What did we do well?
As a band, I think we effectively communicated our thoughts and proposed ideas to each other in a civil manner. This made the composition process a lot easier and I’d like to think everyone felt comfortable having a say in things. We were quick to develop ideas and put them into action and we structured the song by listening to how long the verses are rather than having Ashton and Luke work around us. Each of our parts were our own individual responsibilities, no one relied on someone else and help and feedback was given when asked for.
What did I do well?
My role this term was providing evidence and recording our rehearsals to share with the band, both to show development and listen to what we could change. I didn’t need to put much thought into what I was playing on bass but experimented in the chorus and put myself forward for vocals during the chorus throughout next term’s studio recording. That’s a challenge of confidence for me, but I want to build that confidence in a comfortable environment with no judgement.
What could we have changed?
Some variation during the verse would have made it more interesting but I’m not entirely sure how they sound together as band members weren’t present on the day of recording. A few mistakes were made by all of us so getting used to being in front of a camera or being recorded might ease the stress. Other than that, we could repeat certain sections more for practice to ensure parts are strong and in time.
What could I have changed?
I might have had more fun making the bass more complex but I don’t think it would have sounded good unless the strumming pattern was altered to match or syncopate with me. I’m not used to recording myself playing to getting used to that could help, particularly for next term.
What practice techniques worked?
We ran through the transition between the end of the chorus and a verse multiple times which seemed to help us remember what we were doing in that part. Overall, I think we function best as a band if we do full run-throughs or practice in small groups, like both of the guitarists working together, bass and drums working together, vocalists working together and switching it up as of when it’s needed.
Was our development documented appropriately?
My documentation on our development is sufficient and consistent but could have been structured clearer, similar to how this is structured.
What did I enjoy and not enjoy about this project?
I enjoyed not being responsible for every part, in honesty. It’s fun to focus on one part and work alongside others but still have the chance to give feedback, this seems like a much quicker and less stressful method of composing for live instruments. Plus, we didn’t have the pressure of performing this term so I felt a lot less stressed.
However, it’s hard for me to stray from my own idea of how it could sound. Being alone in a project means I can alter every part to my taste and I’m used to this. On the other hand, having multiple people with new ideas means a project could be more impressive and enjoyable than my ideas on their own as they could combine.