Gario

Hey, I didn't see this one before. Now that I have, I'll try to help you out . First thing I notice is that it is VERY mid-heavy. I believe it will help open up the soundscape greatly if you increase the high end in the mastering. I'd probably bring down the mids a little and bring the bass up a little (very little), as well. The instruments you use are great, but I can't hear the thematic material over the texture. Try to mix it so the main melodies stick out better - it'll allow the listener to follow it better. I'll be honest, this sounds like a great arrangement, not a remix, though. You've added an intro and some very nice elements to extend it a little bit, but there isn't enough play on the theme. Once the theme is introduced, you play it note for note, follow it by it's normal second part, then repeat again. Mind you, you do a great job changing a lot with the textures and orchestration, but it still feels like an arrangement to me, and OC is rather prejudice about that kind of thing. I'd like to ask what sample set your using for your orchestration, because they sound awesome. The piano (I think it's a piano doing that arpeggiation texture in there) doesn't hold up to the rest of the instruments, though - otherwise, the samples are perfect. The fade out is temporary, right? It sounds like an unfinished piece, right now - we need more! Give us more!

Damnit, this sounds awesome... but I can't ever seem to get my IRC connection to work (I have some fucktarded stone age internet, here). IF I ever get it to work you'll be sure to see me there!

This mix has now been submitted. Thank you all for the support! I hope to see you in the review panels in a few months .

That's cool and all, but I've gotta say the 'u' of 'cuts' in the album art looks suspiciously like an 'li'... You can hopefully understand why I cannot take that picture seriously, lol.

Thanks, JJT. My head is filled with El' Stupid today, as the version I uploaded this morning was the wrong one... http://www.box.net/shared/7bgzxrm0p7 (Final Version) It doesn't change the critiques that you've made, though - I understand if they don't accept it (I'm hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst, too). I've just got to get this off of my mind so I can move on, you know? It's got pretty good production quality behind it, and the interpretation is fairly substantial (despite being heavily subtractive, it still has some more imaginative moments). Don't worry, I won't take your comments personally - like you said, it's pretty subjective, in this case. I know it's a learning process, and I'm spending time working out the kinks when I write something for the site. I'm glad your not a judge anymore, though . This is pretty much it; I'm probably not going to make any more changes to this thing, so thanks all for everything!

Final update, here (unless something is really wrong, in which case let me know, lol)... http://www.box.net/shared/cdhf9jvsh2 (erased...) The mix is finally at a point where I don't think it's too hot nor too warm. It is a little on the hot side, for sure, but that's the sound I want out of this mix so that's good (I'm hoping it'll melt the faces off the judges). The leads are finally at a point where they don't clip yet also are not drown in the soundscape. The bass drums at the end had a bit of velocity work done to them so they aren't so potent (the rhythmic variation is still there, it's just not as obtrusive on the ear). I'm posting this in a day or two - let me know of any problems if there are any Thanks all for the help!

Thanks, Garian; Something tells me that he won't be checking his PMs here, but an e-mail would work if I need to contact him ... I was more or less curious about it, that's all. He did make some pretty sweet music while he was here, and I was just curious if he was still writing stuff anywhere, is all. By the way, his Iceman remix on R:TS was pretty sweet; Not OC standards, mind you - but it had it's own charm to it.

Shit, you mean he went out and got a life? Sad, I was hoping he was still doing something with VG music... Is he writing music at all?

Hey everyone, has anyone been wondering this very same question? He's a staple of old/middle OCR, making classics that uphold to even today's OC standards (generally speaking). He TAUNTED us with a 2007 mix, but hasn't really been seen since (to my knowledge). Anyone know what he's been up to?

/Recognition No need for me to say this is an incredible arrangement, but I will, anyway. This is an incredible arrangement. It is easily one of my favorites on this site. I can't say much about this that hasn't already been said - the seamless transitions, the wonderful interpretation... that damn fadeout that starts a new idea that I wanted to hear more of, yet at the same time I can't imagine ending it any differently. All I can hope is that you've got more coming later this year for us! (Woo! Power to 2009!)

'Fraid Kanthos is right, there. The only way mp3s become midis is if you transcribe them yourself - anything that you've heard online that's taken a song you know and changed them to a midi was done (by hand) by another human being. Life's tough like that. If you really want a transcription done you can either get a free download (or buy) a midi composing software and do it yourself or ask someone to do it for you on here (I'm afraid I can't; I don't have the equiptment for that, sorry). If you want smoeone to write it for you try askng around at www.vgmusic.com. you'll probably find more people willing to help you there as they solely work with midis at that site. Good luck finding help.

Another update for you all... http://www.box.net/shared/pertqk19y9 (v3.9) The main change here is the increase in volume for all of my hat work (and my snares, consequentially, as they're on the same channel, but that was needed too ). I've added some added depth and complexity to the hat work, as well, but most of the stuff you can now hear was there before; it was just too quiet. The leads have also been significantly brought out, and I've adjusted the mastering settings so the mix isn't quite so hot, anymore. The bass drum at the end hasn't changed yet - I'm still figuring out what to do, there. The lead at ~3:10 is still drowning in the texture a little bit so I'll go and fix that in my next update (hopefully tomorrow), and the awesome sound at 3:10 clips like crazy, atm (easily fixable, will get it in the next update). Otherwise, if anyone has anything to say about it, feel free - I'm still listening to critiques!

No comment on the guitar work (no need to praise you for that anymore ). The arrangement was incredibly creative! I'm glad your showing off your stuff here - a lot of up coming guitarists can learn from your ability to re-create a piece of music to make it your own. Great as always, Froggy Dude !

Woo! That's one down, three to go! Now I might actually be able to invest in programs and hardware, so my list has changed a little...

Heh, alright, that's fine. I understand, your still busy with school and stuff - in that case just keep remixing for fun, then on your own time. That'll keep you in shape, and the people here are willing to help out, if you post on the WIP forums. Have fun and good luck.

Frankly, I don't think anybody should rip into you for posting anything, here. Your asking for help in order to better yourself as a musician. What people should do is give you some constructive criticism on your music if you post here (particularly the production portions), not 'rip into you' in any way other than that. At least, that's all I'll do with it when you post . I'm going to vouche for this - Seriously, I've been on a project that didn't have any deadline, and that's how it turned out... indefinitely out of commission. Before I was just saying if the people you were working with would be willing to give any sort of extension if you needed it. If you could then you could take some time really learning the programs you have better. I would've been more active on this forum, except I didn't know it was moved to the Remixing section. I wish you luck, and I'll do what I can to help whenever I can. By the way, DS is right - you have nothing to apologize for, here .

Holy shit, I haven't heard that terminology in years; I totally forgot about it... Neat, now I've got a way to talk about rhythm properly, here .Woa! I didn't even notice the relation to the beginning in there. I guess that's a good place to start making my changes around. Thanks! I think I'll try adding the pattern to more areas of the music, thus giving a little more complexity to my drum patterns and allowing for a proper preparation for this beat at the end. By the way, it IS a two measure pattern... 1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&a | 1e&a 2 e&a 3 e&a 4 e&a (That terminology is so cool...) I'm looking into it, but at the moment my computer is acting up again... Don't worry, I've got a new one in the mail right now so I'll be able to work on music more consistently from now on (yay). I understand, don't worry. I'm going to experiment with it, and if it doesn't work then I'll just make it more straight foward. The thing is it seems that LT wants a little more spice in the drums as a whole, so I figured for the parts that I am not moving in a straight bass beat pattern I'll add a little of the two measure beat and try to make it more prepared for the end. It could work, so I'm going to do that and try to kill two birds with one stone (if LT wants something done I'm going to pay attention for sure unless it really conflicts with my own ideas - he's got the 'yes' and 'no' power, you know...).

Well, you keep coming on to my remix to help me out, so I figured I'd help you out here, too It's a good idea (Jazz up the Dive meister), but it currently is very thin. I know it's supposed to be a 'night club' sort of feel, but it's too thin even for that. It may be that the bass doesn't stick out enough, perhaps the drums in the background are not loud enough (in fact, I missed the hats the first time around). I guess the best way to put it is that this mix just needs more... volume, at the bottom (and top) end. The samples stick out as just that, samples. Understandably, finding good instrument samples is a very difficult thing to do (which is why I generally stick to electronic music at the moment, btw). Play with the volumes to give the impression of the intended attack (adjusting the 'attack' value can achieve the same effect, but it's harder to control) - that often takes poor samples and gives them more mileage. On the piano, play with the dynamics a LOT more. Every note really needs the velocity tweaked and adjusted in order to make it sound real, not just the solo notes (and the solo needs more activity in the second hand, too, btw). It's called a 'piano-forte' for a reason - play with the dynamics more. The mix currently sounds like it has very little reverb. Now I tend to add too MUCH in my instrument sampled music, but the instruments here are not filling the 'room' very well, at the moment. Again, you may be going for the night club effect, but it isn't enough even for that. I feel that the instruments are used for the same reasons far too often. For example, why not have the part that usually goes to the trumpet (like at 1:56) go to the woodwind section there instead (you DO have a small wind section, right?), or even go to the piano. It would drastically help in keeping some of the sections fresh, even if it returns to the other instruments next time later. On the plus, I do like the use of the harmonies in this. The jazz harmonies are well placed, and the solos (notewise) are pretty good. When the drums come out, they are very well done. The ending is very nice, too. The style is pretty creative as a whole. I'd say keep this in mind when looking over your music - try to keep all direct repetitions at a minimum. That will help this style of music dramatically. ...and I like the comment about keeping the sticks made for Rozo - good way to 'stick' it to him and keep him on his toes (even though I agree with him on it...) Hope this helps!

Don't worry, I'm chill... I've just got that bad experience with Sir_Nut's remix not getting anything still fresh in my mind (and this looks a bit similar, so far, but like you said we've still got a week). It is a bit complicated as a midi (much like Nuts' song was)... I'm still holding the faith, though, don't worry Thanks for the reassurance

No posts again? Oh well, I guess that's the spirit of April for you. Well, here's hoping that I didn't kill the competition this month... EDIT: lol, looking at how this contest ended, I'd say I should be eating my foot, for that comment .

Why wait until High School? When it comes to composition, it's not like they'll teach you very much. No, if you want to get started early, by all means do so! Your brother DS is a well respected remixer here at OC (as I'm sure you know), so take advantage of that and ask him about particular aspects of composition. Also, when you listen to music, start listening to it actively. Instead of just absorbing your favorite music, listen to exactly what you like (or don't like) about it and make a mental note of it. For example, if I were to do this with your piece (which is what your asking for when you ask people to review and critique ), I'd say the sample quality isn't good, much of the syncopation that is in the source (and makes it colorful) is lacking, and the mixing & mastering is poor. The tonality was off in some area, thus taking the piece as a whole down with it (like at 0:32 - those harmonies are off). The drums, while weak in the beginning, actually were quite initeresting when it picked up later. The idea of using Bass' theme in the middle was provokative and held my interest, and the sound bites, although used a bit heavily, added to the effect. Now, as a composer, this is what I'm thinking to myself. Mixing and mastering really contributes to a piece as a whole, so I will make sure that I don't make the levels to painfully loud in my own music. If a source is syncopated I will be careful when making the rhythm straight (or possibly not make that kind of change in my music). Using another theme in a mix was interesting, perhaps I'll consider doing it for one of my own mixes. Sound bites are interesting, maybe I'll add them to my own stuff... etc. etc. etc. That last paragraph is basically what goes through my mind when I'm listening to any piece of music - I try to take what I can out of it and make a mental note of what worked and what didn't. Don't wait for high school to start composing - give it time, listen to music critically, squeeze information out of your brother (and the rest of us, if you can, that's what I'm doing ), and try to keep writing every day. Before you know it you'll be a very decent composer/remixer (and you'll be able to show it off at high school, not just learn it ). Oh, and the tutorial forums are quite nice - I'd recommend reading them and any other book on music you can get your hands on. Music theory isn't required, but it helps. I wish you the best!

I was hoping to be able to 'snipe' this entry before anyone noticed the change, but it's too late now... Oh well, the intro is beefier in this version . http://www.box.net/shared/ezoxxemc2u Thank you, Liontamer, for the feedback! I noticed the weak intro right after I posted this, so I went and made a few changes last night to try and compensate for it (I may do more to it, but now it doesn't stick out nearly so much). Lol, like I said, I WAS going to post anyway, but since a judge came in to give me his two cents I'll make some more changes before submitting. Actually, I've been cutting down on the clutter slowly but surely, so that's to be expected in the next post (although I'm not exactly sure what you mean when you say add more complexity to the texture ). Oh, and are these things refering to the entire song or just the intro? I'm not sure, myself (I really only thought the intro was weak and lacking, personally) As for the ending rhythmic changes, I was experimenting and was hoping for some feedback, so thank you Evktalo for letting me know. I'll try to make it seem less ackward, there. Thanks you all, I'll be getting this finished soon, mark my words. Hey, if it has a chance with the J's then I'm going to go for it! (Is calling my track 'high energy' an intended pun? I just got it! lol)

*Bump* Yup, JJT, I know you agree with me there. For the great soundtrack that it has, I mean, c'mon - it needs more attention than THAT (it only has over 20 mixes - not NEARLY good enough for us)... lol. Okay, that was a complete lie for two reasons. One, it isn't version 2.1 that I'm posting, it's 3.3 (2.1 - 3.2 were not good enough to post, here). Two, it wasn't nearly soon enough. If you were faithfully waiting for my next post then sorry to keep you waiting (of course, I'm pretty sure none of you were, right? ).http://www.box.net/shared/y902dvye1u What's been changed... -The tempo (again) -The structure (a little) -The transitions -The mix & mastering -In short, a shitload... Seriously, I really screwed up the song after 2.0, and it's taken me quite some time to recover from my mistakes. I have, though, and I learned a lot from it. I'm going to post this version in a day or two - I've spent more than enough time refining it. I need to move on from here, but as long as this thing is hovering over my shoulder I can't seem to will myself to do much more than this. I've got to stop splashing in a puddle when I could be swimming in a lake. I'll let you all know some things that have been riding on this little project. I'll admit that I am still somewhat a noob when it comes to production, but take a look at the oldest WIP here - that WAS the extent of my abilities before I took this on. Hopefully you can see how much you've all helped me out, and I'm deeply appreciative of this. I also purposely avoided getting and plugins outside of what came with Reason 3.0, as I've wanted to learn the nuances of mixing and mastering before I go out and get new samples. All of this is made with the box sounds of Reason 3.0 - if the synths/mixing/mastering/etc. sound good to you (and the judges) then I've done what I've set out to do - dramatically improved my production ability. I've tried to show this to judges, but they haven't respond (and I don't expect them to at this point, either). Thank you for reviewing this for me and critiquing my music; I've learned a lot from here and I'd like to thank you all. If you have anything to say, please feel free; I'm still listening . Thank you all for the support; I hope for the best with this!

Damn, that thing is a monster! It looks pretty sweet, though. I'd probably use it as a portable synth over anything else, but as a midi controller it looks very nice, as well. The 'Teenage Engineering' sort of scares me, though - I hope it's just a name . After reading the specs I seriously thought it stood for 'Over Powered 1'...

Well, damn, I'd love to listen to your tracks, but the links are dead (including the new one you've posted)... Could you fix them (so I could shower you with praise later)? Thanks