Metroid 'Kraid's Chamber' (Genre? You tell me? lol)

[The Eclectic Platypus]

Hey, guys.

Long time lurker, here. Been working on this one for about a week. Looking for any and all feedback (preferably constructive - heh).

I'm usually not a single-genre writer since i just write what the voices in my head tell me to write (of which there are many, BTW), but I definitely get a "Synthesized Space Jazz/Swing" vibe a lot of the time with this one.

Looking forward to your comments. Will definitely stay on top of this thread.

THANKS!

Link Below:

http://www.tindeck.com/audio/my/dneo/In-the-Hall-of-Inspector-Kraid

Edit: I guess I should mention that this is from Metroid (NES), but I figured that was a given. lol

Edit #2: Just tried the link using my PC and I'm having problems (works fine on my Mac, though). Please let me know!

[jayc4life]

I get the feeling is dragged out too long, and could have maybe used a fade out rather than a sudden halt.

Apart from that, i don't think I've heard any version of Kraid's theme that sounds like this. Hell, I'd even like this piece if it didn't have Kraid's theme applied to it, and just had the rest of the backing track.

Can't quite define it into a genre though, but considering that this was a week's work, it's pretty well-done.

The stream option on TinDeck was rather slow, but streaming off the Download link was faster and much more effective. Just so you know.

[Spakku]

I'm confused by this track. I don't know whether it's good or not.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

I get the feeling is dragged out too long, and could have maybe used a fade out rather than a sudden halt.

I definitely have reservations about the ending. I am not sure I am going to fade it out, but I definitely will consider shortening the length of those sustained notes a tad.

Apart from that, i don't think I've heard any version of Kraid's theme that sounds like this. Hell, I'd even like this piece if it didn't have Kraid's theme applied to it, and just had the rest of the backing track.

Thanks! I definitely made sure to listen to any available remixes of this theme first. Wasn't sure if this would be consumable to anyone, but if you even think the backing track is strong, then I'm glad!

Can't quite define it into a genre though, but considering that this was a week's work, it's pretty well-done.

That's why I call myself The Eclectic Platypus. lol My influences are many, therefore I usually have a lot of trouble putting a stylistic name to whatever I write. My g/f called the first part very "80's New Wave," and I definitely think the synths during the 2nd and 3rd parts could easily sound like trumpet section swing with different instrumentation.

The stream option on TinDeck was rather slow, but streaming off the Download link was faster and much more effective. Just so you know.

Definitely thanks for letting me know that. I'm not sure what the heck is up. It works like a charm on my Mac but not at all on my PC. I may just re-up it.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

I'm confused by this track. I don't know whether it's good or not.

HA HA HA. I love this comment (no sarcasm).

I especially love it in light of your signature. I certainly don't only want the opinion of technically sound remixers.

It sounds like you've got a little cognitive dissonance since it is so out of the norm compared to the other Kraid mixes out there!

Once you find out whether you like it or not -- LET ME KNOW! heheh

[Cyril the Wolf]

Umm... I really really like this. A lot. Its pretty great, I dunno if it will pass....... but I dunno, the sample quality is sound... the sounds used complement what you do, the interps good...

Just make sure its loud enough compared to other remixes (mastering) and you may have something solid....

ooo, work on that ending... made me want more, instead of giving me closure. Not in the good way either.

[XZero]

I guess I liked it... not really sure. It reminded me of an Inspector Gadget type of beat at one point ... then it didn't ... I don't know.

The one suggestion I have is the same as every one else's: work on improving the ending. I think something that might work would be to add some reverb that fades out at the end. If I actually had any abilities in doing that sort of thing, I'd be more specific. At any rate, I hope this suggestion is useful.

You know what, I listened to it a couple more times, and while I stick by the ending comment, I do like it. Quite a bit, actually. Nice work!

[SplinterOfChaos]

FL Studio? Some of those sounds are familiar.

Umm... I really really like this. A lot. Its pretty great, I dunno if it will pass.

Ehh...no. It can't pass. Yet... 0:39 - 0:55 I just can't find myself liking. Besides that, it's not got the good synths. Great work considering. Enjoyable. But, not professional enough, I don't think.

Very well orchestrated.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

I guess I liked it... not really sure. It reminded me of an Inspector Gadget type of beat at one point ... then it didn't ... I don't know.

Heh. You're the second person to give an ambiguous statement as a first impression on whether they like it or not . I'm guessing it's because the genre itself is so ambiguous and the interpretation is out of the ordinary?

By the way... your ears did not deceive you regarding Inspector Gadget (although you may have spotted it in the wrong place). That theme is found at the very end in the bass. What I think you are referring to is a theme to a classical piece called "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Both that piece and the Inspector Gadget theme involve melody intervals that are VERY similar to the 3rd section of Kraid's Theme. Hence, their placement in this piece, and hence the title: "In the Hall of Inspector Kraid."

The one suggestion I have is the same as every one else's: work on improving the ending. I think something that might work would be to add some reverb that fades out at the end. If I actually had any abilities in doing that sort of thing, I'd be more specific. At any rate, I hope this suggestion is useful.

Ack... so the abrupt ending after the crescendo isn't working for anyone, huh? lol It's kinda what I was going for. Then again, it's possible the entire thing is too short which adds to the abruptness. I did not exactly intend for this to be the final product in terms of length, but wanted to get feedback from you guys. But I suppose some mild reverb at the end would still give it a sense of finality as opposed to a complete cut-out of sound.

You know what, I listened to it a couple more times, and while I stick by the ending comment, I do like it. Quite a bit, actually. Nice work!

Excellent! Thanks for your feedback!

P.S. - If anyone has a name for this "style" (or mix of styles)...do let me know!

[progressive]

Nice choice of source.

This is a good example of a mix that has some things that work well and some that should be cut out.

Your bread and butter here is going to be parts like 1:30 through 1:45. If you could extend on parts like this and give the mix a coherent feel, I think you'd be on to something.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

FL Studio? Some of those sounds are familiar.

I'm actually using Logic Pro 8, but I have had it for less than a month, so this is sort of a "practice project," for learning the software.

0:39 - 0:55 I just can't find myself liking.

Can you explain why in greater detail?

Besides that, it's not got the good synths.

I'm assuming you are referring to the lead synth. It does have a bit of an abrasive quality to it, but I was hoping that the lows would iron that out a bit. I also use that synth in a very non-synthy way, I guess? Particularly during that part at :39-:55, it's practically a synth trumpet at that point.

Thanks for your feedback!

[SplinterOfChaos]

Can you explain why in greater detail?

Not easily. There's just not a lot to that small section. Little complexity. Not much to entertain me.

I'm assuming you are referring to the lead synth. It does have a bit of an abrasive quality to it, but I was hoping that the lows would iron that out a bit. I also use that synth in a very non-synthy way, I guess? Particularly during that part at :39-:55, it's practically a synth trumpet at that point.

Pretty much. What I feel I've learned about this site is that they care more about professionalism than enjoyability. They'd eat this song up. Hell, they eat up really good songs! I'm truely surprised at some of the songs that didn't make the cut, where the artist had to go and redo much of their song.

[Rozovian]

It's kind'a empty overall, all the elements are so separate. They all need some more width to them, at least as far as their frequency ranges are concerned.

Starting off with just drums is stupid unless they're really great sounding, and these ones aren't, sorry. You should be able to fix it tho. Take the hats out of the center, give them some stereo delay (something soft and matching the rhythm, but at the same time separating the left and right channels). Put reverb on the snare (and toms), possibly also the kick. Give the kick a slight boost somewhere in the 80-150Hz range to get it's weight through. Snare and toms might benefit from some punch boosting as well.

Add a bass, or drop this one an octave, it just doesn't have the bass the track seems to be missing. Then again, high lead, low bass... You might need to add some good backing in between.

Anyway, I think this style is interesting, and you've adapted the Kraid theme quite well to it. Watch out for those region ends like at (1:45). Write a region for just that last note on the next beat so it doesn't end so abruptly. Same thing with the drums. Looping is fine, but you need to know how to end the loops too.

Good luck.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

Pretty much. What I feel I've learned about this site is that they care more about professionalism than enjoyability. They'd eat this song up. Hell, they eat up really good songs! I'm truely surprised at some of the songs that didn't make the cut, where the artist had to go and redo much of their song.

For the most part, I kinda agree with you regarding the "professionalism over enjoyability" comment in regard to the site. Then again, I have heard a two-acoustic recording replete with obvious imperfections that sounds like it could have taken place in one-take during a drunken frat party... yet, instead of a "resubmit," it was deemed "charming" and posted. lol

Music is a very subjective thing, so I'm not TERRIBLY concerned with whether or not this song makes the "OC Remix cut." I mean... even production values (though to a lesser extent) are subjective; evidenced by the fact that you don't like my synths, but someone else in this thread does.

I also don't 100% agree with the high-degree of interpretation that is accepted by the panel. I am sure I am not alone in saying that nostalgia is a huge factor in why I like this website; therefore it kinda defeats the purpose when a cherished song from a video game becomes virtually unrecognizable. And even when it IS recognizable, sometimes the genre it is remixed in has simply strayed much too far from the source material for it to garner "nostalgia points," if you will. I am not even sure I would be this liberal with Kraid's Theme if not for the fact that it's to be expected.

However, in fairness... as I observe the degree of standard that has increased throughout the years, progress is definitely a good thing. They can't very well post everything they receive, so it comes as no surprised that (as you alluded to), some really cool shit gets rejected.

I was very disappointed when they decided to take rejected links out of judges decision threads. For starters... how I am supposed to understand why it was rejected if you're not letting me hear it? (finding it here in the WIP section is not always easy) Secondly, I may very well disagree with the judges, and deem it a keeper.

Anyhow... I just love video games and music. I like to think I'm a fairly good composer/arranger, but i am definitely green in terms of production, so that's why I'm here. To get feedback from those more knowledgeable so I can become more knowledgeable.

Thanks!

[The Eclectic Platypus]

Thanks for posting. I was hoping you would, since you usually offer concrete advice (which you did here).

Starting off with just drums is stupid unless they're really great sounding, and these ones aren't, sorry. You should be able to fix it tho. Take the hats out of the center, give them some stereo delay (something soft and matching the rhythm, but at the same time separating the left and right channels). Put reverb on the snare (and toms), possibly also the kick. Give the kick a slight boost somewhere in the 80-150Hz range to get it's weight through. Snare and toms might benefit from some punch boosting as well.

These are the default drum settings (panning included) and all on one track. I was waiting for someone to point that out w/ advice before doing something about it. I will definitely try what you suggested, as well as bringing up the crash cymbals which are practically inaudible a lot of the time.

Add a bass, or drop this one an octave, it just doesn't have the bass the track seems to be missing. Then again, high lead, low bass... You might need to add some good backing in between.

I agree here, too. The lead is very high and sharp, so I'm gonna hunt down and add a deep bass to take the bite off of that lead.

Anyway, I think this style is interesting, and you've adapted the Kraid theme quite well to it. Watch out for those region ends like at (1:45). Write a region for just that last note on the next beat so it doesn't end so abruptly. Same thing with the drums. Looping is fine, but you need to know how to end the loops too.

Yeah, I guess you're right about this. There are a lot of changes that I have been deeming "intentionally abrupt," but a lot of them are just lazy transitions. lmao I will look into it.

Thanks, man. I hope you come back and follow this thread because I definitely need concrete advice in the way of production technicalities.

P.S.- SWEET! I just noticed you're using Logic, as well, so you will know exactly what I can and cannot do as far as software limitations go.

[Blackwinged Saron]

Ehh...no. It can't pass.

right or wrong, its up to the judges. its not our place to say that. could you also explain why your don't think it will pass?

i do agree though, i love this mix, but it's missing some elements. the end does drag a bit...you know what i dont know what to do with it. theres just something complete about it. its good. its catchy, ive got it on repeat right now. i dont really have a suggestion except it needs refining i guess. though i really dont know what you could do.

im gonna say i like the sound and style (venturing a genre: elecrto-swing...[hey, at least i tried, you come up with something, wiseasses]). it meets the basic requirements for acceptance, i guess it just depends on how the panel (or david, for that matter) feels the day you submit it.

[The Eclectic Platypus]

right or wrong, its not your place to say so.

Heh. It's alright, man. He's entitled to his opinion. I have no illusions of every opinion being rosy red and treating my ego as though it's a 3500 year-old piece of parchment. lol Thanks, though.

i do agree though, i love this mix, but it's missing some elements. the end does drag a bit...you know what i dont know what to do with it. theres just something complete about it. its good. its catchy, ive got it on repeat right now. i dont really have a suggestion except it needs refining i guess. though i really dont know what you could do.

Thanks a lot, man. I appreciate the vote of confidence. Particularly, the fact that you have it on repeat considering the many times that I barely feel the need to get through a song in even one pass. lol

As I said in previous posts...I'd like to believe I have a knack for composing "catchy" tunes, but I'm greener than The Hulk when it comes to technical production elements. I'm trying to learn as quickly as possible, but I may just have to resort to collaborations, perhaps. Regardless... if you have any suggestions I'd love to hear 'em.

i

m gonna say i like the sound and style (venturing a genre: elecrto-swing...[hey, at least i tried, you come up with something, wiseasses]). it meets the basic requirements for acceptance, i guess it just depends on how the panel (or david, for that matter) feels the day you submit it.

Electro-swing works for me! heheh Although I have started to re-work it (mostly on the concrete advice of Rozovian), and it may not sound that way in the end. Who knows. Right now I'm just trying to get my levels straightened out now that I have introduced a true bass track, and engineered a fatter drum sound (which obviously changes everything in terms of headroom).

As I said previously, though... getting "OCReMix Certified" is not my highest priority as much as it is to get unbiased advice from others, here. After all, the judges may be kings of the website, but certainly not of the subjective world of music.

I am continuing to work on this, so I'll keep you all posted as soon as possible. Thanks for the support!

[Rozovian]

right or wrong, its not your place to say so.

... i guess it just depends on how the panel (or david, for that matter) feels the day you submit it.

Two things:

1) If a track is clearly not meeting the requirements of arrangement, production, choice of source, ownership, or any other requirement stated in the submission standards, we should point it out. The consensus of my wip board survey was that feedback on getting stuff ocr-worthy was the thing they wanted most of all from the board.

So yes, it is his place to say. His, and ours. We don't necessarily know when something is good enough, we're not the Js, but if there are clearly problems with a track we should point those out, especially if we're certain they're things the Js would have a problem with.

2) It's actually Liontamer that's doing the evaluation, not djp. Dunno why they haven't changed the "evaluated by" thing.

--

As for the remix, let me know when it's updated if I don't show up with a post.

[Spakku]

I've been meditating, and it turns out I don't much like this, after all. Sorry, man. It's well-made, but this particular punch in the face to genres isn't my cup of tea.

There's still some room to draw more quality out of it. The ending, for example, could use a re-write, or at least a little subtlety. And the whole track feels kinda repetitive, though I imagine that's hard to avoid with the source.