Be That As It May

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Be That As It May

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Author Comments

NGADM 2023 Round of 16.

I wrote a diary documenting the process of making this song. It's still incomplete; I'll update it later. In a nutshell, it's all about surrendering to what the moment gave me. Wherever it came from, whatever it means, it is what was said, it moved me to tears, and that is enough. It was spontaneous, complete with beautiful human flaws, no plans, no templates, digitally or in the analog, just surrender.

Big thanks again to the community and to my dance partner for this round, Benjie-G <3. Also, big thanks to Ketyri for lending me his ears when mine were starting to fail...

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Update:

I made last minute changes to the mix.... :)

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SplatterDash

2023-09-16 01:08:44

This is an NGADM 2023 judge review.

I really enjoy the sound design elements and the overall production, as I felt both elements were pretty good! The overall sound design sounds good and sounds pretty close to being real, and I think the overall mixing and mastering were pretty good as well. I also think the composition is really well put together, especially with the vocals on top of it, and it feels pretty fresh overall. The 3/4 feel also gives it a nice touch of some spice!
My main concern with the song is that while its structure is pretty well set up, I think up until 3:20 it could have used a little more variety in terms of its instrumental. I think even the smallest changes to vary that up will help make it feel even fresher than it does. I also think that your vocals have a little too much high end on them and can use a little more of the lower frequencies - it might be the materials you used, but that's again just a thought.
Overall, I liked this! It's a nice calming song that's charming and interesting to listen to as well.

spoonman420 responds:

...thank you, SplatterDash! I appreciate it. Everything is performed with real physical instruments, captured with a microphone, including guitar amps. Only the kick drum and 2 percussion instruments are samples. Noted on the vocals, it is always a struggle for me. Also, the 3:20 mark. If ever I use this for an album, I'd definitely consider your thoughts.

TaintedLogic

2023-09-15 23:28:31

I like the prominent hats and rich guitar chords at the beginning. The snare at :19 sounds a bit distorted and heavy for an otherwise tranquil piece like this. The vocals are great, and seem much more up-front in the mix than the last time, which I appreciate. I also really like the variations in the instrumental tracks at around 2:00. The high-pitched vocals at the bridge at 2:51 are also a highlight, as is the doodling at 3:29. The outro is a bit dragged-out, but otherwise I really like the languid pacing of this piece. Overall, I think you nailed this, Spoonman! Such a peaceful and heartfelt track. Keep it up! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
9.25/10

spoonman420 responds:

Thank you, TaintedLogic for the review! I did want to do something about the snare, the gated reverb is very noticeable in the beginning... Thank goodness my vocals are a bit better for you. I am aware, also, and wanted, the fade out to be shorter, but I enjoyed that I was able to produce the instrumental and wanted to preserve it... mainly for myself. I'd definitely shorten it if ever this song becomes part of an album...

ADR3-N

2023-09-14 18:47:23

Popping by to leave a short review for this piece. Lovely application of shoegaze. I would like more of your vocals volume wise, less shaker, a bit less cymbal, maybe by a dB or two, a bit more bass. Beyond that, all fits together well

As you chase that fade out, cymbals are sticking out quite a bit, as well as shakers

spoonman420 responds:

Thanks, ADR3-N! You called it shoegaze!! I always look to shoegaze for inspiration but never dare call my work shoegaze. I'd try to knock down an extra dB or two on my high frequencies from now on, my tinnitus masks out those frequencies. I actually did notice the cymbals sticking out at the fade... but only on the waveform. That might be just the kick and snare though... I should just bring the whole drums and percussion down...

Mischa-head

2023-09-11 11:51:35

Beautiful song, mix sounds really good too!

spoonman420 responds:

Thank you, Mischa-head! I appreciate it. Good luck!

X3LL3N

2023-09-10 10:47:26

This song is the big surprise of this round for me, I didn't expect to like it near as much as I did honestly.
We have a couple of songs that go the nostalgic route, but this one is just different.

It feels more like a pleasant memory and it hits home, this feels very personal :)

I don't normally listen to that kind of music, but I'm really happy it's there. It stands out from the rest for me and made me feel stuff I don't normally do (which is a big compliment as I'm usually dead inside for the most part).

spoonman420 responds:

Thank you X3LL3N! I am surprised as well, I wasn't expecting you'd like my music. It wasn't meant to be about anything personal, but maybe it is subconsciously. I really want to do something more upbeat but composing alone prohibits me. I need other musicians.