Oxygen, a currency of survival, traded in whispers, trapped in tanks to sell and lust over; while the privileged breathe easy —their tanks full—, their lives untouched by the weight of greed.
Sirens wail, a breathless crowd waits, each exhale —a question, each inhale —a gamble.
Faces pale under fluorescent lights —the air thick with desperation, a mother cradles her child, counting breaths like coins, wondering if today will be as though —and enough.
Coveted numbers —data— spills from screens, charts and graphs, cyphers and gowns but, behind the numbers, are lives —stories tangled in the web of scarcity, each one a thread pulled tight.
We scroll through feeds, stroll past the cries, as if the world’s breath is just, yet, another boring headline, another statistic, another moment lost in the pond of uncareness.
The truth —in the silence— hangs heavy: a collective gasp, a call to understand, to bridge the chasm, to turn the tide… to make the air flow freely and to reclaim the right to breathe.
Transform in the narrative!: rewrite the script; make every heartbeat matter, help every life be —as promised— a promise; because the air we share is a shared responsibility.
Notes
This poem, inspired by a recent news article about the global shortage of medical oxygen, reflects my thoughts on a vital resource that, while available to some, still leaves many in need. It serves as a reminder that our current systems, though they provide essential services, must evolve to meet the growing demands of our communities.
As individuals, we have the power to drive this evolution. By fostering self-awareness and personal growth, we can work together—through voting, advocacy, and collaboration—to ensure that essential services are a given in our advanced society. In doing so, we contribute to building better communities for all.
People often don’t care about what you ask of them: just be consistent, and they’ll follow.
“Easy life.”
If you want democracy, be consistent in how you ask people to understand it.
But, because democracy is created by all of us —every day— it becomes complicated for those who don’t grasp the difference between following and building with their own hands.
Te invito a descubrir mi nuevo libro Viajero de la Bruma, una obra que explora temas como la conexión humana más allá de las diferencias, la compasión como puente entre almas, y la búsqueda de significado en medio de la incertidumbre. A través de sus páginas, reflexiono sobre la vulnerabilidad, la empatía y cómo nuestras experiencias moldean los espacios que habitamos, tanto físicos como emocionales. Si estos temas resuenan contigo, te animo a sumergirte en este viaje poético.
¡Espero que encuentres en él una chispa de inspiración!
In the midst of a world grappling with the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and cultural erasure, the poetry that celebrates indigenous environmental conservation offers a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s natural and cultural resources.
Through the voices of indigenous poets and writers, we are invited to explore the intricate relationships between humans, the land, and the environment, and to consider the ways in which traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can inform our responses to the environmental challenges of our time. The poem that follows is a testament to the enduring power of indigenous poetry to inspire, educate, and transform us, and to promote a deeper understanding of the importance of ecological awareness and cultural preservation.
With its rich imagery, nuanced exploration of the human experience, and profound respect for the natural world, this poem is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of indigenous cultures, and a call to action to protect the land, the water, and the future of our planet.
The truth of our connection
Gathering of the woodland’s elders, where cedar and spruce preside, where sunlight filters through a lattice of leaves; the earth breathes: its pulse a soft murmur known only to those who walk with reverence, barefoot on the moss-soft —rich—, dark soil.
Indigenous hands cradle the forest —fingers tracing the bark, palms pressed against the pulse of ancient roots that twine and twist—, where stories unfurl like ferns: each tale a whisper, binding the past to the present as a living spiderweb of wisdom.
They know the language of the land —the way the rain whispers secrets to the earth—, the dance of the seasons, the secrets held in the rustle of leaves that holds the memories of countless winters, the songs of creatures hidden in the underbrush’s notes —a sonata— reminding everyone, perennially, of the delicate balance that sustains us all.
Yet, the world spins faster than a spinning top toy —a relentless wheel of progress—, threatening to drown the laughter of the guardians in the roar of time and machines; to silence the songs that have echoed through eons; to sever the threads that bind us to the land, to each other, and to the future.
Nevertheless —still—, we rise, resilient as the oaks —our spirits entwined with the roots, defiant against the tide of forgetfulness with hearts pumping in synchrony with the forest’s pulse, as if we’d need much more to remind us that we are not alone, that they’re here, through countless stories, lives and memories.
Gathering of shadows dancing humbly as the light flickers through the truth of our connection. To protect our culture is to watch over the cradle of biodiversity —and our sense of purpose—, to understand that, in their survival, we find our own. For, in the heart of the forest, lies the knowledge that we are all woven into this vast, verdant web; and to sever one thread is to unravel the whole, to lose the memories, the stories, and the songs that make us who we are, to lose the land, the forest, and the creatures that call it home, and to lose ourselves, our sense of place —to lose the very essence of what it means to be alive.
Poetry that Celebrates Indigenous Environmental Conservation
Exploring the Intersection of Indigenous Culture and Environmental Conservation
The poem above is a powerful example of poetry that celebrates indigenous environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural world and the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Through its use of imagery and metaphor, the poem explores the intricate relationships between humans, the land, and the environment, emphasizing the need for ecological awareness and traditional knowledge in our daily lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about traditional knowledge in poetry, we invite you to explore my collection of poetry and literature. My goal is to provide a platform where all voices can be heard and to promote a deeper understanding of the importance of ecological awareness and cultural preservation.
Converting audio files to midi information can be an incredibly useful tool for your audio production sessions. You can use this technique to extract rhythmic or melodic content from an audio sample that you can then edit or repurpose.
For example, you could extract the notation from a vocal hook, rearrange it and apply that notation to a synth or other instrument. Converting audio to midi is also wonderful if you wish to pull apart someone’s compositions for study or practice.
Today I’m going to show you how to convert almost any audio into midi information to use on your compositions. I’ve provided a simple breakdown of how to do such across most of the basic DAWS, as well as just by using your ear.
It should be noted that I use these techniques on drum breaks, vocal hooks, chord progressions, and mostly organic instruments. These conversions generally work on solo-ed instruments, as it’s nearly impossible to precisely extract all the midi information from an entire mix.
How to Convert Audio to MIDI by Ear
This method is the most comprehensive on the list, though it can also be the most time-consuming. However, developing this skill will undoubtedly enhance your musical abilities by training you to be a more attentive listener.
Isolate the Instrument: Begin by soloing the instrument from which you want to extract MIDI. For this example, let’s use a synth lead line.
Play Along: Attempt to play along with the part using a MIDI piano or another straightforward instrument. If the section is too complex, consider slowing down the track to make it easier to follow.
Record Your Performance: Once you can confidently perform the piece, record yourself playing alongside the soloed instrument.
Access the Piano Roll: Open the piano roll in your DAW, and you should see each note you played laid out for you. This allows you to tweak and rearrange the notes as needed. You can also use the piano roll to correct any mistakes made during the recording process.
How to Convert Audio to MIDI in FL Studio
Converting audio to MIDI in FL Studio can open up a world of creative possibilities for your music production. Whether you’re looking to extract melodies from vocal samples, drum patterns from recordings, or any other musical elements, this process allows you to manipulate and rearrange your audio in new and exciting ways. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to seamlessly convert audio into MIDI, enabling you to enhance your compositions and take your productions to the next level. Let’s dive in!
Import the Audio: Drag and drop the audio file you want to convert into a track in arrangement mode.
Access Sample Editing: Left-click on the corner of the audio sample to open a dropdown menu. From there, select the ‘Edit sample’ option under the Sample section.
Open Edison: This will launch Edison, FL Studio’s audio sample editing tool. Choose the desired pattern and channel where you want the MIDI notes to be placed.
Convert to MIDI: Right-click anywhere on the audio sample in Edison, and a dropdown menu will appear. Select ‘Convert to score and dump to Piano Roll’ from the Tools section.
Utilize the MIDI Notes: The notes from the selected audio should now be visible in a new piano roll on a separate track, ready for you to use.
How to Convert Audio to MIDI in Ableton
Converting audio to MIDI in Ableton Live is an incredibly powerful feature that allows you to unlock new creative avenues in your music production. Whether you’re looking to extract melodic lines from vocal samples, transform chord progressions from guitar recordings, or isolate drum patterns, this process enables you to manipulate and reimagine your audio in a MIDI format. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to convert audio into MIDI, helping you enhance your projects and expand your sonic palette. Let’s get started!
Import the Audio: Drag and drop the audio file you wish to convert into a track in arrangement mode.
Access Conversion Options: Right-click on the audio sample to open a dropdown menu. From this menu, select the “Convert Audio to MIDI” option.
Choose a Conversion Type: In Ableton, you’ll find three conversion options: Melody (for monophonic sounds), Harmony (for chords), and Drums. Choose the option that best matches the audio file you are converting.
View and Edit MIDI Notes: Ableton will convert the audio channel into a MIDI track, displaying your notes in a piano roll for further adjustments and tweaking.
How to Convert Audio to MIDI in Logic Pro
Import the Audio: Drag and drop the audio file you want to convert into a track in arrangement mode.
Open the Sample Editor: Double-click on the audio sample or press E on your keyboard to access the sample editing tool.
Enable Flex Pitch: In the top-left corner of the editor, locate the DNA-shaped icon for Flex Pitch and turn this feature on. You should see blue square-shaped notes appear around the transients of your audio sample.
Create MIDI Track: Click on the Edit tab in the top-left corner of the editor window, and select “Create MIDI Track from Flex Pitch Data.”
Edit Your MIDI Notes: Logic Pro will generate a new channel with your converted MIDI notes displayed in a piano roll, allowing you to edit and adjust them as needed.
How to Convert Audio to MIDI in Pro Tools
Import the Audio: Drag and drop the audio file you wish to convert into a track in arrangement mode.
Create a New Stereo Track: Set up a new stereo track for the audio you want to convert, then drag the audio file into this new track.
Open the Audio to MIDI Menu: A menu for Audio to MIDI conversion should appear in the center of the screen. This menu offers various conversion options, including percussive, melodic, polyphonic, and universal. Choose the option that best suits your audio file.
Convert to MIDI: Your audio will be converted into a new MIDI channel, allowing you to select an instrument to apply the notation to.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, converting audio to MIDI is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your music production capabilities across various DAWs. By extracting melodic and rhythmic elements from audio samples, you can manipulate and rearrange these components to create unique compositions. Each digital audio workstation offers its own tools and methods for this conversion, making it essential to familiarize yourself with the specific features of the software you use.
As you practice these techniques, you’ll not only expand your creative possibilities but also improve your listening skills and musical understanding. Whether you’re working with vocals, instruments, or drum patterns, the ability to convert audio to MIDI opens up new avenues for experimentation and innovation in your productions. Embrace this skill, and let it inspire your musical journey!
