SONGWRITING COMPETITION - SWC091 March 2025 - results in preparation

[Strange]

I just wish you'd provide the lyrics...

Here they are

https://os5.mycloud.com/action/share/cb ... 54bad32542

[Chasey24]

Hello all,

There are so many excellent entries this month...it's been difficult to rank them. This group is definitely talented!

Reflection:
At first, I was considering including modulating the progression into another key(as some of you did). Ultimately, I decided against it due to time constraints. Sometimes, I'm inspired by a sample library, as was the case for this composition. I picked up Sample Logic Impakt on sale around Black Friday and hadn't opened it in Cubase until this month. As soon as I opened the library and began loading some of the multis, my idea for this track began to take shape. I'm not sure there's a right or wrong way to develop a musical idea, but I usually begin with a chord progression. Since this was partially done already, I focused on instrumentation, tempo, melody, and structure. I hadn't often composed in the Lydian mode, so I had to to research a bit. My research included a video on YT by Rick Beato. I've been subscribed to his channel for several years now, mainly because his love for all things music shines through in every video. Our Mister Fox recommended his videos on modulation near the beginning of this thread. What I learned is to feature the I, IV, and V root in the melody I was about to write, as it helps maintain the "Lydian feel" of the composition. Of course, I utilized other notes as well, but focused on the I, IV, and V. I would personally describe the Lydian mode as hopeful but almost never resolving.
So, I learned more about modulation. I learned more on the Lydian mode and writing melodies in Lydian. I also logged some time learning(and refreshing my memory) on the sample libraries I used in this production.
After listening and reflection, the feedback I received on my composition concerning it being too busy in the second section is absolutely correct. If I ever go back and revise, I will cut out some of the 16th and 8th notes cluttering that section. I might also add a modulation toward the end.

Feedback:

► Show Spoiler

alphageeks "250305" - I like the song's length for the presented theme. I especially like the piano accompaniment at 0:50 to 1:05. IMO, this could have served as a melody theme throughout. I realize the guitar was more of rhythm element, but I can hear the string noises more than the guitar itself in some passages. With an acoustic piano sound, I personally would have used a more realistic string section sound, but perhaps that was intentional. I feel the mix was missing something, but can't put my finger on it...perhaps more panning on the various instruments to create a wider stereo field. All in all, a very nice piece, within the rules of the competition.

juhu "Five in the Chamber" - Almost a minuet, with different musical styles mixed throughout(i.e. piano trills/embellishments). I like the sequence starting at 1:29 because it's different enough to keep my interest up. Strings are difficult to get right, but you did a good job. As you stated, given more time to polish, volume automation on the strings for dynamic effect would make it better. Well planned structure and good phrasing. The mix sounds solid to my ears. Well done and within the rules.

efemgie "I offer you a Chord" - The last revision is great improvement over the 1st. EDM style track that makes you want to dance. It's a little lengthy for my taste, but I am aware that some songs in this genre are a few minutes longer. I think you did well with this chord progression and the track you created. The bass and kick go very well together. It's a stylish, well produced track. The mix translated well on headphones as well as my studio monitors.


APi_ZZ "Sixteen" - I especially like the organ and bass sounds in this piece; as well as your other instrument choices. You managed to give the composition variety with a range of different instruments. Difficult to assign a genre to this piece, it's almost cinematic, I suppose. I listened to your mix in the car and in the studio, and they translate appropriately. Nice use of modulation, as it gives the piece further interest, but not over-the-top jarring.

Marc Fey "Progression" - I like the intro, with the Ample acoustic guitar. You added a nice melody on top of the chords. The genre reminds me of prog-rock with a Pink Floydish type sound. The bass guitar gave the composition an alternative rhythmic flair to keep things moving. I initially looked at the length of the track and thought it was way too long, but it managed to keep my interest throughout. The mix was good, as I could hear each instrument clearly. Well done.

EatMe "En Route Sur San Jose" - The sounds were well chosen for this EDM style track. A bridge section would help in the structure or a more pronounced breakdown, as I find it a bit too repetitive. The use of the filter at the end of the song was a nice touch. The mix sounded a bit "stale" to me. Perhaps using an exciter would help, or using a wider dynamic range.

EsteveCorbera "Acords Copiats" - You definitely have your own style, which is a good thing, in my opinion. I enjoyed the way you took the chord progression and mapped it out to suit your style of music. This was a very creative way to use the chords. Your choice of sounds made the whole track exciting and soothing at the same time. Nice melody with the piano and synths. The piano arp sequence could use a volume bump at 3:30, but otherwise, very well done.

Strange "I Rise" - Nice funky song. Kudos for writing lyrics and singing. Maybe it's the intention, but it reminds me of KC and the Sunshine Band from the 70's. Vocals are difficult to mix, but you did very well both with the recording and mix. Excellent on the guitars, as well. Good use of the chord progression. Strong, efficient work.

Mellow Browne "What The Funk" - Excellent song. Kind of reminds me of Jazz fusion. It's very well technically produced, especially considering the recording/playing of the drums. The song structure is solid. The choice of instruments fit in this genre. The mix sounds fantastic, to my ears, with each instrument being given it's space. Overall, a very enjoyable listen.

Blang "Recipe 3" - Interesting take on this progression. Good melody with the guitar; it meshes well with the chords. Unless it was intentional, at 1:10 another instrument takes over the melody, but the volume is so low, it's difficult to hear. Solid use of effects. The length of the track is appropriate for this challenge. It kept my interest throughout. Very good composition.

VCA-089 "Ashes of Time" - At 3:23, mix gets blurred and messy with delayed effects cluttering slightly. High noise floor, but I assume this is intentional with the addition of Dirty VHS. Rhythm of the chord progression did not match as you stated in the notes. I really like the production, however. You, too, have your own style imprinted on this track. I consider it to be dark, brooding and exciting at the same time. Time well spent, in my opinion. I also like how you have taken some free/low cost VSTis and created your own sound with them.

ThomC "Another Night at the Movies" - Fantastic cinematic piece. The climax around 1:07 is really moving. You managed to nail the dynamics. I like your choice of instruments making it feel much more "alive". Very well done.

Top Five:

► Show Spoiler

1. Mellow Browne
2. ThomC
3. EsteveCorbera
4. Marc Fey
5. VCA-089

[EsteveCorbera]

Good night,

As always, thank you all for participating and thank you Mister Fox for organizing this competition.
Thanks to everyone for the comments and votes made so far.
Congratulations on the good songs you have presented this month.
Thank you.

Reflection.
No matter how hard I try, I still find it difficult to recognize the chord progression in many of your songs. Maybe because I have worked with many versions of my theme and have had to listen to it many times, I still find it difficult to recognize them with the variations you have made. I don't know anymore. I like reading your criticisms, both those you make on my theme and those you make on the themes of other colleagues. That's how I learn from them too. I realize that, despite putting in a lot of effort and dedicating many hours to it in exchange for less sleep, I still have a lot to learn.

I leave you comments on your works:

alphageeks - 250305
Happy theme. It immediately caught my attention. I like the piano that takes the helm throughout the theme. The arpeggios give it this happy character. But perhaps at the end it becomes a little repetitive. Maybe I would lower the sound of some of the effects or put them further back (reverb), but that's a matter of taste.

About language. I don't know English either and I always use Google Translate, in both directions Catalan-English and English-Catalan. It doesn't take me too much work. I write the texts in Word and then put them in the Translator and copy it from there and paste them here. All very fast. To read your comments, I have the browser translate them for me. There are many browser components that do this job for you.

About participating here. I've been participating for years. Since the SWC38 challenge. In fact, it's what gives me meaning to continue making music. I've learned a lot here. I think most of the things I know, you guys taught me, challenge buddies. Thank you. You can learn a lot here and it's not at all difficult to participate. Maybe the most complicated thing at the beginning is adjusting to the limits of -14.0 LUFS ILk/-1.00 dBTP but they once gave me some advice that I always follow: viewtopic.php?t=531&start=10#p12525

juhu – Five in the Chamber
Very original and different theme from what is usually done here. Very good idea.
At times I find the strings too cold or artificial (maybe you could use other libraries), but at other times they sound much more natural, you did a good job.
I would add a little more reverb in certain parts of certain instruments.

EFEMGIE – I Offer You A Chord
Good job. While I was listening to it, my leg kept moving. It's not the style of music I usually listen to, but I liked your version.
Good mixing job. Maybe the theme is a little too long, but I like how it evolves, leaving time for each part to enter.

APi_ZZ - Sixteen
Your theme reminded me of the good themes of David Arkenstone. Bravo!!
I really liked the constant reverberation, the background choirs, the final flute, the tranquility of your music.
I also have to confess that I like it because it's very much my style.
To make a review, I've only listened to the official version. Later I'll listen to the other versions.

Marc Fey – Progression
Great introduction. I like the way the guitar sounds. I really like this calm song that you've done. It increases in intensity and makes you grow interested in learning it, not many things really happen but the ones that do happen are very good.

EatMe – En Route Sur San Jose
I listened to the songs in the same order as the comments. I came from two very quiet songs to land on this one that has more rhythm and strength. But the thing ends up fading out, I was expecting some variation, a pause that would cause an attractive event, an explosion. I don't know, it's missing something.

Strange – I rise
Good song. Great work with the real vocals. Maybe I would put the lead vocal closer, I feel it's too hidden, on the other hand the choruses are good, like this with a good panorama. I feel the rest quite well.

MellowBrowne – What The Funk
Very original song. I have a hard time following it because it's not the style I usually listen to and that's why I feel like giving you comments in a correct and constructive way. Good rhythm and good use of the instruments. Also good work with the mix.

Chasey24 – The Offer
Good song. Good use of the guitars that are extended and give it a very interesting atmosphere.
For my taste, I find some rhythmic elements (mallets) too present and perhaps out of place.

Blang - Recipe 3
Good lo-fi intro. Also very calm. Good work with the guitar, which leads the evolution of the song very well. But personally, I don't like this delay that you put on the notes of the synthesizer / arpeggio, it distracts me and doesn't let me enjoy your composition enough.

VCA-089 – Ashes Of Time
As always, I can only congratulate you. I really like your compositions and more when you get nostalgic and do things in the 80s style. Great sound design. I love the idea of ​​leaving a his sound (cassette type) at the end of the song. Super 80s with the walkman in your ears. Bravo, very good.

ThomC – Another Night At The Movies
How does this orchestra sound!!!
It's a shame that when you listen to it you are left wanting more. We don't want an introduction, we want much more!!!
It's true that you know how to transport yourself to a distant country where adventures will happen that will take us back to childhood.

(translated with google, sorry for the imperfections that the translation may contain)

► Show Spoiler

01 APi_ZZ - Sixteen
02 VCA-089 – Ashes Of Time
03 ThomC – Another Night At The Movies
04 Chasey24 – The Offer
05 Marc Fey – Progression

[EatMe]

Some notes:

-almost all of us have "cut the midrange" and lowered the frequencies between 1 KHz and 3 KHz somehow.
APi_ZZ did not.
To learn this secret HiFi technique of lowering the frequencies between 1000 and 3000 Hz (1 KHz - 3 KHz),
where the human ear hears loudest, because the human voice is mainly present in that region.

-the entry by VCA-089 is the only entry that excels in the high tone range above the rest.
I do hope this is not a case of hearing loss, but rather a time-pressure based decision.
All the other entries do not have their focus range in the 5KHz-10KHz.

-Some entries have a -dBTP of higher than -1.00 dBTP.
ThomC: +0.32 dBTP
Chasey: -0.05 dBTP
Strange: -0.93 dBTP (around the limit)
EsteveCorbera: -0.96 dBTP (around the limit)

---------------------------------------------------------

Thank you everybody for all the feedback on my, and each others' work.
It was a very difficult given chord scheme to work with. So much quality in the entries!

Next time, gadget... Next time...

[Marc Fey]

I just wish you'd provide the lyrics...

Here they are

https://os5.mycloud.com/action/share/cb ... 54bad32542

Great, many thanks!

[Mister Fox]

A friendly reminder:
We're in the final 24 hours to submit your feedback and cast your vote.

As of this moment, 3 participants are missing. Please get that sorted out today.


Please check post #029 regarding the feedback and voting mechanic. Giving feedback is mandatory (the only criteria to become disqualified). Please don't let yourself be put at a disadvantage by not participating (fully). The Songwriting Competition lives from the given feedback towards each other. Don't just "collect" and then move on - this is unfair to all other participants.

Outside feedback is welcome, of course.

[APi_ZZ]

Hi folks,

this is/was an interesting challenge with high level entries all over the place ...
I made my (few) production remarks at my track, and -um- don't have to add.

Comments / Feedback:

► Show Spoiler

As I am no mixing technician and no frequency analyser and such, I keep my comments on the (short) description side with no deep help-hints ...
As other note too, I see --eh-- hear some free-wheelin' interpretations of the rules (or I just read them more restricting than my dear co-composers).

alphageeks - 250305
Clearly using the provided progression, embedded in a pleasant 90's electronic arrangement, the heavy synths and their arps add much to that flair.

Blang - Recipe 3
Pleasant loungey track, nice arps and guitar, the drums appear a bit too upfront and the mix seems to be a bit muddy in parts (but that might be intended, since following parts aren't).

Chasey24 - The Offer
Well balanced epic guitar piece, in the vein of 80's melodic rock (the mix balance reminds me of that); fine use of breaks and variations.

EatMe - En Route Sur San Jose
A fast paced techno style interpretation, club ready and all; I personally think to slap-the-face drums a bit too much.

EFEMGIE - IOfferYouAChord
Driving 80's Electro with Disco touch, well produced -- but I can't decipher the given progression ...

EsteveCorbera - AcordsCopiats
I had/have my big difficulties to identify the given progression, otherwise an impressive soundtrack production with thundering drums and cinematic effects.

juhu - Five in the Chamber
Well constructed and finely arranged classical interpretation, lots of playful elements; the strings could be a bit less synth·y though.

Marc Fey - Progression
+ A very fine build, modern classical arrangement, well leaning into some progrock /progfolk. One of the tracks that's clearly using the given progession and varying arrangements over that.

MellowBrowne - WhatTheFunk
A bit too plastic synth sounds (might be intended) ... and --sorry-- Where'sTheFunk? (at least I miss some Bootsy Collins).

Strange - I rise
+ One of the most 'commercial' productions, with impressive vocals reminding me a bit of the Bee Gees.

ThomC - AnotherNightAtTheMovies
+ Impressive classical arrangement in movie trailer style, epic instrumentation, I'd like to see the illustrations images ...

VCA-089 (Infravolt) - AshesOfTime
Synth heavy, very driving anthemic track, well suited for the club, with lots of 80's/90's sounds and effects.

Ratings:

► Show Spoiler

01 Marc Fey - Progression
02 Chasey24 - The Offer
03 ThomC - AnotherNightAtTheMovies
04 Strange - I rise
05 alphageeks - 250305

[VCA-089]

Self Reflection:

► Show Spoiler

The challenge of the dedicated chord progression was really nice. For those who are not familiar with music theory this might be a good learning exercise. It also can make you come up with new interesting ideas. But it seems that I've misunderstood the rules about the chord progression. Initially I thought that it must be a foundation to the song's main section (chorus or the end climax) and the chords can be manipulated for everything that comes before while it keeps the general mood. I've left it mostly untouched for the chorus part of my song, but in other sections it is modified quite drastically. There are changes in the timing and rhythm. I also modulated the key (several times in a row) and added suspended notes. When I checked the thread a few days before the deadline I realized what I was doing wrong, but it was too late. So I decided to leave the song as it is as I really liked the result of my work. I spent a lot of time layering parts and mixing them together as I really wanted that big sound.
Anyway, it was interesting to listen to the entries and find a lot of different applications of the same chords in terms of genre, atmosphere and aesthetics and the songs.

Feedback:

► Show Spoiler

1. Strange - I rise

This song is like a lost indie rock masterpiece from the 90's. It feels to me that the chord progression was designed specifically for this song as it implements seamlessly. The arrangement is very interesting and detailed, it keeps the interest towards the end. The production level is very high, everything feels balanced and the song has an authentic sound. Solid work.

2. Chasey24 - The Offer

A very atmospheric song with a wide open sound. I'm getting a feeling of traveling through snow-capped mountains. The guitar solos are very organic and work well with the chords. The electronic soundscapes add depth to the song. Though there could be just a little bit more memorable melody.

3. MellowBrowne - WhatTheFunk

A slow chilled song to hang in a warm coffee while it's raining outside. Good idea with the chord extensions, they add another dimension to the song and create a jazzy atmosphere. I like the bass playing in this song. Good arrangement, production and mixing.

4. Marc_Fey - Progression

This song feels to me like an end-titles theme of a movie. The intro with acoustic guitars and shimmery pads was very atmospheric. I really like the melodies that have a touch of drama and melancholy. The mood feels very natural for the chord progression. But the song is way too long. There is no need to make it last for over 7 minutes, as there are mostly repetitions of the same theme and very few new parts are added.

5. Blang - Recipe 3

A song that falls into the category of chilled background music. The hip-hop style beat is quite groovy for doing daily routines to it or walking in the park while dreaming of summer. The melodies are simple but effective. The production quality is good overall, but some of the rhythmic elements feel a little off the tempo though.

6. ThomC - Another Night At The Movies

An epic orchestral sketch that shows the possibility of the chord progression in an interesting way, makes you feel like you're sitting in the cinema and the movie is about to begin.

7. alphageeks - 250305

A strong foundation to a pop-rock song. There are a lot of different elements in the arrangement and I should say that acoustic instruments work fine with the electronic pads. The electric guitars are pushed in the background too much and there are strange loud scrapes that are a bit off. The song needs to have a dedicated section where guitars would shine. And also, the song needs to have a main melodic theme that would bring it all together.

8. EFEMGIE - I Offer You A Chord

It seems like the chords work well for uplifting trance song. Generally, the production is quite good for the genre standards. The atmosphere, the beat and the authentic structure is present. It feels too long and repetitive though. The buildup could last a bit shorter than 3 minutes and there could be much more additional parts and melodies.

9. juhu - Five in the Chamber

A good classical piece for those who appreciate that music. Somehow I cannot really define the chords, the mood is constantly shifting away. Some of the sections of the song feel like completely repeated loops.

10. APi_ZZ - Sixteen

This is another song that would fit into the "chillout/sleeping/relaxation 10 hour playlist on YouTube" category and the chord progression works well for that mood. The production level is quite good. There could be more memorable and upfront melodic themes. Also, a little bit more varied song structure would be nice.

11. EsteveCorbera - Acords Copiats

It's a really good chilled electronic music piece with interesting twists and turns, filled with a cinematic atmosphere and sci-fi aesthetic. But I cannot really identify the chord progression and the mood of the composition is very different compared to everything I heard so far.

12. EatMe - En Route Sur San Jose

The track sounds like something made in a music composing game (like eJay) or completely AI generated. It just feels too static and over the two and a half minutes there is very little happening to hold the interest of a listener.

Voting:

► Show Spoiler

1. Strange - I rise
2. Chasey24 - The Offer
3. MellowBrowne - WhatTheFunk
4. Marc_Fey - Progression
5. Blang - Recipe 3

[ThomC]

Hey everyone!

Here's my feedback, vote and self-reflection for this challenge :

Feedback

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Alphageeks : Nice upbeat track, I like how the piano arpeggio evolves and the gated effect at one point in the track. The whole drive of the song is pretty motivational. This could be used as a workout / corporate song in the sense that it's quite inspirational / motivational. Two things that could be improved in my opinion (but not easy with the given chord progression) would have been a main melodic line and a bit more expression on the strings (or not). By that I mean that the strings dynamics are pretty stable, but not stable enough to sound like strings used in a dance record and not dynamic enough to feel like real orchestral strings in my opinion. This is by no means a bad track and I'll reiterate what I said earlier, please come and join us on the other challenges, you definitely have your place among all the other composers! Feel free to ask me any questions regarding strings production or anything else, I'm very far from being John Williams but I love sharing thoughts about music production

Juhu : Your composition is very well written and thought out. It feels to me like you really thought about this as a classical piece. Do you have a classical background by any chance? Some of the choices made in the composition feel like it. I'm not sure I really here the chord progression though, but it could be buried in the arrangement without me noticing (which would be great to be honest). One thing I'll say that doesn't really have to do with the composition as such that could be improved, is the sound of the instruments. The included logic instruments are pretty unidimensional from what I can tell from your track. Classical instruments need dynamics, expression, to breathe and to reflect the complex nuance in the timbres of all these instruments. I'd suggest you download something like the free BBCSO orchestra or the new Berlin Orchestra Free and export your piece with those. You'll have a much more vibrant rendition of your piece and I think those instruments would be more capable in doing it justice. Great composition nonetheless!

EFEMGIE : Nice upbeat track with an early 2000 electronic edge. I like the 303ish sounds that go from one ear to the other. I haven't listened to a track with the same kind of sound in a while, thanks for the memories! Nice work on the arcs / drops and on the overall production! I love how you built expectation in your track, I was waiting for that 4 to the floor kick drum to come after a drop and it did! You delivered haha! Thanks for the great track!

API_ZZ : Interesting change of mood and instrumentation halfway through the track. I like the combination of acoustic and electronic instruments and the fact that there's a key change as the song builds. One area for improvement would be the clarinet sound at the start, they're not exactly easy instruments to get right in the sampled world, but it could have a bit more expression and dynamics. The choir and flutes are great! Well done going from one type of instrumentation to the other.

Marc Fey : Your ambient acoustic / folk / pop track felt great after a day of work, I liked where it took me. I liked the combination of Mellotron and other synths it had an indie folk / rock vibe to it. I love that you used Ben Osterhouse's instruments on the track. Ben has always done a great job with his instruments and you definitely used them well in this one . Lovely use of AD Vintage Dead, I was wondering if those were real drums! Did you play them or program them? Great job overall!

Mellow Browne : Love that those are live drums! It definitely adds to the organic feel of the track. Very cool bass line, keys and use of the mellotron, I like the fact that you changed the chords to make them match your soul / funk vibe. Great job!

EatMe : Nice instrumentation! I'd have liked to hear a bit more work on the arcs / the building of expectation in the dynamics of your track. Since your track is rather repetitive in terms of beat, it's always nice to use risers / reversed cymbals / fast snare crescendos etc... to give them a sense of building energy that's about to explode at one time.

EsteveCorbera : I like the way your track evolves especially when the drums come in. There a nice work on the textures and on the build-up from the start to the second part of the song. Well done!

Strange : Very nice chorus and energy throughout the song, there's a blend of Bee Gees, Niles Rodgers and other great composers of the 70s / 80s disco in your track. In terms of production I'd be careful about two things mainly : Making sure that the choruses stand out even more dynamically and be careful about the pitch of your voice at times especially in the lower mid-range. I felt like your falsetto voice was more on pitch that the verses. One of my favourites this week, well done! Quick question, do you recommend the Sire guitars? I've had my eyes on one of those for a little while and was wondering what they're worth Cheers!

Chasey24 : Nice use of guitars and tuned percussions. I first felt like these were recorded, a few things gave them away. The bridge legatos are quite prominent in the way that they directly make you think that a sample library was used and to be honest... that's one of the cool things I've noticed about your track Sometimes the quirks of a sample library can also be what makes them stand out. A bit more delay and dirt could be added to the lead guitar sound to give it a more personnal edge, other than that, nice track!

Blang : Very organic production, love the beat, the acoustic guitar, the synths and the vibe. Nothing I'd change in this one! Beautiful mix as well
Are the drum samples samples that your recorded both from acoustic and electronic drum performances / synths? My favourite one of this week!

VCA - 089 : Love the stadium like drums, synthwave / 80s feel of this one! Very punchy and a great blend of retro sounds. It reminded me of my childhood, some of the great games I'd play and movies I'd watch. Thanks for this great track! The guitar solo kicks ass!

Vote

► Show Spoiler

1. Blang
2. VCA-089
3. Strange
4. Mellow Browne
5. Marc Fey

Self Reflection

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I had a great time with this challenge! I feel like some things could have been clearer though, as I've heard all sorts of things that were not really specified in the rules that were done and that I didn't quite dare doing myself. How much repetition could we use? Was the fundamental note of every chord required or could it be implied using inversions throughout?

I felt like the challenge was to be able to use a lead melodic line while still retaining the main chord progression. Making it feel interesting was definitely not the easiest thing of all. Thanks for this one!

[Mister Fox]

It's the 02nd April 2025, 1:50 (UTC+2/CEST) - the Voting Period has officially ended.

All participants have submitted final feedback, we therefore have 0 disqualification.


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