Secret Frequency: The Sound of Speed is 5.1

Dec. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Chicago – The speed of sound in air is approximately 1125 feet per
second, however, the Secret Frequency sound of Speed is 5.1.  For the
second time this year Speed enlisted the creative sound • music • design
services of Secret Frequency in scoring 5.1 surround sound design and
music tracks for two Speed show packages whose title and show
elements were created by the motion design and animation powerhouse,
Lift Motion Design--headed by its creative director, Jason White. The
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series show package needed driving
sound design with a powerful musical backing track.  The Barrett-Jackson
auctions show package required the invention of the sound of a vehicle
that is continuously transforming from one classic car to another.  The
Barrett Jackson project also required a classic rock track that
underscores the excitement of the famous Barrett-Jackson classic car
auctions.
Secret Frequency’s goal throughout both of these creative audio projects
was the tight integration of both sound design and music, hence it’s
moniker:  sound • music • design.  Jeff Van Steen--Secret Frequency’s
owner and creative director—said, “when we create a score, our goal is for
the sound design and music to morph into each other.  For example, there
is a point in the NASCAR truck racing show opener where two of the
trucks bump into each other twice…the first hit is accentuated with sound
effects and the second with a cymbal clash and guitar phrase.”  The
engine and metallic transformation sounds in Barrett-Jackson often play a
rhythmic and percussive role.  The sound design and music mix together
to form one balanced and integrated composition.  Sound design
components and music are virtually inextricable.
Secret Frequency floors it when it’s composing sound tracks for motion
design and animation projects, and its collaborative history with Lift is both
rich and extensive. Jeff added, “We love animation and motion design
projects because, when there’s no sync sound, we’re able to create the
entire soundscape.  It’s been so great to collaborate, as opposed to simply
exchange elements, with Lift!  They have great ideas about both sound
design and music and also have a very positive influence on our creative
direction.”  Lift and Secret Frequency often begin working together during
the initial stages of a project’s development.  Clients are able to experience
the evolution of the visual, sound design and musical elements of a project.  
Because both show packages were finished in HD, they needed 5.1
surround sound creative authorship.  With the advent of stereo came new
sonic creative opportunities: think Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club
Band, Dark Side of the Moon, Electric Ladyland and the list goes on from
there.   Similarly, 5.1 presents new creative audio opportunities.  Whereas
the stereo listening field is semi-circular—180º, the surround field is
spherical—360º.  The ability to distribute the sound • music • design
elements to different points within the sonic sphere results in an aesthetic
experience that is significantly different and more powerful than stereo.
Jeff created the sound design for both the NASCAR Truck Series and
Barrett-Jackson show packages.  He also was responsible for the final 5.1
surround mixes.  In addition to Jeff, the other musical driving forces on the
tracks are Harry Burgan and Bill Ruppert.  Harry translated the picture
timings into musical timings, and then composed and created the bass
and drum parts.  “Bill did an awesome job on the guitar parts as usual.  He
just nails it every time,” says Jeff, “he shows up, plugs in, and has this
uncanny ability to actualize our musical suggestions immediately.”
Jeff and Harry hear the creative potential in 5.1.  Jeff believes, “Surround
sound provides a vastly larger sonic canvas that is a significantly more
impressive experience for the listener.”

Credits:

Client: Speed  
Projects:  NASCAR Truck and Barrett-Jackson Show Packages  
Animation Company: Lift Motion Design  
Concept, Design, 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Compositing And
Edit: Jason White, Sam Gierasimczuk, Curt Cooper, Kyle Shoup, Charlie
Peterson, Aaron Edwards, Eric Miro  
Production And Coordination: Mary O’Gara, Lucie Boryczko, Carmen
Navarrete
Video Post-Production:  Filmworkers Club
Online edit and finishing: Jeff Charatz, Justin Winkler

Secret Frequency is located at 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 310,
Chicago, Illinois 60601.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview
with Jeff Van Steen, please call Rose Razal at 312-822-9333 or e-mail
jeff@secretfrequency.com or harry@secretfrequency.com.
To view new work, please visit http://www.secretfrequency.com or visit us
on Facebook and Twitter.

# # #

Secret Frequency was founded in 1994 by Jeff Van Steen. We specialize in the integration of sound design and original music--sound • music • design—and our canvas has expanded from creative stereo to creative 5.1 surround sound.