In this digital age, it is immensely easy to network and meet new people without ever stepping out of the house. With the capability to meet like-minded people over the internet, it’s important to learn how to collaborate with those same people. Granted, it may be difficult to cultivate an atmosphere of creativity without having your writing partner right by your side, but there are ways to make collaboration easier. Here are some ideas on cultivating that creative atmosphere.
Have a Real-time Jam Session
Here at Sweetwater, we recognize that there is nothing that stimulates creativity quite like jamming with your bandmates and collaborators in real time. It may seem like an impossible feat when you are across the country or unable to meet up for practice that week! That’s the magic of collaboration tools such as NINJAM, Jamulus, eJamming, and JamKazam.
These tools are extremely effective at creating an atmosphere that you feel comfortable with. Of course, keep in mind, there will always be that “disconnect.” Think of it like this: when a live band enters the studio for the first time, it can be a huge adjustment. For example, singing in a vocal booth can cause a vocalist to feel separated from the rest of the band. Using in-ear monitors onstage for the first time can cause a similar feeling of disorientation — it can seem as though the technology is standing between you and the rest of your band. Online collaboration can give you a similar “disconnected” feeling. This doesn’t mean they don’t work, it’s just something you have to keep in mind. Try to cultivate a setting that is fitting to you and your group! Setting a good atmosphere can do wonders for the mood.
Another hurdle that comes with this and any other real-time data transfer is latency. To start, you’ll need high-speed fiber broadband, cable broadband, or ultra-high-bandwidth DSL internet service. Low-bandwidth DSL and satellite wireless services will not provide you with the speed or bandwidth you need. And, you’ll want to connect directly to your router via Ethernet cable — Wi-Fi won’t cut it because of the way it handles data packets.
Use the Cloud
It’s easy to find free cloud storage in today’s age — from Dropbox, Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and more. It can be a great way to collaborate with your band or with your friends.
By using a shareable link that directs anyone with access to the files you’ve uploaded, it is as easy as clicking on a link to see what everyone has been working on! So, you can upload a project to a cloud service, copy the share link, and then send it to all your collaborators.
While you might want to save your final archive somewhere else, one of the nice things about cloud storage is that the company in question handles the backing up of your files. So, say “no more” to meeting up with a hard drive or a thumb drive because, with cloud services, you have it all digitally!
Pro Tools Cloud Collaboration
Much like the storage services discussed above, Avid offers an even more in-depth way to collaborate over recording sessions. Much more than simply sharing files, Cloud Collaboration feels as though you’re in the same studio as your collaborators. You can share audio and MIDI tracks, edits, mix changes, and more without leaving Pro Tools. Then, without missing a beat, built-in text chat keeps you all connected. Check out the video below to see Mitch Gallagher show how fast and fluid Avid’s Cloud Collaboration can be.
Steinberg VST Transit
Similar to Avid’s Pro Tools Cloud Collaboration, Steinberg offers free software solutions if you’re on the road or can’t collaborate with your mates in person. One is VST Transit Go, and the other is VST Transit Join. They are both free iOS apps available in the App Store. No matter where you are or what DAW you use, you can record your ideas, use your own plug-ins, share the project with your friends, and then they can contribute their ideas! If you’re a Cubase user and don’t have an iOS device, don’t worry. Transit is already built in, and you’ll be able to record and share your ideas, too.
In Conclusion…
Time and location being barriers to creative collaboration is a thing of the past if you want to record with your bandmates or with like-minded musicians. There are plenty of options out there, and no matter which one you choose, you’ll always be able to get creative with each other! If you have any questions or need advice on how you want to collaborate or which gear would be best for your application, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
