satoka-eldon

I started a remix of the Minish Village in a bluesier form. A little liberal in comparison to the original.
Source:
ReMix:
Somebody Stole My Jabber Nuts

Thanks. Sometimes, especially for beginners, its easy to get fascinated with your power as an arranger to drastically alter a song. With that song and others I tried to expand more than transform. The sky is still the limit, but you really do want that seed of recognizability, which is why the community exists to begin with. But it takes good sensibilities to pull off that expansion subtly, without the end product sounding like a stitched together frankenstein. (Looking back, I think that Happy Towns mix qualifies as frankenstein with good makeup.)
That's actually one of the great things about your arrangement. The newer material feels like it belongs.

Thank you both for the feedback! I appreciate the advice from both of you:)
That string instrument that satoka refers to is a cello that's been "chorused". I noticed after I posted this that the sample has a sort of "ramp up" time to it, or a slow attack. I think I'm saying that properly:) I think I will change that.
Vidilian, That's a great idea, I doubt I would have thought of that on my own. The vastly different character of sound from even slightly different speaker setups is/was vexing to me.
Thanks again for the feedback!
 

One thing that I recommend, if you're not doing already, is importing a well mixed song that's roughly similar to what you want yours to sound like and using it as a bit of a reference when mixing. It'll help you gauge certain things about your mix, especially as a beginner. It'll also help with the issue you mention about the mix sounding vastly different on different speakers. You can use the reference track to let you know roughly how your song should sound when going between different devices. 

I've made many changes since my first posting:)
 
Version submitted first
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nHURd09pcMxso4k32o9CuwqUvuTeNww-
Latest version 11-7-2019, second submission
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Bv8PRVMqUlDu1CxRpIjNQtLMXxhfbq5/view?usp=sharing
 
Latest Latest version 12-24-2019
This is pretty much completely different, it's something I have been working on under a different name for a short while. The original idea of this tune has gone through the grinder a couple of times, and it was gently suggested that perhaps a different tack might help. My VERY first attempt at Epic FootSteps actually incorporated both walkabout themes from Dragon Warrior 2, and this new version is the second walkabout theme, as opposed to the first. I also add that this is obviously not close to completion, I'm looking for some feedback;) I haven't fiddled with EQ/Mastering yet. I also ask that it be listened to with something that uses ASIO for playback. On my pc, for reasons I have not been able to fathom, playback done with any normal media player sounds MARKEDLY different, in EQ and stereo image/spectrum...and I have tried all solutions googled and asked about here on these forums:)
This version is not done with LMMS, as the previous version, and I have installed a few different VST's
Original Second Walkabout theme
Latest version 12-24-2019
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TMV-pYLpCklO0ZdRx99wiVb8HdT5tAvS/view?usp=sharing
 
   
 

Very very nice arrangement and performance.
Nit picks:
I would make the the cymbals at the end a bit quieter and set a little farther back in the mix with slightly more reverb. They sorta steal the attention.
The final chord feels a little brusque. Of the many ways you could tame it: maybe take out the percussion hit on the chord, and let the lower strings (along with the major third of the chord) fade into the chord more slowly, after a moment of letting the wind breath on its own

Mmm, are you planning on submitting this? You didn't specify, but there's a mod review prefix on this so I assume so - that's what the prefix is for, after all.
EVAL
This is a very fulfilling arrangement - the flute performances are quite good (a few moments where it doesn't hit the beat perfectly, but not the end of the world), the duet is really well done, and to be honest real flute-centric arrangements on OCR are far too few. The production seems to be pretty good (hard to tell from a YT video over a more conventional download link), and the mix knows very well to put the flutes front and center (with some light panning to give each flute it's space). So far so good!
As far as source goes, it takes such a slow theme and speeds it up nicely. There's a lot of material, though, that I don't recognize from the source that you provided (0:32 - 1:37); is there more than one source involved in this one? It sounds well integrated enough, but as I'm not familiar with the game I can't say whether or not this is another theme from Golden Sun, or if this is some (impressive) original writing. The arrangement is still within our standards on OCR, but if it's from something else it'd be a good idea to let the panel know in the submission e-mail.
This is short, but what's here is good. If you submit as is, you'd likely pass without too much issue. Just let us know all of the sources involved upon submission!

So a friend of mine challenged me to remix this theme in the Goa / Psy Trance style. Well, I like a challenge. So, here is my first attempt at Goa Trance. Looking for feedback on the style, sound, eqing, everything. I'm new to this genre (and this site), so let me have it.  Thanks!
 
Source: 
 
Remix: 
Version 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m3YYVVnYbIgs8ESnUkODWkpYyO4MiEEn/view?usp=drivesdk
Version 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ThaxpuWI3w2AbRoZ5J-Zn8j7fhK6UlKl/view?usp=sharing
Version 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_lVEEJimImEZieLtW_kv7oKD7rjkpujs/view?usp=sharing
Version 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16FKnvtGPzqLdfh2TT6qyUOU8T1c6sMF1/view?usp=drivesdk
Final Version: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XOs1iFAoqR0DeZNrcUoSSCw034gCFDta
EDIT: I must add that this song is only halfway finished. Forgot to add that...
UPDATE: Link updated. See post for more info.
UPDATE 2: Did a lot of fleshing out and some EQing.
UPDATE 3: Added some more goodies and did a final master. I feel it's ready for submission.
UPDATE 4: Did a complete redo of the mixing. I had to change some instruments to make things blend well.
UPDATE 5: Fixed some stuff (the bassline most noticeably)and did another mastering attempt. I think it's ready to submit.
FINAL UPDATE: Alright, so I did a final master and sent it off to be judged. Phew, I hope they enjoy it!

I think the drums are a bit too artificial. They sound really obviously synthetic. I know it's an early version, but I am going to suggest better ones, and maaaaaybe not that beat. It doesn't quiet fit with the pace you're playing at.
From start to 0:29, it doesn't really feel that different from the source, but from 0:30 to 0:47, you get some nice variations that make it stand out a it more. It's not a lot of obvious changes, but it gives it a tiny bit more life to the melody.
There are some pitch changes from 0:53 to 1:05 that I don't like; I know I said that the earlier subtle changes were nice, but during this part, it's such a noticeable shift that it slightly pulls me out of the melody. It's a lower tone that makes me feel like something bad is happening, even though I know it's not. The source is fairly happy and peaceful.

1:05 and on is a good example of the kind of style changes that work for this melody. A bit improv, while still following the source. It's a subtle thing, and sometimes it's hard to find the right mix, but this is close.

The end with the orchestral swell is a bit overpowering. The background instruments should support the flute, not overwhelm it. If you push them back a bit more, then the flute can stand out more. Because the flute is the main piece here: it's the element that will carry both the melody and the personal touches you're putting into it.
You got a solid start here. Minor changes to composition, moderate adjustments to the synth percussion, careful polishing here and there of the background instruments. You're about 75% of the way there, and I don't doubt you can make it the rest of the way.

Both. They sound pretty fake (I know there are limitations depending upon what software you use), and the beat doesn't match up with the style of what you're going with.

One option is to ditch the drum entirely. Don't forget that drums aren't the only instrument that can be used to set a beat. You have those other instruments and can use those to set your tempo.
I would have to hear it such an adjustment to decide. I'm not a musician or a composer, I just conned a bunch of people to make remixes for me for free a couple of times.

Alright, my turn.
Not a bad start, but man, some of those chords in the intro very nearly turned me off. See if you can get closer to the original chords if you need to.
Now, for the things you asked The Damned that I may be able to help you with.
The drums:
You can make real sounding drums using white noise. It's all about how you EQ and mix it. This site has been my holy grail for EQing, and there are many others like it out there. If a particular drum isn't quite working for you, add another on top of it to achieve the sound you're looking for.
May I also add that drums are nice, but are only half the equation. You need bass, drums or not. There's something of a tenor in your song in the form of a cello, but you need bass. Every ensemble and genre of musical instrument has a bass instrument (tuba, contrabass, bass flute, etc.) for a reason: it acts like a foundation for your music to sit on.
I've heard songs without bass, and I got to tell you, they may work, but they're empty.
To the other thing you asked The Damned:
No to the increasing flute volume. Fade out the other instruments just enough to make the flute stand out, but not overpowering. If given a choice, decrease, not increase. Well, I mean if you start off soft, yeah, but if you're going from forte to piano, ensemble to solo, don't increase.

Compo: MnP (Meat 'n Potatoes)
Midi: http://compo.thasauce.net/files/materials/MnP85_bk64_freezeezy_peak.mid
Youtube:
Deadline: Dec 28th @ 1PM
Vote Ends: Dec 30th @ 11PM
Submit your remix Here when completed.
MnP ARCHIVE  - made by Trism

MISSION STATEMENT
The goal of Compo:MnP is to promote that "meat and potatoes" conservative approach to remixing: this includes the mood and composition of source tunes. It is up to the remixer to create their own personalization, or to simply give it a sound upgrade. Moreover, the compo is a great opportunity to hone your remixing skills and give video game music the respect that is due. SOME reinterpretation is recommended, but not required.


MnP Instructions/Guidelines
Covers and Sound Upgrades are permitted. Most or all of the source notes must be present (but not necessarily in the exact same order), secondly the mood (energy, pacing, feelings being conveyed etc) should also be retained. For example, a source tune that is fast-paced and energetic that's remixed into a mellow/chill-out theme would be a hard sell. If you decide to do a genre swap (i.e. symphonic to techno), make sure that the conditions of #2 are met. Submissions must be at a maximum of 20mb (keeping in step with ThaSauce's file size max). Only 1 entry per participant. Previous winner cannot participate but can submit a BONUS entry. Please don't make any comments about people's entries - including your own - until the Voting process is concluded.  BONUS entries are exempt of this rule. All competitors and voters must adhere to the rules stated within: Competition Code and Conduct
MISC/TIPS
- When picking a source tune, make sure it has a MIDI to make ppl's lives easier.
- In-game sound FX are permitted, so long as they don't comprise the whole track (i.e. replacing entire MIDI tracks with just sfx)

All right!
At this point, I feel like my bonus mix is conceptually complete (this source has been a blast!), and I feel like production's going a bit better this time around (hopefully!).
There are a couple of parts with some kinks, but, hopefully I can fix those within the next couple of days!

I got some other stuff going on so I'm not submitting this time but I will listen to everybody's submissions, vote, and give feedback. I'm ready to hear what everybody came up with.

Sorry for falling asleep at the wheel there.  Wound up sleeping all day yesterday pretty much.  There were 2 votes that I could not enter as ThaSauce is giving me trouble.  Probably due to the compo finishing its deadline and its semi-glitched, even after I changed the due-date parameters.  And I FORGOT TO VOTE ON TIME.  I'm not worthy!!! Wahhhhwahwahwahluiigiiii WHY
EDIT So here's the 3 additional votes that couldn't be entered in because #interwebs=ass
Satoka-eldon
1. Chadlee
2. Klevarkoopa
3. ________
Chadlee: mostly a tight mix - I like the restraint shown towards reverb and echo, and most of the instruments/synths used. I personally think the horns could swapped out for something a little smoother-sounding though.
Klevarkoopa - I like the bird sounds! The bass really needs to hit on the beat though - a synth might do better. There are some interesting ideas in the middle in terms of composition by repeating established phrases, although (especially at 1:44) the transitions could be a little smoother. The ending, although always tricky to deal with for tracks which originally loop, needs a bit more polish, like a crescendo.
 
Chadlee
1. Satoka-Eldon 
2. Klevar Koopa / Mr. L
3. ________
(no comments, he might add some later :P)
 
ME
satoka-eldon - nice beat and jive - bit on the quiet side, but that's okay.  Nice re interpretive touches, conservative as MnP demands but still has unique touches.  Love the chip-tune bits too.
KlevarKoopa - has an epic Mario 64 feel to it - some of the samples felt very N64-ish which is awesome for nostalgic feels.  Love the wind and bird FX.  This ALMOST took first place until I sat down and re-listened to all the tracks.  Still, top notch!
Chadlee - Man this is tied for 2nd place for me, alas I cannot do that.  Love the delayed-reverb trumpets and the marimbas.  Real good drive and nice quality of sound.  
Silverpool - HEY you took more risks!!  Good!  There's a bit more creativity in here than your usual works, you're starting to develop your own sound.  The 2/3 mark is my favorite part. 
Now to tally the votes!!! 

This was pretty fun. I hope I can get in on the future ones. Good stuff everybody.
Satoka-Eldon - The string bassline is so dope. That alone gave the track a cool vibe. It's almost like Paper Mario meets Donkey King Country or something. I liked the introduction of the horns. Also the switch to 8 bit sounds was a welcome change and kept things interesting. I feel like this track could do more with some added swing and maybe "human error" if that makes sense.The bass, horns, and overall rhythm seem pretty jazzy but sound programmed.
Klevar Koopa/Mr. L - I like the change in vibe you gave to this one. From the very beginning, I could tell the idea you had in your head which is great. It sounds like a fancy brunch or something I don't know lol. The strings and flute sound good and fit the mood great. For me, the wind sound effect was too loud and distracting from hearing the melody. I wish there was a little more on the low end too.
Silverpool - I thought the more electronic sound of yours was cool. The drums were knocking throughout and had some quirks thrown in to keep it interesting. The breakdown was nice too. I was ok with the deep bells until about 2:35 when they start to go off and do their own thing. They have too much delay or something and it makes their solo hard to make sense of. 
I'm glad I got in on this and enjoyed listening to every track for sure.

Many thanks to HoboKa and the other entrants for all the hard work, and to everyone else for their constructive comments! Looking forward to seeing what's up for the next round.

Many thanks to HoboKa and the other entrants for all the hard work, and to everyone else for their constructive comments! Looking forward to seeing what's up for the next round.

Good news everyone!
ThaSauce staff informed me that all accounts are activated and good to go.  Next round should be no hitch (at least for people who already applied lmao)

Looking forward to it being fixed! (Just tried, still no luck.)

I have a remix... but I'm not able to get the confirmation email at ThaSauce, so I can't upload it there. (I've registered with the same username.) Any help?

Not sure what the best place to post this is, but... I want to upload a submission for a competition at ThaSauce listed on the OCR forums:
But I can't register for an account, because I am not getting the confirmation email. Any help for this?