New Music

[Bollen]

OK, here we go.... In order to avoid the usual comments about levels I made a basic mix... IT'S JUST BASIC! Heh, heh, heh!

I eagerly await your comments....

BTW, it's exactly 1:30!

[0zone0ne]

I think it's pretty good, but there's a few things I don't like:

After the intro I think that the drum snare is way to quiet, after hearing it in the intro you expect to hear it about the same volume through the rest of the song. It just makes the next part of the music seem really underwhelming after such a large buildup. Maybe a cymbal crash or something might help too.
The horns at the very start would get annoying if they played every single time you go to the menu, maybe they could be changed a bit?
Also in my opinion, there are too many wind instruments and maybe not enough variation in the different instruments used (but maybe I say that because I just dislike jazz).

I quite like it overall.

[Bollen]

After the intro I think that the drum snare is way to quiet, after hearing it in the intro you expect to hear it about the same volume through the rest of the song.

Hello OzoneOne, thank you for taking the time to give some feedback, I just realized that you are also writing music in another post. Please, when you check the music I post also take the time to read what I wrote. "IT'S A BASIC MIX" I work with real instrument samples, so they are very uneven, clean and unprocessed. Unlike the instruments you use which are already compressed, equalized, etc. When I come to do the final mix I have to separate every individual sound into one channel to be processed. That takes a lot of time that I'm not going to bother for a simple demo... tip: The reason the drums seem to get swallowed when the tune begins is because it's sharing a channel with organs, keyboards and guitars, so it gets compressed with the others. This would not happen on a full mix

Maybe a cymbal crash or something might help too.

There is one, it just disappears because of what I explained above. This won't happen when it's on its own channel.

The horns at the very start would get annoying if they played every single time you go to the menu, maybe they could be changed a bit?

Yes I thought about that too. It'll probably have to start at 0:07 and I need to find a better transition between the beginning and the end. The Hi-hat is the only thing connecting the two sections... Is not enough! I like to find loop ideas so that you can't tell where it begins again unless you know the music really well. But at the moment I'm just interested to know if the "vibe" is right. If everyone feels this is representative of STK.

Also in my opinion, there are too many wind instruments and maybe not enough variation in the different instruments used (but maybe I say that because I just dislike jazz).

Oh god man! This is nothing like jazz, believe me. Not the rhythm, not the melodies, not the harmonies.... Stylistically speaking this is rock... Bordering on Pop. It's a shame you don't like wind instruments (are you also referring to brass?), but I based the orchestration on all the Mario Kart tunes I've been sent... I find it hard to believe you think there's little variation when the main melody is actually played by a guitar and in the middle section the clarinet has to share it with the organ...

[Auria]

It's sometimes a little hard to tell from a rough mix. I think overall it's great, with a better mix it would come out better I think.

I would however agree with OzoneOne that the intro should probably be modified. I would also like opinions from other people, but I have the feeling that it's a tiny little bit too fast for a menu (after all we're not yet racing when hearing this) so maybe it can be slowed down a tiny little bit. But opinions welcome on that front

[Bollen]

Yes I agree, the intro definitely needs to be changed, be cut or re-structured. And I agree with slowing it down too. I think it works better. Now, here's a thought: Would it be possible to have the intro just play on startup? And every other time you access the menu it goes into a different file (part of the tune)...?

[Arthur]

Personally, I feel it is too happy. Yes I know Mario Kart Wii for example has a very jolly tune, but I feel it fits better with the whole game. I think STK would be better served with something optimistic, but not quite as "in your face" deliriously happy. Anyway, this is my opinion only so take it or leave it as desired.

[Bollen]

Personally, I feel it is too happy. Yes I know Mario Kart Wii for example has a very jolly tune, but I feel it fits better with the whole game. I think STK would be better served with something optimistic, but not quite as "in your face" deliriously happy. Anyway, this is my opinion only so take it or leave it as desired.

Is this a general feeling or are the developers happy with this take?

[Auria]

Well I would take Arthur's view with a grain of salt, but it may be a little over the top. However I think we may need to hear a version with new tempo, and perhaps if possible a slightly less rough mix it's quite hard to judge from rough mixes

The first seconds may contribute to the song feeling "just too much". Once the intro is modified, and the other small changes are applied, I think the song will definitely be worth a second listen

And if needs be, well, we can use this song as the song that's played when you win the game it would be a great fit for that too

[Arthur]

Well I would take Arthur's view with a grain of salt

I object to that! Perhaps it needs a dash o' pepper, or even a hint of citrus. But no salt; that'll just spoil the taste. Do we understand each other? Good.

[Bollen]

thought: Would it be possible to have the intro just play on startup? And every other time you access the menu it goes into a different file (part of the tune)...?

I'm still waiting on this response...

I attach the re-worked versions. Basic mix is all you're going to get right now, sorry. I've put the drums up a bit.

Version 1: I moved most of the Intro to the end. This way you only have to hear it if you stay on the menu for a whole 1:43, which is unlikely...

Version 2: Different intro, for those that don't appreciate horns


PS: Do you want two different sound bytes for when you win or lose the race?

[Hero]

I would like the menu music to be a bit quieter and maybe a bit more classical.

[Bollen]

I kind of agree... I've always thought STK needed a splash screen separate from menus... And consequently different pieces of music. And yes, menus should have a milder music....

[Auria]

Hi,

sorry for the delay in answering. I think version 2 is better. Though I still think it would suit better as the song to play when you've beaten the game (but that's not bad you know, the song we currently have for that could be improved so... )

Regarding

thought: Would it be possible to have the intro just play on startup? And every other time you access the menu it goes into a different file (part of the tune)...?

Yes this is possible, although I am unusure if we have time to get into that at this time

PS: Do you want two different sound bytes for when you win or lose the race?

We already have one for race winning, which I find to be quite good. Maybe a similar one could be created for losing. Although I can't guarantee we'd use it for 0.8 since determining when a player is winning or losing is not that trivial

[Bollen]

Hi,

sorry for the delay in answering. I think version 2 is better. Though I still think it would suit better as the song to play when you've beaten the game (but that's not bad you know, the song we currently have for that could be improved so... )

Hello Auria, when you say the song that plays when you've beaten the game, do you mean the Grandprix? or just one race? In the former I get a song but in the latter I don't. Maybe my installation is flawed.

In any case, I'm aiming to have the honour of writing the main theme. If this tune is not working for you will just have to try something different... I don't want my poor tune to be "relegated" to a screen that most people exit fairly quick. Plus it's too long for that purpose. Can you please tell me what it is that this tune failed to provide? The more information you give me the more chances I'll get the next one right.

[Auria]

Hi,

I still would like to keep this tune. You wouldn't need to spend much time mixing it, as it is now it's already much better than our current victory music. I would place it when winning a grand prix, and also at the end of the story mode, when you've beaten all challenges and beaten Nolok and freed the Gnu, while credits play. Granted, at this time our credits are a little boring but this may change in future versions!

I think the main thing that makes this song hard to use for the main menu is precisely that it sounds very much like a victory/celebration song. When you've just opened the game, you haven't beaten the game yet, so I don't think the menu song should be that joyous. Our current menu song, for instance, is lighthearted but doesn't sound like a celebration song either. The tempo is not that fast either, as to not "jump in your face" too much. I hope I'm being clear enough here if you have more questions certainly feel free to ask

[Hero]

There's a good Menu Song on the menu of the Blender game Yo Frankie. I'm not suggesting one should copy but that's a good example of what I want in a song. The current song blasts me and forces me to turn down the volume and shout a rather uncomplimentary.

[Arthur]

Yes, it's a nice tune, and would fit perfectly as a win music. Looking forward to hearing more from you Bollen.

[samuncle]

Bollen I like the second one. I'm thinking that I we can use this music for a video .

[Hero]

I think version 1 would go good for the main menu actually. Then version two would go great as a win.

[Auria]

I think version 1 would go good for the main menu actually. Then version two would go great as a win.

Sorry, versions one and two are very similar, I am unsure what you are referring to.

And maybe the menu song could be slightly quieter than what we have at this time, but I would not go the Yo Frankie route all the way, we are a racing game so I think the music needs to not be so calm.

[Hero]

Auria wrote:
Sorry, versions one and two are very similar, I am unsure what you are referring to.

Version one being the one containing the start with the (I think) horns.

Version two being the one with the more synthesised start.

Or as downloadable in "post by Bollen » 13 Oct 2012, 13:32".

Auria also wrote:
And maybe the menu song could be slightly quieter than what we have at this time, but I would not go the Yo Frankie route all the way, we are a racing game so I think the music needs to not be so calm.

I will agree with that.

[Bollen]

My, my...! What an incredible amount of post in just a few a days. I'll do my best to try to reply to all:

Hi,

I still would like to keep this tune. You wouldn't need to spend much time mixing it, as it is now it's already much better than our current victory music. I would place it when winning a grand prix, and also at the end of the story mode, when you've beaten all challenges and beaten Nolok and freed the Gnu, while credits play. Granted, at this time our credits are a little boring but this may change in future versions!

I understand, but here at the office they are telling me that if is not going to have much exposure it's worth saving for something else e.g. a jingle or commercial. However, if it's going to be used in so many places it's probably worth it. It does need proper mixing though. I wouldn't dare submit something half-baked,

I think the main thing that makes this song hard to use for the main menu is precisely that it sounds very much like a victory/celebration song. When you've just opened the game, you haven't beaten the game yet, so I don't think the menu song should be that joyous. Our current menu song, for instance, is lighthearted but doesn't sound like a celebration song either. The tempo is not that fast either, as to not "jump in your face" too much. I hope I'm being clear enough here if you have more questions certainly feel free to ask

Yes I understand, I've started some sketches. Unfortunately I've been asked to do a little commission that's going to take me a few days. But I'll be back before you miss me....

Yes, it's a nice tune, and would fit perfectly as a win music. Looking forward to hearing more from you Bollen.

Thanks Arthur! I appreciate your words!

Bollen I like the second one. I'm thinking that I we can use this music for a video .

Do you mean a STK promotional video? That would definitely be enough reason to release it!!!

Version two being the one with the more synthesised start.

It's actually a guitar "scrape". That's when you scratch the plectrum/pick against the string. In this case all the way down...

OK, I'm off to work.

[Bollen]

Bummed down eh? Took me a while to find this thread again.... OK, what do you think of this?

Sorry about the delay, I really needed a day off...

[mollah]

I liked that song, however I feel it may be "too good". I like music who gives a little resistance when I listen, but most people don't like complex music. At my point of view, the main menu music have to be straight to the point, quite repetitive and I would like if it was a little bit funky. It must have that catchy little tune that get stuck in peoples brains. I hope you don't get mad because of my complaining :P

[mollah]

Bollen, I know it's hard to get us all happy, and it wasn't a bad attempt. Maybe that music could have worked within the story mode, however that's a blind shot as a don't know much about it. I'm still using 0.7.3... For example before you take a challenge, or when you've won a challenge.