I wrote this for a contest I saw in the BBS the other day. The contest rules were we had to "create" a new genre of music. Or take multiple genres and smash them together to come up with something totally new and original sounding. Sadly, I can't find the thread, so I'm not able to submit it. If anyone knows what contest I'm talking about and can link me, I would GREATLY appreciate it! Thanks!
[Edit] I have been given the link to the thread. My song has been submitted. Thanks for the help guys! :-D
Now, on to the song.
I wanted the beginning to have an ambient style, with a focus on the piano and bass guitar. There is also some light choir vocals going on, but nothing that is extraordinary. I wanted to keep things simple in the beginning especially, with a very somewhat dark and damp atmosphere.
So to create the atmosphere, I lowered the high end on the overall EQ on the piano a bit. I then added a second EQ plug-in channel on top of that one, and had it automated. So the EQ on the piano is constantly changing in the beginning of the song.
I did the same with the reverb because I wanted to create a 3D effect in the beginning of the song. If you really REALLY listen, you can hear the piano come forward and backwards. As if it were moving closer and farther away in the middle of a cave. That was the sort of idea I had going. I've been experimenting with 3D music ever since I graduated from OU. And I think it really creates an amazing atmosphere in the song, and a great effect on the music as a whole. Now my only goal is to get the typical listener to understand and appreciate 3D music. :-)
After finishing the piano part for the beginning, I decided I wanted to finish with a flurry in the piano. And also make some epic orchestration to go along with it. BUT! I did not want to write in a classical sense. I wanted the instruments to be orchestral, but I decided I would write the last half in a drum and bass style.
Now when I say I wrote the ending in a drum and bass style, I mean that instead of constant changes in the harmonies and melodies, I just added layer after layer after layer until I reached a massively full and epic sound at the end. I could not help but think it got a little stale, so I decided to add a little section right before the very end. It is a trumpet/trombone fanfare section, and I am beyond pleased with how it turned out. Especially with the choir moment at 3:03. That spot gives me chills every time I hear it, and I hope it has the same effect on you.
I have to say, that my good friend TestSubjectA was more than a slight influence for that small spot in this piece. What can I say? I LOVE his stuff, especially Vaudeville Circus. And the violin in that piece of his was the inspiration for that moment. So yea, had to throw a plug in right here for my friend! :-D
Also, I wanted to create a slight industrial touch to this song as well. So when the snare comes in at 1:44 at the left side of the song, you will hear on the right some clicks that are playing an even more in depth rhythm. Also, there is some distortions on the choir at 3:03 obviously, and some epic hits with distortion in the very last section. They really helped to make the ending a little extra epic.
I'm so happy with how this turned out. For most of you who have come to expect a story with my pieces, sorry but you do not get one this time. I want you to come up with your own visualizations. Then I want you to tell me what you see and hear in your mind when listening to this. And honestly, I'm greatly interested in what visualizations come to mind when listening to this. :-)
I really hope you enjoy The Journey Within my friend!
-Gravey-
[Edit] I want to thank everyone that has left amazing reviews with stories. So many awesome pictures are coming from the minds of you all. I'm really pleased as to how this stimulates such vivid and varying visualizations in so many people. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
