Music Creation and Technology

Portfolio Requirements: Submit 3-5 audio recordings of music; one video; and one written explanation as described here. For each recording, provide both an audio version and the original DAW project. (Note: please ensure that your DAW projects are self-contained. Freeze or bounce any tracks that contain third-party plug-ins and be sure that all samples or media files are included in the project). Recordings must include the following:

• At least TWO original works. These can be in any style but should demonstrate your creative use of technology (not just acoustic recording projects)
• ONE reconstruction, cover, or remix of an excerpt (between 30 seconds and one minute). Your version can attempt to faithfully recreate the original or creatively reinterpret it (or anything in-between). Pick one:

Surgeons Girl – “Steps Right”🔗

BTS – “2.0”🔗

KMRU – “With Trees Where We Can See”🔗

PinkPantheress – “Illegal”🔗

• Create one video recording (approximately 5 minutes in length) and upload this within the “Portfolio” section of your application. The video should show the following:

Your music-making studio. Talk about the gear you’re using and how you use it. (Note that your “studio” might be anything from a professional recording space to an app on your phone.)

You performing one of the works in your portfolio. This might be a solo or a performance as part of a group, but it’s important that we can clearly see and hear your contribution. If you don’t sing or play a traditional instrument, you can perform using MIDI controllers, DJ gear, etc., but your performance should clearly demonstrate how what you do in real-time affects what we hear.

• For at least ONE of the works submitted within your portfolio, include a written explanation (ca. 300 words, as either a pdf or word document within the “Portfolio” section of the application) discussing:

What tools (hardware, software, instruments, etc.) you use?

Your use of samples (if applicable): where did they come from and how have you manipulated or processed them?

Your use of hardware or software synthesizers (if applicable).

If the music involves other people, who did what?

If you choose to write about the reconstruction, what interests you about the original track?

If you choose to write about the reconstruction, what kinds of tools and techniques do you think were used to make this music?

Optional submissions: If you’ve done other creative music technology projects that don’t fit into the above categories but which make you stand out, please share them. These might include: music software you’ve written; music hardware you’ve designed or prototyped; circuit-bending projects; VJ projects; etc.