We all know the feeling of inspiration when you get a new sound library and play it for the first time. It seems like the ideas just pour out of you...and then there are those days that a "dribble" is an accomplishment! Yet, I digress. Unfortunately, it's usually in between projects when we try them, so rarely do those ideas ever end up in a project. So, part of my daily routine is to "troll" the web and see if I can find new companies and sounds that sound "cool" and then I'll keep a list so when I start my next film or project, I'll go through that list and see if there's anything that might play well within that score. Why I like doing this, is if I do find an instrument, purchase and download to incorporate in the score I find that having this "brand new shiny toy" gives me nice inspiration as I'm developing the score for the first time. A good example of this is the last film that I did (Jimmy to be released later this year - starring Ted Levine and Bob Gunton) and I knew that I wanted a distinct sound and not merely orchestral. I ended up purchasing and downloading a "Zither" from Bouldersounds.com and before I knew it, I had a thematic that would run throuout the film and become one of the major themes. Trust me, it's a great way to be inspired! Now, all that being said, not all music sites are new and unique sounds that have never been created before and even though "trolling" is an essential part of my existence, I do have a few sites that I visit on an almost daily basis because they are continually creating new content and updates and I want to make sure that I stay one step ahead of the competition - and if you're reading this, that would be you! So, as of this blog, here a my top ten websites that I continually keep my eye on because of their pertainance to my writing.
1. Cinesamples.com
I own several libraries by these guys including "Cinebrass and Cinebrass Pro," "Hollywoodwinds," "Cinetoms, "Cinebells" and let me tell you that these are "go to" libraries that have become a part of almost every score that I do. Now, one of the reasons that I continually check in on these guys is because they are currently in production on a new orchestral woodwinds library. And if this new library is as good as their Cinebrass and Cinebrass Pro, we have an incredible library on the horizon. I'm currently using another woodwind library and unfortunately it hasn't kept up with current technology and I'm looking forward to hearing what Cinesamples comes up with. The other part of this new library that is exciting is the ethnic library that will be a part of this.
2. Audiobro.com
LASS (Los Angeles Scoring Strings) is this company's only product (at this point) but when your only product is the industry's leading library, you can certainly rest on those laurels (I'll be doing a review on LASS later). However, the rumor mill is that owner Andrew Keresztes is in development of either a woodwinds library or a brass library...once again, if they are anywhere in the vicinity of LASS, these libraries will dominate the industry.
3. Orchestraltools.com
Here's a company that has just blown away the field in the "orchestral specialty samples" arena. Initially, they came out with "OSR" (Orchestral String Runs) that emphasizes with, what else, playable convincing string runs and intervals. They sound incredible. Their next entry was "Symphonic Sphere" (which is actually my next purchase) and includes "Trills Orchestrator" for strings and woodwinds that go all the way up to 5th trills and a "Harp" that is set-up like a real harp. Actual pedal assignments make this harp the most convincing virtual harp on the market. Now, add the fact that they are currently developing "Berlin" woodwinds library. Looks like it's race to the finish line for a few of these companies to get their WW libraries to market. It's a great time to be a composer!
4. Spitfireaudio.com
Originally, these guys were an "invite only" exclusive and expensive orchestral library that was used by mostly "A" players in Hollywood and the UK (they're a UK based company). A simply gorgeous library, it wasn't available to the masses until they introduced a few smaller libraries commercially (percussion and harp were two of them). I recently just purchased their newly released library "Abilon" which includes specialty patches like "high octave strings," "Low Octave Brass," "Brass, Strings & Woodwind FXs," "Percussion patches," and many many other usable instrument patches. It's such a great add on to your sample library arsenal! They are currently in production with Albion II - Loegria witch is the follow-up and continues the superb orchestral sounds that really does make this a complete library. Aside, from all of that, they are always creating new libraries and every once in a while, they put something up for free! Ya gotta love free!
5. Sonokinetic.net
This is one of those truly exceptional music websites. They come out with sample libraries that no one else has considered. Once again, I have a few of their libraries and have not been disappointed. With titles like HIPP (an orchestral toms percussion library), Sultan Strings (middle esasten based string library), Tutti (orchestral hits, tension chords and builds), Maasai (african based loops, instruments, vocals)...well, you get the idea. There's a wide range of virtuals that you really won't find any where else. By the way, Tutti is phenomenal when spicing up your sequenced orchestral tracks! More about that at a later time.
6. 8Dio.com
8Dio is one of those surprises that have really become a big player in the virtual instrument world. And with the advent of "Adagio Violins," they are starting to compete with the LASS's of the world. The realism of the demo's are pretty impressive. I recently purchased the "Legacy Series: Scoring Piano" which is a vintage 1928 Steinway Grand and it is absolutely beautiful. If you're looking for that "Thomas Newman" kind of sound, this piano definitely delivers! They also have many other instruments from a small "Train Flute" to their notable, "Requiem Pro" choir virtual which is not cheap, but you do get what you pay for and this one is worth every penny! To see a full list of all of their instruments be sure to put this company on your "go to" lists!
7. Heavyocity.com
Heavyocity had always been known for their music/sound design virtuals and they are great (I own Evolve Mutations and ALWAYS go to it when scoring - it lays beautifully when doing orchestral scores), but when they introduced "Damage" (dark, aggressive HUGE epic percussion) they really rounded the corner and have made an even bigger name for themselves. To me, "Damage" is one of those virtuals that NO composer should be without. I literally can't live without it now...whether small single hit subs or huge epic thundering chase scenes, this is one bad boy! The countless reviews on this package from magazines, online and users definitely are a true test to the usefulness and necessity of this virtual. This makes me check this site regularly to see what else they might be coming up with.
8. Orangetreesamples.com
My first review was on this company's "Evolution Guitar - Strawberry." Needless to say, I am blown away by what they are doing. Primarily a fretted instrument site (Electric & Acoustic Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar), they do have a few world instruments like "Grand Kalimba," "Mesawinds" and "Passion Flute." One of the reasons that I put them on this list is because of their innovative way of approaching the "Evolution Electric Guitar," it's amazing sound realism and utilizing the new Kontakt 5 engine. I'm looking forward to seeing what new tricks they'll have up their sleeve in the future.
9. Samplelogic.com
I like their line on their site, "Burring the Line Between Music & Sound Design" and that's exactly what they do. I own "Morphestra" and as much as I go to "Evolve Mutations" from Heavyocity, I probably use this even more. It is an incredible cinematic virtual instrument. Sounds that really are unique and when creating multis in Kontakt, you have sounds that no one has experienced. But, the biggest boom for them in the past year has been the introduction of "Cinematic Guitars." I used this one on my last film and let me tell you about inspiration...this is one incredible package. Don't let the name fool you - this isn't your "run of the mill" guitar package...in fact, I'm not really sure they should have called it guitar in the first place. It's so much more that just that. Go listen to the demos and you'll know what I'm talking about. I'll definitely be doing a review on this one in the future. This company continues to "blur the lines" and I can't wait to hear what comes out of them next!
10. Samplelibraries.com
Here's a company that I can't wait to have a project to justify the purchase of an instruments that I want. Eduardo Tarilonte is the owner creator of these libraries and has some pretty incredible sounding stuff. For example, "Dessert Winds" is a library that, along with others, contains an Armenian Dudek that is just ridiculously good! The playability and legato mode of this instrument leaves you really wondering if this is a live performance when you hear the track. This one is definitely on my radar of instruments to get. Other titles like "Epic World" (sound landscapes), "Forest Kingdom" (a unique sampled library inspired by nature) gives you an idea of his approach to music, textures and design. It's one thing to come up with unique and different sounds but to have them sound as incredible as they do (granted they are the sites demos - I won't be able to give a total thumbs up until I can actually get my hands on some of them). So, this site is definitely worth keeping an eye on as Eduardo is continually creating new libraries.
So there you have it...there are many other sites that are definitely worth keeping an eye on, but for the moment theses are the ones that are "shaken' it up" for me. I'll keep you posted as someone knocks off any of these "Top 10." And with the way technology keeps processing and changing the way we write and perform, I'll post a "This Weeks Top Ten" as new stuff comes out and things progress...it's an exciting time to be a musician!
Til next time!
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