I'm in the process of building my portfolio, in hopes that I can begin landing a few projects... maybe even some paid ones. I hope that you guys can provide me with some feedback on the songs. Any comments or criticism is greatly appreciated. And hey, feel free to rip them to shreds! I can't get any better if I don't know what I'm doing wrong. So, lets get on with the music... I will continue to update this thread with new songs as my portfolio continues to expand and develop. Backwater Cavern - a mellow looping background. Backwater Cavern (Alternate Version) - an updated version with out the "shrill". Northern Winds (WIP) - for a commissioned project. It's not totally finished, and the name is just a placeholder given by me. The final version, if approved, will be featured on my stepbrother's second album. Comments and criticism are welcome & appreciated. Thanks. :) [Edited by - AlexAmana on October 27, 2009 11:04:10 PM]

LOVE IT!

I thought your composition was very strong, interesting and pleasing to listen to. I love all of the samples you've used except for the penny whistle-like instrument that comes in at 0:40 seconds. Something about that sample bothers my ears and I want to replace it with a different instrument. It sorta comes off shrill. Perhaps adding more automation to this patch and giving it more of a "performance" with changes in dynamics would help. It could also just be my particular taste and ears. :P

A very strong piece that would work perfectly in a puzzle-casual game like Boom Blox. I'm definitely impressed.

Thanks,

Nathan

It's actually a piccolo. You should have heard it before I doubled it with a flute.. haha. It was bad. In a way I totally agree with you. I'll see what I can do about it. Adding some shaping will really help, I think.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Dude that was awesome!!!!

How do you guys make music like that..???
It was a great piece and i hope you create more. It was excellent. Contrary to the puzzle game idea, i think this would work well in a game that is similar to Crash Bandacoot or something like that. (forgive the spelling i know i spelled it wrong). I Liked it, please Create MORE!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck and Great Work!!!

Gary

Great work, not sure what to say except that it was very enjoyable listening. Looking forward to hearing more!

Yes, I agree with the above mentioned comments. The subtleties are well-done throughout, I'm consistently engaged, it harmonically moves well and I don't feel surprised when something changes. It's musically and functionally sound for your purposes.

Great job!

Very cool track man, I definitely felt like I was in a "waterlogged cavern amid a sunny archipelago."

It's a very effective piece, but there are some things that I think that it may be important to consider.

For example, the length. Considering that your aim is for it to be looped, you may want to consider extending it to be between 3 and 4 minutes in length. This would provide you with enough time to develop multiple areas of contrast that (when listened to over and over,) don't become boring or monotonous to the listener.

Don't get me wrong, what you have isn't boring at all, but if I were playing a level for 20 minutes, I would hear the song roughly 16 times through - so it would be come familiar fairly quickly.

Also, I was sad to not hear the flute / piccolo melody echoed by other instruments after it was first introduced. Anything from the guitar, to the marimba, or even the synth would be very cool.

As for the flute / piccolo melody, a way to make it less "shrill" sounding without losing "body" to the sound would be to couple the melody with a lower - pitched instrument, so instead of having flute / piccolo, perhaps flute / clarinet or alto flute or synth.

Finally, you also may want to think about adding sustaining instruments to the texture. The marimba sound is great, but pitched percussion instruments (and even the acoustic guitar) have a quick decay. Introducing some sustaining passages would develop a nice contrast to the great work that you have so far.

I think what you've got so far is great - I wouldn't change hardly anything (except for your treatment of the flute / piccolo.) My suggestions are merely things to think about if you decide to extend what you've already written.


Thanks,

jjandreau

Thanks to all who commented. All your feedback is very helpful as I continue to improve and develop my music.

Also,I am happy to report that this song has reached #2 on the game music chart at Soundclick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know the logistics of it but it seems pretty impressive.

The criticism I got was spot on and I took it to heart and updated Backwater Cavern. I removed the piccolo and added an english horn instead. The effect it had was quite stunning. The melody moved seems now to blend flawlessly with the background, generating a smooth and warm texture. It's much more calming which is, I think, what the song is mainly about. The link to the new version is in the first post.

@jjandreau: You bring up a valid point about the length. I may eventually revisit this and extend it, but right now my focus is on other songs.


Look back soon for a new song. I've also been working slowly away on a piece that will be my biggest to date. It's shaping up to be pretty friggin' epic.

Updated with a new song.. this is not the "epic" one I mentioned in the above post.

P.S: Sorry for the double post.

I believe you've nailed it 100% with the alternate version.

Northern Winds definitely seems to be on the right path. I look forward to listening to it after you finish it up.

Good works, definitely, keep it up!