If you’ve ever wanted to use Apple’s Garage Band but didn’t have a Mac, you can get much of the same functionality from UJAM. Actually, I think you can get more functionality from UJAM. UJAM allows you to either record live instruments and mix them or, even if you have no musical skill, create music either by what they call rejamming (where you use prerecorded tracks) or by singing the tune that’s in your head and allowing UJAM to turn it into a full string orchestra or rock band. This last feature is pretty amazing.
Along with writing stories and novels, I’ve written many song lyrics, but I don’t have the chops to play my own music. I used to play drums in a band in the 80’s but what I really need is someone to play guitar and bass. With UJAM I can sing the song, have UJAM turn it into a backing track, and fix my notes and vocals. I almost wish I didn’t find this web app because I’m going to spend a lot of time using it, time that could be spent more productively. But it will be fun!
You can sign in using your facebook account and be up and running in just a few minutes. Then you can share your music with your facebook friends. I won’t be sharing my test vocals but if I’m able to make something that sounds semi-decent you can bet I’ll be posting it on facebook.
After going through all the tutorials, I found that UJAM is in a Beta stage (they’re calling it Alpha). For now you can use the program for free. They’re hoping for feedback and waiting for Adobe to fix some things in Flash. Once that happens, and they’re ready to go live, you’ll still be able to use basic functions for free, but if you want premium functionality you’ll have to pay for a subscription.
If you have music in your head, and want to let it out, I can think of no better way to do it (aside from having real music ability) than by using UJAM.
Try out UJAM here
UJAM is a wonderful application that I was not aware existed. After looking at the tutorial and reading through the several links, I believe that UJAM provide many people with (and without) talent the opportunity to make their songs become reality. With the opportunity that it provides, I am curious as to why I have never heard of the application. How did you hear of the application?
ReplyDeleteMy buddy is huge into making music and playing guitar. He bought his Mac just for that reason and because with garage band he could plug all his amps and what have you in and record his own tracks. He would then send them off to his other friends around the country and they would piece together a song. It was pretty cool even though I hate Apple. Thanks to you finding this app when i see him next im going to rub it in his face that he could have got a PC and done the same stuff! thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHi Anteah,
ReplyDeleteThe developers creating UJAM are just in a test phase right now. They haven't gone into full scale marketing mode. I think it's going to be very big when they start advertising. I had never heard of it. I just did a search for Web Apps in Google and, after looking through a few, I found UJAM. I thought it would be pretty fun to write about. Plus this assignment gave me an excuse to play around with it. : )
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteHeh-heh. No problem. That will be pretty funny. I'm not sure they have all the bells and whistles of Garage Band just yet, but I think they will in the near future. Cloud computing might be making the type of computer you use moot. We'll just have to wait and see. : )
Great post David. I have been following your blogs every week. You are great when writing and I can see you have passion for writing. I have Never heard of UJAM and reading your blog tells me it gives people the opportunity to express their talent on facebook. I know some artists were discovered on facebook. I will differently check it out and also introduce UJAM to some friends who I know will be interested especially how it allows you to either record live instruments and mix them and also allows you to re-jamming.
ReplyDeleteHi Lukman,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments and kind words. I'm glad you'll be passing on the information to friends. A great benefit of this class is being able to share all these cool applications with others. : )