I’m a computer guy, and I like my work. I have a fascination for the ways computers allow us to do things we could never do before. Usually I’m looking at the latest gadgets that help computers make people more productive. On occasion, however, I do let my hair down and check out some of the more entertaining aspects of the computer world. (No, I’m not a computer gaming enthusiast. Yes, I’m normal.)
I’m also a songwriter, and as I’ve mentioned in another article, I’m a big fan of computer-generated animation. It’s no surprise that the blending of music and CGA was bound to catch my attention. However, I was very disappointed with many of the offerings I was able to find. To be sure, there were a few standouts (most noticeably the “Mind’s Eye" series of videos), but most of what I saw was random computer images tied together by some pretty cheesy music. The stuff was interesting to watch once, but nothing that I’d want to watch again…and certainly nothing worth purchasing.
A friend of mine recently introduced me to some computer-generated animation by a company called Animusic. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. However, I thought I’d sit back and try to enjoy them. I didn’t have to try very hard. They were amazing! (Thanks, Bob.)
Animusic was founded by Wayne Lytle in 1995 and is based in Austin, Texas. In 2001 the company released its first full-length project, titled “Animusic". It was modified and re-released in 2004 as “Animusic – Special Edition". A second compilation, “Animusic 2", was released in 2005. These video releases are different from anything I’ve ever seen in CGA. Instead of using images that may (or may not) follow the music, Animusic uses proprietary software that results in video images that look like they’re creating the audio. If that doesn’t mean much to you, let me reword it: Animusic videos consist of wildly imaginative instruments that play themselves and the music you’re hearing.
The attention to detail is incredible. For example, in “Pipe Dreams", a circular vibraphone is played, not by a human being with mallets, but by metal balls shot out of a funnel in the center of the device. (You can see a screen shot of the contraption to see exactly what I’m describing) Each bar in the vibraphone is assigned a specific pitch, just like the real thing. Pick a bar, find its pitch, and watch the video. You’ll notice the bar gets hit by a bouncing ball only when that particular pitch is played in the music. (That might not mean much to anybody but a musician. To me, it’s incredibly cool.) Lighting, shading, and color are mixed very professionally. Each of those little metal balls makes its own shadow as it flies above, through, and eventually underneath the array of instruments. The camera angles change constantly, adding to the level of excitement. The sheer imagination it took to put this one video together boggles my mind. And there are fourteen tracks between the two DVDs!
Of course, the videos look fantastic, but the musical selections are standouts in their own right. The styles vary from techno to classical to rock to soothing ballads. I found I can put either DVD in to play and can walk away, thoroughly enjoying the music without even watching the CGA. (Thank goodness the company has released CDs of both video soundtracks!)
The big strength I’ve found in this set of videos is their appeal. My wife is used to my cartoon fascination, and so obligingly watched with me. She’s hooked. Several of my co-workers (non-tech people) have asked where they can get their own copies. There is no doubt that these appeal to a wide variety of people.
I watch these videos over and over again and never get tired of them. But if I ever do, I have a consolation: “Animusic 3" is slated for release by the end of the year. I guarantee I’ll be waiting to pick up my copy!
Additional sources for this article include Animusic.com.
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