, though - it all just got away from me, and the tune I was developing simply wouldn't come together.

So I gave it a drone treatment, and it's pretty good for all that. Hang tight for a more string oriented sound, though - the last few minutes of Beta Four are meant to lead into what I want to do with the alpha beat tunes. Expect a return to motifs and themes with the next episode.

Intermezzo