14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 7 can be a key piece in the creation and producing of music. Case in point: “Sky’s Still Blue” from Andrew Belle. Just watch the video embedded at the bottom of this article to get an idea of the role played by Windows 7 in the making of the “Sky’s Still Blue.”
Make no mistake about it, Microsoft is trying to underline the fact that Windows 7 PCs are perfectly suited for creative tasks, especially related to music.
The fact that music artists, but not only, seem to prefer using Mac computers rather than Windows machines is somewhat of a generalized perception that the Redmond company is aiming to change.
One way to do it is to advertise examples such as Sky’s Still Blue and artists as Belle to influence others, and not just artists mind you. Consumers are bound to look at Windows PCs in a new light, provided that the software giant manages to boost the cool factor.
“While making “Sky’s Still Blue”, Andrew collaborated with friends and other musicians using Windows Live and used a variety of PCs running Windows 7. He used Windows Live Messenger to chat with vocalists Allen Stone and OK Sweetheart who you saw singing for Andrew in the video.
“Allen and OK Sweetheart were using a teal Sony VAIO Y. With Windows Live Mesh, Andrew would share audio files with Allen and OK Sweetheart so they could practice harmonizing and then they could send audio files back to Andrew while he was on the road,” revealed Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc.
Additional gear used involved a HP Pavilion dv4-1547sb Small Business Edition by Andrew’s producer and the guitarist, but also a Sanyo Xacti SH1 video camera with the video put together with Windows Live Movie Maker and shared on YouTube.
The cello notes were shared with Andrew via Office Web Apps and a Dell Studio XPS 16, and Andrew also used the Play To functionality in Windows 7 to play the song on a Onkyo TX-NR808 receiver.
“Using the products and technology, we were able to do things we never would have given the tight schedule and busy tour: have friends contribute to the recording from afar, hear multiple versions of the song my producer Thomas cooked up while I kept touring, and watch edits of the video in real time. It was incredible, and opened my eyes to new possibilities making music on the road,” Belle stated.