GameSoundCon Adds Rock Band Network Classes

The GameSoundCon conference is partnering with Rock Band developer Harmonix to add sessions to its novice-focused September L.A. event for those who want to create and publish music on the user-supported Rock Band Network. Announced in July this year, Rock Band Network allows musicians to upload their own songs to the service, making their work accessible to Rock Band players as paid downloads. But it's not just a matter of recording a piece and clicking "upload." Tracks must be mixed according to certain Harmonix specifications, outfitted with MIDI gameplay information, then peer reviewed before being put up for sale on the Network's store. As with Xbox Live Indie Games (formerly Xbox Live Community Games), authors will be paid royalties on a quarterly basis. Along with a recording tutorial, the training session will also cover promoting a song within the Rock Band Network, as well as layout of the note strikes and controlling the reactions of the virtual crowd. Although the Rock Band Network is native to Xbox 360 and it appears that the majority of the songs will only be available on that system, certain "stand out tracks" will also be sold on PlayStation 3 as well. SoundCon and Harmonix will host the sessions at GameSoundCon 2009 in Los Angeles on September 24 and 25 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. The event, which already has a number of other confirmed classes and tutorials, is aimed at audio professionals looking to break into the video game industry.