You guyssssssss are awesome! So many submissions, so many cool pieces! Thanks everyone who participated. The competition was super stiff and it was hard to choose finalists but I hope you approve of my final list. If not, then better luck next time! These challenges are meant to be a chance for us to change up our rhythm, find a new beat, and urge our fellow composers to be the best they can be.
The voting can be done in the poll above, and will last until Dec. 10th
The finalists are:
Feather:https://soundcloud.com/saxophlute/tigsource-musical-challenge-xliv-winter-is-comingZack Parrish:https://soundcloud.com/zack-parrish/trudging-through-the-snowBreakdown Epiphanies:https://soundcloud.com/breakdownepiphanies/tig-challenge-xliv-winter-is-comingAnd now for some feedback! They are listed in the order that submissions were received. Please note, I am not an audio expert, so if you do not agree with anything I say it’s totally okay to disregard
*I feel as though it should be mentioned that everyone here is on VERY different playing fields, and although production quality is taken into consideration, sample quality is NOT. Samples do not determine the composition; the composer gets to determine that.
Beyond: https://soundcloud.com/beyond-26/ice-levelFirst off, I’m liking the groove and 80’s sort of synth sound! The wind sounds were a nice touch, and I appreciate how you went made sure to make the sleigh bells have the synth-y feel as well – hilarious touch. If I had any quarrel with the song, I’d say I’d like to have heard more variety in the background. You had the melody pretty solid and it sounded great, just would have liked a little more spice in the background.
*Zack Parrish:https://soundcloud.com/zack-parrish/trudging-through-the-snowThe samples in the piece are phenomenal. The musicality you bring along with winter feel makes the song feel as though it truly belongs in a video game. And here is where I have to get nitpicky because I can. First, it would have been amazing if the song were longer. Additionally, your cello samples bother me
In the higher ranges they sound less like a real cello ensemble and are almost always out of tune(I’ve noticed it on other tunes, and you already know how I feel about them, so it’s a SUPER nitpicky thing). Other than that, it’s a charming little tune that I could totally listen to over and over while walking in the snow.
1instrument:https://soundcloud.com/rockwhittington/winter-is-comingRight off the bat, I feel the Portal/Metroid vibes and it’s awesome! However, I didn’t feel this is particularly wintery. Granted I know you mention it’s for a shooter sort of game so creative props to you! I also feel like it’s mixed rather loud – then again it could be because that is in comparison to other songs I was listening to prior. I went through your portfolio and it seems like that’s probably the dB you mix to regularly, which is totally fine and nitpicky on my part.
*Feather:https://soundcloud.com/saxophlute/tigsource-musical-challenge-xliv-winter-is-comingFirst off, WELCOME! We’re super glad to have you in the forums and I’m glad that this could be your first TigChallenge. Also, you happen to be pulling at my musical heartstrings with your submission. I freaking love ¾ and spooky music and you somehow turned that into a wintery tune?! You get some super originality props for that. As for critique, I would have liked to see the tune expanded on. You have the phrase in the bells on the first run-through and I like that you added the xylophone countermelody the second time, but I want to hear more! Also, I know this may be random, but I’m really curious as to what you’re using for a DAW and samples. I have a feeling that it may be Mixcraft, and if it is PM me ☺ If I’m totally wrong then feel free disregard!
Cynicus:https://soundcloud.com/cynicus/winters-comingOooohhhh paino, lovely change of pace here. Right off the bat, I feel an Animal Crossing evening feel. The arrangement is full of complimentary instruments, which is lovely to listen to. However, I feel like I wanted more development in the melody. Like it was so nice to listen to, but I want to hear more! Truly though, I dig the piece. It was a totally different winter than the others evoked.
Kyle Preston:https://app.box.com/s/minrs55f0w2edm7lgrglrvch4sfykruvFirst off, this is sampled very nicely! That trumpet sample is a keeper! I will say however, at the beginning, the frequencies in the bell get super high. As someone who can hear freaking dog whistles this becomes easy to notice and can hurt ears, especially in kids. I love when the piano and cello come in, as it really demonstrates your musicality. Props also to changing up the instrumentation and keeping the listener on their toes! It feels like it belongs in a film score, is that something you’ve been working on?
Python Blue:https://soundcloud.com/pythonblue/cold-night/s-h1KntAh, the true Python Blue sound! You definitely have your own recognizable sound and that is hard to come by. I feel like I’m in Home Alone minus the strings. I think for this piece I would have liked to hear more variance not only in the melody, but the instrumentation. In fact, it could have easily been switching the melody throughout the instruments you have in the tune. That however is personal preference, it’s totally up to you! The end was super awesome in my opinion, like it really brought home the overall feel of the tune.
*Breakdown Epiphanies:https://soundcloud.com/breakdownepiphanies/tig-challenge-xliv-winter-is-comingOh dear the beginning is incredibly captivating. The piano, strings, and music box combo is perfect. The eerie yet futuristic feel is intriguing, and the mixing is quite well done. I usually object to such abrupt changes in style, yet it didn’t feel like you were changing styles but merely adding to what you’ve already presented. The only thing I felt was out of place was the ending. It felt almost as if you didn’t quite know where to go with it, so a crescendo was your default. It very well could have been intentional however, in which case don’t listen to me!
de11ed:https://soundcloud.com/tedwennerstr-m/winter-adventuresI love how your tune was inspirational! It felt more fitting for a commercial rather than a game. Although that wasn’t the intent of the challenge, you still nailed the winter feel and maybe you were looking for more of a commercial feel. One teeny thing I noticed towards the end where the piano would completely cut out for a split second, which might have been caused by a compressor, but I’m not completely sure, as I don’t have the session in front of me. Overall, it’s a good tune!
Falconwood – Cole:https://soundcloud.com/nkdarner/behold-the-yetiThis was surely a unique take on the challenge! I like the dooming beginning, it felt like a battle that was about to occur in a game or film. The change in style at :58 is rather humorous, not sure if that was intentional, but it seems pretty comical! I think at times, the kick drum was too loud in the mix. I would have liked to be able to hear the details such as the clarinet runs better, as those were special touches that you added which could go unnoticed! Overall, the title is certainly fitting! Good job.
Falconwood – Michaelhttps://clyp.it/w5vlwtwwThis reminds me so much of a song I would listen to as a kid. Not going to link it though, I feel that would be in poor taste! The beginning starts off kind of shaky in my opinion, as the frequencies in the bell, and the even higher bell are rather painful. Although they get less intrusive, they still persist throughout the song. I’m all for using bells, but in this case it would probably be best to take and equalizer to it. I really dig the melody though, and the arrangement has a ton of potential. I like the synths you decided to go with – they mesh really well together.
Pete301https://soundcloud.com/pete301/icy-plateauThis tune has a good bit of charm! I like the instrumentation used, and when the low strings come in at :27, I feel like the song picks up quite nicely. One thing I have to complain about is the inconsistency of the violin volume. I have a feeling it might be because of overuse of a compressor/limiter, but I could be completely wrong. I feel as though this would be a fitting piece for a film score for sure. The charm and arrangement are delicately handled, with a nice touch at the end like a cherry on top of ice cream.
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