This definitely sounds like a video game track. I can imagine myself driving a car as I am reaching an important location. The Trumpet work is good, and I also heard some gongs as well. Very nice job.
Author Comments
---update march 1, 2021--
Holy hell, frontpaged! Thank you Everratic and the Audio Portal Mods!
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The spy begins his dutiful ride to Northpeaks. He scales the mountain range to observe its people from a bird's eye view but is lost to the town's beauty.
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My entry to the Videogame Music Challenge, the prompt I chose was "Northpeaks Spy". This was originally meant to be a suspenseful track but after my attempts at a Thief or Dishonored-type track went nowhere and with time running out, I scrapped my original idea and decided to bank everything on my melodic instincts. Hopefully that wasn't for the worst.
It was.. quite the hassle for me to review and soundcheck most of the project because it was eating all my computer's resources, but I waded through the constant crackling and lag and managed to submit this in time.
I'm beginning to see music as my main creative drive; so feel free to give all kinds of feedback, especially regarding the song structure and mixing- which both drove me nuts!
DAW -
FL Studio 20
Libraries/Vsts used (all free!) -
Spitfire Labs (Mandolin, Dulcimer, Music Box, Strings, Pizzicato and Staccato Strings)
+ some last minute Trumpet Fields [used in 2:07-2:14]
FL Studio Stock Solo Strings
Impact Works Stroh Violin
Microforj Van Houzen SoloTrumpet
BBCSO Discover
Etherealwinds Harp 2
Caelum Audio Household Percussion vol. 1&2, Body Sounds
+my trusty $2 earphones
Original Prompt -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cOxDJvBh-wBK8M5mV80wOl-1FGZg-7Bi2uIUI26rhw4/edit
vermeen responds:
my, if it isn't the legendary strongbad! really appreciate it man :)
This is a VGM Challenge review.
Composition:
I'm blown away. How did you make a song this good with freeware? I almost always find something lacking in songs that are composed exclusively with freeware, but in this case, I have no gripes. You masterfully used what you had on hand.
The intro effectively takes me to the environment stated in the description. I sense the undercurrents of danger while simultaneously imaging the beautiful scenery. The climax is powerful without being overly dramatic.
The plucked instruments instantly establish medieval vibes, and the raw, earthly sound of the strings enhances this setting.
The one instrument I find a little confusing is the trumpet. It sounds like it belongs in a 19th century United States setting.
Production:
Everything sounds properly reverbed, as far as I can tell. You managed to avoid clashing frequencies and excess mud thanks to a solid composition. The mix sounds full when it needs to and the dynamic contrast is just right.
Utility:
I think this would fit nicely in a video game based on my prompt. My only suggestion would be to make it a bit more loopable - it doesn't have to be a deliberately seamless loop.
This is amazing work!
vermeen responds:
Hey Everratic! Thanks so much for the write-up and kind words. And looking back I agree with the trumpet sounding pretty out of place, hehe! At the time I probably must've wanted some kind of "main voice" to be featured on the track and I stuck with that instrument, oh well. Can totally hear the unintentional Civil War-ish vibe it gives. A thousand thanks again for making this event and prompt! I learned a lot about composition in the process of making this track.
Hello vermeen,
As everyone, yes, I will say you music is nice and well executed but two points seem important to speak about :
First : your song seems happends in Asia, why not but it was more like Europeen medieval for the demand of the challenge, but ok;
Second : Ok, we feel right the sentiment of wandering and travelling, different places but... What about different mood of situation, I mean there no dramatical of critical moments like the demand for the challenge... You know and above all if you want to make composition your job, you will have to fit has most has possible of what persons will demand you...
But just go on on your wants because you have a great potential! :-)
Rafdows
vermeen responds:
Interesting observation about the "Asian-ness" of my track, it must of been the gongs that I used. I'll be more mindful of the settings next time!
As for the challenge requirements, I believe I'm safe in that regard? From what I took from the rules of the prompt was that it didn't need to be dramatic or cinematic-sounding, but it could be if we wanted to, as long as it fit the atmosphere of the event that we envisioned it for.
In my case I envisioned the Spy climbing a mountain to get a better view of Northpeaks, but for a moment he is distracted by the Northpeaks' beauty instead.
Unless, you mean the emotion of the song was lacking and fell flat, I can completely respect that! What sounds pretty to me might not sound pretty to potential clients, and that I should keep in mind.
Thank you for your valuable feedback and kind words!
Good job! You really got the most out of LABS! I can't imagine how well you would do when you can afford paid libraries! And the mix actually sounds quite good and you have $2 earphones! You have so much potential, keep up the good work and invest in better equipment/libraries if you are able to!!!! Can't wait to hear more from you!
vermeen responds:
I'm glad that the mix sounds decent to you, thank you so much! And yup, decent hardware and libraries are my number one investment priority! Cheers!
wow, it seems that you too face the problem of a cpu lag. big mood all the way! those were free vsts you say? cause' goddamn those are some grade-A sounds. (spitfire labs ftw baby!!) it's almost as if it belongs in one of those big cinematic movies. really liked how you gave a lot of realism to the trumpet at 2;01-2;14, like i could've sworn that an actual person was playing that part omg. :o
vermeen responds:
Ahh, thank you so much! Yes, Spitfire Labs really is God's gift to poor music makers around the world. If only we could all just download a better CPU though, amirite?
Oh yeah- I just gave your submission a listen and I really like it too!
Thanks for the feedback!
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