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Posted (edited)

Hi new here, just started composing in the last few months and was looking for some feedback.

Quite a repetitive song, I would like to write for video games one day hopefully and was wondering if this was decent at all.

I plan it to be longer with an outro that will loop back to the start.

Edited by GiantsGiants
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Posted

The repetition is nice, hypnotic. What I'm missing most are "hooks", moments that draw me in as a listener. Adding a cymbal roll in the background or something similar can help boost the music. It's pretty static in terms of volume and complexity, giving it some direction with sound and intensity will help things a lot. Just things to keep in mind, like what you're doing though!

Keep writing :)

Gustav Johnson

  • Like 1
Posted

So would you say I could use the part where the violins and cellos are playing to build up to the hook? I think that where it would go best, maybe break the repetition to surprise the listener

Thank you for the feedback by the way :)

Posted (edited)

Hi GiantsGiants

I agree with Gustav....  Certainly length and make a smoother outro..  It could use some further melodic development..  When working on a song, especially if a different genre than I usually do.. I use one of the most valuable internet tools..   YouTube..  Search out other music, similar to what you are doing or what you want to do.. 

I write out very detailed analysis..  I use graph paper for each instrument, and have developed a kind of 'shorthand notation for it.. often using different colored felt tip pens, to notate, differences.. symbols, squiggly lines.. 

I draw each track out (as best as I can determine from listening..  how/when each instrument comes in, does it loop around?.  are there variations in the loop.  

This will give you a guide line for your own work.. You can use the outline you made from the studied piece, and substitute your own musical motifs, etc.. 

Take note of the different kinds of sounds used, how many are there..  analyze different pieces.. how long does it keep your interest..  

There can be ambient music, which is quite fulfilling, then there can be what I call 'audio wall paper'.. and for some situations, 'audio wall paper does the job.. It is there, fulfills a certain need, but does not draw your attention away from other things.  (visuals happening, a narrator, etc)..

AND you are off to a decent start...  Start to be aware of 'patterns' in music..  rhythmical, sound families, certain types of pad sounds, percussion. 

gentle orchestral percussion, can add a lot.. cymbal rolls, small exotic instruments,  4 bars on/off of a maraca, or seed gourd type instrument..  The possibilities are endless. 

Happy hunting, and composing.. 

Edited by markstyles
  • Like 1
Posted
On 7/20/2017 at 8:32 PM, GiantsGiants said:

So would you say I could use the part where the violins and cellos are playing to build up to the hook? I think that where it would go best, maybe break the repetition to surprise the listener

 

That would be a good spot to highlight a hook, but definitely doesn't have to be the only place you put something. Mostly what I'm talking about are the small "impacts" thrown in every 3-4 measures that keep the listener engaged. If you listen to any TV themes or something you'll hear what I'm talking about. Dubstep also highlights this concept very well, if you don't mind listening to it :)

Gustav Johnson

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