... and Khepira for the HM!
Cheers,
Alex
june contest ... GOSSIP
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- KVRAF
- 2744 posts since 5 Dec, 2003 from Harlan's World
From the vote thread:
I mean there is only classical music, electronica, jazz, techno, trance, fusion, blues - and probably many other genres - where not a single vocal cord is harmed, or a sample is used at, er, best.
Sorry but I obviously disagree that no major deal can be had with an instrumental record. Top 10 pop chart track - maybe not. But no deal? No way.
So you're saying no instrumental records get major deals? Time to throw away half my CD collection, then...rollasoc wrote:Likewise easy to get ten (I just banned all instrumentals. It did say major deal), but harder to order.
I mean there is only classical music, electronica, jazz, techno, trance, fusion, blues - and probably many other genres - where not a single vocal cord is harmed, or a sample is used at, er, best.
Sorry but I obviously disagree that no major deal can be had with an instrumental record. Top 10 pop chart track - maybe not. But no deal? No way.
My Soundcloud Too many pieces of music finish far too long after the end. - Stravinsky
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- KVRAF
- 1955 posts since 5 Sep, 2003 from Denmark
I'm almost scaringly nice this time. I'm off to Berlin this afternoon with no puters, only wife. Perhaps that can explain my strangely nice mood Strange contest, this month.
Barnadine, Love Strikes: The banjo is top! (Variax?). The rest of the guitar work is very, very good also. I really like this, catchy and mellow, but not too serious – one more time – top piece.
Kovacs, Rocktronica: Hm. The allegedly sick guitar has some definite qualities. And some of the background too. But the rather weak bass and drums? They just doesn't sit right with me. Sometimes, at best, it has a bit of KC and sometimes, at worst, it's annoying. Interesting track. Can't see the connection to the theme of the contest, though.
Eman8ions, Waves Break Below Me: Pleasant, even when the only herbs in sight is tea. Normally I would think music done this way was too synthy, but the sound and compositional qualities are good. Sort of background-ish, but very pleasing.
Glooper, Hometown: It's probably my lack of understanding of Hip Hop (this is Hip Hop, right?). But I'm not convinced by the vocal. It seem a big lost in the mix and isn't as aggressive as the backing track begs for. But production seems very good. Good blending in of rock elements.
Shane Sanders, Tower of Babel: (I first misread the title as Tower of Babe, now thats an interesting title). Talent obviously went into this, very good production too. Probably perfect movie music. But as a piece in it self it doesn't do much for me. Pleasant, but that's all, I'm afraid.
Gregjazz, Four Flavors of Guitar: If you're referring to this x mas, I'm duly impressed. Piece comes through as an exercise more than as a finished composition. Some interesting ideas, I especially like the auto wah'd (?) lead.
Rockstar Not, Loser: Sing some more! The restrictions you worked under works wonders. Very convincing. The only thing I can suggest is to work a bit more on the guitar part and sound. It's very good as is, but instead of copying, panning and notching you should try record it in stereo (with a pair of preferably matched SDC's panned hard), and maybe a LCD further away (for ambiance, need a decent room to do this). I think this would be more true to your no tweaks maxim. The guitar could have a tiny bit more variation, the low strings could be utilized more, especially where there's no voice. Perhaps some softly strummed chords. If you listen to a guy like Ron Sexsmith you get the idea. This is really a top piece, so don't listen to my meager suggestions. And sing some more!
Odavy, I Can Hear Her: The beginning of the track had me thinking: oh, very commercial. The guitar solo isn't entirely convincing in this context. Nice enough track, but miss something to really get my attention. Would like to hear the 5/4-version, though.
Astenine, Baby: Uplifting and naive. Good fun. Spotless production.
Sttjelle, Sunday: Remix this and you could probably have a club hit. Nice track (doesn't excite me, though and I don't like the vocoded chorus too much).
Patrick9, Sunshine: Early Bowie on steroids and god only knows what else. Very strange and definitely not a hit. But interesting.
Diek, Undercover: I liked the first 40 seconds. The rest doesn't do anything for me. Too square and not enough colors (don't know what the f**k I mean by that, but it's early times in Copenhagen).
Aiede_cin, Tiholasciato: Some good ideas, but I don't think I like the vocal. The guitar and sampled(?) drums makes this more average than what I've heard from your hand before. Perhaps this is more commercial. If so, then f**k commercial.
(I've written f**k too times in a few lines. It's very early in Copenhagen).
1-2-Many, Deal with it: Very commercial. I could hear this on the radio (but then again, I would never listen to a radio station playing this genre).
PawPawPatch, The Making of Ricky Krews: I think the story is better than the track. The synthesized voice seems a bit old and the music is too straight.
Damstraversaz, Hora: I first thought that “Hora” might be some street speak, but of course it's Spanish. Makes sense. Very soothing piece, demanding in it's understatedness. I would guess this is almost anti-commercial, so I don't see the connection to this months contest, but very nice. Sampled double bass is OK, which is rare feat.
Sp0rk, The Arrival: Hm. Nothing really catches my attention. That means that I don't find it terrible interesting, but also that the track has no apparent flaws.
Liqih, Here Comes dee Bass: From the title I guessed at some clubby thing. But this is something else, not sure what. Interesting if somewhat disparate ideas.
Griels, Crazy Every Time: Some good ideas and a great deal frustration? Fun piece, but also strangely melancholic.
Knoob, The Kube: Mmmmmmrrrrieeeeaaaargghh. I can't say anything about this kind of music.
Nikp2000, kVr Star: Broken music. Interesting. The vocoded vocal I don't like much. And the distorted guitar is too ordinary. But the rest is broken – in a good way. I like this (But can't really see this on a major label).
_niko_, Sign Me: The 70's guitar solo that kicks off this track is out of date (doh!). The drums is weak and needs some drive. The rest of the guitar work is good, and the low register, pushed vocal could work real well in some modern, angry post rock.
Markleford, Broken: Top track. Very nice production for a raw demo. (I'm not sure I would want to be in your dreams, though. A bit scaring)
Eljorno, Time to Advance: What a contrast to Markleford. It should come as no surprise to regulars, that I vastly prefer Marklefords entry. This does not do anything for me. Sorry.
Vurt, Like I Care: What? You should make commercial beats, I certainly could hear (some of) this with some angry gangster rapper or something.
Slartibartfast, Memories: I like the song (and the vocals). Besides that the track is a total mess, which might be intentional.
Whyterabbyt, Alabaster: I can see the pre-teen Barbied girl rocking to this. (Not). I like it. Dark and pretty little melodies. Nothing to do with the contest, but nevertheless one of the tracks I've enjoyed the most. The marching rhythm works well.
Freeztar, Keep it Bumpin': Intriguing in an almost, but not quite scary way. Interesting thing going on, but it comes across as a bit incoherent. Nice track.
Strange contest, this month.Barnadine, Love Strikes: The banjo is top! (Variax?). The rest of the guitar work is very, very good also. I really like this, catchy and mellow, but not too serious – one more time – top piece.
Kovacs, Rocktronica: Hm. The allegedly sick guitar has some definite qualities. And some of the background too. But the rather weak bass and drums? They just doesn't sit right with me. Sometimes, at best, it has a bit of KC and sometimes, at worst, it's annoying. Interesting track. Can't see the connection to the theme of the contest, though.
Eman8ions, Waves Break Below Me: Pleasant, even when the only herbs in sight is tea. Normally I would think music done this way was too synthy, but the sound and compositional qualities are good. Sort of background-ish, but very pleasing.
Glooper, Hometown: It's probably my lack of understanding of Hip Hop (this is Hip Hop, right?). But I'm not convinced by the vocal. It seem a big lost in the mix and isn't as aggressive as the backing track begs for. But production seems very good. Good blending in of rock elements.
Shane Sanders, Tower of Babel: (I first misread the title as Tower of Babe, now thats an interesting title). Talent obviously went into this, very good production too. Probably perfect movie music. But as a piece in it self it doesn't do much for me. Pleasant, but that's all, I'm afraid.
Gregjazz, Four Flavors of Guitar: If you're referring to this x mas, I'm duly impressed. Piece comes through as an exercise more than as a finished composition. Some interesting ideas, I especially like the auto wah'd (?) lead.
Rockstar Not, Loser: Sing some more! The restrictions you worked under works wonders. Very convincing. The only thing I can suggest is to work a bit more on the guitar part and sound. It's very good as is, but instead of copying, panning and notching you should try record it in stereo (with a pair of preferably matched SDC's panned hard), and maybe a LCD further away (for ambiance, need a decent room to do this). I think this would be more true to your no tweaks maxim. The guitar could have a tiny bit more variation, the low strings could be utilized more, especially where there's no voice. Perhaps some softly strummed chords. If you listen to a guy like Ron Sexsmith you get the idea. This is really a top piece, so don't listen to my meager suggestions. And sing some more!
Odavy, I Can Hear Her: The beginning of the track had me thinking: oh, very commercial. The guitar solo isn't entirely convincing in this context. Nice enough track, but miss something to really get my attention. Would like to hear the 5/4-version, though.
Astenine, Baby: Uplifting and naive. Good fun. Spotless production.
Sttjelle, Sunday: Remix this and you could probably have a club hit. Nice track (doesn't excite me, though and I don't like the vocoded chorus too much).
Patrick9, Sunshine: Early Bowie on steroids and god only knows what else. Very strange and definitely not a hit. But interesting.
Diek, Undercover: I liked the first 40 seconds. The rest doesn't do anything for me. Too square and not enough colors (don't know what the f**k I mean by that, but it's early times in Copenhagen).
Aiede_cin, Tiholasciato: Some good ideas, but I don't think I like the vocal. The guitar and sampled(?) drums makes this more average than what I've heard from your hand before. Perhaps this is more commercial. If so, then f**k commercial.
(I've written f**k too times in a few lines. It's very early in Copenhagen).
1-2-Many, Deal with it: Very commercial. I could hear this on the radio (but then again, I would never listen to a radio station playing this genre).
PawPawPatch, The Making of Ricky Krews: I think the story is better than the track. The synthesized voice seems a bit old and the music is too straight.
Damstraversaz, Hora: I first thought that “Hora” might be some street speak, but of course it's Spanish. Makes sense. Very soothing piece, demanding in it's understatedness. I would guess this is almost anti-commercial, so I don't see the connection to this months contest, but very nice. Sampled double bass is OK, which is rare feat.
Sp0rk, The Arrival: Hm. Nothing really catches my attention. That means that I don't find it terrible interesting, but also that the track has no apparent flaws.
Liqih, Here Comes dee Bass: From the title I guessed at some clubby thing. But this is something else, not sure what. Interesting if somewhat disparate ideas.
Griels, Crazy Every Time: Some good ideas and a great deal frustration? Fun piece, but also strangely melancholic.
Knoob, The Kube: Mmmmmmrrrrieeeeaaaargghh. I can't say anything about this kind of music.
Nikp2000, kVr Star: Broken music. Interesting. The vocoded vocal I don't like much. And the distorted guitar is too ordinary. But the rest is broken – in a good way. I like this
(But can't really see this on a major label)._niko_, Sign Me: The 70's guitar solo that kicks off this track is out of date (doh!). The drums is weak and needs some drive. The rest of the guitar work is good, and the low register, pushed vocal could work real well in some modern, angry post rock.
Markleford, Broken: Top track. Very nice production for a raw demo. (I'm not sure I would want to be in your dreams, though. A bit scaring
)Eljorno, Time to Advance: What a contrast to Markleford. It should come as no surprise to regulars, that I vastly prefer Marklefords entry. This does not do anything for me. Sorry.
Vurt, Like I Care: What? You should make commercial beats, I certainly could hear (some of) this with some angry gangster rapper or something.
Slartibartfast, Memories: I like the song (and the vocals). Besides that the track is a total mess, which might be intentional.
Whyterabbyt, Alabaster: I can see the pre-teen Barbied girl rocking to this. (Not). I like it. Dark and pretty little melodies. Nothing to do with the contest, but nevertheless one of the tracks I've enjoyed the most. The marching rhythm works well.
Freeztar, Keep it Bumpin': Intriguing in an almost, but not quite scary way. Interesting thing going on, but it comes across as a bit incoherent. Nice track.
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- KVRian
- 1206 posts since 10 Apr, 2002 from Born, living and probably dying in Germany
And even a top 10 pop chart track is possible like many instrumentals have already shown.kovacs wrote:Sorry but I obviously disagree that no major deal can be had with an instrumental record. Top 10 pop chart track - maybe not. But no deal? No way.
Listen to some Monkey-Music-
slartibartfast slartibartfast https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=20182
- KVRian
- 736 posts since 7 Apr, 2004 from Magrathea, The Universe
Unfortunately not intentionalrespirator wrote:I'm almost scaringly nice this time.
Slartibartfast, Memories: I like the song (and the vocals). Besides that the track is a total mess, which might be intentional.
If I can impose on your "nice" mood - can you elaborate on what aspects of the track are a "mess" so that I can avoid this next time - is it the mix, the choice of instruments, something else. I know it is sometimes hard to be specific, so if you can't put yourt finger on it, that is fine - but if you have something ideas that I should work on for next time, I would appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to listen and critique.
Time is an illusion - lunchtime doubly so.
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- jaaathmaster
- 2690 posts since 1 Jun, 2001 from Marlow, S. Bucks, UK
respirator wrote:Griels, Crazy Every Time: Some good ideas and a great deal frustration? Fun piece, but also strangely melancholic.
The frustration/melancholy is 99% feigned... That daft cockney accent is not my own... And I don't normally sing or rap (mercifully)... But there may be something to the words that rings true, as cliched as they are. Any roads, I'm very pleased with how the song turned out, other than maybe the singing and rapping. 
Anyone else care to comment on it?
Music with dinner is an insult both to the cook and the violinist.
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- KVRAF
- 7217 posts since 21 Aug, 2004 from Trondheim, Norway
OMG! Vurt! I'm sorry. It was late. What can I say. You weren't singled out to be ignored, I just missed it.
vurt - Like I care
The beat is really cool. Sounds like a lot of songs. And then you put the mofo lyrics on top, in the most disinterested fashion imaginable. This is of course a comment on a whole genre (maybe a whole business, or a whole demographic segment), and it's NOT *nice*...
But it's very clever and well done. Way too many singers of these songs don't say more than what you just did, only they make it sound like it's an important message, and you're showing us that it's utter shite.
And the uninspired kick-fest towards the end is inspired!
You say you don't care, but this shows you care enough to have understood the core of this kind of music, what makes it tick, and you were able to dissect it with high precision.
This reminds me of a colleague of mine who is so actively opposed to sports, that he spends quite a bit of time finding out the scores so he can gloat when the home team loses (therefore I can use him as my source of sports news).
Good effort. Shortlisted.
Happy now?
Tormod
vurt - Like I care
The beat is really cool. Sounds like a lot of songs. And then you put the mofo lyrics on top, in the most disinterested fashion imaginable. This is of course a comment on a whole genre (maybe a whole business, or a whole demographic segment), and it's NOT *nice*...
But it's very clever and well done. Way too many singers of these songs don't say more than what you just did, only they make it sound like it's an important message, and you're showing us that it's utter shite.
And the uninspired kick-fest towards the end is inspired!
You say you don't care, but this shows you care enough to have understood the core of this kind of music, what makes it tick, and you were able to dissect it with high precision.
This reminds me of a colleague of mine who is so actively opposed to sports, that he spends quite a bit of time finding out the scores so he can gloat when the home team loses (therefore I can use him as my source of sports news).
Good effort. Shortlisted.
Happy now?
Tormod
Rakkervoksen
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- KVRAF
- 1955 posts since 5 Sep, 2003 from Denmark
Certainly. The bass and the drums, especially the drums. They're far too busy and not in sync with the guitar (which I like). The distorted guitar doesn't make sense to me.slartibartfast wrote:If I can impose on your "nice" mood - can you elaborate on what aspects of the track are a "mess" so that I can avoid this next time
I guess it has something to do with the way you build your track. Perhaps start out some very, very simple drums. HH on fourths, BD on 1-3, snare on 2-4 and then add some variation to taste. I dunno. Or skip the drums and add percussive elements in some other way (it's me, I really don't like sampled drum sets).
Check the voting thread. As said, I liked the song and the vocal.
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- jaaathmaster
- 2690 posts since 1 Jun, 2001 from Marlow, S. Bucks, UK
CheersHovmod wrote:Griels - crazyeverytime
I think you've come up with a new trick there, a mix between the scat of the old jazzists and the rap break of the poppists - SCRAP, perhaps? Made me laugh anyway. Fun song, but between the falsetto chorus and the scrap break it is for the vocal effort this one gets shortlisted
I was going for a new hybrid of popular styles - a bit of Speed Garage here, a bit of filter disco there, some D'n'B style bass, some New Order style guitar, topped with Streets style vocals and my dodgy falsetto and SCRAP (TM). Was surprised not to here more mixing up of styles in the contest... I'll listen through again today and make comments though...
Music with dinner is an insult both to the cook and the violinist.
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slartibartfast slartibartfast https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=20182
- KVRian
- 736 posts since 7 Apr, 2004 from Magrathea, The Universe
Hey respirator, I just noticed that you gave me a vote! Thanksslartibartfast wrote:Unfortunately not intentionalrespirator wrote:I'm almost scaringly nice this time.
Slartibartfast, Memories: I like the song (and the vocals). Besides that the track is a total mess, which might be intentional.
If I can impose on your "nice" mood - can you elaborate on what aspects of the track are a "mess" so that I can avoid this next time - is it the mix, the choice of instruments, something else. I know it is sometimes hard to be specific, so if you can't put yourt finger on it, that is fine - but if you have something ideas that I should work on for next time, I would appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to listen and critique.
. If I get this "mess" business sorted out, perhaps I'll get your No 1 next time. Feeling a lot happier now - Cheers.Time is an illusion - lunchtime doubly so.
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- addled muppet weed
- 111294 posts since 26 Jan, 2003 from through the looking glass
how the hell do you get all that outa what i did?
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slartibartfast slartibartfast https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=20182
- KVRian
- 736 posts since 7 Apr, 2004 from Magrathea, The Universe
Crossed post. Thanks for this info. Something for me to work on for future competitions. And thanks for the kind comments about the vocals - it isn't something I "normally" do - maybe something I should do more often.respirator wrote:Certainly. The bass and the drums, especially the drums. They're far too busy and not in sync with the guitar (which I like). The distorted guitar doesn't make sense to me.slartibartfast wrote:If I can impose on your "nice" mood - can you elaborate on what aspects of the track are a "mess" so that I can avoid this next time
I guess it has something to do with the way you build your track. Perhaps start out some very, very simple drums. HH on fourths, BD on 1-3, snare on 2-4 and then add some variation to taste. I dunno. Or skip the drums and add percussive elements in some other way (it's me, I really don't like sampled drum sets).
Check the voting thread. As said, I liked the song and the vocal.
Time is an illusion - lunchtime doubly so.
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- KVRAF
- 1955 posts since 5 Sep, 2003 from Denmark
Beardedone wrote:Hold on! This just made my week. As I was casually listening to the entries here at work, along comes Respirator singing that he's going to be a star and the he will be bigger than me and DonkeyTugger. Whoa!
SO may your pool (??indoors, right as you live in Denmark) overflow with Euros and your party gatherings be stimulating and warm - maybe you can get DonkeyTugger to play live....
Cheers,
Gordon
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- KVRAF
- 2744 posts since 5 Dec, 2003 from Harlan's World
Thanks for your review. I don't see how I am not in the framework of the contest...it is about the song *I* think will get me signed, no?respirator wrote:Kovacs, Rocktronica: Hm. The allegedly sick guitar has some definite qualities. And some of the background too. But the rather weak bass and drums? They just doesn't sit right with me. Sometimes, at best, it has a bit of KC and sometimes, at worst, it's annoying. Interesting track. Can't see the connection to the theme of the contest, though.
Not that I *really* think anyone would sign that track, though. But you know, the EMI prez might hear it and think "wow, sounds just like my cat, it's pure genius, SIGN THIS GUY!".
My Soundcloud Too many pieces of music finish far too long after the end. - Stravinsky
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- KVRist
- 192 posts since 24 Feb, 2005 from Lisbon, Portugal
Oh, you're so kind. My track was the only one you din't want to review. So, just ignore it.respirator wrote: Knoob, The Kube: Mmmmmmrrrrieeeeaaaargghh. I can't say anything about this kind of music.