Kingdom Hearts 'Traverse Town' [Archive] - OverClocked ReMix Forums

PhrygianFingers

02-21-2008, 07:31 AM

Rozovian

02-21-2008, 07:46 AM

I like this. It gets a little long, tho. Not even half way through, I feel like I've heard enough. It needs a hook. It's pretty, but not impressive. Something's weird about it, because the latter half just went by without me noticing. I suggest adding more piano action to vary the texture: play higher, play lower, play simpler, play more elaborate...

I'd also consider adding cymbals and/or timpani for occasional punctuation.

I'm a bit feverish, so my suggestions might be a little odd today. See what works. :D

Darklink42

02-21-2008, 08:26 AM

OMFG!!!!11!!1

Sorry, had to do it. This is one of my all time favorite video game songs, and you guys did it beautifully. I had to listen to it several times before I could get past the fanboy rush of how awesome it was to hear a version of this done in sax and piano.

Alright, so you wanted actual feedback, so let's see what I can throw at you. First off, I don't know that cymbals would be appropriate. I can see where that's coming from, and I guess I'd have to hear it done before I could really second that notion. But hey, it's always worth a shot.

Another thing that I noticed is that it's not too long, but I felt like the piano needed to pick up earlier in the song. I didn't really pay attention to the piano part until the last minute or so. The piano didn't carry it's own for me until as late as :42 and especially at around :30. The reason for that is because my ear is naturally listening to the sax first. Obviously, in the beginning, the piano is serving more as a background measure, but I felt like I wanted to hear the piano get it's turn in the spotlight before the song came into the end. On the flip side of that though, make sure that it doesn't become overpowering. You did a pretty good job of balancing though, so it doesn't seem like too big an issue for you guys.

By the way, beautiful sax playing Prophet. I am beyond wowed. It's an awesome combination of both of your skills, and I hope that this either becomes a remix or that you work on it more until it can be.

PhrygianFingers

02-21-2008, 01:36 PM

@ Rozovian: I agree, it needs a hook. When I was done with this, I felt that the piano I played was really lackluster. Nothing special, just a background. Maybe a hook is necessary, I tried adding some strings but I felt it was a bit over the top.

@ Darklink42: Glad you enjoyed it :D, I agree with you 100%, like I said with Rozovian, it needs something else, what that is, I don't know. I'll probably start fooling around with chords and alot of other stuff. It's kinda cool actually, I'm going to be playing this at prophet's senior recital, maybe I can get some newly inspired ideas before then!

I wanted to call this "The Slums of Traverse" because it sticks in minor the entire time but I wanted to give it more of a desolate feel, wanted to add some sound effects but the sounded really tacky. Don't really know about how to go about doing this, maybe I'll start small and work my way up.

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Escariot

02-21-2008, 04:41 PM

Anything you add to this needs to be added in extreme moderation... You want things to add flavor, as opposed to adding another lead voice...

EDIT: Also, I had to do a double-take when I saw my name in the URL... And I'm like... "I've seen your name before", then I remembered Brad's "I want to build you a computer" thread... =D

Tip for Mr. Sexyphone: Place the microphone a little further away so all of the key clicks don't get picked up by the mic.

XZero

02-21-2008, 10:30 PM

This mix sounds nice. It's relaxing. The problem, though, is that it can get a little too relaxing. Like... it's boring? Boring is a hard word to use here because it's kind of in the very nature of this type of music (i.e. not high-energy), but you definitely need to add something halfway through to keep it from being too backgroundy. I don't know what specifically you could add, and I agree with Escariot in that anything added needs to be in moderation.

You said that the strings you added felt over the top. Personally, I think that strings, if used in moderation, could enhance the song a bit, but I didn't hear the version you heard when they were added. I would suggest that adding them subtly could help, but again I'm not sure. For the record, I enjoyed the song. It just needs something extra.

ifirit

02-21-2008, 11:15 PM

"Boring" is not the correct term to use in this piece because I find the arrangement itself to be varied and textured despite the minimal instrumentation. However, what incites XZero to use the word "boring" is the placement of the rephrases and reprises in this mix. Because the saxophone rephrases the main melody at 1'19" through 1'36" and reprises the main section of that melody at 1'36 to 1'42", the momentum of the song wains there and thus loses it focus momentarily. It's not until about 2'00" that the focus seems to be regained.

The problem with this section (1'19" - 2'00") of the song does not involve anything regarding techinical issues, but that in terms of the overall arrangement, it is the section that least fits into the context; due mostly from it's change in momentum and concentration via the use of the refrain. In contrast, however, this section is the most technically proficient section of the entire song. So, what it means in terms of fixing problems and tackling issues for this piece is to rerecord this section with better focus on the overall arrangement and greater attention to the momentum that the piece is undertaking.

Additionally, the piano seems to hit a few off-key notes at 0'42"/0'43" and at 2'31"/2'32" at least in relation to the saxophone.

Personally, I like the concept of a piece that simply involves these two instruments. It provides a refreshing contrast to pieces that take a maximalist approach to these source tunes. So long as this song continues to work on its arrangement in the overall sense and really tightens up the recording, I see no reason why this wouldn't pass the judges panel.

PhrygianFingers

02-22-2008, 12:13 AM

Thanks again to everyone for their help :)

When I recorded this, it was kinda a one-take deal and then we fixed a few notes in Reason. I think for take two, we'll do several takes, see what we like from each, re-record it and go from there.

I think I might go down the road of adding strings for version 2.0. Probably won't be until the summer but I'll fool around with it for the time being.

Escariot

02-22-2008, 01:56 AM

Additionally, the piano seems to hit a few off-key notes at 0'42"/0'43" and at 2'31"/2'32" at least in relation to the saxophone.
0'42" - sounds fine to me.
2'31" - I REALLY like that chord that's there... Because it starts with a chord that fits, then hits that note, then goes back... I think it should stay...

prophetik

03-04-2008, 12:52 PM

oh, hey, this is that song, isn't it? missed this thread.

thanks for the compliments. zach, over easter break we're gonna break this down again, ok? i'll bring my recording stuff home.

Antelucan

03-28-2008, 02:05 PM

This is really beautiful. I don't know what advice to give, other than please finish this!

prophetik

03-28-2008, 07:26 PM

i've been meaning to get back to this. don't worry, it'll get finished.

gyrrakavian

03-28-2008, 08:22 PM

Hey everyone,

My friend and I recorded this some time ago. I am playing the piano (used Reason 3.0, put a few basic effects, some reverb, just kept it simple), my friend, who on OCR is the prophet of mephisto, is playing sax.

I really like what we did here but it seems like it is missing something. I would like to develop this a little bit more with the theme, maybe have a key change in there, I'm not completely sure. Just something to give it a bit more flare.

I'm open for suggestions, what do you think?

http://prophet.escariot.net/music/traverse.mp3 Might I suggest adding some percussion. Something simple, like symbols and snare, done in a mellow manner.
maybe add some resonating instrument like marimbas, or chimes.

I could write some lyrics, if you'd like. Just e-mail me at gyrrakavian@yahoo.com

prophetik

03-28-2008, 09:56 PM

symbols? like, auditory ones, or written ones? will they be saying the lyrics?

edit - sorry, this is another one of those elitist posts i get yelled at about all the time

evktalo

03-31-2008, 10:23 AM

2'31" - I REALLY like that chord that's there... Because it starts with a chord that fits, then hits that note, then goes back... I think it should stay...

That's DEFINITELY a happy accident that should be written into the arrangement proper, repeated a couple of times and what not. Just in my humble opinion of course, but there's potential right there!

--Eino

Aias

04-01-2008, 02:12 AM

This was an awesome mix. Like you were saying, though, it just needs that little something to take it over the top.

I'd point you to some of the music from Cowboy Bebop for inspiration, especially ones such as Road to the West and Rain. Both are great songs, but are fairly simple, and manage to grab that last little something to take them over the top. Hope to hear it again in a finished form soon!

gyrrakavian

04-03-2008, 12:18 AM

symbols? like, auditory ones, or written ones? will they be saying the lyrics?

edit - sorry, this is another one of those elitist posts i get yelled at about all the timeAuditory. ^.^; yeah, sorry I meant "cymbals". Either tightened or loose, with a simple rhythm and a complimentary OR seperate rhythm for the drums.

PhrygianFingers

04-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Thanks for all of the feedback :D

I've been busy with school (as well as phophet), we'll probably record something over the summer. I'll keep you all updated.

Sengin

04-04-2008, 05:20 AM

Aaah...I can listen to this song for a long while. Sax and piano = mmmmmm. I think that at a couple points, the piano could bit a little more involved. By that I mean, the rhythm doesn't get very complex (which is good for this style), but sometimes I feel there should be either 3 sixteenths or a set of triplets (the 3 notes and the note that comes after, 4 in total) in the higher range of the piano, around the octave between the C after middle C and the 2nd C after middle C. An example would be at 1:47 and 2:22, I keep wanting to hear a triplet (but not very loudly) in that range leading up to a note or two in the higher range I described earlier, and then resuming what you have. At least I think I do, it's hard to know for sure unless I were to hear it.

If you do add some cymbols or percussion, keep it very light and in the background and it should sit well.

Also, just out of curiousity, do you have plans of eliminating the saxophone clicks? They are fairly prominent in some places if you're wearing headphones, but otherwise it's not too bad.

PhrygianFingers

04-07-2008, 02:47 AM

To be honest, this mix was like a "hey, lets record traverse town in minor." "okay." We weren't really thinking too much about all the details, we wanted to get something scratch down. Our next version will probably eliminate most errors, have the ordainment, and definitely have those clicks out.

Triplets sound good, I can agree with that. When I play piano in the next version, i'll try to include these things.

Sengin

04-07-2008, 02:29 PM

Sweet. Can't wait. And damn, this sounds pretty amazing for a "hey, let's just record this song in minor."

prophetik

04-07-2008, 05:39 PM

Sweet. Can't wait. And damn, this sounds pretty amazing for a "hey, let's just record this song in minor."

it honestly was, too - zach was noodling and played the opening few chords, and i was like, 'hey, i know this song! lets record it!'.

Sengin

07-18-2008, 07:38 AM

Hey, so I was listening to this again, and I gotta say that 2:43 to the end (like 20 seconds) just owns the world....it's so sweet, especially 2:46....

So...any word on when you'll be working on this again? :-P Also, I take back what I said, piano and saxophone is a winning combination and I'm not sure if adding even very light drums would add to the song, rather, I feel it would take away from the beauty of the song by adding a somewhat "harsh"-in-comparison sound (non-pitched percussion) to the textures you have going. I do think the piano needs to be brought a bit out front in some places, but that has been mentioned in a couple places in the thread.

Oh, and prophet, what sax are you playing?

Uboichi2

07-18-2008, 09:36 AM

Really nice, an OCR (well, wip) that you can listen in the background while doing something else. OCRs have a habit of dominating all other sounds you hear.

prophetik

07-21-2008, 12:50 AM

Oh, and prophet, what sax are you playing?

model, or type?

it's an alto sax, but if you want specifics it's a selmer series III alto saxophone (paris, not USA), with a vandoren optimum mouthpiece and ligature, with vandoren 3 reeds.

Sengin

07-21-2008, 06:37 AM

model, or type?

it's an alto sax, but if you want specifics it's a selmer series III alto saxophone (paris, not USA), with a vandoren optimum mouthpiece and ligature, with vandoren 3 reeds.

That's exactly what I want. I've started to become interested in saxophones because they just sound sexy, especially with piano (which is what I play now). How much did that thing cost you? I'm not looking to buy an expensive one, I'm just curious because a quick search on google ran up some high prices.

prophetik

07-21-2008, 12:29 PM

lol, mine cost about 2500$ or so. if you want a nice saxophone, go for the yamaha beginner models, they're generally around 700$ new. doesn't get much better price-performance ratio than that at the lower levels.

Sengin

07-22-2008, 03:21 AM

Ok thanks, I'll have to keep that in mind.

Also....I see you've been avoiding the issue of updates for your remix :P. Any word on any work done?

SirRus

07-25-2008, 11:20 AM

god this is beautiful

prophetik

07-25-2008, 05:46 PM

hey rus, long time no see!

Tawnos

09-14-2008, 03:43 AM

I just stumbled upon this today, and I must say, I like it. It is, perhaps, a bit on the long side, and I agree with the all comments about the piano needing to come in stronger early on. But there's very little that would need to be done to make this awesome.

drake7707

09-15-2008, 08:17 PM

This is the kind of music I can listen to for hours while browsing or reading something. I'll definately put this on my mp3 player ^^

Hope you can finish it one day ^^

PhrygianFingers

01-14-2009, 04:02 PM

We will definitely work on this next time I see prophet. He is located about 300 miles from where I live now so we might have to do something via internet. I would like to meet up with him and do it live again.

This will be finished.....someday.

prophetik

01-14-2009, 04:11 PM

well, it's closer to 200, but yeah.

zach, when are you coming to visit? =) linnea's at a retreat in mid-february for a weekend...

Sengin

01-14-2009, 11:35 PM

I was about to bump the thread again soon and ask what the hold-up was.

CursedByFire

01-18-2009, 03:14 AM

IS Kenny G playin sax? lol This is great stuff!

Tawnos

04-17-2009, 01:04 AM

I would just like to note that I still love this remix.

J-Pfleg

04-17-2009, 05:39 AM

I'm really impressed with your 2-part arrangement. Bravo! Loved the sax... the sex meister! Hell yes! Anyway, I was in love with that piece just roaming around Traverse Town and you guys have done this justice to the maxx!! I just wish I had the required items to personally record stuff into my computer.

- So, yeah..... my two cents would be:

- I think it'd be more than fitting for a nicely-added key change, like right after that 2:00 mark... then end the song in the new key. However, I did think the ending was superb -- excellent feel on the last few chords; it really locked everything in and left a good taste in my mouth.

- I absolutely agree with a couple of the others (forgot the specific names, sorry) -- adding a neat, little hook on piano towards the beginning would be ideal.

In conclusion, I think if you guys did the above two steps, you'd be submitting a masterpiece. Also, the balance between the two instruments is excellent.

- Keep up the great work, guys! ;)

- J-Pfleg

P.S. - Also, to all of the Kingdom Heart fans, check out my "Dearly Beloved" ReMix on my music profile at : myspace.com/jnolanpflegl

- I know there are a few areas I can improve, but I'm working on it and any constructive criticism would be more than appreciated. Thanks! Kingdom Hearts 4EVR!! =P

prophetik

04-17-2009, 04:23 PM

i've actually never played kingdom hearts. i own it now, but haven't gotten to it yet.

i'm of the opinion that key changes are used in the absence of good melodic material. we don't run out, so we don't need to 'extend' the mix with a key change. they're just for pop and kitsch, to make bad songs longer.

Escariot

04-19-2009, 06:15 PM

I've been waiting for an update on this ever since Brad uploaded it to my server... ... ...I saw the updated posts and got really excited, and now I'm just bummed.

prophetik

04-19-2009, 06:57 PM

i need to get zach out here so we can re-record this. only then will you truly understand the full power of the dark side.

buh6173

04-21-2009, 12:39 AM

This definitely deserves a spot on the site.

prophetik

04-21-2009, 01:13 AM

soon enough =)

Sengin

04-21-2009, 04:15 AM

Well it's about damn time. I saw the updated posts as well and got my hopes up... and I agree, this piece does not need a key change.

Arian

04-21-2009, 12:37 PM

My two cents:

please don't ruin this beautiful piece with percussion! Percussion will just give it a cliche'd lift music jazz vibe.

What I am in favour of is after 2/3 of the piece, do something to provide greater contrast. Some subtle strings would be nice, but a piano part (sax tacet), in a higher octave, will add some extra 'magic'.

A key change would be possible too, key changes are not BAD, but playing the same thing over again in another key is cliched, and not the best example of effective key changing.
A key change AND a melody/rhythm change together could really do wonder to create a totally new mood to surprise the listener.

Keep it up, you guys are great at playing your instruments!!

tebian

04-21-2009, 12:45 PM

Love the remix that the thread is about you guys really do amazing things with the music. I am just dj but love to hear the in depth discussion of one song and how you come to make it into the final mix.

Hey everyone,

My friend and I recorded this some time ago. I am playing the piano (used Reason 3.0, put a few basic effects, some reverb, just kept it simple), my friend, who on OCR is the prophet of mephisto, is playing sax.

I'm open for suggestions, what do you think?

http://prophet.escariot.net/music/traverse.mp3

Man, this composition on the piano is truly some great work. I have yet to hear people actually take some time to solo out this in traditional style and you did great job. Would mind if I down load for the radio a few of your works phyrgian from that site you noted ?

prophetik

04-22-2009, 03:28 AM

i would, since it's my site. if you contact me specifically with what songs you want, i'll think about it.

also, he literally came up with this stuff on the fly. he's that good =)

Escariot

04-22-2009, 10:06 PM

It's *my* site. Your subdomain.

TheHands

04-22-2009, 10:28 PM

I love this. So much. It's not just because of the original game it's from, the composition is just sexy. It feels very much like a scene from an old 50's movie when the detective is wandering down a back alley thinking of someone else.

I want to see this completed.

buh6173

05-20-2009, 01:35 AM

And why isn't this on the site yet?

prophetik

05-20-2009, 03:00 AM

because it's not done yet.

buh6173

05-21-2009, 11:46 PM

What else needs adding?

prophetik

05-22-2009, 12:12 AM

we wanted to do a better cut.

buh6173

07-05-2009, 10:56 PM

Has said better cut yet been accomplished?

Darklink42

12-30-2009, 10:11 PM

I'm not counting this a review, but I wanted to bump this and ask if anything has been worked on for this. I've had it on my ipod for a long time, and it's still one of my favorite WIP remixes. I know back when I first heard it I posted a massive fangasm, but after all this time, I still love it.

Funny, but even after a year of listening to it the way it is, I haven't come up with too many things I'd like to change about it. Obviously a better cut needs to be made, because the sax clicking can get really obvious on good headphones. I still think the piano could use a solo in there as well, even a subtle one. A key change might also add that extra bit of flair, but I think you'd want to be careful about losing the feel of the song, which is a very slummy, smoky kind of jazz/blues.

If you were going to add other instruments to this mix, it might have to be more than one. Cymbals alone would sound forced, because the two of you do a good job filling in the gaps by yourselves. Maybe cymbals, a bass, and something else though, would turn into a full jazz piece. But I can't really say whether that would change the whole nature of the piece though.

Sengin

01-17-2010, 11:43 PM

I actually think this is fine, if not perfect, as it is with piano + sax, and I think a key change might change the overall mood of the piece, although it's tough to say if a change to a different minor would hurt.

Personally, though I've commented on perhaps changing a bit here and there, I think it's wonderful the way it is, and any changes made should be small ones. If you do change something though, please don't change the ending (2:43 onward). It's perfect.