Jason Graves Launches Sulcata and 'The Free Series' VSTs & Sample Libraries

Graves’ Custom VST Instruments For Piano and Drums Available Now For FREE!

Two-time British Academy award-winning composer/producer and percussionist Jason Graves, renowned for his cinematic and textural soundtracks on Still Wakes The Deep, Dead Space, Tomb Raider, Far Cry Primal, Until Dawn, and Hulu’s Prey (additional music & percussion), has launched a new sound library venture Sulcata Sound, releasing world-class produced VSTs free for use, including Graves’ custom libraries ‘Jason’s Piano’, ‘API Drums’, and ‘Replicant Synth’ (coming soon). All performed, recorded and produced by Graves in collaboration with programmer Frederic Poirier and mixer Joël Dollié.

Jason Graves: “I’ve been collecting instruments and recording unique sounds for more than fifteen years. Sulcata Sound is my official audio repository for this constantly growing, project-driven collection. Music conveys emotions instantaneously. These instruments are crafted for compositional inspiration. They are designed to tell a story, from the ‘instrument’ itself (a bit of a stretch for many of my more esoteric, found-sound sources) and microphone choice, to the post-processing through specific and often drastic outboard hardware.”

Sulcata Sound libraries are programmed for Decent Sampler, a free sample player plugin that allows you to play sample libraries in the Decent Sampler format. Graves adds: “I hope these sounds inspire you as much as they have me. And, at the very least, encourage you to take the next steps toward your own personal journey of discovery and adventure in the world of music.”

Alongside ‘The Free Series’ of sample libraries from Sulcata Sound, Graves is offering learning resources through Sulcata University, an interactive online musical education program offering free tutorials and exclusive training ranging from small-size class group sessions to one-on-one consultation covering an array of subjects including:

Harmony Essentials: Intervals and Scales, Harmony Essentials: Modes and Scales Extensions, Harmony Essentials: Chords & Progressions, Modern Cinematic Scoring, The Art of Cinematic Orchestration, Mixing and Mastering OST Files, and more.

VST Instruments available now for FREE:

JASON’S PIANO

Produced By: Jason Graves, Joël Dollié, Frederic Poirier.

Instrument: Boston GP-193 Performance Edition II

Recording:

∙ Matched pair of Telefunken ELA M 260 tube mics, omni capsules.

∙ API 3124V mic preamps.

∙ RME M-32 AD converters (24-bit, 48k).

Credits:

∙ Performed, recorded and edited by Jason Graves.

∙ Decent Sampler scripting and GUI by Frederic Poirier.

∙ Mixed by Joël Dollié.

Overview: “Warm. Emotional. Unique. Every time I sit down at this piano, I’m inspired. I’ve used these soft piano samples in many a time pinch for different projects or when my drummer fingers can’t quite get those notes performed exactly the way my composer brain insists. This piano has been recorded for every soundtrack I’ve written since it first arrived in 2020. It keeps proving itself indispensable!” – Jason Graves

API DRUMS

Produced By: Jason Graves, Joël Dollié, Frederic Poirier.

The Drum Kit:

∙ Mapex Black Panther Blaster

∙ Maple shells with Walnut rings

∙ Kick 22x18 (Aquarian Super Kick II, Aquarian Regulator)

∙ Tom 12x9, 16x16 (Remo Pinstripes & Aquarian Classic Clear)

∙ Snare 6.5x 14 (Ludwig Black Beauty, Remo Powerdot & Clear Ambassador)

∙ Paiste Signature Series Cymbals (14" Signature Dark Energy Hi-Hats, 12" Signature Splash, 19" Signature Full Crash, 20" Signature Full Crash, 20" Signature Dry Ride)

Microphones:

∙ OH: AKG B-ULSII Transformer x2

∙ Room: AEA R-88a

∙ Kick: Audix D6

∙ Snare Top: Shure SM57

∙ Snare Bottom: Audix i5

∙ Tom High: Audix D2

∙ Tom Low: Audix D4

∙ Hi-Hats: Shure SM7B

∙ Ride: Beyerdynamic M 160

Outboard:

∙ API 3124V & Neve 1073 mic preamps

∙ API 2500 Bus Compressor

∙ API Analog Summing Mixer

∙ RME M-32 AD converters (24-bit, 48k)

Credits:

∙ Performed, recorded and edited by Jason Graves

∙ Decent Sampler scripting and GUI by Frederic Poirier

∙ Mixed by Joël Dollié

Overview: “It's punchy and warm with plenty of sustain and power. And adding the Paiste Signature Series of cymbals was the icing on the proverbial percussive cake. We've elected for processing that adds some weight and balance to the whole kit, but still left plenty of room for you to make your own creative choices (especially for those who wish to utilize the MULTI-OUT option). These are my favorite drums in a small kit setup, recorded with my favorite microphones, going through my favorite outboard. I’ve recorded a 4-piece kit with five cymbals. The final results make me smile every time I hear them!” – Jason Graves

For more information on Sulcata Sound, visit https://sulcatasound.com.









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