Online Collaboration: The next generation

[Saudade]

I have read in GS about this "DAW" software which runs in your browser:

http://www.digimix.com/alpha/

And we all know about the concept of "online collaboration" since at least 5-10 yrs back. In fact, I have a Digital Musician.Net account, but have never used it.

Right I am not talking about "realtime collaboration" sites, which relies on streaming protocols etc like SourceConnect, nor community sites type where anyone can join projects.

My idea is a closed and secure platform, whereby users are charged a nominal monthly fee and they get this:

- secure server space - lots of it
- auto data sync across the online server space and multiple users. Users don't need to worry about where all the files are stored, everything is being taken care in the background automatically: everyone is on the same page at all times
- no need for local DAW software or closed proprietary hardware-software platforms installed on each user's computer, they just need a basic audio interface.

Let's say the scenario of a band, or a group of songwriters/producers/engineers and artists working on a new project - across time zones, states or continents.

All they need to do is log on to the online platform, along the lines of Digimix, anytime of the day they are free, at their convenience. They plug in a mic or guitar, start with some song ideas, record it directly into the DAW. They then go off to mow the lawn or to a meeting, by clicking save and log out.

The rest of the group can log on and they will see those files being recorded by their bandmate, and they continue to work on it. Imagine there are features in the DAW to help identify which part is done by which member, and can maybe even store different mixes/versions. Incorporate some virtual "post-it" notes and even a realtime chat engine. Create an "idiot-proof" interface, so that even the "singer" or performing artist (no offence for the stereotype) can know where to press "mute/solo/playlist" etc to audition the different versions and post their opinions. Basically it must be so simple that one just need to press a record button and stop button, like a VCR. No need to know which track, mono or stereo, arming, punch, tempo etc. And when the song has taken shape, the "producer" can make bounces of different versions and download the files, or maybe even export the entire multitrack session to popular DAW platforms. Or at least export a OMF type of file.

So what's the difference with the platforms/services already available? It takes away the need to have a local software installed (which means people with day jobs can log in and record some ideas during their office lunch break), the need to manually keep track and sync the data to make sure everyone sees the same thing at all times, and the need for every one to be tech savvy enough to use a "real" DAW platform.

What do you guys think? Would anyone pick this idea up? Would it be useful/popular?

Personally I think it would appeal to amateur/semi-pros who do not have time to meet up and write, work on arrangments, play around with ideas etc. Because they have to work day jobs, take care of babies, do housework or Sunday shopping It takes away all the time spent on arranging to meet up and commuting to different locations. The problem nowadays is not that nobody has free time on their hands, but that nobody in a group has free time at the same time

On the other hand, it also provides artists in the blossoming indie scenes across the world with a really efficient way of collaborating in the songwriting/pre-production stages, taking away the cost of airtickets, hotels etc....something only feasible with major label budgets, if there still is such a thing nowadays So say you hear a certain artist on Myspace, you like what they do, you can easily work with them even if they live across the pond. Opens up a whole dimension of cross border music commerce

Of course, if the platform can even incorporate the "legal" protection needs of the participants of the project, like ensuring co-writers's contribution are officially documented and their due share of rights and credit given when songs are released, and restricting registration of accounts to registered members of rights societies and the worldwide affiliation...that would be killer...

[Mr.HOLMES]

Hi by the way I like the most things you write....Great.

I I have tried working with musicians at DMN and I can tell you that it will not be the future.
It totaly lacks the comunication and inspiration part.

I see the problem that a lot of musicians even today think they have just to record behind their DAWs.

But you know what I mean.... You work in real studios!!!
Inspiration comes from direct interaction.... I bet if you would pick me up with my guitar and I look into your face as engineer I could see in it if the take was good or bad.

That is the main reason why I hate producing alone.
It is music and it is a fact that one idea can run the next and that is only possible when a lot of people are working together in one room.

Maybe it would be a time saver and money saver but it will miss the fun part about being in a tracking room with a real producer and real engineer and a real band.

As a musician I am also angry about DAWs I just use it because it saves me money.
But I would love to conentrate 100% on music...so today I am in one person Producer/Recording Eng./Mixing Engineer....

Some people would call it great progress...Ok i make money with my DAW .....local radio spots etc...
It is the worth thing what could happen to music...listen at myspace what a sonic pollution we have today.
People think to be musicians without ever playing in instrument because they have a LOGIC License.

I am 33 and I get not in my head how would this come to an good end....I would thank God if he would let me win in the lottery ... I ONLY WOULD MAKE MUSIC THE WHOLE DAY LONG.

[Saudade]

Hey, we're same age You're the 2nd dude on GS I know who is the same age as me (1st one is from Portugal)

Hmmm...I think the DAWs/bedroom studio/internet collaboration paradigm has its equal share of plus and minuses, but I tend to think inspiration will come with or without direct interaction. It is just a matter of finding likeminded musicians, with similar tastes in terms of musical aesthetics and ahem...calibre (skill level) Where I come from it's pretty quiet and there aren't people who fit into all 3 categories with me, so over the long term I hope to find people all over the world I can work with whom will be interested in what I can offer. It doesn't have to be a project that sells even 100 copies, I would still do it because it stretches and improves me as a musician. And without the internet it would be quite impossible given the reality of budgets.

So those songwriting competitions in thewomb forums are pretty exciting though I haven't got into it yet....if you listen to the output, you'd realise there are really very creative and capable people out there who love collaborating. It's just where to find them???

I have started shortlisting indie artists I have heard from music blogs etc which I would love to collaborate with, but first I have to complete my portfolio which is my EP, which I have been working on for the past 2.5 yrs And yes, I am working on it alone, by choice and necessity

[Mr.HOLMES]

Thats what I mean modern times give you the opportunity to work 2.5 yrs on peace of music. In older times you would have written your stuff would have booked a studio from your last 10 concerts money and would have played in the whole thing in two days with your band mates.

DAWs give us musicians a wide field of getting lost in choices.
Thats what I wrote in the other thread.

I was not meant to be a recording freak or mixing geek.
I was meant to make music god gave me that talent not to sit behind a DAW. At the time I see more danger as vantages for the modern musician.

But thats just me an my opinion maybe out there other opinions.
I mean we also have to see that because of DAWs and software instruments a lot of musicians are out of bread. If I hear a plastic Orchestra in a movie I could cry. Thats the moment I ask myself why haven't they booked a good B Orchestra for it or if money is an issue a good Quartet or other simple instrumentation.

By the way at the time I have a tune of a local Band on my Desk here.
I just can tell you that it lacks in Qualty but they made it thier self in ther reheasal room. Would the band have went to Studio here in Berlin I guess they would have advised them to come back when the music is adult and worth to record it.

So modern times DAWs lead the musicians also to overestimate their own work. Everything goes quick and dirty without a producer who could give some feedback.

To colaborate on the internet with other musicians maybe would be fun.
Maybe I ahve not meet the right ones that is should be true.
But I feel the internet is a anonymisation in my live anyway.

Maybe you can PM me some links I am intrestet in underground artist.

Andreas

[Saudade]

Originally Posted by Mr.HOLMES

Thats what I mean modern times give you the opportunity to work 2.5 yrs on peace of music. In older times you would have written your stuff would have booked a studio from your last 10 concerts money and would have played in the whole thing in two days with your band mates.

....
Maybe you can PM me some links I am intrestet in underground artist.

Andreas

I spent 95% of the 2.5 yrs (and counting) writing the songs, and I write on my guitars. I never get stuck at the DAW on arrangements/engineering etc cos I usually either run out of patience or stamina I only try my best at the production because I know the limit of my talent and usually hit them soon enough.

And therefore in older times I would have just sat on my couch and did absolutely nothing. Because the music I write mostly cannot be played within 2 days with a band. It would have required an chamber ensembles and orchestras, big studios with huge collection of vintage instruments, big money But it is now modern times, so at least I can live with an approximation of my musical ideas brought into fruition, instead of still living inside my head.

(PM'ed you with links)

[Mr.HOLMES]

Originally Posted by Saudade

I spent 95% of the 2.5 yrs (and counting) writing the songs, and I write on my guitars. I never get stuck at the DAW on arrangements/engineering etc cos I usually either run out of patience or stamina I only try my best at the production because I know the limit of my talent and usually hit them soon enough.

And therefore in older times I would have just sat on my couch and did absolutely nothing. Because the music I write mostly cannot be played within 2 days with a band. It would have required an chamber ensembles and orchestras, big studios with huge collection of vintage instruments, big money But it is now modern times, so at least I can live with an approximation of my musical ideas brought into fruition, instead of still living inside my head.

(PM'ed you with links)

Interesting view I think everything has two sides.
Thanks for the LINKS.

Andreas