Custom-Produced Tracks

Custom-Produced accompaniment tracks allow the artist to choose his or her own precise key, tempos and general style. Some artists even provide some input in terms of the arrangement "concept" and sometimes suggested instruments; for the most part, though, the arranging is left to the arranger.

There are two basic approaches to recording custom tracks: 1) Live musicians, and 2) MIDI which uses 'digitally' generated sounds, which are typically 'sequenced' on a computer. One's first reaction is that "live" musicians are preferred over "MIDI" sounds.

But hold on. Eagles Nest took several years generating an arsenal of extremely realistic orchestral sounds. Celebrated arranger, Ralph Carmichael, called them "the most convincing sounds he's ever heard." In fact, we subjected our orchestrations to the scrutiny of 25 musicians and found most of them could not tell the difference.

While MIDI can save thousands of dollars, especially using full orchestra with large string sections, many tracks call for live musicians ... or a combination of live and MIDI. The subtleties of guitar, in particular, are often difficult to sequence using MIDI. The choice between live and MIDI is typically dictated by 1) Style of music, and 2) Size of Orchestra.

Guidelines based on 'style' of music

Country / Southern Gospel - LIVE Rhythm section. If "Sweetening" is desired (strings, oboe, etc.) at Eagles Nest we typically sweeten using MIDI sounds because they sound so authentic.

Contemporary - LIVE Rhythm section. If desired, add "Sweetening" afterwards using MIDI.

Classical / Symphonic - MIDI sounds may be used exclusively.

Big Band / Jazz - MIDI sounds. Depending on how "exposed" the drums appear, it may be desirable to play 'live' drums in place of the MIDI drums. If there are 'solo' sections for trumpet, sax, etc., it may be desirable to rerecord some solo lines using LIVE player(s).

Blues / Black Gospel - LIVE Rhythm section. Add LIVE solo instruments (sax, etc.). Use MIDI strings if desired.

Inspirational (orchestral) - Use MIDI sounds. Typically because of the amount of orchestration, MIDI drums and bass will usually work very well. If there are very stylized or exposed guitar solos, a live guitar may be recorded after the track is finished.

Rock - LIVE Rhythm section almost always.