Written by Michel Fortin
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Testing New Camcorder With Killer Drum Karaoke

Drumming to When We Were Young by The KillersBought myself a new camcorder (JVC Everio) and compression software to record some “whiteboard discussions” with my wife Sylvie for SuccessChef.com content.

I wanted to test the software. So I decided to place the camera in front of my drum set (the lighting was bad and my fault), and played along with “When We Were Young” by The Killers. (One of my favorite bands!)

This was recorded on the first and only take — I never played this song before, but I wanted to try out the camera and the compression software. (If you ever wondered if I can really play drums, you can judge for yourself.)

Don’t laugh, but here I am playing “drum karaoke” to the Killers. What do you think?

About the Author

Michel Fortin is a direct response copywriter, author, speaker, and consultant. Visit his blog and signup free to get tested conversion strategies and response-boosting tips by email, along with blog updates, news, and more! Go now to http://www.michelfortin.com. While you're at it, follow him on Twitter.

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Category: Opinions / Personal / Recordings
Tags: drummer, drums, fun, Michel Fortin, music, recording, success, Success Chef, the killers, video
This post was written on Thursday, May 15th, 2008. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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  • A star is born. . . :)
  • Nice...

    Rock on Michel!

    ~Brett
  • What do you mean "Don't Laugh"? - that was great!
  • Got my lighter in the air!

    Nice stuff.

    J-Mo
  • Nice job Michel! You were really rockin'! Great song too.

    Good see you have a creative outlet that probably helps you be more productive as a marketer. Very cool.
  • Hi Mike

    I have just done the same "try out the Cam" exercise. Sans drum kit :-)

    The only practical comment I would make is to be sure that you get the cam to focus on YOU, not the foreground or background.

    Oh, and I liked the drumming - a bit like a train crash, but without the melody.

    My best
    Jonathan
  • Good job on the first run. Perhaps you practiced on the RockBand game first? :)

    Anyway, what compression software are you using?
  • Michel,
    That was fantastic!!!
    I forgot you had such great talents other than copywriting...
    keep this kind of stuff coming and I hope Sylvie
    and you both are feeling healthy.
    Until we do the Spiderman ride again...;-)
    liz
  • @MP4Rob:

    I used AVS Media, at: http://www.avsmedia.com/

    Specifically, I used the Video Tools software. But I didn't do any editing or anything special. Just converted a really large 300 MB .mpg file into a 12 MB .avi file, that I then converted with simple camtasia into a 10 MB .flv file.
  • Too much fun Michel!

    Compression worked well eh? Thanks for sharing your software process, that's helpful - pretty damn fine qual for a 10Mb flv. Looked good down here in Oz!

    (PS: I used to work in the music industry - senior corporate management - and had a drum kit in my office. Good to see other people do this too!!)

    Cheers,

    Robert
  • Great job Michel!

    I thought the video was great for the first test.
    :-)

    Hope you and Sylvie are doing fine.

    Keep up the great content.

    Gary
  • @Robert:

    Ya, if you look closely in the mirror, you can still the "edge" of my desk, I think. The room is actually one of our offices, where both my and Sylvie desks are located on one side, side by side, and a whole bunch of recording equipment on the other -- as well as a fridge, coffee machine, and yes, several pounds of Starbucks coffee!
  • Hey Michel,

    Glad to see the back issue isn't keeping you from the drums!

    Rock on!

    Howard
  • "The room is actually one of our offices, where both my and Sylvie desks are located on one side, side by side"

    I guess she's in the *other* room then, Michel?! ;o)

    Just kidding. Seriously, good job on your first test. It's nice to see (and hear) this more personal side to you. I didn't notice but did you do the drumstick-twirling-in-finger thing?

    And is there an IM band? I mean, you on drums... a few other marketers play guitar (Jeff Walker and Ed dale come to mind)... Armand Morin sings (yeehaa!). So just a keyboard player and I think we've got the makings of the next sensation?

    ~ Mickey
  • WHOOOOO! Play some SKYNYRRRRRD! (Waves lighter in air)
  • I kick butt on that song at "Rock Band" =-)

    Good job, Michel.

    Glad to see your back is alright enough that you can still rawk.
  • John Thomas
    Michel,

    Nice playing. I'm with Mickey about putting together a band. John Carlton on guitar comes to mind. I play bass (hint, hint).

    But, being Canadian and all, I would have thought you would be idolizing and playing some Neil Peart. LOL!

    - John
  • Not bad...Very entertaining...
  • You ROCK! And so do The Killers!
  • Great drumming Michael. You shouldn't be so camera shy though...look at the camera so we get a better look at your face.

    I also applaud you for providing a great example of building relationships and connections with your market. By sharing and exposing your vulnerabilities you become a real person people feel they almost know and because they know and like you they can trust you...and we all know what that leads too $$$$$$$
  • Dude, you rock. And with a cracked back no less. My teenage son is looking for a drummer for his garage band and when he saw you play he was like "THAT'S what I'm talkin' about, that's the kind of drummer we need!" Heh heh. Have fun...
  • @Mark:

    Thank you. You should check out my "drumming page":

    http://www.michelfortin.com/drums/
  • bryn
    always been impressed by you..even more so now!!

    simply awesome and entertaining..my best to you both..

    ..YOU ROCKSTER YOU ;)

    btw..change the header pic of you..not the most flattering angle..or at least PS it mate, a little vanity never hurts!

    always..
  • bryn
    stunning Michel..much better now!

    what a difference..and great smile btw..

    wish more marketers would smile and have fun..I'm personally getting a little tired of seeing pictures of marketing guys who supposedly earn so much from their expertise, yet look like they're favourite pet has just been run over..

    ..geeze if I were that fortunate I would be smiling like a Cheshire Cat!!

    KUDOS to you mate:)
  • Tim Murray
    So where do you fine karaoke for drums? I can find vocal all over the place, but not drums. Thanks.
  • @Tim Murray - I just played over the actual song. It's not real Karaoke. I just call it that.
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