Paul McEwan » Music

Television theme song composition by me

Paul McEwan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:07:34 +0000

I compose music when the mood strikes but I dislike the process of recording. Perfecting studio recordings is not my idea of fun. I think I’ll just start doing this, play it through once and let that be it. So this is as good as it’s going to get.

My music is relatively simple, melodic and easy to remember. I enjoy writing as if for television. This one in particular might work as a drama. If you want to use it or record it, please contact me.

This song is called Patricia.

Extended Desktop Monitors

Paul McEwan — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:18:11 +0000

Once you’ve extended your desktop to two monitors there is no going back. It’s the only way to work and that’s all I have to say on that subject. OK, how about a list?

It’s like…

chocolate and peanut butter
The best thing since sliced bread (In fact I would trade it)
Breakfast at Denny’s 3:30am Sunday Morning
Getting a parking spot in front of Starbucks down town Vancouver
Getting a parking spot anywhere downtown Vancouver
CSI man

What would email look like if it was invented today?

Paul McEwan — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:38:35 +0000

That’s the question Google asked themselves when they decided to create a new communications system that simply blows traditional email out of the water. That system was announced today and it’s called Google Wave. Preliminary reviews are coming in and the prognosis is good, even exceptional.

Don’t worry, you still use your regular email address. Only now you get the functionality of instant messaging, website integration, drag and drop photo sharing, community collaboration, website content writing, Twitter integration – oh and email too, but the list goes on.

It’s all based on HTML 5 which has become the standard for all modern web browsers which means it will not run on Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) without plugins. That’s because Microsoft IE is not considered a modern web browser in most developer’s tribes.

Ambitious as hell. The demo at the Google I/0 ended with a standing ovation.

I have not done it justice trying to explain what Google Wave is here. The best explanation I have found, which I encourage you to read, is here. Register to be the first to sign up here.

Submissions to the NEW “Hockey Night In Canada” theme song challenge!!

Paul McEwan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:50:26 +0000

An old band mate and collaborating song writer friend of mine was fortunate enough to have 6 [six] songs approved for submission in the NEW “Hockey Night In Canada” theme song challenge!!

If you click on the URL it will take you to the CBC Hockey challenge page and to one of his 6 [that’s six] particular songs that was submitted. The more comments he gets and the more ratings will certainly help him get to the finals and he is very appreciative.

Winning would certainly be a dream of a lifetime for him.

1) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/277717

2) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/324812

3) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/324804

4) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/324844

5) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/324826

6) http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/324822

Meet Moot Booxlé

Paul McEwan — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:08:40 +0000

This is what The Chrystal Method might have sounded like if they came out in the ’70’s. Techno wasn’t invented then and they can’t play as good as this Moote so fat chance of that.

(for those reading in facebook)

This is a video of one guy, a rack of 1970’s modules all wired together and a drum beat playing a techno solo. He starts out a little unsure it seems but goes completely mad late on. This guy knows what he’s doing.

THE YAMAHA KX-88

Paul McEwan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:23:12 +0000

I have an idea for a musical production and am looking forward to stepping back into that arena. As a keyboard player this will mean updating a lot of my gear. I will definitely need a new laptop and digital audio workstation software among other smaller sundries to move into the modern age of digital recording and live performance. My synths are so old they are cool so I won’t need any of those. But my KX-88 Keyboard Controller is a beast and I started to look around for another more up-to-date Keyboard Controller.

It turns out that after 23 years, the KX-88 is still top of the line for a number of reasons.

I should explain what a Keyboard Controller is. A Keyboard Controller is a keyboard that plugs into acomputer, modules or another keyboard to use their sound. A Keyboard Controller’s buttons, knobs and pitch bends etc are all assignable.

Why use a Keyboard Controller?

Most importantly, feel: The KX-88 has all wood, hammer action weighted keys with after-touch. This WILL make a piano sample respond, play and sound better. The KX-88 is still high up in ratings and reviews as being one of the best out there to this day.

Cost: Once you own a Keyboard Controller you don’t really need to purchase another keyboard again. If you want a new synth then buy the module or even cheaper, purchase the virtual synth software and install it on your computer.

The KX-88 is a heavy beast which is annoying when you’ve got a gig and as you’re carrying it you realize the darn thing doesn’t make a sound on it’s own. But I’ve grown to love it; every dent, scratch, sticker and scuff mark, this thing is durable.