[urdailywater]

You've got a cool, unique style here.

I just want to pop in to mention that at around 1:40, those bell like instruments (it might just be the piano) are getting a bit too bright and distracting. They're in the my right ear. Maybe EQ them or change the volume a bit. Also, nobody else mentioned this so I guess it's not a big deal, but I was never a fan of the choice of the oboe. Something about the instrument / mixing is bothering me, but I don't know what.

All the other instruments sound cool, the oboe just sounds off to me. Not sure why. Probably not that big of a deal, though.

[Chimpazilla]

Thanks so much... will fix those bells... ah the oboe *darnit*... it has been a sticky point because it is a real sample layered with a soundfont, and the soundfont is the weak link but must stay because the other samples drop out on the low notes. I'll have to try to improve the overall timbre... any suggestions to try?

[urdailywater]

It'd be good if someone else suggested something along with this. If a real instrument isn't working for me, I usually just cheeze it and replace it with a synth. It could work here, but that kind of recommendation imo is messing with your creativity in the piece.

Maybe try layering it with a similar sounding instrument or flute? Then EQ whatever frequencies sound out of place and let the other instrument deal with those.

That's what I would do personally.

[Chimpazilla]

If you could describe specifically what sounds "off," that would help (I know that can be tough to do). Too much/little of any particular frequency?

I've already tweaked this sooooooo much... played with eq, effects, extra reverb, etc. I want it to sound like it does, but GOOD. I'm just now playing around with some mild compression and may have it sounding a tad better...

[urdailywater]

You know, I was listening to this a little more, and I think it honestly might be that I just don't like the instrument all that much. But that's a good thing because that's just personal preference.

The best way I can describe it is just sticks out to much when compared to all the other instruments. But I kept listening to your arrangement to figure out why I don't like it and I think that it's just me. If someone else happens to mention something, then try something, but I don't think you have to worry about it as is. In this type of piece I would assume the lead instrument should stick out, anyways.

Guess those last two posts were pointless then, but do fix the bells panned right at 1:40

[Chimpazilla]

It was a vibraphone, and it has now been tamed, thanks!

Sorry you don't like the oboe... I love it, it is what initially drew me to Jordan's song. I can push it back with some more reverb... Rozo said it needed more brightness... arg, I don't know what to do with it to make everybody happy... I guess I'll just strive to make myself and Jordan happy.

And no, not pointless... I appreciate it.

[evktalo]

Overall the tune is pleasant and light. It also reminds me of some of Rexy's work, especially on the Tales project album. That's a good thing.

The intro is really nice, but it transitions to the rest of the tune awkwardly. The intro has a really happy major feel, and the rest of the track is more mysterious. This is a fine combination, but the 00:42-00:51 bit which sounds decidedly minor sticks out, especially the oboe note around 00:42-00:43 sounds very out of line. Structurally, that part feels like its stalling the song from properly starting. You could simply cut it and get into the meat of the track sooner. I'd suggest trying to cut from 00:40 to 00:50 or so, with a little lead-in fill. The main melodic hook is great right after the intro (this is what's there right now, but it detours in to the "minor" section after).

The writing is good in general. It's a bit unfocused. The solo piano end sounds kind of random for instance, there's lots of notes but not really a memorable hook or something like that I wish the piece left me with. I kind of feel the parts are sometimes needlessly busy elsewhere in the mix too, but it's not a huge issue all in all. The ending does irk me tough.

The bass, in the most of the track, is pretty static and a little overpowering. The exception is the intro. You could use rests in the rest of the song too. There are neat little variations in the bassline throughout the song, no mistake about that - and it doesn't need to go all over the place. Placing a few rests in the writing and mixing it a little lower where it is its loudest would help a lot.

The oboe could perhaps use a little bit of rests, staccato, rhythmical activity here and there. It probably helps it feel less "fake" and makes for good variation.

I think the bass being overpowering and the awkward structure towards the beginning are the main issues. My favourite part is the middle "breather" section, the piece eases into it incredibly well. It's like it slips into it without you really noticing it at first. This adds to the mysterious quality of the track.

--Eino

[Emunator]

Hey all, just wanted to drop a line and let everybody know that I've been talking with Kristina and I'm gonna be hijacking this track again and hopefully bringing the production/sequencing up to par so this can hopefully pass the panel. I'm super-excited to be working on this track, I love the arrangement to death and hopefully I'll be able to bring the production up to standards

Among the edits I have planned are redoing the string/oboe samples, potentially working with the drums, adding an acoustic bassline, and maybe tweaking with the overall production a little bit more too. Can't wait to get started!!