Written by Melissa Alvarez, Class of 2022
I always have an ongoing list of music that I want to create. Often I feel overwhelmed by the number of possibilities in mind, like there are too many ideas going on in my head at once to make progress on one project. Whether it be a video game cover, a ukulele cover of a song I’ve been loving or an original work of my own, I always enjoy sharing my work on social media. In this blog I will be outlining the logistical and creative process from start to finish of creating content on Youtube!
1. How do I choose what music to cover?
I always choose a track that I enjoy! Obviously, if I don’t like the music, it won't be enjoyable to arrange and record for hours and hours and hours. I also like the track to be from a video game, show, cartoon or artist that I’m familiar with or passionate about.
2. What’s First?
Personally, I first look for the sheet music or lead sheet as a reference for my arrangement. Most of the time, I arrange by ear and just record various parts straight into my DAW. However, I do not recommend this method. This way can get very disorganized despite being easier for me in the moment. When I am being a good egg, I write out an arrangement in a notation software and practice BEFORE recording. This way, I’m working smarter not harder and if someone would like to perform it, they can!
3. Recording time!
I try to record audio and video at the same time (feed two birds with one scone). When I record, I try and make sure it is quiet and that I have plenty of time. I always make sure my mic placement is ideal and that I am prepared to record so that I have to do as little editing in post as possible.
4. Mixing/Mastering
Then I enter the mixing phase. I cut and paste, add fades, adjust levels, add effects and make everything meld together. The DAW I use is Reaper and most of the plugins I use are free! In this process, I always listen to my mix through various mediums (headphones, computer speakers, phone speakers and even car speakers) . Believe it or not, the mix may sound very different between different speakers. I also send my mix to a couple friends to get their feedback and get a fresh set of ears.
5. Video Editing
Next I have to stitch together all the videos and audio! This phase is the most time consuming for me. I am very picky with aesthetics and how I like my videos to look. I previously used adobe premiere to edit but now I use davinci resolve!
6. Thumbnail and Description
Then I create video thumbnails for YouTube and a cover image for Soundcloud. For the thumbnail, I like to use the same format and font on each video for uniformity. Although this can be boring, it is best for YouTube’s tricky algorithm and so my tiny audience can easily recognize my videos! I also write up a description to put below the video.
7. Upload!
I upload the final video to YouTube and the final audio to Soundcloud. I recently have been using the end card feature on youtube and schedule my videos to premiere at a certain time.
8. Advertise!!!
Last but not least, I advertise the release of the video on social media! I use Instagram and Facebook to let people know a new video is coming. I advertise the night before the drop as well as the day of. I try and coordinate this when I think people will be on social media most (usually first thing in the morning and at night before bed)
*SHAMELESS PLUG* If you’d like to see what I do go subscribe to me on YouTube and follow me on Instagram!
Instagram: missy.alvarez.music
Newest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUsdAzzM5WU
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