“Clair De Lune with Tibetan Bowls” by Dr. David Mitchell

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Dr. Mitchell

In the world of music, inspiration can arise from the most unexpected places. “Clair De Lune with Tibetan Bowls” is a captivating musique concrète composition that invites us to challenge our traditional notions of music. Inspired by a serene moment of meditation, Dr. Mitchell blends the soothing sounds of Tibetan bowls with the timeless melodies of Debussy’s “Clair De Lune.”

Dr. Mitchell’s background in music composition, developed during his studies at the University of Georgia under the guidance of Dr. Leonard (Chic) Ball, played a significant role in shaping this composition. His knowledge of tape techniques allowed him to transform ordinary, everyday sounds into something extraordinary.

This composition’s essence lies in its belief that music can extend beyond the confines of conventional instruments and genres. Drawing inspiration from avant-garde composer John Cage, who challenged the boundaries of what can be considered music, “Clair De Lune with Tibetan Bowls” explores the harmony between the symphony of crickets, Debussy’s timeless beauty, and the harmonic vibrations of Tibetan bowls.

As you listen to “Clair De Lune with Tibetan Bowls,” consider the idea that music is all around us, waiting to be uncovered in the most unexpected places. Embark on a journey of sonic exploration and embrace the simple truth that, indeed, all sounds can be music.

The Future of AI and Music: Democratizing Creation While Protecting Rights

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Dr. Mitchell

The rapid advancement of AI has sparked vigorous debate about its impact on the music industry. While some see its generative capabilities as threatening, I believe AI presents opportunities to empower artists and to help them connect with fans in new ways. However, protections must be in place to safeguard artists’ rights.

As an independent artist myself, I’m excited by AI’s potential to democratize music creation. Emergent tools can help artists expand our sound palettes and reach a wider fan base typically only accessible by artists signed to major labels. Rights holders like Universal Music Group (UMG) stand to profit too by licensing their catalogs. But they must ensure fair revenue sharing so independent artists thrive. UMG is working with Google owned YouTube and its new Content ID software to responsibly make its vast catalog available to independent artists through its new text-to-music software, MusicLM.

AI-generated content also exposes risks if platforms don’t protect artists’ rights. Musicians should control where and how their work is used. Services like YouTube must expand copyright protections and give us tools to manage AI use of our catalogs.

I recently shared some of my own experimentation with AI music generators on the Human Driven AI podcast. This conversation includes music samples and the prompts used to create them, as well as discussions around the opportunities and limitations of AI music generators.

The music industry weathered disruption from Napster by ultimately embracing change. With care and vision, AI can fuel a new creative renaissance. As an independent artist, I’m cautiously optimistic about collaborating with AI in ways that are artist-empowering. But we must stay vigilant in safeguarding our rights and artistic intentions.

What opportunities or risks do you see AI presenting for the music industry? I welcome perspectives from fellow artists as we navigate this unfolding technology together. There are challenges ahead but also much potential for creative innovation. By joining in constructive dialogue, we can shape an AI-powered future that serves all artists.

Support the No Fakes Act to Protect Performers’ Rights

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Dr. Mitchell

The emergence of AI technologies capable of mimicking singing voices has opened up new creative possibilities, but also raised concerns about misuse of personal images and voices. A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate aims to give performers more control over digital replicas of themselves.

The No Fakes Act would require consent for the use of any individual’s voice, image, or likeness to create a digital replica. Performers would have the right to authorize or decline this use. Supporters say this will help prevent misinformation and unauthorized impersonations.

As a fan of music, film, and other creative arts, I urge readers to contact your senators and ask them to support the No Fakes Act. Performers deserve to control how their voice and image are used. This isn’t about limiting technology – it’s about basic rights.

Major industry groups like SAG-AFTRA and the RIAA have endorsed the bill’s approach. They recognize AI’s potential but want to prevent harmful applications. Recent viral examples like the fake Drake track show how digital replicas can already be misused.

The No Fakes Act allows plenty of room for transformative, creative uses of AI. Exceptions are made for parody, commentary, and other protected speech. What it aims to stop is wholesale impersonation without consent. At the same time, there may be significant opportunities and financial upsides for artists who permit the use of voice replicas under fair profit-sharing deals. As AI platforms continue to evolve, they should strive to establish equitable revenue-sharing arrangements with artists and record labels. With the proper consent and compensation structures in place, voice replication technology could become a creative and lucrative avenue for performers. We should encourage innovation in this space, while ensuring creators have control over their likenesses and receive their fair share of any commercial benefits.

Performers invest tremendous time and effort honing their craft. Their voice and persona are essential parts of their art. Don’t they deserve a say in how digital replicas are used?

Contact your senators today and urge them to support this balanced approach. The No Fakes Act will help ensure AI promotes creativity, not theft. Performers’ rights matter.

Protect Working Musicians Act

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Dr. Mitchell

As an independent musician, I’m excited to learn about new legislation introduced by Representative Deborah Ross that will support the rights of artists like myself. The revised Protect Working Musicians Act (PWMA) aims to give independent artists more bargaining power when negotiating with major streaming platforms and AI developers. According to congress.gov, “This bill allows certain individual music creator owners to collectively negotiate music licensing terms with dominant online music distribution platforms. Individual music creator owners include musicians, producers, and technicians who own the copyright to a recording and either (1) earned less than $1 million in associated revenues during the prior year, or (2) qualify as a record production and distribution small business”.

For too long, independent artists have struggled to earn a fair wage from streaming services like Spotify. The market dominance of these tech giants makes it incredibly difficult for small artists to negotiate fair rates. This bill would allow indie artists to join together and collectively bargain for better compensation. No longer could Spotify or Apple Music ignore the demands of independent creators.

The explosion of AI music applications poses similar problems. Many AI companies use music without proper licensing or compensation. By banding together, independent artists could ensure our work is not exploited by unregulated AI. This technology holds great promise, but progress should not come at the expense of creative professionals.

As both a musician and composer, I understand we must embrace new innovations. But as we pave the road ahead, we cannot leave independent artists behind. Organizations like the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) and Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) are right to endorse this legislation. I encourage all artists and music lovers to add their voices in support as well. Please consider joining these organizations and supporting this legislation.

The future brings many wonders, but music will always be created by human performers, composers, and technicians. Our art and livelihoods must be protected. I applaud Representative Ross for introducing a bill that defends the rights of working musicians. Let’s work together to see it passed into law.

“Vanishing Points” for MAX/Jitter

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Dr. Mitchell

“Vanishing Points” is my latest real-time interactive MAX/Jitter patch. It was inspired by the event horizon associated with black holes in deep space.

This piece is improvised using a MAX patch and Jitter video processing software. Mouse movements control the sine wave glissandi, while the synth sounds are created using a MIDI controller and computer keyboard rewired into Ableton.

The audio texture is created with delay pipes that are controlled via the pitch wheel and computer keyboard. The direction, velocity and tilt of the video pixels is controlled by the velocity and MIDI note information from the MIDI controller and computer keyboard.

Here’s what the presentation mode looks like:

Here’s what the patch itself looks like:

Blues Falls Hard

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Dr. Mitchell

“Blues Falls Hard” is dedicated to everyone struggling with work, family, financial, medical, racial justice and mental health issues during this pandemic. This song was inspired by conversations with friends and family about what they’ve been going through in these tough times. It will soon be streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and other major streaming services.

This song was written, recorded and mixed by Dr. David Mitchell (aka The Professor). : )

Please like, share and subscribe to my YouTube channel, if you like the song.

Wedges for Classical Guitar by Dr. Mitchell

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Dr. Mitchell

I became interested in twelve-tone hexachordal combinatoriality after studying the works of Arnold Schoenberg. Wedges is my latest composition utilizing this approach. I’ve found it to be the most efficient way to cycle through the row and generate a consistent and convincing accompaniment part. It works particularly well in counterpoint.

I decided to share the score and recording on my blog because I thought perhaps music theorists would find it interesting to analyze. Besides hexachordal combinatoriality, there are a number of compositional tools packed into this piece. So, feel free to download and print the score. Here are some things to look for:

Hexachordal Combinatoriality
Wedges – You’ll find musical gestures converging on a single note from opposite directs in counterpoint.
Motivic Parallelism
Augmentation and Diminution
Octave Displacement
Rhythmic Motives in Retrograde
Polymelodies
And More… ; )

Have fun analyzing!

The Matrix

The Wedge

The Score

Wedges – Score

The Recording

https://youtu.be/Ggg6wKhbByI

“Champagne” by David Mitchell

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Dr. Mitchell

“Champagne” is a rock/funk tune, which some have described as David Bowie meets The Commodores. This song was written, recording and mixed by Dr. David Mitchell, aka The Professor.

The song begins and ends with the sound of a champagne bottle being opened. It utilizes musique concrete techniques pioneered by Pierre Schaeffer and spatialization techniques inspired by Edgard Varese.

Click on your preferred streaming service below and check it out:

My Little Hound Dog

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Dr. Mitchell

This is a video and song written for Callie, “My Little Hound Dog”. : ) She’s a rescue dog with a great big heart and a talent for catching frisbees. All proceeds go to Lifeline Animal Project. Adopt a dog today. Their goal is to #emptythecages by National Dog Day, August 26th! Share and Enjoy! Jennifer Jones Mitchell wrote the lyrics. Click on the picture below to check out the video!

“Lake Avondale” Performances in Italy

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Dr. Mitchell

Duende, an Italian guitar/piano duo featuring Donato D’Antonio (guitar) and Matteo Ramon Arevalos (piano) will perform “Lake Avondale” by Dr. David Mitchell on their tour of Italy and the US, which begins Friday, May 24th in Modeno, Italy.

Click here to view the program and details.

I will be able to share video and audio of performances in the coming weeks. Very exciting!!

Lake Avondale is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

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