First and foremost, I once more apologize for the delay. I really need to get better on that end for SWC049.
Since we only had 6 entries this month, I'd like to add some final words and cast an additional vote (no multiplier this time), to make things a tad more interesting. I know that songwriting is not an easy task, but I really hope to see 8-12 participants in the future. Not only to offer more steps on the winners podium in general. So please, do spread the word.
On to the feedback before I post the final results
(in alphabetical order)
becsei_gyorgy - Monophobia
As usual, very detailed description of what you did production wise. Including listing every used sample. I was about to ask where they were from, but there they are. Very interesting choice of used tools.
Overall a great "Downtempo" production. I like the laid-back feeling. Though I must admit, listening on small speakers, the mix is fairly bright. Sometimes too bright even, and certain instruments stick out (like some of the vocals are very loud, or the guitar on the right speaker). But then again, this has a mid/late 1990s "overuse of Aural Exciter" feeling, so it's okay.
The intro threw me a bit for a loop, since it initially felt the beat is not "on time" (I think because of the guitar). After a while, you do not notice this anymore however.
Celiodie - Nightmall
This production feels very 1980s "Muzak" meets "Wave" (not Vaporwave... that would "tape wobble" more) -- I mean, no surprise if I look at the used equipment. Definitely laid back, although the radio voice samples are a bit irritating. The song starts a bit too sudden as well (as in: the transition from radio chatter to music could be better). The two biggest things I'd change, is reduce the radio "noises", and brush up the overall mix a bit. Currently it feels like a blanked over the music, while the sound effects are too loud.
But then again, I remember similar happening on my end the time Is started out in the music realm. Just connect all hardware, set some rough setting on the mixer, hit record. Old-school, less work. The trade off - less control of the overall mix. This could have been a design choice this month however. I am really curious what you come up with in future Songwriting Competitions.
Esteve Corbera - Descans
You really pushed Reason 12 (beta? It just got released) as far as you could. Must have been quite the setup. While listening to the first couple of seconds of this production, I was instantly thrown back to late 1990s. If only there were weren't the vocal samples. Not only are they super loud on top of the mix, they're also not working (tonally and pitch wise). Pity really... The lead synth is also a bit distracting and results in dissonances of an otherwise interesting production.
Definitely a nice attempt that fits the premise. But if you were to get back to the production, I'd definitely push back the vocals (more into the mix), try to find the correct pitch. And the lead melody synth could use some editing.
Rowan - Finer Than Before
"Yo what's that chilled-out groove?!" - that's Toontrack Superior Drummer saying
"hi", giving us a very interesting vibe reminiscent of a certain UK based "cartoon" Pop-Rock band by the name of "Gorillaz". Yes, I just went there. Once the vocals set in, I was instantly reminded of their first album.
Great production and mix overall, the most "defined" (as in "super clean" instrumentation) in this Songwriting Competition even. Although on small speakers, the "soothing bells" (that make the upward melody line) feel a bit too strong, (same goes for the snare). I blame the focus on upper mids (ah... technology!). And if my Google Fu didn't fail/fool me... you have a couple of short film songwriting/editing credits under your belt.
Welcome to the forum!
TrojakEW - Hope
Wow... instantly reminded of "New Age" music from 1990s here. I was only waiting for the signature E-MU E-II flute ("ERA" says
"hi"). Your quest on mono compatibility does definitely work. Maybe a bit too good even in certain cases.
The snare for example feels like it's sticking out a bit. Either lowering the volume a tad, or using a slightly more noticeable reverb might work. This is what makes the song borderline "too clean cut" in my opinion. A bit out of place are the vocals... but then again, I don't know this sample set and if this particular reverb is baked in. Should you ever revisit this mix, maybe pull back on that end a bit.
But overall... impressive work as always.
VCA-089
Another very 1980s, synthwave influenced production. From all entries, this is the most "ambient" heavy even. I love if productions instantly pull me into a time-frame of a certain era, being fully aware
"this was made just a couple of weeks ago, but this could have been on the radio in the 1980s". Good work there.
But you're also right... mix wise could have seen some more editing. Like the guitar mutes - they do drown a bit in the overall mix. I also hoped to hear more of the "vocals". They are very subtle mixed in, giving the most focus on the piano and lead synth. And then later on the "synth guitar solo" (even though, this is AmpleSound AGLP, right?). This is where I would have put the most work in.
But I understand the overall "floaty"/underwater concept. Definitely a nice creation that can already stand on it's own as-is.
As always - you all did great by joining the game in the first place. I did not expect all entries to be on SoundCloud this month, them definitely fitting the given premise/theme, and entries having vocals in some shape or form. I think the bar was set quite high this time around. But it's nice to see / hear this. Please show more of that creativity in future games.
And as mentioned above, I didn't need to vote... but I wanted to give feedback (again, sorry for the delay) and throw a possible curve-ball into the score sheet. Want to know what the final results are - please read the follow-up post.
► Show Spoiler
01 (10 points) Rowan
02 (09 points) TrojakeEW
03 (08 points) becsei_gyorgy
04 (07 points) VCA-089
05 (06 points) Celiodie
06 (05 points) EsteveCorbera
Footnote: it was not easy this month to find a definite scoring... the top 4 are interchangeable for me!
. but sometimes I stutter a little.
The winners podium consists of:
