Monobrow

Okay. First impressions are. Great arrangement. Nice sense of dynamics and build. My problems are with the implementation. Here are some problem areas, and please I am going to be highly critical, but it's because I like this song: Way too much reverb on the entire song. If you have it applied to the master channel, turn it off, create a few sends, and apply to those instead. Overall the entire song could use less reverb IMO. You might way to try automation for slower/more intimate parts with more reverb on the master channel (or sends), then turn it down again for muddier parts. :00 - first 30 seconds. Way too much reverb on that harp/lead. If you want that much reverb in the beginning, I would automate it down as the song progresses and more instruments are added. :45 kick drum clicks. There is a weird delayed clicking that happens with the kick drum Did you put delay on the kick? If so, I'd definitely take it off, if it's on an entire kit, separate the kick drum from the rest. I think that leads to problems with the later mix when everything starts to get cluttered. Or is that delay on reverb on the kick? Because if so, very little reverb is necessary on the kick. And also VERY GENERAL rule of thumb that you might already know, try to keep the bass and kick freq separate, bass fills lower end, drops off where the kick should be, and then is EQ'd up for that "click". EQ the kick up where the bass drops off (but use your ears) :49 your lead has some overpowering resonance here, on the left pan, hurt my ears... I'd EQ as many spare freq as possible that are not useful (look for a sweet spot and EQ the rest out when listening), and I'd decrease any release/sustain a TAD so as not to overpower when the song gets muddy if you re-use. The point being, do only what is necessary to get a point across in terms of production on your music and you will be helping yourself in the end (I have learned this the hard way believe me lol) 1:25 piano is pretty nice, but could probably still use some EQ. Maybe a LITTLE too much release/delay on it as well. on a side note: piano at the end of the song is clipping, and it may be related to the bass. Once again, search for a sweet spot with that piano, and EQ other freq out. I also think the delay is a bit too much, you can turn it down a little bit, reduce the feedback, or the amount of bounces, and still get the same effect. It could help unclutter the mix. 1:33 that very high freq hit, seems very out of place because it only hits 3 times, it is very exposed, and doesn't match up with the atmosphere of the rest of the song. When it rejoins the (mandolin?) lead later on, less intrusive, but I don't think it's necessary at 1:33. 1:40 I like that (once again mandolin?) lead that comes in, but I think it would sound better overall, and wouldn't have to complete with the rest of the song if the rest was cleaner/EQ'd better. Work on the surrounded environment more and I think it will be easier to make it stand out. 1:55 + arpeggiatiing stabby synths are cool, but a little too distracting, panned to the right. I think it's just because they are competing with the lead too much, I think maybe a better choice would be to use both channels with this one, you'd get a depthier effect, maybe a slightly less harsh pan on one side, and filter in and out on both R and L channels 2:19 I like that piano there, and the toy piano reverbed in the background, but it is kind of taken away in atmosphere, by the delayed synths (toyish stabs), they are either too loud or need some more space on them. I also think overall, their delay seems to clash with your drumbeat, throws it off, when they are joined together later on and throughout the song. 2:19 + I also think the bassy gated rhythmic synth is either too exposed or too loud 2:47 those flute stabs are cool, but a little too loud, then you start following them and they disappear, which I understand is clearing up room for the climax/soloing... which means maybe turning them down would make me miss/not expect them more Overall cleaning up the rest of the frequencies on the previous stuff mentioned might help leaving you more breathing room for climatic parts like that, so you don't have to choose as much. Drums: I also think your drums might sound a little bit too generic, in both the writing (the highats) and the sound... I can tell you can write, so it might be a stylistic choice, but IMO it might help to work a little more with your beat... AND it might do better to work on your kit's sound a little bit, or something a tiny bit more organic/realistic, with electronic fx... To go with the feel of the rest of the song. I like it when it's joined with everything, but when it's exposed more it doesn't sound as good. Anyway, EQ, EQ, EQ. Compress when necessary, really go in there and make some decisions on what is really necessary on all channels, look for sweet spots, and try to spread the mix out further, without too much of a harsh panning. Clashing frequencies are the real sin of mixing ... And also to balance, coherence in soundscape will prevail if you do this, I guarantee it. Overall, nice try, I can tell you put a lot of work into this already, I hate to be the one that tells you to go back in there and REALLY restructure/reorganize your sound spectrum, but I've been there too. You could turn a great attempt into something AMAZING.

I think the percussion is a bit weak. I would honestly go for a more bombastic approach with it. Get more involved with it. Edit: Oh haha, way for me to read the first post all the way through. I think you also need more slowdowns, longer sections, things seem a little bit rushed. The build is not as dynamic because I think it goes too fast. Hope that helps.

Are you implying we're a bunch of dirty commies?

Yeah like 1000 pages lol. Holy Christ.

He's busy looking like Ubik.

For the time being, no. But I talked to him on IRC and he seemed down... I told him if he sends me a WIP that lasts more than 30 seconds he's back on lol. He's been so busy being a daddy is my guess. *_*. Anyway, I am leaving the claim open in case someone else wants to try his old track, but believe me I will eventually hunt him down because he's super awesome <3.

I will love to! Guys better listen up in dis bitch!

It's really okay. I mean, it's me. I'm on a buttload of other projects too. I HAVE to be forgiving here, otherwise that would make me a hypocrite *_*. But thanks anyway! AND KEEP THE INTEREST COMING GUYS!

Update: I have gotten numerous PMs from people trying out. Thanks for the interest. I am now waiting for some WIPs for track claims. If you have PM'd me, you know that I am still greatly interested to see if anything progresses. If you are considering it but have not messaged me, believe me, I am all ears right now. I am also looking for the following: Other Contributions: (help wanted) Illustration: Monobrow (looking for volunteers for coloring/line work/feedback) Promotion: Monobrow (looking for volunteers from any arena on the internet) Final Mastering: (looking for volunteers for the final master, way down the line) If anyone wants contribute anything else, or has a good idea, please drop me a line. Thanks!

Okay so, I have had four people try out for songs within the past week. They are all going to get me WIPS, hopefully in a timely manner so I can put their names down. That is at least something right there. Anyway I promise to be more organized/involved now that I have some spare time. And also some more artwork should be showing its pretty face before September. I'd like to add that I am looking for artists who can do good coloring/line work. I am doing all the illustrations myself, and it will take time but I am excited about it, but a little help in those two areas would be greatly appreciated.

Just an FYI about Nekofrog. He's overseas right now so I don't think he's going to be turning anything in for a few months.

Taking registration for pizza party in our room. Derp derp.

Oh my god it's that time already?

Because it's not an official OCR Project. He's been aiming to release it through his website instead.

Super Seckret Halfway Done

This is how I feel. I have a song that's like 90% done on this project already (Shaia), which I actually held off on finishing/finalizing because this project died while I was working on it... And yet am getting cut for another song I haven't started yet. Honestly while I understand the principle, I don't think it's fair. I will say this much, I am still very interested in doing the song we have claimed, but it cannot take priority at this time. Here's why, I have been outputting to other projects that are going to be released much much sooner than this. And while Ari would have been more free to work on the collab with me at the time this project originally started a couple years ago or w/e, he has since become quite busy with another huge project that doesn't involve music. So I have no desire to force his hand and start the song without him and then wait two years for it to be released. As with Darangen, I do plan on doing the song regardless, but I have honestly suffered quite enough from being masochistic enough to join more projects and then working on songs that I have to go back and redo 2 years later because I have improved since then. There really isn't much initiative with this project, and I honestly think that is because it was started while the original project lead was running about 3 (or more) other projects at the same time, therefore it was no surprise when this one died. Anyway, music comes for me in creative bursts, and I have about 3 songs that I am working on for other projects that are either already finished, or are very close, some of which are last-minute from me, which will take priority. So if you want to, keep me and Protricity on, I promise to have a song finished in time for the project release, or even sooner, but if that's not enough I understand.

Can't wait for this to be released. I have to admit I was very skeptical about this project at first, and I think I even said something along those lines, but I'm really glad it turned out well, and I was really pushed in terms of my own musical skill. Ya'll made me GIVE! Color me impressed. Color be bad too. Now is that limbo before release. P.S. NOW THAT THIS PROJECT IS DONE MAYBE THERE COULD BE SOME MUSICAL/ARTISTIC INTEREST DIRECTED TOWARDS A CERTAIN PROJECT THAT IS ALSO A PROJECT! /shameless <3

If you guys need help with anything hit me up too. I can at least help with critique and problem areas. Or anything really.

Hello everyone, if you have checked the Project forums, you may have seen the Dragon Warrior Project. I am posting to let you know that there is still open recruitment, all you have to do is approach me, give me some examples of your work, and show me a WIP of a track you wish to claim, and you are in. I normally approach people I specifically want for a track, however right now I am willing to definitely try on some fresh talent. In fact, I love fresh talent. To join this project, you must be brave and bold and have some courage, because I am open and honest with my critique, but I am always, ALWAYS willing to work with you, if you are willing to meet me halfway on requirements. The point is, it will be a challenge for us both, and people on this project must be willing to grow musically, and also challenge me back. Yes the guidelines are a bit more strict than usual, yes you can ask me to clarify anything, no I will not change them to get the project out faster, and yes I can at least bend them for a good idea. The reason why this project is taking so long is really that Dragon Warrior music is a bit more difficult to work with, honestly the OST can be daunting, because of either the shortness of songs, or the actual writing of Sugiyama, however I have faith that the right person will come along for each song and give it a breath of life. If you think you can be that person, hit me up. http://ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=26229 This is the thread, the guidelines for the project are there, please make sure to read them. I have a lot more spare time this Summer, so now is your chance. Thanks for the support!

I'd also like to add that if you do wish to join this project, either PM me here or get on #ocremix in IRC and hit me up, as I usually idle there. All I need is either a good song or two of your work to know where you stand musically, or a WIP that I can critique, and you're solid. I encourage anyone joining this project to give me a WIP asap as to earn my trust that you are truly interested in working. And if anyone is worried about this project, don't worry, we are not going anywhere, we are just taking forever, and that's okay.

Hey everyone, Summer is here again, and that means I have extra time to start getting on people's asses about their songs. If you are on this project, expect a pm from me very soon. I want to know what anyone's status is. There are certain people I have already been in touch with and I know where they stand, so those do not have to worry. Like I have said in the project title, a lot of people I know are solid and good for their songs. But I am counting on you. Let's get the ball rolling again and see what happens. Thanks!

Yay! (ten char)

Most of these I did when I was a kid, and probably can't replicate, or don't have the patience to do anymore. I can't believe how endless my patience was when I was younger. SNES - Super Mario Kart - Rainbow Road - Koopa Troopa - 1:37 N64 - Starfox 64 - Highest score (between me and my brother) was like 2100 to 2200+ on Expert. It took probably a year to get that high, playing a few times a week. NES - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - I can beat the dam level with no hits, fastest time something around 35 seconds left (but this could be wrong, I know I have plenty of time left though, way before the music changes) PSX - Silent Hill - Beat on Hard with no deaths first try ever because I had no memory card and was afraid I couldn't reload a save, later I found out that if you die, you can still continue where you last accessed a save even if you did not. The game was so much more scary because of this. SNES - Kirby Superstar - 100% or whatever the percentage is SNES - Yoshi's Island - 100% or whatever the percentage is SNES - Super Mario World - *96 way back playing with my friends in the neighborhood when I was like 10 SNES - DKC2 - 102% SNES - DKC3 - Finally beat 100%. Did it about a month ago, don't remember the percentage though. SNES - Chrono Trigger - Got everyone to ** level, including Magus. Don't ask how many playthroughs it took, just don't lol. SNES - Earthbound - Got Sword of Kings without trying on first playthrough. I didn't have the instruction manual and didn't know it was that hard to get until I went back and looked. I was so happy! PSX - Castlevania - SoTN - 200.3% (I got just about every glitch room and powered up the sword as well WITHOUT cheating on an OLD save I would revisit a lot),though I looked up the last couple map tiles because the people who found those are NUTS! SNES - Lufia 2 - Beat the Ancient Cave. Also BEATING XBOX NINJA GAIDEN BLACK ON MASTER NINJA MODE HOLY SHIT! Oh yeah and my favorite gaming achievement - I beat BRANDISH!

Listening right now guys! Congrats!