ABOUT
Why I write and make music
Siera Keyt · Siera Music
The story behind the music
Every Song Begins with an Emotion
Music has an extraordinary ability to touch the heart. A single melody can bring back a childhood memory. A simple lyric can remind us of someone we love. Sometimes a song can express feelings that words alone never seem able to capture.
The Vision of Siera Music
Siera Music was founded on a simple idea: to create original music that connects with people on an emotional level. Every release brings together music, artwork, video and storytelling as one complete creative experience.
Why I Write and Make Music
Stories and music have something in common. Both can take us somewhere else. A story can transport us to another place and time. A song can bring back a forgotten memory, lift our spirits or remind us of someone we love. That is why I write, and it is why I make music.
The Journey Continues
One of the greatest rewards has been seeing songs such as School Friends resonate with listeners. There are many more stories still to tell and many more songs yet to write. Thank you for listening and for being part of the journey.
From an idea to the final master
The Siera Music method
Every song develops through listening, experimenting and revising. The process is fluid: lyrics, instruments, dynamics and effects may all change as the voice and music begin to work together.
The Idea and the Story
I begin with a song’s idea and a story, then write lyrics to suit it. The lyrics are not fixed; they may change as the song and its music progress.
Melody and Instruments
The melody is created in Cakewalk using MIDI. I select the initial instruments, knowing that any of them may change as the mix evolves. The whole process remains fluid.
The Voice Comes First
I begin the editing process with the voice, adding the plugins and dynamics needed to make it sound its best. Those choices may change again as the voice begins to interact with the instruments.
Building the Low End
I establish the drums and bass first, usually working from the structure of a rock-and-roll band. An acoustic or electric guitar commonly carries the accompaniment, although a piano may sometimes provide the introduction or supporting part.
Choosing What Belongs
Every instrument is accepted or rejected according to its suitability for the song’s style and melody, and for the way it enhances the voice. Once the rhythm is established, guitar, piano, violin and other instruments are introduced one at a time.
Creating Mood and Sparkle
Each new instrument must add something worthwhile to the overall feeling, mood and sparkle of the song. Plugins are applied where necessary, and levels are adjusted by ear with guidance from the displays on screen.
Making the Performance Natural
I shape the timing, modify note lengths, and refine velocity, dynamics and phrasing so the performance feels natural. Appropriate effects and processing give each instrument depth and realism.
Bringing the Band Together
Each instrument is linked to a mixing bus for the final balance between voice and instruments. This helps the voice sit comfortably within the arrangement; space may also be added so that it integrates naturally with the band.
The Final Mix
The completed mix brings the voice and band together as one performance. When that balance feels right, the final mix is saved before moving to the separate mastering process.
Mastering
Mastering makes the finished mix sound as good as the song can be. The overall bass and high frequencies are adjusted so the song sings, and its level is prepared for outlets such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and others.
This is my method. Another musician may work differently, but every Siera Music song follows this evolving process of listening, shaping and refining.