The Gym Leader Tribute Project
The Concept
Pokemon, it really needs no introduction, as it has become one of the most successful franchises in gaming history due to its innovative design and gameplay. One of the staples of this series is the Gym Leaders, Pokemon Trainers tasked with testing the battling prowess of up and coming trainers. All of which specialize in a certain type of Pokemon. Defeating them is no easy task and they stand in your way of becoming a champion.
And they have stories of their own to tell.
This project’s aim is to create musical vocal interpretations of each Gym Leader based on the track (or otherwise) of the town they reside in. And it seems like the Elite Four and Region Champions want in on this unrequited love too.
Genre and Track Guidelines
There is no set genre restriction for this project. Rock, Hip-hop, Reggae, Latin music, and yes, even country music is fare-game but they must have vocals in the ReMix.
Here is the list of Gym Leaders and track sources associated to them.
For the most part, source #1 is going to be the main source for the track, whereas the rest are optional. Other sources you can use are the Gym Theme, which plays in every single Gym in every Pokemon game (I don’t think I really need to post a link to that.) and Battle Against Gym Leader theme in the respective games they appear in. Other sources that are okay should relate to the Gym Leaders primary Pokemon type. What I mean is that if you choose a Gym Leader that specializes in water Pokemon, the surfing theme is acceptable. Grass and Bug type Gym Leaders can also have forest themes. Just pick sources within reason and in the same games they are from.
Just remember that source #1 is the “meat and potatoes” of the ReMix. Don’t go over board with adding as many sources as possible. It should have some consistency to it.
And yes I’m aware that some of the Gym Leaders have the same town/city theme in the earlier games. So what I did was pick tracks from the same game to offer variety and in some cases actually work better for them. (Like Sabrina having the Silph Co. track instead of the same track used in Pewter and Viridian City.)
Claiming Tracks
Its first come first serve regarding claiming a Gym Leader. Just simply post your claim in the thread or PM me and I’ll add you to the list. If you aren’t a posted remixer, I’ll need some sort of samples of your work before quickly placing you on the list.
Having trouble writing lyrics?
Here is the complete list of Gym Leaders on Bulbapedia to get rough ideas on their personality.
There are also episodes of the anime available to watch on-line that feature battles against Gym Leaders to get a feel for them. Also, don’t knock off the Gym Leaders within the Pokemon Adventures Manga either. Most notable differences between the manga counterparts than the games and anime is that Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and Koga are all members of Team Rocket, Lance and the Elite Four are the main villains of the Yellow arc and there’s Pryce. (Just know that his role in the Gold/Silver arc is spoiler territory and proceed with caution if you don’t like spoilers. )
Hopefully, this will get you some ideas but you don’t have to follow them closely. Your own imagination about them is just as good.
Regarding the lyrics themselves, it can be emotive or silly. Again, no set preference.
Who is needed?
Arrangers - to well claim tracks and produce the music.
Lyricists - to write lyrics that compliment the Gym Leaders.
And most importantly, vocalist. If you can sing but don't have the production chops, get in contact with someone who has claimed a track to help out. Hey, you never know until you ask politely.
About me:
Been a gamer for most of my life (since I was 4 years old). Pokemon is without a doubt one of the franchises that I cherished as a kid and as an adult. I probably can't even fathom the amount of time I sinked into this series. Just about every aspect of the this series I love. The battle system is surprisingly deeper than I thought, the art desgins of the Pokemon are excellent, and I love learning about the inspiration of said Pokemon designs. I highly doubt I'll abandon this series anytime soon. (BTW, Glaceon, Mismagius, Mawhile, and Luxray are some of my favorite Pokemon. Favorite Gym Leader is Misty.)
Current News: (Artistic representation of the project)
Right now I just want to focus on the Kanto Gym Leaders so if you want to claim a Gym Leader consider them first before jumping to Sinnoh or Unova. If you really want to claim Roxie or Clement I’ll put you on the list. Just know that it may take awhile when we get to that region as this project is going to focus on one PokeRegion at a time. That way I can call it the Kanto Version of the Gym Leader Tribute!
As of right now, there is no WIP deadline but if there is it would probably be March/April of 2015. Again, I'm just going to focus on filling the Kanto slots until I figure out a solid date.
Also if you are interested in contributing but only have vocal chops say so and I’ll add you to a hand and dandy list that will make it easier for someone that wants to collab with you. Need male and female vocalists to contribute. If you have anything else to contribute, like possible artwork designs for sigs, or other suggestions I may need, I’m all ears.
Since I have never done this sort of thing before, any help and advice is welcome.
4/1 update: Just asking around and looking for potential folks to contribute. It's a process that has been fruitful so far.
Current Kanto Claims:
Amphibious - Misty
Wildfire - Sabrina
Ethan Rex - Giovanni
Possible vocalists to consider
BrothaDom (M)
Orangedragan (M) - baritone
Xarnax42 (M)
Wildfire (F)
MangaMan (M)
Natalya Zarraga (F)
angaros (M) - preferably towards rock/metal arrangements
Furilas (M) - bass
Analea (F) - soprano
Miscellaneous
XPRTNovice - willing to collab as long as a part is written for a sax, clarinet, guitar, etc.
Founder (and master spreadsheet maker): BaconProcurement
Production Consultant: Timaeus222
(Mad Genius: DarkeSword)