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  • The Human Orchestra

The Human Orchestra

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Started December 1st, 2022 · 2 replies · Latest reply by Timbre 3 years ago

D
deleted_user_1089955

0 sounds

322 posts

3 years ago
#1

You may know about the concept of playing "air guitar" or "beatboxing": Imitating instruments with your vocal sounds. Recently, I discovered just how easy it can be to make such sounds and turn them into playable parts of an ensemble.

-

THE IDEA
All that's required is that you imitate an instrument with your voice and you make a C note. If it's a noisy sound (like a cymbal crash), you don't even need to worry about the C note. Just make a good sound! Don't be perfectionist with the tuning, just get as close to C and hold it as steady as you can. Try to make a short version and a long one as well, for more freedom of playing style.
This is something casual, something you make in 30 seconds, not 30 minutes! Don't stress over it. I can do tuning, denoising, etc. if needed.

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PROOF OF CONCEPT
I recently made this piece: https://soundcloud.com/sonic_kitchen/air-band
...using these sounds:
Air "Distortion Guitar" https://freesound.org/people/strangehorizon/sounds/662028/
Air "Double Bass" https://freesound.org/people/strangehorizon/sounds/662025/
Air "Beatboxing"/"Drums" https://freesound.org/people/strangehorizon/packs/34429/

I'd love to see the concept taken further, with many people imitating many instruments, so we could have something resembling the size of a real orchestra!

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COMPLETIONISM
Here's a checklist for myself to follow as I flesh out this concept further. Those who are interested can copy my list to notepad, get rid of my x marks, and start making some funky mouth noises! grin

[ ] Acoustic Guitar
[ ] Banjo
[ ] Brass/Woodwind
[x] Choir
[ ] Clicks/Pops
[ ] Crotales
[x] Distortion Guitar
[x] Double Bass
[ ] Electric Bass
[ ] Electric Piano
[ ] Flute
[ ] Marimba/Xylophone
[ ] Overdrive Guitar
[ ] Piano
[x] Synth Drums
[ ] Timpani
[x] Whistling

Once we have a big enough grouping of instruments, we can compose for them or something. Maybe even make an album of it!

Timbre

3,354 sounds

2,337 posts

3 years ago
#2

Borborygmi at one third speed is Timpani-ish
https://freesound.org/people/Timbre/sounds/662217/
(Don't have the spinach)

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