Open Source Music Composition Software
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Music Composition Software
View 4779 business solutionsBrowse free open source Music Composition software and projects below. Use the toggles on the left to filter open source Music Composition software by OS, license, language, programming language, and project status.
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MuseScore
An open source and free music notation software
WYSIWYG design, notes are entered on a "virtual notepaper". TrueType font(s) for printing & display allows for high quality scaling to all sizes. Easy & fast note entry, with many editing functions. MusicXML import/export, and MIDI (SMF) import/export. MuseData import, MIDI input for note entry, with integrated sequencer and software synthesizer to play the score. You can print or create pdf files. MuseScore provides a number of learning resources to help the new user get started. When you run MuseScore for the first time, the Startup Wizard appears to help you set up some basic features of the software. One of these features is called Tours, and, as the name suggests, gives you a guided tour of the program. MuseScore offers a full set of instructions videos, each covering a specific subject. In the Tutorials section on musescore.org you will also find tutorials on more specific topics (e.g. MuseScore Drumline). -
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Frescobaldi
LilyPond sheet music text editor
Frescobaldi is a free and open source LilyPond sheet music text editor. Designed to be powerful yet lightweight and easy-to-use, Frescobaldi offers great functionality and a host of useful features such as music view with advanced two-way Point & Click, Midi capturing to enter music, a Snippet Manager and many more. Frescobaldi is named after Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643), an Italian composer of keyboard music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque period. -
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Impro-Visor
Leadsheet notation with auto-generated playback, improvisation advice
Impro-Visor® is a music notation tool for producing monophonic lead sheets, specifically intended to help the improviser. Chord symbols are used to generate backing tracks automatically. Improvisation advice exists in the form of note coloration, database of licks, and automatic lick generation from grammars. Grammars can be learned automatically from transcriptions. Styles can be edited and created by the user. Other features include generation of roadmaps for understanding keys and idiomatic chord progressions, chord voicing keyboard, MIDI and MusicXML export. See http://www.cs.hmc.edu/~keller/jazz/improvisor for general information, including tutorials. Support and additional resources are through the user group https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/impro-visor/info. The most recent source code, since summer of 2015, is housed here: https://github.com/Impro-Visor/Impro-Visor This started when SourceForge was down for over one week during an active development period. -
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FL Studio
The best music production software
FL Studio by Image-Line is a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) designed to turn your musical ideas into professional-quality tracks with ease. Trusted by world-renowned artists like Martin Garrix, Mustard, and Boi-1da, it’s built for producers of every genre — from EDM and hip-hop to pop and cinematic music. With an intuitive interface and powerful workflow, you can start creating in minutes while exploring endless possibilities as your skills grow. FL Studio comes packed with over 100 instruments and effects, a massive sound library, and world-class tools for composition, recording, and mastering. Its lifetime free updates ensure you’ll always have the latest features without extra cost. Whether on desktop or mobile, FL Studio delivers a fast, fun, and flexible production experience for beginners and pros alike. -
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The MIDI sequencer that features a rich understanding of music notation along with basic support for digital audio
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MuseScore
Free music notation & composition software
MuseScore is the leading free & open source music notation software for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is easy to use and makes beautiful sheet music. MuseScore is often praised as a cost effective alternative for Sibelius and Finale. Support MuseScore at http://musescore.org/en/donate Like MuseScore on Facebook: http://facebook.com/musescore -
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Psycle is a Music tracker (like FastTracker 2 or Impulse Tracker) combined with plugin modularity. It supports its own plugin API, the VST2 plugin standard, and a tracker style sampler playback.
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SoundHelix
Versatile algorithmic random music generation software written in Java
SoundHelix is a free versatile Java framework for algorithmic random music composition. SoundHelix can generate random songs, play them (for example, on any number of MIDI devices or MIDI-capable software synthesizers) and is highly customizable using XML configuration. SoundHelix also allows writing the generated music as MIDI files. SoundHelix produces music that is actually enjoyable to listen to. -
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Rakarrack is a stereo digital effects processor for Linux with jack support. Standard line-up of nearly 40 effects modules include Equalizers, Reverbs, Echo, Flange, Chorus, Distortions, WahWah, Vocoder, and other filters and processing modules.
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BackupBand
Music auto-arranger follows your chord changes live and plays along
BackupBand is a music auto-arranger. It has a virtual drummer, bassist, and rhythm guitarist. These 3 "musicians" follow your chord changes live (as you play some MIDI instrument, such as a keyboard) and they play along with you in perfect time. It's like having a live rhythm section backing you up. The rhythm section knows how to play in 60 different styles such as Rock, Disco, HipHop, Heavy Metal, Reggae, Swing, various latin styles, etc. You can also create your own styles for them to play. The bassist plays a rickenbacker, fender precision, synth, and double (acoustic) bass. The guitarist plays a les paul, steel string, and nylon string. The drummer plays 6 kits. You can also create your own multi-sampled guitars, basses, and kits for them to play. -
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Common Music
An algorithmic music composition system
Common Music (CM) is a real-time music composition system implemented in JUCE/C++ and Scheme. It generates musical output via MIDI, OSC, CLM, FOMUS and CSOUND. Its user application is called GRACE (Graphical Real-time Algorithmic Composition Environment) -
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nbo-plugins
An entire virtual orchestra in LV2 plugin format
The No Budget Orchestra Plugins are a collection of virtual (software) musical instruments. comprising a full, classical orchestra There are flute, piccolo, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, contrabass, trumpet, trombone, tuba, french horn, and various percussion sections. The various sections include articulations. For example, the violin section can play legato, pizzicato, staccato, and tremulo. There are subgroups as well, for example Violins I and II. The plugins are in LV2 (Linux) format for use in Ardour, Muse, QTractoor, etc. They are available in 2 formats; a collection of LV2 plugins, and a collection of linux executables. The plugins can be loaded into a host program such as Ardour, Muse, QTractor, etc. The executables are standalone versions that contain both the samples, and the engine that plays them. -
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DarkAudacity
A customized version of Audacity
A free sound editor, DarkAudacity is the well known Audacity sound editor now with a darker more modern theme - and a few small tweaks. The audio engine underneath is the same audio engine. The same code powers it. Like Audacity it is completely free. It's not a cut down trial evaluation version. You can record and play sounds, edit sounds, apply audio effects and save what you create for ringtones, podcasts and more. DarkAudacity is Open Source, free for you to download and use on your PC. Audacity and DarkAudacity come from a community effort. Many people have contributed to the audio code. Because they are Open Source, anyone is allowed to read and modify the source code. DarkAudacity is a variation on the Audacity software, made possible because Audacity is Open Source. -
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SID-Wizard
Featureful native Commodore 64 music tracker with MIDI/XM converter
A featureful SID-music creation tool (tracker) for the Commodore 64. It includes many advanced effects and tools like keyboard-tracking, tempo-programs/funktempo, gateoff-table-pointers, filter-shift, SID-export, executable-export, MIDI/XM conversion and MIDI-input hardware, etc., etc. NOTE: I left SourceForge for reasons not ethical to mention here. You can find me and my further work at these locations: http://hermit.sidrip.com http://csdb.dk/scener/?id=18806 https://github.com/hermitsoft/ -
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MusE is a Qt based audio/midi sequencer with editing and recording capabilities for linux.
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Echo Voice Recorder
Simple Voice Recorder Application for Debian Based Linux Systems
This is a good audio recording app that's extremely lightweight and requires minimal dependencies. It records your microphone and, if desired, your system sounds. 5 audio formats: wav, mp3, ogg, flac, aac. 7 language options: Azerbaijani, German, English, Spanish, French, Turkish (default), Russian. -
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JChordBox
Give the chord progression and a style and jchordbox generates a song.
Give the chord progression and a style and JChordBox generates a song. JChordBox is a library tool that can generate backing tracks from a chord progression and a music style. A music Style is describe using an XML and a MIDI file. You can generate an XML Style file from a MIDI file by adding markers to delimit grooves. An XML Song file describes a chord progression and sets the music style to use. JChordBox comes with several command line tools (GenerateSong, CreateStyleFromMidiFile, SongPlayer …). NEW:The application center is called SongPlayer and is a text based user interface that can play JChordBox song. SongPlayer is a MIDI Player that can loop a song, mute or soloing tracks and displays transport informations. SongPlayer is now the default jar application. NEW:Examples have been added to the distribution package. -
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ScoreDate
ScoreDate is a software to learn music reading and ear training
ScoreDate is your date with the music ! It is an open source software written in Java that helps musicians to learn music reading. It also helps you with ear training. It is suitable for any skill, from beginners to professional users. From slow training to first sight reading. -
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BlackDiamond FL Studio Clone
Fruityloops clone with sound samples using Fmodex lib
http://blackdiamond-fmodex.freeforums.net/ BlackDiamond (formerly Crazy Machine) is a project I neglected for years until I got back into making music. The package comes with free VST plugins (gonna hunt for some more) and samples, and soon to be introduced (If I can figure out the programming ms timelines) some point in time perfect sequencer sample mixer playback thingamagiggy we are now back in full armor trying to create the wildest dreams of software working on BlackDiamond (form. crazy machine). Works with DSOUND,ASIO,ALSA AND MORE PLUS AUTODETECT. Visit https://www.mediafire.com/file/rdzrrfbdrdpo2q9/fmodoutputrecent.wav/file https://www.mediafire.com/file/0990xqaeh9or3aw/fmodoutputrecentv3.0.20.wav/file to hear the latest demonstration of v3.0.20 currently at the time of writing this -
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LNX_Studio
Networked music collaboration
LNX_Studio is a way of bring people together to make music with new and innovative tools. It's all about creating and sharing ideas. There are many features in LNX_Studio and it's strength lies in putting the creative process at the forefront of a networked collaboration. Making music with your friends is now wonderfully simple. -
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QMidiArp
Linux MIDI arpeggiator, phrase generator and controller LFO
QMidiArp is a MIDI arpeggiator, phrase generator and controller LFO for ALSA and JACK. It can run multiple synchronized arpeggiators, LFOs and step sequencers. The modules are also available as LV2 plugins with Qt user interface. QMidiArp has been growing since june 2009 on top of Matthias Nagorni's original arp idea. -
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JNIZ music notation audio to midi
music composition and notation software, audio to midi converter
Jniz is a piece of software designed for musicians as a support tool to the musical composition. It allows you to build and to harmonize several voices according to the rules of classical harmony. Sound/audio-to-Midi converter: real-time conversion of any monophonic sound (voice, instrument etc.) into notes / tones. Jniz is a free proprietary piece of software. You do not have the right to sell, distribute Jniz or use its sources under penalty of law. You will infringes on the Jniz staff property rights. Please review the use license here: http://www.jniz.org/index.php/en/license -
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Standalone, LV2 and VST instruments & effects generating weird sounds, noises and glitches, for experimental music. Heavily inspired by the Futurist musician Luigi Russolo, the aim of this project is to create new instruments for the new century.
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MIntavalla
Understanding music through intervals
MIntavalla consists of an Interval circle and two keyboards underneath: an upper melody- and a lower harmony keyboard. It illustrates musical events by analysing and specifically colouring chord intervals (lower harmony keyboard) and melody intervals (upper melody keyboard) in realtime: - chord intervals related to the tonal center established by the first chord root being played. - melody intervals related to the chord root currently being played (upper melody keyboard). - the interval circle above the keyboards highlights the chord currently being played (here: G minor) and also records the chord interval levels of all chords relative to the tonal center (outer interval ring). - the (adjustable) colors represent the absolute semitone distance of the chord and melody notes to the respective tonal center or chord root. Mintavalla is a 64Bit Windows program. It works purely with realtime midi data. -
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Microtones Library
Microtonal Music Notation and Playback for Sibelius, Kontakt, UVI, Max
This open-source plugin suite aims at extending Sibelius to allow it to handle microtonal music (up to the eighth-tone) and play it back with various synthesizers (currently Kontakt 5, UVI station and Max/MSP). This library offers among others the following features: − insertion of microtones in the music − transposition using microtonal intervals − precise polyphonic playback of microtonal music with Kontakt and Max/MSP, without the requirement for pitch bends (the standard playback system of Sibelius is limited to monodies, and its use of pitch bends entails undesired pitch glitches in the rendering) − handling of microtonal scales, build scales, check if the music material belongs to a given scale, warping from one scale to another one, transpose notes to the closest member of a microtonal scale, etc. − handling of microtonal artificial harmonics and microtonal glissandi The development of this library has been commissioned by the CIRM studios, Nice, France
Guide to Open Source Music Composition Software
Open source music composition software is a type of software that provides users the ability to compose, record, and share their own music. This type of software is often free to download or comes with a nominal one-time cost, making it accessible for all types of musicians. It's an attractive option for those just getting started in music production as well as experienced professionals looking for specific tools or features not available in closed-source offerings.
Open source software provides complete access to the underlying source code that can be customized according to user needs and preferences. This means users can adjust things like graphical user interfaces (GUI), audio formats, export formats and even add new features or plugins if they have advanced programming knowledge. While this level of customization is ideal for creating something truly unique, there are also limitations due to the lack of professional support associated with open source solutions.
Most open source music composition programs offer basic features such as sequencing, MIDI recording/editing, mixing and mastering capabilities along with built-in instrument libraries and virtual synthesizers. Some more advanced options are also available including support for VST instruments/plug-ins from developers such as Native Instruments or Steinberg.
In addition to its affordability and flexibility, one major benefit of using open source music composition software is its portability across multiple platforms – Windows PCs Macs iOS devices etc. As most apps are web based many allow you to collaborate easily on projects from anywhere in the world by sharing a link via email or social media sites like Facebook Twitter etc. And because it inherently supports file sharing options such as Dropbox OneDrive; you don't need any additional hosting services when working with collaborators online or offline.
Open Source Music Composition Software Features
- Notation Editor: Open source music composition software typically offers a notation editor that allows users to write, edit and create musical scores in various notation formats. This usually includes support for standard notation, tablature and chord diagrams. Users can also customize the view of their composition with advanced layout options such as changing staff sizes, line spacing and font size.
- Audio File Import & Export: Most open source music composition software packages allow audio file import and export in multiple formats including WAV, MP3, AIFF, OGG and FLAC. This enables compositions to be created from existing recordings or used in other applications such as recording programs or web-based media players.
- Score Preview & Printing: Open source software often provides a score preview feature which allows users to hear their compositions as they are being written by simulating the sound of real instruments. Score printing is also available so that paper copies can be made of a user's work.
- Instrument Library:The instrument library contains sounds of many different instruments which can be used within the program’s composer window to help create realistic sounding pieces of music without having access to actual instruments.
- MIDI Output & Input Devices Support:As most open source software supports MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices connected via USB cable or wireless protocols such as Bluetooth®, musicians have the ability to control their digital studio setup using hardware controllers like keyboards or drum pads while recording directly into the program itself.
- VST/AU Plugins Support:Open source music composition programs usually provide built-in support for plugins developed by third parties that extend its capabilities further with additional tools like effects processors and virtual instruments with more elaborate sound libraries than would otherwise come with the package itself.
- Synthesizers: Many open-source programs feature powerful synthesizers for creating anything from soft ambient sounds to complex synth patches capable of producing an array of percussive sounds tailored specifically for each individual project need.
What Types of Open Source Music Composition Software Are There?
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAW): A type of software which allows the user to record, edit, mix and master audio tracks. It includes features such as built-in effects, sequencing tools and plugins to create a complete music production workflow.
- Music Notation Software: This type of open source music composition software enables users to create written musical scores. It offers various functions for creating dynamic notation from scratch or importing existing MIDI files into the software. Features include note entry, articulation marks, volume changes and automated accompaniments.
- Synthesizer Plugins: Plugin synthesizers allow users to create their own sound libraries or access those created by others through an online marketplace. They can be used for creating patches for synthesizers in real time or batch processing them in an offline fashion alongside DAWs or virtual instruments.
- Sampler Instruments: This form of open source composition software allows musicians to sample slice and manipulate existing sounds as part of their compositions. It also provides features such as looping, pitch manipulation and modulation controls making it ideal for live performance settings too.
- Functional Sequencers: These provide a creative canvas where users can input notes in linear fashion while adding unique effects such as delay and reverb along the way to craft their final piece of music. The interface is easy to use with its drag-and-drop pattern editing capabilities providing an intuitive environment for sequencing events like melodies and chords.
- Modular Synthesisers: Unlike other forms of open source composition software, this type uses patch cables instead of knobs and dials allowing you ultimate control over your sound design process by delivering countless routing possibilities with audio signals flowing freely within the system architecture enabling sonic experimentation like never before.
Benefits of Open Source Music Composition Software
- Cost: One of the biggest benefits of open source music composition software is that it is free to use. This means anyone can access the necessary tools to create and produce music without having to pay for it.
- Accessibility: Many open source music composition programs are available online and are easy to download and install. This increases accessibility for users, as they don't have to worry about purchasing expensive hardware or software in order to get started with their projects.
- Customization: Open source music composition software allows users to customize their experience by allowing them access to the underlying code. This enables them to modify existing features or add new ones, so they can make the program work exactly how they want it too.
- Collaboration: Since open-source code is freely available, multiple people can collaborate on a project simultaneously without having any issues with licensing or copyright laws. This makes it much easier for musicians, producers, engineers and other creatives to come together and work on projects efficiently.
- Security: Since open source music composition software is open-source, security risks associated with malware and viruses are greatly reduced compared with commercial products that rely heavily on closed proprietary codes. Additionally, users may be able run security audits on these programs more easily due the fact that the underlying code is available for inspection at any time.
Types of Users That Use Open Source Music Composition Software
- Professional Musicians: These users are usually experienced composers who are looking for software that provides more sound options and features than standard DAWs (digital audio workstations). They may also be seeking a freer, open creative environment.
- Music Producers: These users often use open source music composition software to create original professional-level compositions from scratch or to enhance existing tracks. They value having access to powerful editing tools and intuitive interfaces.
- Amateur Songwriters/Composers: For these users, the draw of open source music composition software lies in its affordability and accessibility. It can provide an excellent platform for aspiring songwriters and composers who may not have the budget or technical know-how yet to invest in more expensive dedicated DAWs or other programs.
- DJs/Remixers: Open source music composition software often offers numerous sound samples and plugins, making it well-suited for DJs and remixers who want innovative ways to manipulate existing sounds or craft new ones.
- Hobbyists & Enthusiasts: Interested in experimenting with different types of musical styles? Open source music composition software provides hobbyists with plenty of potential avenue for sonic exploration without putting too much strain on their wallets.
How Much Does Open Source Music Composition Software Cost?
Open source music composition software is completely free. There are a variety of open source options available, from full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) programs to basic audio editors. Open source DAWs are often very powerful and feature-rich, allowing users to record and mix multiple tracks, apply effects and automated functions, create loops and sequence sounds in time-based grids. Many include virtual instruments too – synths, samplers and drum machines – which allow musicians to craft their own unique sounds for compositions. Depending on the scope of your project, you can find free plug-ins for many popular commercial DAWs as well as VST (Virtual Studio Technology) devices that give more advanced users an even greater range of sound manipulation options.
Overall, using open source software offers an immensely powerful set of tools without costing you a cent. For those just starting out in the world of music production or who want to test out new features before committing to a paid solution, there is no better way than trying open source music composition software.
What Software Does Open Source Music Composition Software Integrate With?
Open source music composition software can integrate with a variety of different types of software, including audio recording, editing, and mastering software. These programs are often used to create high-quality mixes and recordings of a composer's work. Open source music composition software can also be used in conjunction with digital instrument emulation software, which allows users to accurately emulate the sound of traditional musical instruments. Additionally, open source music composition software may be integrated with specialized notation and score writing applications which enable detailed musical notation to be created easily and quickly. Finally, open source music composition programs can also interact with virtual studio environments (VSEs), allowing for greater flexibility when mixing and performing tracks collaboratively.
Open Source Music Composition Software Trends
- Open source music composition software is becoming increasingly popular as it is more accessible, cost effective, and often more powerful than traditional commercial software.
- The availability of free digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music-making software has made it easier for musicians to create professional-quality music without having to invest a large sum of money.
- Open source software can often be customized or modified to fit the user's specific needs, allowing them to create unique sounds and compositions.
- As open source software continues to improve, its popularity has grown rapidly in the music industry.
- Many of these programs are now providing features that are comparable to those found in expensive, commercial DAWs.
- Open source music composition software is being used by both professional musicians and aspiring artists, as it offers greater creative freedom for all users.
- The advent of cloud-based services has allowed users to collaborate with other musicians from around the world on projects in real time.
- Many open source music composition programs offer access to an online community of users who can provide helpful tips and advice on how to use the software.
- Additionally, these programs often come with interactive tutorials that allow users to learn the basics quickly and easily.
How Users Can Get Started With Open Source Music Composition Software
- Getting started with open source music composition software is a great way to jumpstart your musical creativity. Open source music composition software typically offers more flexibility and customization than proprietary programs, and best of all, it is usually offered at no cost.
- To get started using open source music composition software, you'll need to do a bit of research to find out which program will best fit your needs. You can start by researching the different types of open source software available, such as audio editors and MIDI sequencers. For example, Audacity is a popular choice for audio editing that allows you to record and edit audio files. On the other hand, MuseScore is a popular program for composing music in standard notation, while LMMS gives users an abundant library of synthesizers and effects so they can create digital beats from scratch.
- Once you've chosen which program or programs you want to use for creating compositions, it's time to download them. Most open-source composition software programs are free but may require users to register before downloading. Read through the license agreement carefully before installing any software on your computer system; this document outlines exactly what rights you have with regard to using the program.
- After installation has been successfully completed, make sure that your system meets any additional requirements listed by the developer (such as plug-ins or additional components). Once everything looks good, open up the chosen program and start exploring its features -- each one has its own quirks so take your time learning where all the buttons are located. Familiarizing yourself with all aspects of how things work ensures that you build up confidence working in a creative space.
- Finally – dive into some tutorials. There are tons of video tutorials online nowadays that help newcomers understand their way around various functions within these softwares while making use of nifty tricks taught by established professionals in the industry. Utilizing these will give context towards achieving tangible results — not only giving beginners clarity on concepts like chord progression or arrangement structure but also helping producers come up with something completely unique as well.
