Original Songs and Personal Favorites

Discussion in 'Music, Movies and TV' started by expiated, Sep 9, 2024.

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    2024 Singing News Songwriters Search

    Starting June 1, 2024 to November 1, 2024 – you can enter the 2024 Singing News Songwriter Search.

    The Songwriter Search will be open longer this year and, even though all topics and subjects are welcome, we want to mention Christmas and Resurrection songs are encouraged.
     
    #31     Sep 17, 2024
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    #32     Sep 17, 2024
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    How do the payment schedules work at Suno.com?

    Payment schedules are structured to provide users with flexible options for managing their subscriptions and payments. The main features include a Basic free plan, paid subscription options, and specific installment plans based on semester sessions.

    1. Payment Plans Overview
    Upon creating an account at Suno.com, users automatically start with a Basic (free) plan. This plan allows users to access certain features without incurring fees. For those requiring more credits and benefits, Pro and Premier plans are available, which come with additional features and monthly renewals of credits.

    2. Subscription and Credits
    Users of Suno's paid subscription tiers will receive credits that renew daily, with Pro and Premier plans designed to meet varying user needs. Users gain 50 credits upon account creation, which serve as a basis for accessing additional services. If users deplete all their available credits, they can still manage their subscription and find information on replenishment dates.

    3. Installment Payment Plans
    For payment plans associated with educational institutions like Southern University at New Orleans, installments are divided into specific schedules. For Fall and Spring semesters, users must pay 50% of the charges at enrollment, followed by three equal monthly payments. For Summer, the plan consists of a 50% upfront payment and two equal monthly installments.

    4. Payment Processing Details
    Suno utilizes Stripe as a third-party payment processor for facilitating transactions, ensuring privacy and security during payment processing. By agreeing to the Terms of Service, users also consent to the Stripe terms, allowing for ongoing payment arrangements until the subscription is canceled. All payments made for subscription services are categorized as final and generally non-refundable unless specified otherwise by Suno.

    5. Engagement and Compliance
    Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Terms of Service to understand their rights and obligations regarding subscription management and payment changes. Additionally, meticulous attention is required during credit updates and any disputes regarding charges, which must be reported within specific timeframes. This ensures that users maintain compliance while maximizing the benefits of their chosen payment schedules.

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    How many credits does it take to create one song?

    Creating one song at Suno costs 10 credits, allowing users to generate two versions of the song simultaneously with different sounds.

    Cost of Song Creation

    To generate a song at Suno, each prompt costs 10 credits, and the generation process results in two songs that are produced with slightly different sounds, each lasting up to 2 minutes. Thus, utilizing 10 credits enables users to receive two unique musical outputs for their prompt.

    Daily Credit Limit

    Suno provides 50 credits per day as part of its Basic Plan, which allows users to generate up to 10 songs within a day (5 prompts). This credit system ensures a steady availability for users to explore creating different songs daily.

    Additional Costs and Offers

    If additional songs are required beyond the daily limit, credits can be acquired through various top-up options. However, for a standard generation of songs, 10 credits remain the constant cost for producing two distinct versions from a single prompt.
     
    #33     Sep 19, 2024
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    Are there any online services that will print music or generate lead sheets from uploaded MP3 or WAV files?

    Yes, there are several online services that can transcribe audio to sheet music or generate lead sheets from uploaded MP3 or WAV files, including:

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    What is a "stem" as relates to digital music recordings?

    A stem is a stereo audio file that's a mix of multiple individual tracks in a song, such as drums, vocals, and bass. Stems are also known as "song stems".

    Stems are printed with the processing and effects used during mixing, so they can be summed together to recreate the stereo mix by the mastering engineer.

    Stem mastering allows engineers to more easily access and isolate individual elements of a mix, so they can adjust the EQ and dynamics of the music.

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    Last edited: Sep 20, 2024
    #34     Sep 20, 2024
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    What other non-performing songwriters have had success similar to that of Diane Warren?

    Diane Warren stands out as one of the most successful non-performing songwriters in modern music, celebrated for her vast numbers of chart-topping hits and numerous awards. Other notable non-performing songwriters, while perhaps not matching her exact achievements, have experienced significant success within their respective genres. (Warren has composed nine number-one and 33 top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in a career spanning 40 years.)

    1. Max Martin
    Max Martin is acknowledged as one of the most successful songwriters and producers, with over 22 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits, making him one of the highest-grossing songwriters in pop music history. He has worked with many leading artists, crafting songs that have dominated the charts, including hits for performers like Taylor Swift and Britney Spears. His strategic collaborations and behind-the-scenes role align closely with Warren's career path, emphasizing how influential non-performing songwriters can be in shaping contemporary music.

    2. David Foster
    David Foster is a highly acclaimed songwriter and producer who has not performed as a primary artist but has nonetheless created a multitude of successful songs. With numerous Grammy Awards to his name, Foster is known for his work with artists like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. His ability to write hits across various musical genres demonstrates his versatility, similar to Warren's expansive reach within pop music.

    3. Linda Perry
    Linda Perry gained fame as a non-performing songwriter and producer, known for writing and producing hits for artists such as Christina Aguilera and Pink. Her impactful songwriting has led to several chart-toppers, showcasing her talent in a way that resonates with Warren's success in the industry. Furthermore, Perry's ability to help shape the careers of other artists through her songwriting reflects a similar trajectory of influence.

    4. Sia
    Sia Furler, primarily recognized as a performer, has also achieved significant success as a songwriter for others. She has penned several major hits for performers including Rihanna (“Diamonds”) and Beyoncé. Although Sia eventually transitioned to performing her own material, her earlier accomplishments as a behind-the-scenes songwriter bear similarities to Warren's extensive work in the background.

    5. Bobby Braddock
    Bobby Braddock, primarily known in the country music realm, has had a successful career as a non-performing songwriter. He has written multiple number-one hits and has contributed significantly to the genre. While his success is more localized to country music, Braddock’s achievements highlight how other non-performing songwriters can reach notable heights, akin to Warren's broad success in pop.

    6. Rodney Crowell
    Rodney Crowell is another example of a non-performing songwriter who has penned hits for various artists, particularly in the country music scene. His career has led to numerous accolades, demonstrating that songwriting prowess can lead to significant recognition and success without being in the spotlight as a performer.

    Each of these songwriters showcases the power of songwriting as a craft, indicating that while they may not reach the same overarching visibility as Diane Warren, their contributions to music are equally influential and recognized in the industry.
     
    #35     Sep 21, 2024
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    What is the difference between an MP3 file and a WAV file?

    The primary difference between MP3 and WAV files lies in their compression methods and audio quality. MP3 files are compressed, resulting in smaller sizes but with some loss of audio quality, while WAV files are uncompressed, leading to larger file sizes and superior sound quality.

    1. Compression Method

    MP3 files utilize lossy compression methods, which means they remove some audio data to reduce the file size. This lossy nature allows for significant savings in storage space. In contrast, WAV files are uncompressed, retaining all original audio data, which results in larger file sizes. Consequently, while an MP3 may be approximately ten times smaller than a WAV file, it sacrifices some degree of audio fidelity in the process.

    2. Audio Quality

    WAV files provide the highest possible sound quality, making them suitable for applications where critical audio quality is paramount, such as music or sound production. MP3 files, however, lose some of the original audio data and generally offer moderate-quality sound, which may be adequate for casual listening but not ideal for professional use. Users may notice a difference, especially in environments or with systems that can highlight audio quality nuances.

    3. Use Cases

    Due to their smaller file sizes, MP3 files are widely used for streaming and sharing music online, making them more suitable for applications where memory and bandwidth are concerns. WAV files are favored in professional settings, such as music production and audio editing, where high quality and detailed audio recording are essential. This distinction makes WAV files less ideal for situations that prioritize quick downloads, such as casual music listening or streaming on limited bandwidth.

    4. Compatibility

    Both MP3 and WAV files have considerable compatibility across various devices and platforms. However, MP3 files enjoy even wider acceptance due to their long-standing presence in the digital audio landscape, making them a de facto industry standard. Conversely, while WAV files are supported by most modern audio players, they may require additional software on some devices for proper playback.

    5. File Size Considerations

    WAV files typically take up significantly more storage space than MP3 files, making them less practical for casual listening or streaming purposes where storage and download speeds are critical. Users who plan to create or distribute audio content for professional use may need to invest in more robust storage options to accommodate the larger WAV file sizes.

    In summary, the choice between MP3 and WAV files ultimately depends on the context of use, balancing the trade-offs between audio quality, file size, and intended application.
     
    #36     Sep 21, 2024
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    The song "Amen, Amen" or "Amen (See the Little Baby)," was a key element in "Lilies of the Field". It was sung by Sidney Poitier's character, Homer Smith, and created a bonding experience with a group of German nuns in the Arizona desert. This gospel song has roots in the African American tradition and contributed to the film's exploration of values like justice and solidarity, particularly relevant during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

    Cultural Impact of the Song

    The song's impact has been significant, as renditions of "Amen" reached various audiences, including its incorporation into celebrations of "folk Masses" and Catholic worship throughout the years following the film's release. It has provided an energetic tune for congregations, integrating diverse musical styles into Catholic prayer. Furthermore, the song was used by notable artists and during significant events, including a performance by Harry Belafonte at the American Film Institute ceremony honoring Poitier.


    Genre: Soul, R&B, Gospel
    Notable Chart Performance: No. 1 on Cashbox R&B chart for three weeks
    Producer: Johnny Pate
    Release Year1964
    Songwriter: Jester Hairston

    The song "Amen, Amen," featured in the movie "Lilies of the Field," was prominently arranged and composed by Jester Joseph Hairston. Hairston's contributions significantly shaped the version of the song that gained recognition through the film.

    1. Composer of "Amen, Amen"

    The primary work on the song "Amen, Amen" is attributed to Jester Joseph Hairston, who published the choral arrangement in 1957. This arrangement became the basis for the version of the song featured in the film "Lilies of the Field".

    2. Historical Context

    While "Amen, Amen" has African American roots and was recognized as a spiritual, its stylistic elements align more with mid-twentieth-century gospel music rather than traditional spirituals. The song was included in various hymnals starting from the 1970s, reflecting its evolution and growing recognition within Christian worship settings.

    3. Hairston's Contributions

    Jester Hairston, who lived from 1901 to 2000, was not only a composer but also an influential promoter of spirituals and a choral conductor. His arrangement of "Amen" was critical for its cultural and musical significance, particularly as it gained exposure through the film.

    4. The Role of the Film

    The award-winning film "Lilies of the Field," released in 1963 and inspired by a novel of the same name, played a pivotal role in popularizing the song. In the film, actor Sidney Poitier performs "Amen," but his voice is dubbed by Hairston, who provides the authentic choral rendition. This connection to the film helped solidify the song's place in popular culture.

    5. Recognition and Legacy

    Post the film's success, "Amen, Amen" became a notable standard within gospel music and sacred repertoire. Hairston’s arrangement remains influential and is often performed in various worship services and cultural events, illustrating the lasting impact of his work on the song's legacy.


    Jester Joseph Hairston also had a diverse and impactful acting career that spanned several decades, characterized by his various roles in theater, film, and television. His career in the acting world reflects both his musical talent and his ability to adapt to different performance mediums.

    1. Early Career as a Choir Conductor

    Hairston's career began as a choir conductor, where he honed his skills in music and performance. His work with choirs on Broadway eventually led to singing and acting parts in plays, films, radio programs, and television shows. This foundation in music significantly influenced his later performances.

    2. Foundational Roles in Radio and Television

    He gained notable recognition as Leroy on the "Amos 'n' Andy" radio series, where he performed for 15 years. His participation in these early radio programs established his reputation and opened doors for television roles. He later appeared in "The Amos 'n' Andy Show" and played Wildcat on "That's My Mama," further demonstrating his versatility.

    3. Film Appearances

    Hairston's film career included appearances in over 20 films, often in small or bit parts. He featured in significant movies such as St. Louis Blues, To Kill a Mockingbird, and In the Heat of the Night, contributing to the legacy of early African American performers in Hollywood. His roles in films like The Alamo, where he portrayed Jethro, showcased his ability to handle more substantial characters.

    4. Diversification into Television in Later Years

    In his later years, Hairston continued to find success on television, appearing in series such as Amen as Rolly Forbes from 1986 to 1991. His final television appearance was in 1993 on "Family Matters," where he showcased his enduring presence in the industry.

    5. Legacy and Recognition

    Throughout his life, Hairston was celebrated not only for his acting but also for his contributions to music and education. He served as a cultural ambassador, promoting American music worldwide and enriching the communities he encountered. His career, culminating in multiple recognitions including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlights the significance of his contributions to both film and television.

    In sum, Jester Joseph Hairston's acting career evolved from his early beginnings as a choir conductor to a multifaceted performer in radio, television, and film, firmly establishing him as a key figure in American performing arts.
     
    #37     Sep 21, 2024
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    #38     Sep 22, 2024
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    This YouTube video to MP3 converter is one that actually works.

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    #39     Sep 22, 2024
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    Coastal Country Jam Returns to Long Beach for its 2nd Year with a Star-Studded Lineup
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    Festival Headlined by Jason Aldean and Thomas Rhett, Alongside Old Dominion, Jon Pardi And Many Others.

    Taking place at the picturesque Marina Green Park and surrounding areas on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for country music enthusiasts.

    This year's lineup features country music's biggest names, including Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Ian Munsick, Parmalee, Corey Kent, Priscilla Block, Kassi Ashton, Redferrin, Tayler Holder,
    Greylan James, and resident DJ Luwiss Lux. The Coastal Country Jam stage will come alive with a diverse array of talent, ensuring non-stop entertainment for all festival goers, all day long.
     
    #40     Sep 22, 2024