Tag: pomodoro

Pomodoro Pt 2

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Hello readers!

If you followed my previous Pomodoro entry, you’d be aware of the personal challenge I set aside for myself, as well as anyone interested, to follow. It has been a week and few days, at the time of writing, since I’ve written and am here to report.

 So what happened!?

The first day during the first week went pretty well. I’d done my Pomodoro exercise and gotten back into my producing “mojo”. It was fun and inspiring, but had not turned out quite how I expected.

The second, day after playing some basketball, I got home with a finger sprain, which initially hindered my progress. A reasonable excuse…or so I’d like to believe. By the fourth day however, I went back to my regular non motivating routine.

That’s unfortunate.

It extended well into days 5 and 6, with a struggle on the sixth day. I did at least attempt though, but the procrastination did not end there. I even completely missed my entry which would have been this one….If I wrote it in time.

None the less, closer to the end of the second week I decided to dig into an ‘old bag’ and found a site which hosts remix competitions. I used this as a tool to get me working and keep a bit of interest.

Back on the horse!

This week has been one of those weeks full of motivation. I completed my remix, full story here, and over the weekend, managed to make this site look and function even better. www.honeypeadigital.com Check it out! It’s a work in progress, but progress in huge steps. I will continue my challenge for July too see what more I can accomplish.

Until next time.

JasonM

Did any of you attempt it? How did it go for you? If you haven’t and you are looking for that bit of motivation, why not give it a shot. Let me know what you think in the comments area.

Press Play: ‘Funny’ Story

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Hey readers!

If you can listen to music with lyrics while reading, why not give it a shot!

I went looking for remix competitions online, as part of my ongoing Pomodoro exercise (which I will report on in a few days). An interesting one in the pop genre caught my attention. The vocals and one guitar part was provided.

 Let’s roll.

I started composing my version, first with the piano, trying to find a catchy riff and progression to fit the guitar and the mood of the vocals. I was quite satisfied with what I came up with, and deliberately left some very minor timing imperfections for a more human feel.

 Drum roll please!

Then I decided to add some drums, this time in a very different way than I normally would, i.e. keying in throughout the entire song with very little “fly overs” (copy and paste). It was lacking a bit so in order to add some contrast between verse and chorus, I added some strings and an arpegiated (sp?) synth.

 Mwap mwap mwap

During my mixing session, I decided to take a break and listen to other entries submitted so far. Some were more catchy than others. I then proceed to listen to the original track and to my disappointment, it sounded very similar to what I had composed.

 Silver lining.

I contemplated not submitting it anymore but I will, at least for the exposure. Not knowing this story, someone may be misled into thinking I tried to remake the original. Hope you guys enjoy the track though, some feedback would be great!

JasonM

Pomodoro timer

Pomodoro Pt 1: ‘What it all boils down to’…and what not.

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Hello readers! I recently read a blog entry by Lydia Ravenhall, stating the difficulties with staying focused on doing what she loves. Basically put, I felt like this had been a very isolating issue for me, especially looking around and seeing my friends who seemed “less fortunate” than I, moving forward with their lives. Don’t get me wrong though, I am not comparing their lives to mine, but my progress to my goals based on my capabilities.

What does this mean?

I will be starting back from step one into my music production, due to the major lack of motivation, and developing my skills and self discipline through the use of “pomodoro”.

Pomodoro Technique

“The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.”

-Wikipedia

I first heard of this term late last year during a training called ”Learning how to learn” which I participated in. It seemed very interesting at the time but I haven’t really put it into use with my music.

 …and action!

During the next week, I will be using this technique and I will provide an update on how it goes. Maybe by then I’ll at least have an incomplete piece of music to share.

JasonM

You can also join me on this quest. Share your progress and let us know how it goes.