Humbled by the Mud

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Humbled by the Mud

Grim Singmuf brings you “Humbled by the Mud!” Dropping Feb. 14th! This project is completely created on an SP-404A. The concept of the album was to sample melodies provided by Joe-Em1 and chop them up on the SP. From there make some simple drum rhythms and basslines to accompany the samples with the occasional additional instrument to complement the samples. Next lyrics are written then recorded into the SP with background dubs and adlibs dubbed over. Stacking all these layers with little to no editing makes for a very raw analog vibe. This album will also contain vocal chops from The EWEAC. Some will be micro-chopped, while others will be chopped according to syllables or individual words. Some resampled and looped. 

A little background…

Grim Singmuf and Joe-Em1 have been long-time friends. Working on music together since 2008. They have a current project together called “Chosen Format.” In which Joe-EM1 composes the instrumentals while Grim Singmuf raps. In this project, Humbled by the Mud, Joe-em1 lends some short melodies he composed to Grim. Grim Then takes those melodies and chops them up on the SP404 adding in some drums and other instruments to the mix. Musically, this album is centered around the melodies provided by Joe-Em1.

These two will continue to combine their talents as time goes on. Each embracing their solo endeavors and encouraging each other in between their paths intersecting.

About the Vocal Samples…

At least 6 tracks, including an interlude, on this 13 track album contain vocal samples from an EWEAC artist. This was done as a matter of respect for his fellow Earworm Entertainment artist. As well as added flavor to the mix! Some of these vocals are outright sampled, as in the song “On Your Knees.” However, Grim alters the sound to fit the vibe. Other vocals are chopped word for word or syllable for syllable and replayed to the beat on the SP. At times, some vocals are micro-chopped and replayed as if they are instruments. By combining Joe-Em1’s melodies with EWEAC vocals, Grim is incorporating the frequencies of companions new and old.

Short but Sweet.

Humbled by the Mud contains 13 tracks and is about 21 minutes long. Tracks averaging at just under 2 minutes. This is due to the complexity of sampling, resampling, and layering on an SP404. The 404 is only able to play a certain number of samples at the same time. The limit is about 3 or 4, depending on if the sample is stereo or mono. This is why people heavily use the resampling feature. The 404 is known to bring out the creativity of artists who use them because of its limitations.

To pull this off, you begin by first creating layers, then bouncing them to a DAW, then resampling the whole deal into the SP as a single pad. From there you can either use resample mode to add sounds on top or continue in pattern mode using that pad plus up to three more. The sequencer and the sampler, the core elements of the device, lack granularity, and precision. As such, the most efficient workflow works within those limitations and embraces a sort of organic unevenness. That is in part where the mud comes in.

Vocal Layering.

All Grim’s vocals were recorded over the beat while recording the SP into a DAW. Each song would be exported and reassigned a pad. From which it would be played out after Grim set the effects for that particular vocal layer. Then it is ready to re-record. This was repeated till Grim’s personal satisfaction. This is done with an external wireless microphone into the SP404. All vocals, except those sampled, are performed by Grim Singmuf. In Essence, this is Grim’s first album with no features on Earworm Entertainment. I do not say this to undermine Joe-Em1’s contribution, or to undermine the lyricists sampled. I say this was a matter of fact. Grim Singmuf’s collected history can be heard here.

The Mud…

Typically, “Mud” in music is a term used for a track that has clashing frequencies. Usually referring to a clouded soundscape with bad dynamics and bad imaging, with little clarity and definition. Given the fact that there is very little one can do for the mixing of a track that has stacks and layers on it, Grim knew that this album was going to be Muddy. He embraced this fact and wallowed in the mud he created until it humbled him!

Want to learn to sample?

Peep these in site Earworm links! They are 4 articles that walk you through some different methods of sound design and sampling.

1. Capturing and manipulating audio.
2. Sound synthesis.
3. Sampling in FL Studio.
4. Free Files.

A sample map for nerds:

All melodies are from Joe-Em1, except where noted.

Melody 1: Primordial Soup, Earth Worm, So Fly

Melody 2: Pistols Pot and Microdots, Quantize my Lifestyle,
The Dirt

Keys and Strings From “Q-m-L” track: Certitude

Keys and Strings From “Q-m-L” track & Melody 3 combined: Mitosis

Melody 3: On Your Knees

Melodies 1-3 Combined: Let It Steep

Melody 4: Got Nothing

Melody 5: Never Fading, Humbled

Jay vox- So Fly
DMK vox- “Q-m-L”
Canna vox- On Your Knees, Mitosis
NoBoDy vox- Got Nothing
Max vox- Never Fading, Humbled

Let us know what you think!

Leave a comment here and let us know what you think about Humbled by the Mud! We also got plenty of videos dropping and in creation, as I type this, that fact still stands true as you read this. This is because Earworm Entertainment Artist Collective does not slack. We are creators born to create. We are consistently creating something new beyond the music! lookout for new shows, videos, art, and music from my Earworm Family! Also, never forget the Schezworm Sauce!

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