Textures and acoustic environment

Track 1:

The stands are having an impact on the sound of the music as the stands are vibrating the sound around which causes a slight echo. This could be due to the walls being higher up than the source of the sound causing reverberation along the solid walls. Also, the material of the stands (concrete) makes the reverb stronger than a soft material. On the other hand, the floor below the marching band is soil - this could absorb some of the sound. However, the stairs could stop the reverberation which would ultimately cut up the echo. However, considering the fact that the music is from a marching band - the delay in sound cannot be heard much as there are a lot of textures in the piece. Also, there are a lot of people in the stands so this could affect the velocity of the instruments as people can absorb the sound waves.
Marching bands have a lot of loud instruments because they perform outside in the open - therefore there are no reverberations around that could echo or emphasise the sound. Therefore, they need loud instruments that can be heard clearly outside.
This music is suitable for the acoustic environment as the the stadium - although having stands - is still very open and spacious. Therefore, the marching band is not too loud nor too quiet.

Track 2:

I can hear slight reverb in the main vocals. I believe that it could be digital or the room. The fact that there is no filter on the microphone could suggest that mic is picking up the reverb from around the room. However, since reverb cannot be heard so easily on the two guitars which seem to be using a similar mic - it could be digitally added to the vocals in order to strengthen them. However, it could be that the other microphones are picking up the vocals slightly later.
The guitars have been recorded on a different microphone.
The texture of the music isn't very thick but it isn't thin either. The acoustic environment it has been recorded in suits the music as it is big and doesn't have much in it. Also, since the main instruments are guitars they don't need much reverberation as they have their own acoustic hole in the body of them. Also, the keyboard is electric and has been set to a more atmospheric piano sound.

 Track 3: The beginning has quite a thick texture as there are different as there are 4 sections of the choir singing in at different times. At 0:25 the present of delay is clear. Also, at 0:55 the delay of the soprano singers lasts for almost 3 seconds. At 1:00 the texture becomes very thin and reverb can be heard more obviously in both the male and female voices up until 1:25. At 1:34 more singers enter again - adding vocal ostinatos. The soprano singer, at 1:55, has a dynamic range that causes an echo that last for 4 seconds. At 3:09 when the texture of the piece further develops - the acoustics of the environment make the bass singers voices sound more bass than a voice. The texture of the piece constantly changing gives the piece more dynamic range. This music is suitable foe the space as their are a lot of tones and the acoustics helps separate them and allow them all to be heard. In effect the acoustics, in my opinion, mix the piece very well. You can hear the atmosphere of the room which creates of sort of dither in the recording which helps pick up the bass singers voices.

Self management and professionalism

The financial and self management considerations for a freelance artist are relatively similar to any other freelance profession. Financial considerations would be; tax, funding, profit, national insurance and tax relief. These fundamental financial considerations - if kept on eye on - will benefit the self employed worker. However, for the freelance musician - the cost of production, tours and gigs are included. If one understood tax in more detail, they would be able to calculate the expenses of work related products they have bought - and get tax relief of them. For example; the cost of petrol to a gig and buying a new instrument. By doing this, a freelance musician would be saving money. This is beneficial as this money could then be used to forward a project (be used as funding for an event) - or could go on home necessities. However, if one does not keep an eye on tax on returns and does not make their payments on time they will get fined. If one also ensured that from the sales of merchandise - profit would be made - as this work is their main source of income. The costs that will be involved in promoting and starting tours/gigs would too have to be summed up to ensure a profit as the amounts of money needed for a tours are quite substantial. It is important to keep track of finances  as if one does not manage their finances they will eventually lose profit as they may over spend. It could also lead to them being able to fund the production of their music - therefore they will not progress in the industry. If a professional does not keep an eye on their finances this will show on their track record and employers will not consider hiring them.  

The self management considerations for a freelance artist are more than that for an employee, as one would ultimately become their own manager. Therefore, one would have to plan their own goals and targets to achieve, network and negotiate with others. By doing this they will be able to progress in the industry as having more links makes success inevitable. They would also have to find the means to put up gigs/events on their own by targeting big companies for advertisement and funding. Negotiation skills would be one of the most important skills to have as this would enable one to voice their ideas and goals in a professional and clear manner. This is especially important when looking for funding as noone will willingly give money away. One would also have to manage their fan base and online pages to keep up to date for their fans. If one didn't  their fans would lose interest - and looks bad in the industry and could affect them getting promoters to perform at events. A freelance artist would have to understand the different types of contracts that they may become subject to. If one didn't they could sign away all their rights to the music they made - this would lose them a lot of money and possibly royalties if they signed up for mcps.  The importance of a professional approach when being freelance is vital as you take on the roles of more than one. Therefore, being punctual, planning and prepared would enable one to keep on track with what they have to do. For example, planning an interview and a tour at once would need a lot of documentation as a road book would need to be written up. If one did not have these skills they would lsoe track of what was happening when and where and lose out on opportunites such as meeting an a+r for def jam at a gig they were supposed to be performing at. At an interview one would need to be punctual and prepared for the questions they may be asked. If one didnt they could lose the image they have as a person and they may lose interest in the industry as interviews are great for marketing ones image. Overall, good self management is very important - especially for freelance workers. Although employees need to posses self management skills such as; being prompt with work, punctual, time management, setting goals and achieving them and furthering their own skills (musical, business) - freelance workers need to double the responsibility of executing these skills in their professional life. If they do not they will not be able to network within the industry as they will not even get hired. Also, they are the only people who can keep track of their daily duties and projects unless they have a manager - however most artists that start out do not. This is important as if they are not prompt with work, not only will they not have anything to show for themselves - but they will not be able to develop as an artist.  Although it is hard to take up so much responsibility the rewards that come are worth it. The experience and knowledge that one gains as they have had to juggle between roles in the industry. Also, the personal contacts one would have that could evidently secure them a place in the industry.  However, one could get tired of all the work that is needed. Also, this could lead them into debt if for example they do not pay their tax return on time - or forget to collect their ppl - or didn't sum up the profit they could make for a tour well enough as a freelance artist needs money for household bills as well as their job expenses. However, by stating that your home is where you work, one could get tax relief off their ; internet,water,gas,electricity and phone bills.

The importance of a professional approach is vital as one works for themselves. Therefore, their reputation isnt foreshadowed by that of a large company. A good reputation in the freelance world is arguably built through professional mannerisms. Therefore it is important to keep an up to date CV which clearly broadcasts ones work, also to be punctual, well mannered and prepared. It may be beneficial to join an organisation such as the performing rights society.

If one is professional on the buisness front they can let a bit loose on the practical side. If a freelance artist is consistently late to recording sessions no one would want to work with them - so being punctual is very important. Especially for an artist who performs as they will need to be ready to go on stage, pack up ect. Also, if a freelance worker is very professional - they are more likely to be trusted as they do not have references from a company that they work for. They are by themselves and represent themselves.

Also, being professional helps to find jobs on the side as networking skills could lead one to a sideline job. For example becoming a session player.

Overall, being professional is highly important in any freelance role. It entails networking and negotiating which are the two main skills one needs to get higher up in the industry. As through meeting new people, new opportunities arise which could benefit ones reputation, fan base or income. Also, the fact that everyone in the industry is trying to move up the ladder - they would not want to waste their time or money on someone who is always late and is not determined or diligent.

Marketing ones personal image is a good idea when in the industry as this attracts a lot of attention from various ends (fans to record labels). A way to successfully market ones image - would be to perform at a lot of live events and be more personal with their fans. Also, by doing free gigs - one would definitely build their fan base - as who would turn down a free gig no matter who it was. Another way would be to use guerilla marketing teqniques such as random flash mobs ect. By building up a good image in the industry will ultimately draw more people to your music and will enable you to network a lot more easily as people would have heard of you as a person and not just for the music.