Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone Cover

[S A U C E F O N D A]

Hello everyone! I've recently rekindled my passion for music after a long hiatus and have started exploring it again. I used to be a hip-hop sample-based producer, but I found myself getting bored with that style. Now, I'm eager to learn how to compose video game music by remaking tracks from my favorite games.

I recently remade the Green Hill Zone theme and would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism. I believe that understanding my areas for improvement is essential for my growth as a musician.

Thanks!!!

https://youtu.be/RK4bJ3kPt7c?si=gTmsTLUayJs95Y9n

[Seth Skoda]

I like the overall sound design, pleasant vibe. Especially the strings, fantastic. Needs a bit more punch with the drums and bass imo. Doesn't shake my system much, even with the bass boost on.

A huge complaint I have here: I feel like the backing sticks out too much, especially right at the beginning. If it was being used as a transition into some original content, it would be fine. But it sticks out in an almost jarring way with seemingly no purpose.

And, of course, you need some original content. It doesn't need to be crazy, as I found out in getting a remix accepted recently. Just own it, make it your own. You'll notice that a lot of accepted remixes here start with the source material, divert into an original section, then return to the source to close out. The sky's the limit!

[S A U C E F O N D A]

12 minutes ago, Seth Skoda said:

I like the overall sound design, pleasant vibe. Especially the strings, fantastic. Needs a bit more punch with the drums and bass imo. Doesn't shake my system much, even with the bass boost on.

A huge complaint I have here: I feel like the backing sticks out too much, especially right at the beginning. If it was being used as a transition into some original content, it would be fine. But it sticks out in an almost jarring way with seemingly no purpose.

And, of course, you need some original content. It doesn't need to be crazy, as I found out in getting a remix accepted recently. Just own it, make it your own. You'll notice that a lot of accepted remixes here start with the source material, divert into an original section, then return to the source to close out. The sky's the limit!

I've already thanked you in Discord, but I'll say it again—thank you!

Your critique really helped me identify areas I need to improve, mainly mixing and EQing, so I can make my basslines and drums hit harder. Like I mentioned in my original post, my goal was to create something pretty close to 1:1 to practice composing and understand how some of my favorite producers build their tracks. But I think it’d be cool to venture off the beaten path and create something more unique within that framework. I might take that approach with this track down the line.

I'm still learning, but this feedback has been super valuable to my growth!