Beyond the Album Cover: A Web Developer's Exploration of Audio

audio engineering, songwriting, graphic design

My music journey, fueled by a 2010 degree and live performances, took a turn in 2021. Intrigued by audio engineering, I dove into software and composition, releasing my first single (Feb 2022) and a full album (Oct 2022). I believe that this experience strengthened my ability to craft even more engaging user experiences on the web by incorporating sound design when strategically appropriate.

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Compilation Track:

The Process:

Diving In: Tools and Workflow

AbletonMusic ProductionAutomation
Leveraging my musical foundation (theory, recording) from my degree and band experience, I began exploring music production. I opted for Ableton Live, drawn to its intuitive interface with a clip-based workflow. Similar to building user interfaces (UIs) in web development, Ableton uses a grid system where elements (audio clips) can be triggered, sequenced, and automated for a dynamic composition.

After completing online tutorials and an in-depth course, I successfully produced and released music (single, album). This experience not only fueled my creative side but also provided valuable insights into project management, iterative workflows, and the power of automation – all transferable skills that benefit my web development work.

starting the learning process

grid layout that pulled me into the DAW Ableton

Dapper and Toasty: Experimentation and User Experience

Affinity DesignerGraphic DesignAbletonAudio EngineeringSound Design
In today's digital landscape, capturing and retaining user attention is paramount. My album, 'Dapper and Toasty,' explores this challenge through a constantly evolving soundscape. Drawing inspiration from dance, electronic, and experimental genres, the album employs unexpected sonic juxtapositions and dynamic shifts. This deliberate use of non-traditional combinations aims to keep listeners engaged and discovering new elements within the music.

The creative process involved layering MIDI instruments with live vocals and traditional instruments. One key takeaway involves the challenges of audio mixing for various playback systems – a hurdle directly applicable to web development, where ensuring consistent user experience across different browsers and devices is crucial.

The album cover was designed using a digital collage technique in Affinity Designer, incorporating public domain imagery.

album cover pieces selected in software

album cover final result

Moving Forward

Music will always be a cherished creative outlet. However, my professional focus lies in the captivating world of web development. My exploration of audio engineering has equipped me with a valuable skill set, particularly in understanding sound design and user experience. This knowledge, coupled with my web development expertise, allows me to craft even more engaging and interactive web applications.