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ORIGINAL MUSIC PRODUCTIONS

Kirzten - Breakthrough (First Look)
03:13

Kirzten - Breakthrough (First Look)

First look of my debut original as KiRzTen, my upcoming solo artist project. Might change and add a few extra things before the official release. This is a recent song that I wrote, sung, composed, and produced called “Breakthrough”. Breakthrough was written by the current me as a call-to-action message to my past self during the earlier stages of her college life—The person who was once struggling because she remained convinced by obligation, thus feeling confined to fulfill a resolution that she didn’t want. The one who would occasionally feel the urge to speak up, but felt constricted by doubt, fear, and regret after being persuaded to meet others’ expectations. The one who felt like no matter what she did, she always felt suffocated because she wasn’t being genuine to her feelings. From these words, I wrote this song to pull my younger self out of oblivion, inform her to be passionate about her ambitions, and make her escape from the unwanted resolve that she never situated herself in. I wrote this song with straightforward lyrics for a reason. As it’s often easier for young individuals to comprehend simpler phrases, it’s a similar case here, as I am writing to my younger self. Despite the song’s simplistic lyrics, its message resonates to intimate, immeasurable depths with me. Aside from the upbeat production, I hope you can also take this subject into account Fun Fact : This was my final project and showcase presentation for Electronic Vocal Production (MTEC-325) class that I took during the 2023 Summer Semester at Berklee College of Music. Huge shoutout to Professor Claire Marie Lim/dolltr!ck for teaching me such cool new vocal production techniques :D —————— Song Info Title : Breakthrough Artist : KiRzTen Key : C Minor to D Minor Tempo : 120 BPM Genre(s) : Electronic/EDM, Electropop, House, Chiptune, Cinematic Software/Hardware Used DAW : Ableton Live 11 Suite Visualizer Site : Vizzy.io Mic : Blue Yeti Multi-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone Synthesizers : Prophet 12 Keyboard, Roland System-1M Plug-Out Module —————— Lyrics [Intro] Verse 1 Are you gonna stay forever trapped in the past? Is this your movie from first to the last? Bring the light in, and let me hear your yearnings If you keep chasing after the shadows and hide, Then where will you go? Chorus See, this is your breakthrough! Passion is key! Break out of the abyss, And the daylight you’ll see! If you don’t spread your wings, You’ll never make an escape So fly The desire was always there Verse 2 Am I gonna find you lingering in the dark? Are you in need of that eternal spark? Turn the light on, and know I’ll lead the way, ‘cause When you’re lost in the night, thinking this is isn’t right, And you’re feeling kind of hopeless, Then I’ll give some advice Chorus Now, this is your breakthrough! Passion is key! Break out of the abyss, And the daylight you’ll see! If you don’t spread your wings, You’ll never make an escape So fly The desire was always there Bridge Will you come to realize your authenticity? One day, that voice will finally be set free Past self, someday I hope you will release me Now, don’t let this legacy be unreached, oh.. Outro (2x) This is your breakthrough! Passion is key! Break out of the abyss, And the daylight you’ll see! If you don’t spread your wings, You’ll never make an escape So fly The desire was always there —————— All music and video edits made by me!
Kirzten - Enter The Premises | Electro-Cinematic BGM Track
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Kirzten - Enter The Premises | Electro-Cinematic BGM Track

Modified the Demo. I think I was able to provide the clarity and fullness that definitely wasn’t prominent in the initial version. This sounds much cleaner :) Here is my Advanced Sound Techniques (EP-322) class project for the Summer 2023 semester at Berklee College of Music! Hands-on work using analog modules can be very time-consuming to figure out and difficult to execute, especially since this project was submitted for an advanced sound design class, and I consider myself more of a DAW instrument native. It was by no doubt very challenging, but I was able to push through! —————— Process Integrated some real-time sound design and ear candy from the Intellijel Eurorack modular, utilizing the PEG and Eventide H9 parameters in cycle mode and played around with some LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) patterns, since that was the focus for the project. I recorded the audio from the modular into an Ableton Live 11 session and built up the rest of the production from there, adding software instruments and making a few processing edits (EQ, saturation, panning, drum bass plugins, resonance, volume and frequency automation, etc.) during the post-recording process. —————— Objective I wanted the song to lean towards a midtempo feel, which is different from the pace I’d usually choose for my productions. I decided to step back a bit from conventional pop/pure EDM and go more cinematic. I named the song, “Enter The Premises”, because I envisioned a cinematic-suspense movie scene where the main protagonist tries to sneak into the antagonist’s lair, and this is the type of music that I imagine would be playing in the background. I know it could sound more ominous, but I decided to make it a little upbeat, so it can still include aspects of my production style. In a way, the production kind of reminds me of “Hypnocurrency” by Rezz and deadmau5 —————— For all of you music theorists, yes, I understand that the chord progression sounds stoic, but I’m going to learn about dynamic chord progressions using the modular in a future EPD lecture (hopefully). Anyway, I love my degree program so much :) —————— Song Info Title : Enter The Premises Artist/Producer/Composer : Reana Kirzten Audio Samples From : Intellijel Eurorack Modular Key : A Minor Tempo : 100 BPM Genre : Progressive Electro-Cinematic DAW : Ableton Live Suite 11 Visualizer : Vizzy.io —————— Timeline 0:00 Eurorack Modular Sine Waves with LPF/FM 0:10 Automated Clock Sample 0:12 Raise LPF on lower Eurorack melody 0:14 Glitch Samples 0:16 Synth Riser Initiated, HPF on all tracks 0:20 High Frequency Upright Digital Piano 0:22 Quarter Bass Kicks 0:24 First Layer Low-Frequency Bass 0:29 Eurhythmic Arp, Mid-Frequency Bass, Swell Pad 0:36 Snare Fill 0:39 Hi-Hat and Steady Snare Come In 0:41 Second Layer Low-Frequency Bass 0:48 Pluck Synth Arp, Eurorack High Frequency Modulation 0:58 Added Sixteenth Note Hi-Hats 1:00 Eighth Note Saw Rhythmic Synth and Sine Melody 1:08 Automated Saw Synth 1:12 Snare Fill 1:14 Snare Eighth Note Triplet 1:15 Drums Drop 1:17 Automated Synth Rate Impact, Transposed and Panned Blip Water SFX 1:20 Panned Reverb Bell 1:22 Bass Kicks 1:27 Panned Blip Water SFX High Harmonies 1:30 Eurorack High Frequency Modulation 1:36 Panned Ring Mod SFX with Reverb 1:39 Eurorack PEG Meter Change 1:41 Kick and Snare Fill 1:44 Drums Drop 1:46 Bass Drops, More Sound Effects 1:50 Automated Quarter Triplet Pulsating Arp 1:54 Sweep to Bass Impact, Automated Synth Rate Riser 1:56 Chorus Tracks, Saw Synth Lead Melody 2:15 Eighth Note Saw Rhythmic Synth, Hi-Hats, Bridge SFX 2:24 Pluck Synth Arp 2:29 Eurorack High Frequency Modulation 2:32 Snare Fill 2:34 Outro Mid-Frequency Pluck Synth Melody 2:44 Added Outro Pluck Synth Harmonies 2:48 Snare Fill 2:51 Drums Drop 2:53 Tracks Automated Gradually Drop 2:56 High One-Note Pluck Synth 3:04 Utilize LPF on High Pluck Synth 3:07 Digital Piano and Eurorack Sine Wave —————— All music and video edits made by me! Copyright ©️ 2023 Reana Kirzten Villanueva All Rights Reserved.
Kirzten - Broaden This Legacy (Instrumental)
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Kirzten - Broaden This Legacy (Instrumental)

Here’s an upbeat instrumental that I produced. This is one of the songs I included in my portfolio submission for the Electronic Production and Design (EPD) Major application at Berklee College of Music. I also have to attend an interview session as part of the major application process, so that’s also something I will be preparing for in the next few weeks. I will know my results sometime next month! Update : I got accepted!!! :D Broaden This Legacy is an electro-pop experimental song that I decided to produce as one of the songs in my debut EP that I plan to release on Spotify soon. As of now, this is the instrumental version, as I plan to implement my singing with vocal melodies, harmonies, and chops in the next few months. I felt like this production alluded to my signature sound and the style of music I’m willing to be remembered for. As an experimental music artist, I have always wanted to convey a melodic, electronic sound that incorporated unconventional alternative sound design aspects with a pop-like upbeat rhythm. I consider this production to be personally special to me, as it helped contribute to the authenticity of my style. This song demonstrates versatility in both the arrangement of the song, production, and even sound design, as I did a lot of tweaking and made several modifications for each of my instruments throughout the mix. Overall, the process I made so far has been such an exciting experience, and it opened the door for me to experiment with features in a DAW that I have never thought of utilizing before. The fact that experimentation plays a crucial role in the learning process of music production and technology is a key attribute that I appreciate so much in this field, especially as a lifelong learner and music admirer. The production process also helped me become more open to expression and creativity as an artist with an original sound. I’m excited to continue my journey as a producer and anticipate where this path will take me. Hope you enjoy! Song Details Title : Broaden This Legacy (Instrumental) Produced by : Reana Kirzten Tempo : 100 BPM Key : E Major to F Major Genre : Electronic Pop DAW : Logic Pro X

SCORING-TO-PICTURE + SOUND RE-DESIGNS

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SOUNDTRACKS FOR MULTIMEDIA

EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS + BEHIND THE SCENES

Vocal Production - Techniques and Tutorials | Part 1 : Creating a Vocal Chopped Hook using Simpler
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Vocal Production - Techniques and Tutorials | Part 1 : Creating a Vocal Chopped Hook using Simpler

Here is my first music technology educational tutorial video that I filmed and edited for my Advanced Electronic Production and Design (EPD) Seminar (EP-401) class at Berklee College of Music, where I play a brief section of my original production, Breakthrough, and run through the vocal production techniques I’ve implemented into this portion of the piece. This is one of many videos that will be included in my new informational series, “Vocal Production - Techniques and Tutorials”, which is planned to be a full-length playlist comprised of five videos posted on consecutive weeks starting from here on out. This is a series where I go over simple, yet creative vocal production techniques that music producers in any genre or aspiring sonic artists at any level of expertise can incorporate into their own music. Each video involves me diving into the details to execute a specific technique, and providing guidance through the process. In this video, I explain how to arrange a catchy vocal-chopped melody, using Ableton Live 11’s built-in Simpler instrument. I hope you all enjoy! Stay tuned for even more to come! Listen to the first look of “Breakthrough” linked below, before the official Spotify release anticipated this coming Summer! KiRzTen - Breakthrough (First Look) - https://youtu.be/Vsg7RY9ykrM?si=POsUw_UuOGLYB3db Mic Used for Video : Blue Yeti USB Condenser Mic DAW : Ableton Live 11 Suite (To those of you who already have Live 12, don’t come at me pls, I will switch to 12 at around May I promise) Also, I just received news that one of my amazing EPD professors at Berklee submitted my original song, "Breakthrough", to be part of the 2024 Berklee EPD Department Student Compilation Album, and was informed that my song has been considered to be the final tracklist of the album! I'll keep you all updated when the official decisions are out!
Capricious (Preview) | Music Production Process
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Capricious (Preview) | Music Production Process

Hey everyone! This is the music production process video of a snippet for my band’s upcoming original song, Capricious. Hope you enjoy! ^v^ ~~~ Song Info Title : Capricious Artists : Elektra, Alyssa, Jules, Izzy, Hayley {Luminescence} Vocal/Production : EuphonicOwl (Elektra) Bass Arrangement : Judy Ramone (Jules) Guitar Arrangement : Alyssa G. (Alyssa) Piano Melody Composition : Izabella Bogumil (Izzy) Drum Arrangement : Hayley Robinson (Hayley) Music Production Process : About 2 hours Key : D Minor Tempo : 240 BPM Genre : Electronic Rock Capricious Preview Video : https://youtu.be/L-39Toe5QPc Listen to this preview on SoundCloud! : https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/4Zu7TtnGEQ2NK98g6 ~~~ Members in band / Socials : • EuphonicOwl {Elektra} - Vocalist/Producer | Music IG : https://instagram.com/elektra.ck?igshid=1cl4w3sb4bcxi Voice Acting and Edits IG : https://instagram.com/euphonicowl?igshid=106mlnd9qwyq4 SoundCloud : https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/yEbUwbnVMDVswuVQ8 Bandlab : https://www.bandlab.com/elektra_ck • Alyssa G. {Alyssa} - Guitarist | IG : https://instagram.com/alyssa.ng87?igshid=1oea04gysobr • Judy Ramone {Jules} - Bassist | IG : https://instagram.com/_judyramone?igshid=1l6qy48q1g12n YouTube Channel : https://youtube.com/channel/UCBiRhVgyrAQpBwb7UDhd1jQ • Izabella Bogumil {Izzy} - Keyboardist | IG : https://instagram.com/izabella_bogumil?igshid=1e3ouxs56z6ac • Hayley Robinson {Hayley} - Drummer | IG : https://instagram.com/hayleydrummerrobinsondrums?utm_medium=copy_link Band Instagram : https://instagram.com/luminescence.band_official?igshid=1fk476ehzsb73 Band YouTube : https://youtube.com/channel/UCSrD4CDS8RjGqpoANCCAE4w Band Email (If you ever want to contact us!) : luminescencebandofficial@gmail.com ~~~ Apps/Programs Used Music Maker / Audio FX : GarageBand Video Edited With iMovie ~~~ Channel Playlists Music : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_XEe-j75UU&list=PLxwPAiEvNAswwJEXDBEG_ng_6ETDqbrj2 Singing : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZI330RoemM&list=PLxwPAiEvNAszsCyeBWzdKdt-bWKfLo4PU Voice Acting : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZI330RoemM&list=PLxwPAiEvNAsz7F8_aPo_ZRtkfFa2OLxv0 Gameplay and Elaboration : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3yJHyqdKtg&list=PLxwPAiEvNAswM6TbqNKZ4RO-_2NAHSvQZ Important Updates (Singing and Voice Acting Roles) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=titzErvjryg&list=PLxwPAiEvNAswg8MtZaD0n5fI_ulqT6CCk
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MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Kirzten - Expedition | Electronic Performance (Live Looping, Vocal Processing, and More!)
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Kirzten - Expedition | Electronic Performance (Live Looping, Vocal Processing, and More!)

Final electronic performance for the Vocal Processing Lab at Berklee! In this video, I perform my latest original song, “Expedition”, with electronic digital instruments, while demonstrating real-time vocal processing and electronic performance techniques in the process. ——— This video was featured in the Summer 2024 Berklee Electronic Music Virtual Festival. Check out the video here! : https://youtu.be/V7MyVybYA1Q?si=OXTAbDJZnTLsL1kx I also performed a live set of this song at the SU2024 Electronic Music Showcase. Having the chance to perform this piece with EDI in front of an audience has been an opportunity I’m forever grateful for! All thanks to Prof Claire Marie Lim for her wonderful teaching and incredible learning experience once again :) Little Backstory : To be honest, I initially hesitated to take EDI classes for a while. I knew about electronic performance classes even before coming to Berklee and thought they looked fun! I enjoyed watching other students and friends performing as well. However, due to all the multi-tasking and thought-processes involved in electronic performance, I thought my brain wouldn’t be able to handle it, so I steered away from those classes thinking it wasn’t for me. But as I approach graduation next semester, I finally decided to give it a shot, as I realized I should challenge myself instead of having to regret not trying it when my time at Berklee ends. I certainly do not regret taking this class :) ——— General Song Info Title : Expedition Artist : Kirzten Composer, Lyricist, Producer, Performer : Reana Villanueva Instruments : EDI (Novation Launchpad Pro MK3, AKAI MPK Mini MK3, Shure SM58 XLR Dynamic Microphone) Tempo : 85 BPM (170 BPM Double Time) Key : F# Major/Minor Genres : Electropop, Cinematic, EDM (Subgenres : Melodic Dubstep & Drum n’ Bass) DAW : Ableton Live 12 Suite Equipment : MacBook Pro M3, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface (4th Gen) ——— Message : Expedition talks about how to perceive uncertainty as something exciting rather than terrifying. People often loathe the unexpected. I for one, have a love-hate relationship towards the future. As a goal-oriented individual, I have a lot of plans for the later months/years of my life, and many of you can say the same. However, things might not go the way we planned, but that does not mean that we shouldn’t wait for better days. Triumph can rise out of the darkness. Making your way out of the dark will have you undergo thrilling adventures (expeditions) that you definitely won’t regret, and will pay off to shape your future. This message can highly encourage you to look at the future more optimistically. ——— Lyrics Intro (On the expedition) Verse 1 We’re on a roll, never-ending roads Await the break of dawn to light the way We’ll never know, stories to unfold Curiosity embraces our stay Pre-Chorus 1 Let the stratosphere beam from above Let ambiguity liberate us Now I see the vision Agree to fulfill the mission? But just under one condition, Follow me on the expedition Drop 1 [Instrumental] Verse 2 Look at the time, a new step to climb The wheel’s revolving now, there’s no delay I’ll keep an eye, always by your side We can ride along this endless highway Pre-Chorus 2 But take a second to wait and realize That we should go with whatever feels right Is it worth the addition? Let go of your inhibitions And light the fire for ignition Follow me on the expedition Drop 2 [Instrumental] Bridge Until the end of the night, Just you and I I’m by your side Just you and I (2x) Take it easy (4x) Pre-Chorus 3 But take a second to wait and realize That we should go with whatever feels right Is it worth the addition? Let go of your inhibitions And light the fire for ignition Follow me on the expedition Drop 3 On the expedition [Instrumental] Outro Take it easy (4x) ——— Electronic Performance Techniques Covered : Live Looping with Stacking Harmonies, Synth Playing, Vocal Chops, Formant Shifting, Vocal Tremolo, Reverb/Delay Sends, Vocoder, Scene Launching, Filter Sweeps, Filter Modulation, Chorus Effects Timeline : 0:00 Start 0:15 Reverb on Vocals 0:17 Engage Beat Repeat 0:22 Sing 0:37 Engage Auto Filter 0:47 Engage Delay Sends 0:55 Formant Shift Vocals Up 0:57 Play Synth Chords 1:03 Pre-Recorded Synth Chords 1:07 Play Vocal Chops 1:23 Reverb on Vocals 1:27 Engage Vocal Tremolo 1:30 Sing 1:45 Engage Auto Filter 1:55 Engage Delay Sends 2:03 Formant Shift Vocals Up 2:05 Play Synth Chords 2:10 Pre-Recorded Synth Chords 2:15 Play Vocal Chops 2:27 Sing 2:38 Engage/Play Vocoder Track 2:49 Record Vocal Loop 1 2:55 Record Vocal Loop 2 3:01 Record Vocal Loop 3 3:06 Record Vocal Loop 4 3:12 Sing 3:25 Engage Delay Sends 3:35 Play Synth Chords 3:41 Pre-Recorded Synth Chords 3:43 Engage Tremolo 3:46 Play Vocal Chops 3:57 Bring back Vocal Loops 4:03 Formant Shift Vocals Up and Down 4:10 Close LPF on Vocals 4:24 End ———

Arrangements

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Video Productions

Manhattan, NYC | Cinematic Intro
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©2024 by Reana Kirzten Villanueva.

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