SONGWRITING COMPETITION - SWC080 April 2024 - Winners announced

[Mister Fox]

Hello and welcome to the Songwriting Competition 080 - April 2024



BEFORE WE GET STARTED:

• Please consult the official and very simple "Rules and Guidelines" (TL;DR version) for the Songwriting Competition regarding principles of the game, it's engaging game mechanics (allowed editing/re-submission of your entry until the deadline has been reached) and upload/submission guidelines.
• The general idea of this game is to "...just make music", to also challenge yourself by stepping a bit out of your comfort zone, and take a dip at realms you've never worked in before. Instrumentals are just as welcome as productions with vocals.
• The Genre and "Premise" of this months challenge can be found in in post #002
• Filename Template (Important): SWC080__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3
  • example: SWC080__MisterFox__ColorOfTheSky.wav
  • example: SWC080__Mister_Fox__Color_of_the_sky.wav

Read more about this month's competition further down below. And if you got any question, please also reach out on Discord.



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SONGWRITING COMPETITION THREAD INDEX

Post #001 -- Introduction post and index for the various stages of the Songwriting Competition. Will be updated as we progress
Post #002 -- Submission Period: General Information, Source Material, Sponsors
Post #003 -- Cheat Sheet: A couple of examples / audio demos for this month's challenge (limited if genre is "free to select")
Post #036 -- Voting: Summarized entries and start of voting process
Post #053 -- Results: Results of the Songwriting Competition

[Mister Fox]

CURRENT CHALLENGE - GENERAL INFORMATION

Time Frame: Monday, 01st April 2024 to Wednesday, 24th April 2024 (24 days)

Challenge submission will end on 24-APR-2024, 23:59 UTC+2/CEST (Germany) - until further notice.

Want to find out if you're still within the deadline, please either consult the Global Countdown (dedicated page), or the countdown on the landing site. There will also be short reminders on Social Media and on Discord. Does the game time frame feel too long? Why not set a personal shorter one of 5-7 days absolute max to push yourself to focus on the essentials, then use the rest of the time to ask for feedback and possible refinements.



SONGWRITING THEME: "Scaffold" (Picture Theme)
GENRE: free to select



Image Source: Achim Scholty (via Pixabay), released under Creative Commons CC0

Bonus Image (for inspiration): photo 01
Image Source: Pexels, released under Creative Commons CC0



A few word about this month's theme:

We're having a "Picture Theme" this month.

There will be no extensive brief with twists and turns. Please have a look, get inspired by the image(s) and the theme. Although, this time I selected a photo because of various things happening behind the scenes (which are too many to list as of this moment).

Let your mind wander for a bit. Then start writing.
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Your task for this Songwriting Competition:
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This month, you can create a production in any music genre you feel like.


A short explanation of the concept of this month's game: The general idea is to draw inspiration from the picture(s). However do not solely fixate on that particular photo and it's details alone. Rather focus on the "overarching concept". The picture and possible provided key words can have many different meanings. How you interpret it, is up to you.

You set your own parameters and limitations, e.g. style and genre, melodic questions and counter arguments. As long as you don't exceed 10 minutes of runtime, neither have endless padded out repetition. Please keep us listeners engaged. And as usual - vocals are optional. Don't feel pressured to provide any.


Just make music and have fun!

I'm curious about what you come up with!

Songwriting Rule Summary / Add-On Rules:

► Show Spoiler

• create a production fitting to the given theme, genre and general premise
• you can use any tool that is at your disposal (samples, virtual instruments and/or real instruments), exceptions apply regarding vocal sample usage)
• IMPORTANT: if you use non-licensed material (as in: non royalty free material from sample CDs, etc), give full credit to the source material
• for newcomers: no finished productions that have already been released outside of the time frame of the current Songwriting Competition (Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc), no cover versions or remixes of other artists, no ripped acapella's -- please only showcase your own new and original content (you are allowed to "remix yourself", recreate an old project, etc)
• do not go higher than -14,0 LUFS ILk/-1,00 dBTP in terms of perceived loudness (mastering). Music doesn't have to be squashed to bits in order to be impactful
• name your files properly prior to uploading and make the production downloadable. If you opt to present your entry through SoundCloud, the forum can also convert your links into a Soundcloud player through the [soundcloud] BBCode from the text editor (orange square with a white cloud in it)
• ADD-ON RULES:
  • Filename Template: SWC080__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3
  • <no (additional) add-on rules specified>

For a full set of rules, please consult the Official Rules and Guidelines (most notably Rule Book - post #6). If you got any questions regarding the game mechanics or similar, please either utilize the SWC - Gossip and Discussion thread, or reach out through Discord.

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LICENSE SPONSORS (Bonus Prizes):

A huge thank you goes to our very generous License Sponsors for this month's game. Those being (in alphabetical order):

Cherry Audio, Ghostwave Audio, Hollow Sun, Hornet Plugins, IK Multimedia, JRR Sounds, kv331 audio, Luftrum, Musiclab, Rekkerd Sounds, satyatunes - Sound / Graphic Design, and Tone2.


A detailed list of offerings can be found in the following information block.

► Show Spoiler

Available Bonus Prizes for Songwriting Challenge participants:

Note: All licenses are NFR (Not-For-Resale), except where noted.
Changes to available prices on short notice may be possible and will be announced separately.


RECURRING LICENSE SPONSORSHIP:


Cherry Audio is kind enough to give away one license of Voltage Modular Ignite, plus either a license of "Year One Collection" or "Year Two Collection"
Licenses will turn into NFR
More info on Cherry Audio: https://cherryaudio.com



IK Multimedia is kind enough to give away one license of MODO BASS 2 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on IK Multimedia: https://www.ikmultimedia.com



Musiclab is kind enough to donate any 1 guitar of your choice to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Musiclab: https://www.musiclab.com



Tone2 is kind enough to donate a license of Saurus4 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Tone2: https://tone2.com



kv331 audio is kind enough to either give away a SynthMaster 1+2 Bundle, or a freely selectable set of 3 SynthMaster Expansions
Licenses will not turn into NFR, you need to have a kv311 audio user account in order to pick up Expansions
More info on kv331 audio: https://www.kv331audio.com



JRR Sounds is kind enough to give away any-1 sound sets or sample set of winner's choice (exception: Bundles)
More info on JRR Sounds: https://www.jrrshop.com/jrr-sounds



Luftrum is kind enough to give away either a license of Lunaris 2, a license of Bioscape, or any two sound sets of winner's choice
License will turn into NFR
More info on Luftrum: https://www.luftrum.com/



Rekkerd Sounds is kind enough to give away 1 sound set of winners choice (exception: Krezie EDM and Neurofunk Vol. 1)
License will turn into NFR
More info on Rekkerd Sounds: https://sounds.rekkerd.org/



Ghostwave Audio (Vincent Bastiat) is kind enough to donate any 2 sound sets to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Ghostwave Audio: https://ghostwaveaudio.com



Hollow Sun is kind to donate one license of "Music Laboratory Machines - The Suite I" to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hollow Sun: http://www.hollowsun.com



Hornet Plugins is kind enough to give away one license from the depicted tools (see image) to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hornet Plugins: https://www.hornetplugins.com



Sound / Graphic Designer, and honorary Mix Challenge staff satYatunes is donating one commercial product of winner's choice (until further notice)
More info on satYatune's page: https://satyatunes.com/



THANKS FOR THE DONATIONS!
And also a thank you to all former contributors as well.

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Good luck to all participants.
And most importantly, have fun!

[Mister Fox]

AUDIO EXAMPLES:
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Articles and Info Pages:

A great starting point is the "Addendum"/Supplementary thread for the Songwriting Competition
Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Music Maps and BPM Charts

Since the genre this month is "free to select", there are no clear pointers




Music examples (selection for inspiration, 00 videos):

No music examples available this month. But I can always recommend to enter random genre search words either into Youtube, Spotify or whatever music streaming services you prefer using.
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Please also check in with the following threads in the the Gear Talk sub-forum, if you're on the look-out for new tools:
Places to fuel your GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) (the starting point if you're in need of audio tools -- from free to affordable).


if you're new to/need help with songwriting - please check out the following tools:

► Show Spoiler

Harmony Theory and Chord Progression tools:
ScalerPlugin Pty Ltd - Scaler 2 (collaboration w/Plugin Boutique, currently the most comprehensive chord/harmony tool out there)
Xfer Records - Cthulhu
W.A. Production - InstaChord and InstaScale
CodeFN42 - Chordz (Transition is also recommended, if you want more experimental/generative MIDI, free, Windows only)
trackbout - Ripchord (free/open-source MIDI chord generator, think Xfer Records Cthulhu, but simplified)
Fabrizio Poce / J74 - Progressive ("Max4Life" is needed, Ableton Live bound)

For pattern and generative sequencing:
OMG Instruments - BlueARP (a free comprehensive arpeggiator and pattern sequencer)
Surge Synth Team - Stochas (free/open-source MIDI probabilistic polyrhythmic sequencer)
2Rule - TugMidiSeq (polyphonic arp and seq creator MIDI plugin, free, cross-platform, mostly VST3 only)
Axart Software - AutoBeat (12-track MIDI beat generator, free version is without MIDI drag and drop)
Rose Hill Tribe - BabyDrummer (MIDI drum pattern sequencer, inspired by FL Studio's Step Sequencer, free, Windows only)


Please note, that a lot of DAW also have Harmony Theory and/or Chord Generation tools built in. VCV Rack and DISTRHO Cardinal also have various step and pattern sequencers that you can use to control other synths with. Please consult the manual of your go-to software for more information.

More tools of the trade

► Show Spoiler

Need a good starter kit of free instruments?

Instruments:
AKAI - MPC Beats (limited to 1 instance, 8 MIDI + 2 Audio tracks, but can be used as VSTi in any other DAW)
Apisonic Labs - Speedrum (a "spiritual successor" to One Small Clue POISE, Lite version available)
Big Fish Audio - Momentum (a free and powerful WAV/AIFF loop mangler)
IK Multimedia - MODO DRUM CS (one drum kit)
Rayzoon - Jamstix (an amazing drummer brain)
IK Multimedia - MODO BASS 2 CS (one e-bass)
Spitfire Audio - LABS
Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphonic Orchestra Discover
Pianobook - started by Spitfire Audio's co-founder Christian Henson, offers many free/affordable sample sets in various formats
Decent Samples - project started by David Hilowitz as alternative to NI Kontakt (Full), offers many free/affordable sample sets
Orchestral Tools - SINEfactory
Vienna Symphonic Library - the "HELLO Free Instruments" series (offering an Orchestra, Piano, Small Percussion and more)
Project Sam - Free Orchestra 1 and Free Orchestra 2 (the latter has just been released, Kontakt Player license included)
Soundpaint - started by 8dio's CEO Troels Folman as more advanced sample player engine to NI Kontakt (Full), offers many free sample sets
Sound Props - "Free Series" (offering a synth, guitars, bass and drum sample sets for free/small donation, needs Kontakt 6+ Full)
kv331 audio - Synthmaster Player (the free version comes with over 600 presets!)
Cherry Audio - Voltage Modular Nucleus ("entry level" to Modular Synthesis), Synthesizer Expander Module and Surrealistic MG-1 Plus
DISTRHO - Cardinal (a proper open-source variant of VCV Rack, plugin variants available)
Surge Synth Team - Surge-XT (a free and open source hybrid synthesizer)
Matt Tytel - Vital (spectral warping wavetable synth, a free "basic" version is available)
Blaukraut / Dominique Wurtz - Charlatan 3 (free virtual analog/VA synthesizer with OSC morphing techniques, Windows/Linux only)
thewavewarden - Odin II (a free and open source hybrid synthesizer that was heavily inspired by Reason Studios' Thor)
TAL Software - among offering outstanding and affordable studio tools, their free synth/plugin selection is nothing to scoff at
Full Bucket (freeware synths covering: Korg, Crumar and ARP Instruments)
Nils Schneider Kawai K1 (freeware emulation project of the Kawai K1)
Phuturetone - offering various interesting synthesizers (also check out the Plugins4Free backup for even more VST plugins)
Sonic Charge - Cyclone (Yamaha TX16W/Typhoon sampler)
CWItech - TX16Wx Software Sampler (If you want a highly powerful Soundfont2 loader / sampler)

Please do remember, our kind License Provider Musiclab also offer 14 day trial versions of their virtual guitar range.


In need for presets for your synthesizers, or even more samples?
Soundpacks - an information page highlighting sample sets and preset packs that have been released for free
PresetShare - a free synth presets exchange platform (account signup needed)
Tom Wolfe's Synth Vault - the free Monthly Preset Club (account signup needed)
VSTBuzz - Freebie Collection page, plenty of good material to find there (often Native Instrument Kontakt bound)


More recommendation for free/affordable tools can be found at the #audio-tech-deals section on our Discord server.

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UPDATED: 31-MAR-2024 23:15 UTC+2, updated 01-APR-2024 04:15 UTC+2

[EsteveCorbera]

BONUS INFO:
Parallel to the main image for this month's game, there is a ZIP file with additional photos for inspiration.
Additional ideas/phrases/concepts for this months theme were: "make a step", "move forward", "aim high", "big things", "Leap Year".

@Mister Fox That is correct?

[Mister Fox]

That was indeed an oversight, thank you for pointing that out, @EsteveCorbera.

This has now been corrected, and I added another image for additional inspiration.

[EsteveCorbera]

Thanks!!

[APi_ZZ]

This round's theme Scaffold gets the meanings of framework and structure in my little musical attempt.
I picked two chordstructures (one in F maj [F], one in D# min [d], four bars each, BPM = 85), set up a simple song scheme of some repetitions of F, then some from d, repeat. Within that scheme the chords are used repeatedly while adding or substracting instruments. The four-bar basics are never altered.
All voices are made via MIDI, just the percussions are from loops.



The setup has 12 tracks:

► Show Spoiler

2 tracks for percs and cymbals
4 Tracks for basses, one bass guitar and three for synth basses
1 piano
1 electric organ
1 vibraphone
1 spizzicato strings
1 legato strings
1 choir

[Mister Fox]

Interesting approach, @APi_ZZ.

However, you should definitely work on the volume fluctuations, as these feels a bit jumpy in places. Just to create a more mellowed out listening experience. I would also like to hear/read more about your used equipment.

[APi_ZZ]

Interesting approach, @APi_ZZ.

However, you should definitely work on the volume fluctuations, as these feels a bit jumpy in places. Just to create a more mellowed out listening experience. I would also like to hear/read more about your used equipment.

You are right, especially the strings come along way to harsh. I replaced the legato strings with some having less attack, and the spizzicatos got an ambient envelope (that is an FX setting my DAW Music Maker offers for vocals).

My equipment just is Music Maker as DAW, running on a PC with Win10. All MIDI instruments are from the DAW's repertoire, that is MAGIX and (mostly) their VITA instruments. The loops are from the DAW as well, this time from the sound pool.

I hope these info help a bit ...

[Mister Fox]

It's a start, yes...

Have you ever considered maybe "upgrading" your music equipment? From Magix Music Maker to maybe "Essentials" versions of Cubase, Studio One or even Reaper? And even if you don't want to switch DAWs, Magix Music Maker can apparently load custom VST plugins.

On that behalf, are you aware of the "Tools of the trade" section in post #003?
I do list a lot of free tools there that can elevate your setup. And this is just a starting point...