Biggie covers on Microsoft Songsmith

Microsft has just launched a developmental programme called Songsmith, which allows you to make music even if you don't know the first thing about music theory.

On the surface this seems like every bedroom rappers dream come true. After all you can't go to Hip Hop night any more without every second member of the crowd trusting their latest mix-tape on you or raving to you about the time they supported Jehst when he came to town.

Apparently it can pick up the tones from your voice and then translates these into chords, which it then puts over the top of drum loops along with a whole host of arrangements on top. On the surface this sounds like a gift to all those bedroom emcees everywhere.

Knowing nothing about music theory, so I fit their target audience perfectly. Time to see if this thing can handle a bit of Hip Hop in the mix as I attempt to cover the first verse of Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.

The simple answer is that no it can't really, nor is it particularly good for putting anything resembling a song together. I very quickly exhausted all the options and changing the chord options makes little difference to the overall track as there is no way to drop out or punch in the other instruments. Nor can you make any variations to the drums.

Also, because it works out the tune from the vocals when you are recording there are only drums which on the jazzier tracks is rather tough as snares and kicks fly all over the place. This is however quite good if you're trying to make a Hip Hop song because it's easier to follow the beat.

Are programmes like this likely to have Premo and co shaking in their boots? No. Simply there's just not enough leeway to get what you might want out of it, although this may change as it develops.

It might be fun for a few people to have a laugh with for ten minute but to be honest the main thing I learn was that people who have no knowledge of music theory, probably shouldn't make music and people who can't rap probably shouldn't try to cover one of the greatest rappers to ever touch the mic.


Crap Rap Files Vol 1. Vern - Juicy





Image courtesy of Chiceaux