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FamiTracker
So, I've progressed to some original songs. I'm starting out doing some of the OST for a Mega Man fan game that just began development. The songs are on the FTM in the order which I composed them. I was also experimenting with somewhat of a bell sound for a certain song I'm planning.
I noticed there's a LOT of MM stuff on this forum... hopefully I stand out a bit.
I don't know...I'm not really liking a lot of the OST so far. In Original 1, there's a harsh pitch bend at the end of pattern 01 and another at pattern 06 which carries over into the next loop. And the tune isn't fast-paced enough for a level. On the other hand, I'd imagine it would work well for a cutscene with some sort of an oriental-themed character (like how Kalinka was Russian).
Original 2 starts off very well. Frames 00-02 don't song very Megaman-ish at all, but I think they're good as-is. But after that, the song falls into a repetitive main chorus.
Original 3 has a good baseline, but again, the chorus is repetitive and sounds too harsh for a level theme. Personally, I think stage themes should fall into the category of upbeat (Magnet Man), edgy (Solar Man) or epic ([url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMxefXC-gtI]Tank Man). But this theme doesn't really fall into any of those categories, so I think it'd work best for a cutscene (like a kidnapping or invasion)
Overall, you have a really good grip on your instruments and baseline, but your leads aren't catchy or strong enough to hold their own. Listening to this OST, I get the impression that you're really experienced with Famitracker...but not with composing original music. Try improving in that area by listening to other modules and seeing how people form their leads!
Good luck, man.
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Hey, check out my [url=http://famitracker.com/forum/posts.php?id=5932]music thread!
Constructive criticism welcome!
[quote=DragonDePlatino]I don't know...I'm not really liking a lot of the OST so far. In Original 1, there's a harsh pitch bend at the end of pattern 01 and another at pattern 06 which carries over into the next loop. And the tune isn't fast-paced enough for a level. On the other hand, I'd imagine it would work well for a cutscene with some sort of an oriental-themed character (like how Kalinka was Russian).
Original 2 starts off very well. Frames 00-02 don't song very Megaman-ish at all, but I think they're good as-is. But after that, the song falls into a repetitive main chorus.
Original 3 has a good baseline, but again, the chorus is repetitive and sounds too harsh for a level theme. Personally, I think stage themes should fall into the category of upbeat (Magnet Man), edgy (Solar Man) or epic ([url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMxefXC-gtI]Tank Man). But this theme doesn't really fall into any of those categories, so I think it'd work best for a cutscene (like a kidnapping or invasion)
Overall, you have a really good grip on your instruments and baseline, but your leads aren't catchy or strong enough to hold their own. Listening to this OST, I get the impression that you're really experienced with Famitracker...but not with composing original music. Try improving in that area by listening to other modules and seeing how people form their leads!
Good luck, man.[/quote]
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't satisfied with any of the three songs I've done so far. Mostly, what I'm trying to do is experiment in order to get better at my melody writing.
I have been looking at other modules, but this was mostly for the sake of instrument creation. I think it's time I turn to improving my melody writing.
Looking at some of these songs, I have to agree with what's been said so far. You've got everything under control except the lead, which (in all three songs) really grates on the ears.
This might not help that much, but I heard somewhere that a good tune is 90% rhythm and 10% the notes - ie, a melody's rhythm is more distinctive than the actual notes themselves. If you listen to the first part of the M*A*S*H theme, you'll notice that there aren't really that many different notes being hit - yet its still really catchy and powerful. In no way do I profess to be some masterful songwriter, but that one little tip helped me with my music a heap.
One more thing - you might want to work on volume control for your lead. I really like your use of vibrato, but the volume seems to just never change. Having the lead back down for a frame or two, or just letting the notes taper off at the end, can really help break the monotony.
Keep it up! And good luck with the fan-made project!
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When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. It'll confuse life for a short time, giving you time to escape from the lemony menace.
