black and white book composing document

A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing

Harmonic mixing is an advanced technique used by top DJs and producers worldwide. It involves mixing tracks that are in the same or related keys, enabling long blends and mashups. The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool on my website is designed to make this process even more straightforward. It’s an evolution of the Camelot Wheel, providing you with a unique code for each of the 24 possible musical keys (12 major and 12 minor keys). This tool is not just for DJs but also for music theory students and musicians who want to better understand the relationships between different musical keys.

The Emotional Landscape of Musical Keys

Understanding the emotional nuances of each key can add another layer of depth to your mixes or compositions. Let’s delve into the psychological characteristics of each key, along with examples from the electronic music world to illustrate these points.

Major Keys

  1. C Major (8B): Often considered the “default” key in Western music, C Major is straightforward and lacks sharps or flats. It’s the key of choice for simplicity and purity, often used to convey innocence and straightforward emotions.
    • Example: “Xtal” by Aphex Twin captures a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, making it a go-to for ambient sets.

  2. Db Major (3B): A somewhat rare key that’s often used for unique, ethereal sounds. It can evoke a sense of mystery or otherworldliness.
    • Example: “Polygon Window” by Aphex Twin uses this key to create a haunting, yet ethereal atmosphere.

  3. D Major (10B): Known for its uplifting and triumphant feel, D Major is frequently used to convey joy and happiness. It’s a key that’s often used to elevate the mood of a piece, making it ideal for peak moments in a set.
    • Example: “Spastik” by Plastikman uses this key to create a hypnotic, yet uplifting atmosphere.

  4. Eb Major (5B): This key is often used to convey a sense of majesty and grandiosity. It’s the key of the epic, of the grandiose, often used in anthemic tracks.
    • Example: “Strings of Life” by Derrick May uses this key to create a sense of uplifting grandeur.

  5. E Major (12B): Known for its majestic and heroic qualities, E Major is often used in anthems and other grandiose pieces. It can evoke a sense of grandeur and majesty, making it ideal for tracks that aim to inspire or uplift.
    • Example: “Why Does the World Exist” by Max Cooper offers a complex, yet majestic auditory experience.

  6. F Major (7B): Known for its warmth and harmony, F Major is often used in songs that offer comfort, solace, and a sense of belonging. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of warmth and envelopment, making it ideal for more introspective moments in a set.
    • Example: “Vanishing Point” by Matrixxman uses this key to create a warm, enveloping soundscape.

  7. Gb Major (2B): A rare key that’s often used to convey complex emotional textures. It can evoke a sense of complexity and depth, making it ideal for tracks that aim to provoke thought or introspection.
    • Example: “Mentasm” by Second Phase uses this key to create a complex, thought-provoking atmosphere.

  8. G Major (9B): Often associated with the pastoral and the rustic, G Major is the key of the outdoors, of the countryside, and of the simple life. It can evoke a sense of earthiness and groundedness.
    • Example: “Tha” by Aphex Twin captures a sense of pastoral tranquility, making it ideal for more laid-back moments.

  9. Ab Major (4B): Known for its dreamy and heavenly qualities, Ab Major is often used to convey a sense of ethereal beauty. It’s the key of the otherworldly, of the sublime, often used in tracks that aim to evoke a sense of dreaminess or transcendence.
    • Example: “Energy Flash” by Joey Beltram captures a sense of ethereal intensity, making it a go-to for more transcendent moments.

  10. A Major (11B): A bright and cheerful key, A Major is often used in songs that are upbeat, happy, and optimistic. It can evoke a sense of brightness and cheerfulness, making it ideal for uplifting moments.
    • Example: “Inspector Norse” by Todd Terje is a cheerful track that’s both danceable and uplifting, making it a crowd-pleaser in many sets.

  11. Bb Major (6B): Known for its optimistic yet complex qualities, Bb Major is often used to convey a sense of complexity tinged with optimism. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of layered emotion, making it ideal for tracks that aim to provoke thought while uplifting.
    • Example: “Acid Tracks” by Phuture uses this key to create a complex yet uplifting atmosphere, making it a staple in many acid house sets.

  12. B Major (1B): Known for its brilliance and optimism, B Major is often used to convey a sense of optimism and brightness, albeit with a level of sophistication. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of sophisticated optimism.
    • Example: “Clear” by Cybotron uses this key to create a futuristic, yet optimistic atmosphere, making it a classic in many techno sets.

Minor Keys

  1. A Minor (8A): A versatile key that’s often used to convey a range of emotions from sadness to introspection. It’s a key that’s as flexible as it is popular, often used in tracks that aim to evoke complex emotional landscapes.
    • Example: “Windowlicker” by Aphex Twin uses this key to create a complex emotional landscape, making it a versatile track for various moods.

  2. Bb Minor (3A): Known for its mysterious and introspective qualities, Bb Minor is often used to convey a sense of mystery or introspection. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of inward focus, making it ideal for more introspective moments in a set.
    • Example: “Voyage” by Gregor Tresher uses this key to create a mysterious, introspective atmosphere.

  3. B Minor (10A): Known for its darker tones, B Minor is often used to convey a sense of melancholy, introspection, and sometimes even despair. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of emotional depth, making it ideal for more emotionally charged moments in a set.
    • Example: “Dead Skin Cells” by Future Sound of London is a haunting track that perfectly captures the essence of this key.

  4. C Minor (5A): Often used to convey a sense of tragedy or heaviness, C Minor is the key of the dramatic. It can evoke a sense of weight and gravitas, making it ideal for tracks that aim to create a sense of emotional intensity.
    • Example: “Risingson” by Massive Attack uses this key to create a brooding, intense atmosphere.

  5. Db Minor (12A): A rare key that’s often used for deeply emotional pieces. It can evoke a sense of emotional depth and complexity, making it ideal for tracks that aim to provoke thought or introspection.
    • Example: “Schöneberg” by Marmion uses this key to create a deeply emotional atmosphere.

  6. D Minor (7A): Known as the “saddest of all keys,” D Minor is often used to convey a sense of deep emotional weight, often tinged with a sense of finality or loss. It can evoke a sense of melancholy and depth, making it ideal for more emotionally intense moments in a set.
    • Example: “Halcyon On and On” by Orbital captures a sense of melancholic beauty, making it a staple in many chillout sets.

  7. Eb Minor (2A): A complex key that’s often used to convey intricate emotional textures. It can evoke a sense of complexity and depth, making it ideal for tracks that aim to provoke thought or introspection.
    • Example: “Dominas” by Carl Craig uses this key to create a complex, thought-provoking atmosphere.

  8. E Minor (9A): Known for its melancholic yet hopeful qualities, E Minor is often used to convey a sense of melancholy tinged with hope. It’s the key of the bittersweet, of the hopeful lament, often used in tracks that aim to evoke a sense of complex emotion.
    • Example: “Porcelain” by Moby captures the essence of this key with its melancholic yet hopeful tones.

  9. F Minor (4A): Known for its depth and its ability to convey a sense of gloom, sorrow, or existential angst. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of emotional depth, making it ideal for more introspective or moody moments in a set.
    • Example: “Knights of the Jaguar” by DJ Rolando is a deep, introspective track that captures the essence of this key.

  10. Gb Minor (11A): An enigmatic key that’s often used to convey a sense of mystery or otherworldliness. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of enigma and complexity, making it ideal for tracks that aim to provoke thought or introspection.
    • Example: “Age Of Love” by Age Of Love captures a sense of timeless, mystical allure.

  11. G Minor (6A): Known for its ability to convey a sense of sadness tinged with passion or a sense of urgent longing. It’s a key that can evoke a sense of emotional urgency, making it ideal for more emotionally charged moments in a set.
    • Example: “Rez” by Underworld uses this key to create a sense of urgency and emotional depth.

  12. Ab Minor (1A): A rare key that’s often used to convey a sense of haunting or otherworldly qualities. It can evoke a sense of haunting beauty or etherealness, making it ideal for tracks that aim to create a sense of emotional complexity.
    • Example: “Born Slippy .NUXX” by Underworld uses this key to create a haunting, yet uplifting atmosphere.

Practical Uses and Personal Recommendations

The Camelot Wheel and the Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool are primarily used by DJs and music producers to group keys based on their harmonic relationships. Keys adjacent to each other on the wheel are considered compatible and can be mixed or transitioned between more easily than keys that are further apart. This avoids dissonance or clashes between different musical keys, making your mixes smoother and more emotionally resonant.

It’s worth noting that my recommendations for chord progressions are based on my personal experience and expertise as a musician and composer. There are 7 possible following keys that I find harmonious or serve a meaningful corresponding purpose. However, these are my personal recommendations and should always be taken with a grain of salt.

Conclusion

Understanding the emotional nuances of musical keys can significantly enhance your harmonic mixing skills. Whether you’re a DJ looking to create a seamless mix or a composer aiming for a particular emotional impact, the Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool can be an invaluable resource. It simplifies the complex world of harmonic relationships between keys, making it easier for you to create emotionally resonant mixes and compositions.

Feel free to explore the Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool to get a hands-on experience and make your musical journey even more enriching.

I hope this deep dive into the emotional nuances of each key provides you with valuable insights for your next musical project. Happy mixing and composing!

people, emotions, feelings

The Exasperating Trilogy of Modern Speech: Upspeak, Vocal Fry, and the ‘Like’ Epidemic

Modern communication – a brilliant, marvelous tapestry weaved with an array of eloquent sounds, linguistic acrobatics, and… upspeak, vocal fry, and the incessant use of “like”. The grand opera of language has been hijacked by these three renegade stars, ensuring every sentence sounds like a question, a dying engine, or a Facebook algorithm’s dream.

Upspeak: The Question that Never Ends

Upspeak is fascinating in its ability to leave listeners in a perpetual state of suspense. Imagine listening to a thrilling murder mystery where every sentence ends on a cliffhanger. Now, apply that to every conversation in your life. Every declarative statement, every assertion is turned into an open-ended question. The suspense, initially thrilling, soon becomes like a song stuck on loop – it’s fun at first, then it starts to grate on your nerves.

Moreover, upspeak can undermine the speaker’s authority and credibility. In professional settings, constant questioning inflections can signal uncertainty or a lack of confidence. It’s as if the speaker is continually seeking validation, which can be quite irksome when you’re looking for decisive, assertive communication.

Example:

This linguistic accident has become pretty popular among the younger demographic. Gone are the days of confident, assertive statements. Instead, we’re now serenaded by a constant stream of interrogatives. Whether you’re ordering coffee or presenting a groundbreaking scientific discovery, with upspeak, everything sounds like you’re asking for directions to the nearest surf shop.

Vocal Fry: The Groan that Grows on You

Vocal fry is the audio equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for some. That low, creaky vibration that has become extremely popular is grating to the ear, especially when it’s used excessively. It makes conversations sound tedious and monotonous, sucking the energy out of interactions.

Furthermore, the overuse of vocal fry can come across as affectation, an attempt to emulate celebrities or fit into a certain image. This pretense is quite irritating, especially when it masks genuine emotion and intonation. It also impacts the clarity of speech, making it challenging to follow a conversation.

Example:

I find this also extremely well and funny acted.

Vocal fry is fabulous for those who want to add a touch of mystery to their persona. Why sound enthusiastic or lively when you can emulate a bored crocodile, right? Nothing screams ‘I’m interested in this conversation’ quite like making every word sound like an effort.

The Everlasting “Like”

Finally, we come to the pièce de résistance of modern linguistic quirks: the excessive use of “like.” No longer satisfied with its humble origins as a preposition or a verb, “like” has metamorphosed into a filler word, a verbal crutch that has lodged itself firmly in the lexicon of the masses.

And why not? Why say, “I went to the store,” when you can say, “I was like, going to the store”? Why describe things as they are when you can add a few extra “likes” to ensure your listener has the time to zone out, make a sandwich, and plan their weekend getaway in the time it takes for you to finish your sentence?

Example:

They do this in every episode. “Like” … “like” … “like” … “like” … “like” … “like” …

Perhaps the most charming aspect of this trend is how “like” robs sentences of their impact. “I’m scared” is a clear, powerful statement. “I’m, like, scared?” Well, that just leaves room for doubt. Are you scared, or are you “like” scared? Is this a genuine emotion or are we in simile territory?

So?

Upspeak, vocal fry, and the overuse of “like” are less of charming idiosyncrasies and more of constant tests to our auditory endurance. They are the linguistic equivalent of running nails across a chalkboard, an endless loop of linguistic calamities that prickle our nerves and boggle our minds.

Upspeak, with its insistent questioning, shreds the fabric of assertive communication, leaving in its wake a trail of needless uncertainty. Vocal fry, on the other hand, grates against the harmony of conversation, replacing the musicality of varied intonations with a monotonous drone that could bore even the most patient listeners.

And then we have “like,” the reigning monarch of verbal fillers. Its relentless presence in every sentence, every phrase, is a testament to our collective inability to utter a single coherent thought without resorting to linguistic crutches. It’s a constant, gnawing distraction that turns even the simplest of narratives into a labyrinth of superfluous words.

These linguistic trends, in their unyielding persistence, have managed to take the art of conversation, a dance of words and meanings, and turn it into an obstacle course of irritation and frustration. They’ve proven that language, in all its dynamic glory, is not immune to trends that test the limits of our patience and our fondness for effective communication.

So, here’s a plea to the speakers of the world: Let’s reclaim the beauty of language, the clarity of thought, and the assertiveness of well-formed sentences. Let’s bid adieu to the eternal question mark of upspeak, the sizzling ennui of vocal fry, and the relentless filler that is “like.” After all, isn’t it high time our conversations mirrored the richness and precision of our thoughts, instead of sounding like a broken record of linguistic annoyances?

The Power of Simplicity: Unraveling the Secret to Crafting Memorable Music

I can’t stop thinking about the beauty that lies in the simplicity of things. In all kinds of things, including music. And so the idea for a small blogpost on this topic was born.

In the world of music, simplicity can be a powerful and often overlooked tool. Many musicians and composers – me too, at times – may be tempted to believe that complexity and technical prowess are the keys to creating compelling and memorable music. This is not always the case. It is often the simplest melodies and arrangements that resonate most deeply with listeners and stand the test of time.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of simplicity in music, why it works so well, and provide examples of iconic musical works that have harnessed the power of simplicity to achieve greatness.

The Importance of Simplicity in Music

Simplicity allows music to be easily understood and enjoyed by a wide range of listeners. A simple melody or chord progression can often evoke a stronger emotional response than a complex, intricate arrangement. This is because our brains are wired to appreciate patterns and predictability, making simpler music more accessible and memorable.

Some of history’s most iconic songs and compositions have utilized simplicity to create a lasting impact. For example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 begins with a simple four-note motif that is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the composer’s genius. This motif, known as the “fate motif,” is repeated and developed throughout the symphony, demonstrating the power of a simple musical idea.

And just by the way, this is a great video as well.

Another example is The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” This song features a simple piano melody accompanied by basic chords and a straightforward lyrical message. The song’s simplicity allows listeners to easily connect with its message of hope and comfort during times of trouble, making it one of The Beatles’ most enduring and beloved songs.

“Someone Like You” by Adele showcases the power of simplicity. The song relies on a minimal piano arrangement and Adele’s soulful voice to convey a heartfelt message of lost love and longing. The simplicity of the music makes it easy for listeners to connect with the emotions expressed in the song, contributing to its immense popularity.

Tips for Embracing Simplicity in Your Music

Focus on a strong, memorable melody: A catchy melody can be the backbone of a successful song. Don’t be afraid to start with a simple melody and build your arrangement around it.

Use repetition wisely: Repeating musical phrases and motifs can create a sense of familiarity and cohesion in your music. However, be careful not to overuse repetition, as it can become monotonous.

Strip it down: Sometimes, less is more. Experiment with removing elements from your arrangement and see how it affects the overall feel of the song. This can help you identify the most essential parts of your music.

Embrace simplicity in your lyrics: Simple, relatable lyrics can have a powerful impact on listeners. Focus on conveying your message as clearly and directly as possible.

Trust your instincts: If something feels too complex or convoluted, it probably is. Trust your instincts and simplify where necessary.

Simplicity in music can be a powerful tool for connecting with listeners and creating memorable, lasting works of art. By embracing simplicity, musicians and composers can ensure their music resonates with a wide audience and stands the test of time. So, the next time you sit down to create music, remember the immortal words of Albert Einstein:

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

Sometimes, the simplest path is the one that leads straight to the heart.

But…

As much as I’ve praised the virtues of simplicity in music, I must sheepishly admit that I have a penchant for creating more complex musical arrangements myself.

Complex music can be an adventure for both the creator and the listener, offering a labyrinth of intricate layers, challenging harmonies, and enigmatic lyrics that can be deciphered like a musical puzzle. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, for those who revel in untangling the mysteries hidden within a composition, it can be a truly rewarding experience.

When I dive headfirst into the world of complex music, I’m like a mad scientist experimenting with sound and structure, pushing the boundaries of my craft. Sure, I might get a little carried away at times, but that’s half the fun! After all, what better way to test my own musical limits and explore new artistic horizons?

Some of the most revered artists in history have dabbled in complex music, from daring jazz improvisations to mind-bending prog-rock epics. These musicians have shown us that complexity, when executed well, can yield captivating and memorable results.

So, while I may have waxed poetic about the power of simplicity earlier, let’s not forget that there’s a place for complexity in music too. As an artist who frequently indulges in more intricate arrangements, I’m living proof that there’s beauty to be found in both simplicity and complexity. Sometimes, it’s all about striking the right balance and embracing the creative chaos that ensues. And, who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll finally master the delicate art of keeping things simple… or not!