The IdeaSo I noticed that some of the other sections of the GameDev forums have their own contests/collaborations/workshops/etc where artists are able to exercise their skills and critique each others' work. Don't you all agree we start using this community like the resource it is? This thread is for the discussion of starting a music excersize(s)/project(s). If people are interested, I'm willing to head it up, provided nobody more qualified is up to the responsibility. (Most of you are more qualified than myself. =P) I think this would add value to the Music and Sound board. Plus, it would make it a much more appealing place to beginning composers/musicians. I'm really counting on regulars with experience to help pull this off. That is...if you're willing. (Sean R Beeson, AnthemAudio, Rain 7, Arglebargle--and there are more of you) My ProposalMy idea is to take an already-created song from any genre, and simply allow participants to create their own song (in any genre) based on the musical ideas of the song. Participants would be allowed to base their interpretation however loosely or closely on the original song as they please. This would stretch all of us creatively, and would probably produce a lot of original ideas. Especially since there'd be no real "rules". Other participants (and anyone else) can then have an opportunity to critique each piece, effectively helping the author to grow in their interpretive, musical, and sound-engineering skills. Everyone could use growth in *some* area. Personally, I think my weakest area is the actual mixing and production. Someone else may need help with their harmonic ideas, chord structuring, instrument choice, or any other area of the actual music. Either way, this method (if people actually participated) would give people a common interest, and a reason to keep checking M&S for new posts. And also, people would be ensured an audience. Sooo...?So give feedback! None of us are really being challenged or even helped much by the existence of this board. It's pretty dead as it is. If you don't like my idea, try to think of a better one. If you *do* like my idea, tell us! If anyone is willing to take some sort of leadership role, I'll be glad to share or even hand over the management of such a project. Participants Antisheep (me!) AnthemAudio NMadsen Sean R Beeson AramStudios Jervin Rain 7 JimWelch Stenny [Edited by - Antisheep on July 16, 2006 4:05:01 PM]

Are you thinking about using game music or other stuff? It might be interesting to take an old school game track (like from Metroid or Castlevania or something) and ask people to write in those veins.

I'm actually working on putting together a contest at Music4Games.net that's kinda similar. It would involve writing a piece of music for a short trailer of a certain videogame provided without music. I was considering starting with classics like Metroid, Castlevania, or even Mario Bros. Then we'd toss the winner a prize or something. Haven't had the time recently to flesh it out.

Of course, the Gamedev project wouldn't be competitive necessarily, right? I mean, I'm sure there would be certain rivalries and that's all well and good.

Guess I'd like to see if anything pops out of this!

Tony

If this started, I'd take part. It would be a fun challenge and a good way to compare "notes" with others. :)

I'm in.

AnthemAudio: I was actually thinking the source piece should be any piece of music. I mean, literally ranging from video game music to commercial rock/pop/anything to drumline pieces to african war chants. The idea is simply to take an already-recorded song as a starting point and go from there. I think we should all elect/agree on a person to select the source piece, and simply accept whatever they choose. The source piece doesn't matter as much as the results produced by ourselves.

And no, I didn't plan on the GameDev project being primarily competetive in nature. Simply a venue for creativity.

Nathan: Glad to have you in. I should've listed you with the other regulars up in my first post. :) Hopefully we can get this sorted out quickly so people can actually start composing.

I would be willing to help pull this off. Why couldn't we pool something together, form a competition, have a judge or two, try to round up a prize, and make this gold?

Beeson

We could try to find some prizes. I happen to know a few people to start with :) Also, could Music4games.net be a small handle of PR for the competition along with GD? We can keep talking about this for a while, and then maybe setup an online meeting?

Beeson

Oh yeah, I should have mentioned, :p I would love to help judge if needed be. We could also take a more fun approach. I guess it doesn't HAVE to be a contest, seeing as how we might not be able to generate enough interest, but I think it could be possible. There are not too many game composing competitions for amateurs.

TRRRRRIPLE POSSTTT!!!</Halo announcer voice>

;)

I was thinking more along the lines of an experiment than a competition, simply because I don't foresee generating much interest in it. But I suppose we'll just have to see whatever everyone agrees on.

We could start it as an experiment :p and see how it goes

All I know is I want to win first place! (whipsers: I've heard its a new car!)

:)