Nutritious

I don't blame anyone for going either side with this one. It's well within that Neutral Zone between Yes & No space (why the star trek analogy, I don't know... anyway) Personally, I'm feeling both OA's & Larry's crits here. Some of the synths struck me as generic sounding, like Andrew mentioned. I also felt like the balance/mixing could've been stronger. I have trouble figuring out what to focus on in the louder sections like 3:10 with so much competing for attention & sonic space. Overall guitar work was a nice addition to the track, while not feeling like it conflicts with the dance elements. Drum work felt a bit stiff and, for a lot of the song, didn't seem to quite compliment what the rest of the track was doing. For example, the extra kick hits thrown in frequently struck me as a bit odd and threw off the groove for me. Also, 2:20 is an example of odd drum sequencing with snares and kick hitting at odd times and not really driving well to the big drop off and hit you were going for at 2:35. Sorry to send this back, but there's good potential here for a strong track. Keep at it, Lidawg. No, resubmit please

How my vocal teacher had me warm up: Start by taking deep breaths and releasing it while letting your lips flap (can't think of a better way to describe this). Kind've like you're scoffing at something. After doing that a few times, start doing it while doing scales - go from low note, to highest note, then back down. You can also do intervals or other variations.

Yeah, I'm with Larry here: the parts here really aren't gelling together. The reverb spacing on the various parts sound different from each other, giving it a disjointed feel. When it all kicks in, things start getting really cluttered and distorted. Examples are 1:17, 2:24 (not as bad), 2:51 (especially). As mentioned, the drum sequencing feels pretty stiff. It never seems to get into a natural sounding groove to hold down the rhythm section. Not a bad track by any means, but some production fixes are in order. Bring this back, now. Ya hear? No, resubmit please

Well played, sir

I do agree that this sounds like it could use some more polish. For me, it's mainly in the mixing department - sax stands out a bit too much over everything, other elements are relegated a bit too much in the background (drums). Better balance would help. Ending fadeout was a bit too sudden. However, the track has a lot going for it, creative arrangement, good performances, nice samples overall. The copy pasta ooh aahs really didn't bother me, even after reading about them here and listening to them after. Yes

Not much to say other than I agree that the distortion is too heavy here. It's to the point where it's almost completely obscuring what's going on in places. Very interesting take, and I think it can work. Just needs some production love. No, resubmit please

Just messin with you boss. Much <3

Most anticlimactic compo ever

Love the feel of this one. Great job setting the mood with the intro and keeping it going throughout. Some parts, especially in the lower register, felt like they were indistinct in the soundfield. Not sure if it's eq work or mixing. Arrangement-wise, this is definitely on the liberal side of things. I'd hate to be the final vote on this without a good idea of the connections here, so... :00 - :42 - original :43 - 1:26 - slow synth playing horn part near start of source (I didn't hear this initially) 1:27 - 1:55 - chord connection to OST, not super strong, but it's there 1:56 - 2:00 - synth playing string melody from OST 2:01 - 2:06 - tenuous chord connection, the parts actually playing the backing notes from the original have already dropped out, so it's only implied chords 2:07 - 2:14 - synth playing string melody from OST 2:15 - 3:48 - I'm not hearing ANY connection in this extended section 3:49 - 4:21 - tenuous chord connection, not quite even the same chords as the OST 4:22 - 6:03 - original So overt connection is 57 seconds out of 363 seconds total = 16%. Even counting the tenuous chord sections, that's not even close to the 50% mark. EDIT: Larry mentioned in chat that he found a bit more source sections. But on balance, it wasn't a significant amount. No

Clearly, this has already been done before. Also, if you don't find anyone, I possibly could help. But only in dire circumstances

So I'm on the fence on the source arrangement side. You could argue both that this is a quick once-over for each theme, then moving to the next. But you can also make the case that, while short, each theme is both recognizable and has a degree of personalization. Personally, I think Larry hit the nail on the head with what was bothering me the most: Minus the breakdown around the 2 minute mark, everything else is basically the same beat & energy level, with the melodies switched around to a different theme and different leads. Really liked the guitar solo section, though. That was definitely my favorite section as it nailed the moody spanish guitar feel. A few nitpicks: the snare felt a bit on the thin side IMO and the lead synth was a little hot on the high freqs. Mechanical piano's already been mentioned. Otherwise, I'm digging the production treatment. I can't really way whether, based on source use crits alone, I'd be a yes or no on this one, however, taking the other issues into account, this pushes me to ask for a resub. No, resubmit please

Wow, expensive conference (not that I have a frame of reference). Too bad cause I'm only 2 hours away, I'd definitely take the drive up to meetup with some of you guys.

Yeah, the levels are hurting this one. Hearing a lot of either clipping or distortion from pushing things too hard throughout the mix. Sounds in general were pretty solid. The beat establishes the dance groove and the synths were tastefully processed. I would say the backing sequenced/pluck synth does get quite repetative as it starts at 1:08 and continues with the same pattern until 3:41, which is a really long time. Consider at least one changeup to break the monotony. Arrangement wise, I agree with LT that this could use both more personalization and source content. Most of the mix, it's the same repeated melody from the original (I guess the pluck synth behind could technically be considered arranging the backing guitar part in the OST). Good base here but needs some more love. No, resubmit please

It seems like we've been getting more and more dubstep mixes on the panel lately. Not that I mind, because I'm becoming more and more of a fan of the dubstep genre. I can't remember hearing a dubstep mix from you before, but I can hear how your balancing has improved as you've gotten more mixes under your belt. Comparing this to some of your stuff even only a year ago the improvement is quite noticable. You've implemented a nice dubstep beat with the signature dubstep wubba bass. Besides the dubstep elements, though, you've successfully incorporated a collage of elements from live guitar & sax to chip synths, which is very impressive. Arrangement itself is very creative on such a short source. Basically, it's very additive on top of the repeating patterns, but definitely well executed. Dubsteppy

I only got to play the shareware version of Solar Winds as a kid, but I remember being captivated by it. I approve of this proposal.

Haha, this is awesome dude. I love the sonic variety you've brought here with all of the synths and effects. I agree with DA that there's quite a bit of reverb causing mudiness in the mix that could be toned back. It sounds like you're pushing the compressors pretty hard in areas like :33, which is squashing the sound. See if you can get the mixing levels a bit more under control to avoid this. As he mentioned in the sub letter, the actual melodies haven't been changed much, but there is a ton of processing, mangling, and rearranging of each phrase that it feels quite personalized and stays fresh and interesting throughout. Definitely hearing a Skrillex vibe throughout here, which I totally dig. Personally, I would like to hear a version with cleaner production (no, don't take out the grittyness, just fix up the mud ), but I can't deny the strength of the rest of the track as it stands now. Yes (borderline)

Shaun doesn't mix enough anymore He always has super-great attention to the smallest details of his mix. Occasionally it's to the detriment of the bigger picture, but that's not true in this case. The general flow is very smooth with a nice balance of synthetic and natural instruments. Nice solid groove with a lot of different elements thrown in together. Overall, he sets a great mood for the listener and keeps it going until the end of the mix. I will say the choir ahh's were a little off-putting as the abrupt note changes belie their realism. Still, their pushed back in the soundscape enough to not be a big issue. Also, I heard what sounded like a few subtle wrong notes at 2:40, 2:49, 2:57, 3:31 - maybe choir clashing with violins, I'm not sure. Arrangement is very nice - if a bit straightforward in some of the melodic treatment, the shifting focus of embellished backing parts and tasteful incorporation of a widely covered melody line really win me here. Yes

To add to what DA mentioned, you're writing includes some dissonance - purposefully I think - which works in some places, but not as well in others. Sections like 1:11 work, but :42, :47 (especially), and throughout the song the backing strings just sound like they're on the wrong notes. Flute attack is really slow for the part you're writing for it, making some notes overlap and making it sound fakey. Electric guitar (slayer?) really isn't doing you any favors here for as prominently as it's featured honestly. With all the different elements coming together at the same time at 3:37, things become really jumbled and I'm not sure what to focus on. Hope this doesn't come off as too much of a downer, but I think there's a lot of work left to be done in production and arrangement before this reaches the bar. I think it would be a good idea to spend some time in the workshop forum so you can get some incremental feedback to help you out here. No

Wow, funky! Love this track dude. As mentioned, the biggest problem here is mixing/balance. If you want to be technical here, I hear plenty of sound in the higher end (>6k I think), but there are definite frequency holes in the mid-high (probably 1k-4k) and mid regions. The arrangement is super hot and there's lots of good advice already on how to fix up the balance. So close, and I can see how this could pass as is, but I'd really like to hear a revisited version with a bit more production love. No, resubmit please

Diggin the formant synth. Drums were solid. Original is super repetative, but there is a lot that you do to vary things up here, which prevent me from getting bored or tuning it out. Yeah, that buzzy lead synth does get a bit grating to the ears. Not sure how Larry doesn't hear it - they do say you lose some of your high frequency hearing as you get old (oh snap). I wouldn't really want to listen to this at too high of volume on my headphones for too long. I think this could have better frequency & mixing balance, but there's a lot of cool effects & creativity in the writing to make me feel comfortable passing it. Yes (borderline)

I had the chance to meet Jeff at Pax Prime this past year, who as those who know him, is super nice and took the time to introduce me to some other composers and friends. Such a cool vibe here, way to bring it with one of the iconic video game sources. As mentioned in the sub letter, all that's here to work with is basically arpreggiated chords. Jeff really focused on creative processing to bring something unique to them. The live violin parts were a very nice touch that hinted at the melody that Uematsu would later add to the tune in later games. Only real production crit I'll mention is that at certain times, there are a lot of resonating frequencies in the mides (like 1:55 for example), which is accented even more with the reverb settings, making things get crowded. He says that the heart of the piece hits at 3:00, but I was sold long before then. Also, I want that reverb plugin. Yes

So I've been listening to the source and this tune a lot, trying to make sure I catch everything. Mostly because the production and performance are really clicking here. I mostly agree with Palp's breakdown, but I picked out a bit more: :01 - :29 left hand playing backing of original closely enough that I'd call it a connection - beyond the same chord progression, it's accenting the same notes as the original. 1:57 - 2:04 modified melody from original I guess those parts could be up for debate, but if you include the above that takes it a bit over the 50% mark. Given that he's integrated more original sections so well with the more overt parts as well, I'm fine with signing off on this one. Yes

To partly echo what's already been said, while there are solid elements here (mixing, arrangment), but other issues are bringing this one down (sound design, spare arrangement in places). From 1:26 to 3:02 (and, to a lesser extent, beyond that), the track really is sparse without much energy. Sounds were a mixed bag for me. A lot of the synths really could've used some more interest to them as they did come off as pretty generic. Some were better - the sequenced synth lead at 2:21 for example - but felt like it was over-relied on to carry the track for long stretches. The snare really could use some more power behind it. But yeah, I can basically repeat what Emu said here. Not a bad mix by any means, but not yet ready for posting. Hope to hear back from you guys soon. No, resubmit please

Yup, really in straight cover mode here. We're really looking for personalization in the arrangement submissions. Instrumentation is very cool for the most part. Liked the synth work, especially the bassline. Low end on this is pretty muffled/indistrict, so some mixing/eq cleanup could be called for. Cool cover though, guys. No

Larry really nailed it with this one, so I don't have a ton to add. I really liked the way you approached this. The latin vibe is very cool and creative. I agree that some more personalization on the more straight cover sections could help here. But yeah, the big story for me is production issues. See what you can do to help the super rigid parts here and get some life into the various elements. No, resubmit please