Gario

I notice that you are having problems with the file size. Frankly, wavs are like bitmaps - it doesn't matter what you do to the quality of them, the filesize will be the same if they are the same size. If the bitmap is completely blank it'll have the asme filesize as if it had the Mona Lisa on it. Wavs are the same. If there is no sound on the file it'll have the same size as an equally long file that has all of your music on it. Mp3s follow the same principle (even though you CAN change the filesize through the 'quality' options), but changing the content isn't going to help the mix at all. Hey, my recommendation is to speed up the file that you feel is the best up by a one or two bpms. That may get it to the 6 mb limit (as it'll make the song just a little bit shorter), and hopefully no one will tell the difference. Check out my many, many posts of Sparkman here (I'm not advertising my music or trying to divert attention from your music - it just provides an excellent example of what I'm talking about with the filesize). The filesize only ever changed if the length of the song changed (like between v.2.0 and v.3.4), otherwise, it would be the exact same as the others before it (the bitrate always stayed the same, 160kps - I lucked out with my final submission, lol). As for the mix itself, I liked the idea of combining the two songs together like you did. I feel that the instrument usage was a bit stale (as you used each instrument for the same purpose every time). I'd say it's on the conservative side of things and has an ever-so-slight 'medley-itis' feel to the connection of the mining song and the DK2 song (and from the DK1 mines to the DK2 credits, the reference to the lockjaw song, though, was brilliant, imo). It was a great mix, nonetheless; very clean and enjoyable. I'd fix the transitions so the sections don't feel as slapped together and try to vary the instrument usage more; then it may have a shot with the J's (as long as the filesize is brought down ).

Ah, a working link, yay! I don't mind if it's Newgrounds (although the feedback from there can be a bit... odd... at times). Just from the one song you've posted, the rhythm guitar is a bit too thin for my tastes. It doesn't seem to fill the space well enough (although the lead guitar makes up for it somewhat). For the drum sampling your using, I'd recommend some more delicate treatment of the velocities - adding some variety in the dynamics will help in getting a realistic sound dramatically. I really like the lead work, though. It really shines, showing off your talent very well. The tone is nice and mellow, and the notework is pristine. I'll admit it is a little bit underrepresented, as it is a bit quiet, but that's a pretty easy fix . The solo at 1:26 bothers me a little bit. I'd have chosen some different notes to double the lead with... yes, it's because of that old 'Parallel 5ths' thing, and I KNOW you know what bothers me about them (I'm not turning this into another Parallel 5ths debate, lol). Actually, I'm writing a very in depth guide on the subject of Counterpoint right now (it's my way to support OCR this month), and I'd love to have you read it when I'm done (it makes the post I made in Rozo's remix about counterpoint look like a puny note on the side...). It'll be very beneficial, even if you don't believe in it right now . Of course, you also know that it is a pet peeve of mine, so you can take the advice or leave it, I won't mind too much either way . Well, I don't know if you were asking for advice on it or just letting us know. I can't help critiquing music - I guess I've got a little 'Rozo-itis' in me...

I'm not going to lie, I like this mix. It does, however, lean on the mids and bass a bit too heavily. The synths you use for the melodic material is not quite thick enough to fill the upper register of the music. I'm not recommending to change your instruments, really; they add to the charm of the piece. The lack of upper range, though, does give this a certain, 'muffled' quality that I'm sure that you didn't intend. By the way, this sounds like an excellent piece that harkens back to the older OCR days. That nostalgic factor is really quite fun, but I don't know what that does to your chances with the judges (well, you'd know better than I, I guess; your an OCR remixer, whereas I am saldy not, at the moment). It sounds like you cut back down on the Dr. Wily portion of the mix. I liked that part before when it was a bit more prominent . Ah well, I'm sure you have your reasons. I like the mix, though, I want to hear the finished version soon!

Well, Dj Mokram, if it helps it also has a lot of Giant of Babil in there... listen to the harmonies, melody and drum pattern (not to mention the famous bassline) in there - maybe that'll divert your attention from the CT aspect of it

Yup, I came to the same conclusion, before; I'm glad you can see why I may have been worried, then . It looks like there are people interested, though, so I'm not really fretting about it, right now . Sadly, most of my midi music is pretty thick like that (or blatantly atonal, which wouldn't make for very good remixing...), so I have a difficult time trying to pick what I want to post here (especially if I'm dealing with GM... I made the music with Soundblaster Live, where it sounds just fine, but even the mp3 has difficulty conveying the balance it has...).

It's alright, I understand your hypothesis (and what you were asking). Frankly, I think that when a mix is very dense and doesn't have a very strong melodic element it more often than not won't have much attention (although I can understand what your saying, too). I was a bit worried about people participating because my mix IS pretty dense. It looks like there is some interest, so I'm patiently awaiting the submissions. Oh, and go listen to it - it's pretty cool .

I personally suck at art, but my brother's and sister are amazing. If you send me what you want I could ask them about it.

The source (well, any source for this competition) is from a body of midi works that I have. Sadly, I don't have a midi-maker that I'm satisfied with, right now (Anvil just doesn't work for me), so I can't quite make anything specifically for this competition, atm. I would if I could, but I can't. Hell, I've actually had this floating around OC for a while now (look at the OHC021 compo - I actually used it there because I couldn't make anything that week ). I don't think that's against the rules, and it is much more satisfying when people remix a work that you really put your heart into (this particular track, to get it just right, took me 3 weeks, for example). This was written for a game that I'm working on (that is currently on indefinite hold... we'll see if I ever get it done). What makes you bring this up?

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...).