XLA's Creative Mediums
XLA's Creative Mediums
All Mediums
The mediums that I create vary from music to pixel art to writing — probably because of the chronic procrastination; It really seeps into everything ;/
My most developed creative sectors have dedicated pages here on the site, but I like to explore and experiment, so I made Endeavors.
Endeavors is a blog with short-ish posts about diving into new spaces, making new projects, and maybe sparking inspiration across the fields of passion.
Over the years, I’ve explored different styles; The sublime, the bleak, the hype, the heartfelt,
all found here.
。＾▽＾*‣
Audio Ideas
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I always like to have a variety of sound sources to choose from for any given instrument. Use 4 different virtual french horns to enrich the timbre of a crescendo in a score, or 4 different proto-saws to create a thick electric lead for EDM.
Modulate parameters with LFOs – and then modulate those; MIDI learn a pan pot or slider on your controller and record automation; Bring your sounds to life.
Simple oscillators can generate engrossing nostalgic effects, wavetables make some of the most breathtaking living sounds, and samplers use creative time-based effects to warp and bend your samples. -
Generous internet people upload and share their samples in royalty-free, and sometimes completely free packs. Royalty-free meaning you wouldn’t have to pay an amount in royalties to someone for using the sample (think Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice v. Queen/Bowie)
Just make sure you have permission to use someone’s sounds. When downloading sound packs, samples, beats, and songs for your own use, check that the license allows you to use it commercially if that’s the plan. Get too big and a shark might hunt you down.My main goal here is to get a field recorder to grab every sound on earth, then give it all away.
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Audio science and audio technology have exploded in the last few decades, and everything has been made more clear, more accessible, and more affordable, and with them, the music industry followed.
Personal touch is all that music is, finding your sound and making it yours. Everyone has their secret recipe; your input is the key to the final mix. And your brand and marketing effort are key to the success of your music.
Always keep an ear out for your overall levels, and focus your attention across the whole spectrum.
Something that sounds like a technical problem will kill the vibe and stick out.
All that matters is the final product, physical sound waves hitting ears. Too much or too little of certain frequencies could sour people’s headspace for a moment. Then that’s the canvas, for emotion and reflection. So avoid those issues, and get your EQ tuned across every stage of the project.
Creativity is an important piece of music, but the technical processing behind it can often surprise you.
What do you want to create?
🔊 Here's a demo I made called I'mgood. I was up late, and wasn't feeling happy. In general. But I focused on making it, saying what I felt & thought, then went to bed after listening. You should stay.Xeal — EPK
Audio Engineer, Artist
And Event Technician
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Growing up in the 2000s, my family had some great CDs, we kept the radio on a lot, and my sister got big into vinyl records, so hearing so much great music through my childhood helped me develop a diverse taste.
I couldn’t name half the classic songs I like off the top of my head, but if I heard them I’d be jamming, singing along. I always felt it around me, but at this age I wasn’t as close to music.
In 6th grade, my friend Peyt [IG] introduced me to electronic music and I became captivated. I spent the next few years learning about subgenres and sound design, browsing YouTube and iTunes for the best songs, remixes, and mashups.
Around the end of my 8th grade, with my slow laptop and broken headset mic, I downloaded the FL Studio 12 trial and started producing my own music.
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With the firm knowledge of audio and music; software, hardware, theory, musicianship, audio electronics & science, you can spark many potential passionate careers, something my college professors knew and passed on to me and my peers.
There are countless jobs to be found depending on your strong suits, but it can be hard to know what you’re looking for.I joined an event production company in early 2023, getting the opportunity to learn and work with audio, video, lighting, electrical, rigging, and networking professionals.
My point is, more avenues may open up for you once you’ve committed to your path, developed your talents, and honed your search for purpose. What’s fulfilling work for someone may not be for another, so take time to understand your own desires.
Alex Torres / Xeal
I’ve had many hopes, doubts, & ideas in the time since mid-2015 when I started producing music as a hobby,
but I didn’t know I’d learn so much about production, songwriting, synthesis, DSP, audio engineering, acoustic treatment, recording practices, music copyright, ownership, licensing & royalties,
as well as the business efforts, creativity, & professionalism of countless great mentors, creators, and peers.
I’ve built an arsenal of data, software, knowledge, & skills over the years to help achieve clear representations of the designs & ideas in people’s minds. As an audio engineer, visual designer, event technician, or in any other role, details make the difference.
Xeal, April 30, 2022
for me, the medium has meant; balancing sculpture and structure, holding high function and comfort — a.t
⥀ ⥎ ⥁
MORE,
COMING 2024.
Single project blog posts venturing into
mediums I know nothing about.
Prepping displays.
✦⌔✦
Check out Endeavors. 
Drawing
Scans of sketches, doodle swarms, and note collages.
In development. ⋖⋐⋖
Pixel Art
Still art, concepts, and animations in pixel art style.
In development. ⊚ ⋏ ⊝
Photos
Raw, graded, edited, and distorted images.
In development. ⊕ ₊ ⊕
There’s always something
more
fizzing trees and sky
take some time to lay outside
thank the light for life — a.t