winter contest - GOSSIP

[kovacs]

Kovacs - I don't like this kind of thing too much. Well done but it's very based in guitar for me. I like guitar but I'm not too fond of this particular style.

Not exactly constructive but thanks for listening, Katanaman!

A funny side note: I played my song for a friend who is a member of a local amateur pilot club. They're making a documentary about their history and...want to use my song as the main soundtrack.

Kind of ironic...since Ode to Maverick is a tribute to one of the coolest soundtracks ever!

Not that it's a big deal - but things like this is fun.

[astanine]

Thanks to Knockman and Katanaman for the reviews

[_niko_]

Special mention: Niko's "Hellish", the intro of which was my absolute favorite moment of this month.

Maybe I should specialize on intros then

Niko

[VitaminD]

What did I tell you? bottom of the barrel..

well this is my whinge post so here it goes:

*ahem*

ok, so it wasnt a very highly dynamic song.. still I think my ideas on what good music is and the majority of the community here believes are in different directions.. these contests are the only place where I've repeatedly ranked so low.. its also the oldest (average age) place I've entered too.. lots of 30, 40, 50+'ers here.

I dont feel the main issue has to do with lack of skill or talent.. but more simply different tastes.

which has made me wonder.. has there ever been a trance (not fusionpopexperimental with a trance lead but actual trance) song that has ranked highly in these contests?

It all makes me feel that if I had created a halfassed jazz, fusion, or guitarindienoise deal that I'd have ranked higher than any polished, refined, or dynamic sounding trance tune I could possibly pump out.. and thats with me not ever trying to write jazz, fusion, or guitarindienoise stuffs.



which finally makes me wonder whats the point of entering? If the majority of the audience isnt enjoying my work, why bother releasing it to the public? but then maybe I already have my answer with that..

okay end of my whinge.. carry on all.

[M'Snah]

I guess that's it. Tell me if I forgot any.

me?

[Markleford]

which has made me wonder.. has there ever been a trance (not fusionpopexperimental with a trance lead but actual trance) song that has ranked highly in these contests?

Not to my memory. Actually, there tends to be so little "actual trance" submitted that statistically it isn't very likely from the start.

In fact, I think there was more tranceish stuff this month than the sum of all previous contests, if only because long-form electronic genres typically aren't heard here due to a 2 minute time limit.

It all makes me feel that if I had created a halfassed jazz, fusion, or guitarindienoise deal that I'd have ranked higher than any polished, refined, or dynamic sounding trance tune I could possibly pump out..

I must admit that I'm a "quirk-junkie". I like odd mixes of genres. I can respect purity, but it doesn't typically *move* me.

As such the most "polished, refined, or dynamic sounding trance tune" would likely strike me as being very professional, but ultimately disposable.

Of course, that's just my opinion. However, keeping in mind that the average KVR citizen likes more quirk that your average trance fan, who listens *exclusively* to trance (or so I'm led to believe), and it becomes evident that you're probably right: pushing trance on KVR is a losing proposition.

which finally makes me wonder whats the point of entering? If the majority of the audience isnt enjoying my work, why bother releasing it to the public?

Because there's still the possibility of finding just *one* person out there who likes your stuff. Or there's the possibility that you'll get a comment or critique that sends you off happily creating in a direction that you never expected.

Bottom line is the contests here are half support-group, half peer-workshop.

- m

[Katanaman]

I guess that's it. Tell me if I forgot any.

me?

Oh, my god! I'm sorry! I've just downloaded it.

Sounds very jazzy. I like the bass a lot. I'm not too fond of the rimshot, though. It's a bit too loud, I guess. The sax sounds a bit too loud too. I like the overall feel of the track a lot, though. Maybe it could have used some more drastic changes. Not that it's repetitive. It's not repetitive at all. It's just that the whole thing just seems to be built around one melody.

Done.

And I'm really sorry. I'd hate it if anyone forgot me.

[You™]

You old fogeys don't get enough Vitamin D!

I dunno, but it seems like a slippery slope when one tries to indict the jury or the system because of a perceived bias against their favorite style of music. And then confound that indictment with a whiff of age elitism.

Maybe we're all a bunch of geezers who can't appreciate "actual trance" (which to me BTW, would not be loopy electronic music, but probably Indian Ragas, Balinese Gamelan or Sufi devotional music - that's another story). I like the adrenalin rush of pulsing rhythms and synth riffs as much as anybody. More than most. Yet the bitterness of your assertion (yes, I saw the smileys too ) belies your frustration with our jazz, fusion, or guitarindienoise. Even worse, if we attempted out own interpretation of trance, our efforts would be labeled "fusionpopexperimental with a trance lead" by the very faction that should be able to appreciate what we're doing. I smell shades of "it's not dub" coming back to roost.

"Halfassed" is as good as any description for my music, but it's unfair to others who put a lot more talent and technique into their entries. And just because a handful of reviewers don't write favorably about a piece doesn't mean the rest don't enjoy it. Indeed, you said that "these contests are the only place where [you've] repeatedly ranked so low." That would be a clear indication that either we are all a bunch of unenlightened old philistines who just don't get it, ...or that inflexible, format driven mood music may be at odds with the goals of a generalized song writing competition.

FWIW, I really like this so-called "trance" music you whippersnappers listen to. I even like your song, but I just like some of the others better this month. Sorry.

I'm seriously considering a foray into tarnce myself. I was hoping to collaborate with someone who knows the ropes and is willing to settle for a hybrid of styles; fusionpopexperimental as it were. But I'll probably just work on it alone because I don't like goal-oriented production. I prefer the experimental process.

Now if you don't mind, I need to go take my Geritol. Ack! Wheeze...

[Katanaman]

Kovacs - I don't like this kind of thing too much. Well done but it's very based in guitar for me. I like guitar but I'm not too fond of this particular style.

Not exactly constructive but thanks for listening, Katanaman!

A funny side note: I played my song for a friend who is a member of a local amateur pilot club. They're making a documentary about their history and...want to use my song as the main soundtrack.

Kind of ironic...since Ode to Maverick is a tribute to one of the coolest soundtracks ever!

Not that it's a big deal - but things like this is fun.

I'm sorry. As I said before, I tend to get harsh towards the end. What I meant is that I'm not in a position to make a decent review, because it's just not the kind of music I listen to at all. I've got nothing against it.

[Sleek Month]

What did I tell you? bottom of the barrel..

Well, to be honest, the reason that your track didn't make my first cut wasn't because I don't like tarnce or whatever,(I'd be hard pressed to actually even define the genre), but because it sounds like something somebody did as a demo for rebirth 7 years ago.

I was like:"Heard it".

I dunno, perhaps a genre change isn't needed for more "popularity", but, hey, how about some different sounds/a wider sonic palette? How about some different beats? Different structure?

Seriously, what is there on this that people weren't doing with their first version of rebirth?

...not to be harsh, but, you know, that's my role here

-S.

[xander]

which has made me wonder.. has there ever been a trance (not fusionpopexperimental with a trance lead but actual trance) song that has ranked highly in these contests?

Not to my memory. Actually, there tends to be so little "actual trance" submitted that statistically it isn't very likely from the start.

In fact, I think there was more tranceish stuff this month than the sum of all previous contests, if only because long-form electronic genres typically aren't heard here due to a 2 minute time limit.

It all makes me feel that if I had created a halfassed jazz, fusion, or guitarindienoise deal that I'd have ranked higher than any polished, refined, or dynamic sounding trance tune I could possibly pump out..

I must admit that I'm a "quirk-junkie". I like odd mixes of genres. I can respect purity, but it doesn't typically *move* me.

As such the most "polished, refined, or dynamic sounding trance tune" would likely strike me as being very professional, but ultimately disposable.

Of course, that's just my opinion. However, keeping in mind that the average KVR citizen likes more quirk that your average trance fan, who listens *exclusively* to trance (or so I'm led to believe), and it becomes evident that you're probably right: pushing trance on KVR is a losing proposition.

which finally makes me wonder whats the point of entering? If the majority of the audience isnt enjoying my work, why bother releasing it to the public?

Because there's still the possibility of finding just *one* person out there who likes your stuff. Or there's the possibility that you'll get a comment or critique that sends you off happily creating in a direction that you never expected.

Bottom line is the contests here are half support-group, half peer-workshop.

- m

I think this was very well said!

[Khepira]

The KvR composers are sounding great! Having a new and better soundcard helps.

Some thoughts about some of the entries: (without reading much of this thread first, I'm afraid.)
I should not that I don't have good speakers to listen with, so I'm using headphones only. I know
that makes a difference, but don't know how much.

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

Free of it all - Donkey Tugger- As usual, quality song-writing and production, with good variation in the song structure. The density of the chorus sound is just a bit too much for me, but it doesn't sound "bad," so it's impressive so much can be crammed in without being harsh. Nice to hear the voice up front, and understandable.

Tommorow No More - HansM
- A good attempt at this kind of thing. I like the writing, the production mix, and the clarity of the
instruments. Is this all live played? The timing is generally good, but it does fall down in parts,
and that's a bit distracting, of course.

Fluidity -- Auralscape
- Good stuff. The only criticism I'd make is that there isn't enough variation- not a big problem
in a dance tune that's this short, but I think either more sound variance / morph-sweep-whatever, or
one or two more short breaks would add to it.

Report -- Beardedone
- Excellent. You've combined two things I like -- (1) I assume the title is some "homage" to that great band, Weather Report; and you do manage to give at least some sense of their style/sound. (2) I'm also trying to experiment with random notes and sounds. You got some great rythyms going here, and have managed to make a cohesive piece in jazz style. A piece like this keep rewarding you with new sensations on repeated playing.

Improvization -- cold c
- I like it. Nice to hear something different, and more expressive than most pop music is capable of.
I agree with a previous comment -- could be longer. There's a good basis here for developing a
longer peice, although it works pretty well as is. You've got a quite good, sweet sounding set of
"violins," etc. here.

Ode to Maverick -- Kovacs
- Nice full sound, and a good tune, but I would bring the drums up and the solo guitar down a bit. I think you could EQ or change some of the mix in parts to have some of the background parts sound less harsh, (or maybe they're just conflicting with other parts.)

Swirling -- MarcJX8P
- Lovely sound, rather like what I remember from one that did well in one of the summer contests. You really know how to balance instruments and mix sounds for a fine effect. But I don't think the rythym really works 100%. The bass pulse seems a little confusing, not quite in sync (feeling-wise) with the song as a whole. (Or maybe it's just a matter of taste.) Still -- one of the best in this contest, I think.

Desert Island CD Malfunction
- Excellent. Rather amazing. Good breaks, and good use of voices too.

Come -- Mephit Blue
- Really well structured in terms of when different instruments are used, and quite pleasant to listen to. The combined rythyms flow perfectly. The male voice (which sounds good) could be more up-front.
I wonder if it isn't too much all in the same basic key (or chord progression), though. At least one
break into a 5th or 7th might add to it, I think.

Featherbrush -- Mystahr
- I like ambient, generally. I think it's a fairly difficult genre, in some ways. This has some good
elements, but it's another song with too much low-end frequencies happening, so it's hard for me
to really get into it. The constant low-freq pad is like a blanket muffling everything else -- and
that 'everything else' would probably be great if it was clear, since it certainly sounds like it's
well done and interesting.

splatter pattern -- poly
- I like what you're doing here -- quite a lot in places; but I find the drum pattern too maching-like, in being the same throughout, with only a second (too simple) stick rythym added at the end. That might be completely intentional, but I think it actually distracts from the other elements. Still -- I would rate this as one of my 10 favourites out of the 33 I've heard so far.

maelstrom hydro mix -- sweetboy
- Good job. It's really pumpin' at the end. I could listen (and dance) to a good tune like this for more than the 3.5 minutes here.

Pulse of Creation -- Zeb Virtual
- I have to say "Wow!" This sounds beautiful on my phones. Pretty much every element is of pro. quality,including some catchy, subtle morphing of rythyms in parts, nice variation of bass lines, and so on. This would be my #1 if I could vote (not sure yet that I can, since I'm not entering this contest.)

(apolgies for the lousy formatting.)

Khepira

[Beardedone]

Report -- Beardedone
- Excellent. You've combined two things I like -- (1) I assume the title is some "homage" to that great band, Weather Report; and you do manage to give at least some sense of their style/sound. (2) I'm also trying to experiment with random notes and sounds. You got some great rythyms going here, and have managed to make a cohesive piece in jazz style. A piece like this keep rewarding you with new sensations on repeated playing.

Thanks so much Khepira.

Exactly right assumption. I love Weather Report. Also love Pat Metheny recordings and Lyle Mays - hisfirst solo record with Pedro Acuna on drums is a must have.

Cheers,
Gordon

[Sleek Month]

Comments on tracks I gave votey things to (I.E. Making friends the old fashioned way, vol. 12):

1. Sttjelle-bit travel-Really well done. I have no idea what this is, but it sounds great. Nice groove and atmosphere.

2. Garret Gengler-Calling You-Gee. What a nice little song. Nicely sung and some good changes. Gotta love the sampletank brush kit...

3. Apperception_176-Very cool. Sonds like an actual rock song. No idea who this guy is, but he can sing...nice mix. Reminds me of STP meets Grand Funk, and that's just gotta be a good thing. (I think).

4. Donkey T.-Free of it all- f**king awful. There's no way I'd vote for this. Your mixes are getting better. This is really clear.

5. Wopelka-Syphon-No, but really, what the f**k is this? One of two tracks this month that made me physically ill. I hope that we have no epileptic members...

6. Markleford-Desert Island-The other track that made me physically ill. It's odd how cohesive this sounds for being somewhat randomly generated.

7. Beardedone-Report-I hate this kind of thing, but this is really nicely done.

8. Mephit Blue-Come-Excellent porn music. Nice groove. Could work on the vocal treatment a bit...

9. Sweetboyblazen-maelstrom-"Theme for a gay bar, part 2" I can almost see the video...lots of guys in white hot pants and awesome moustaches...well done, though.

10. You©-duster Strom-Nowhere near as gay as the previous track...nice atmosphere that resolves into a curiously comforting groove.

..and almost:Nick P. Wave-you almost got the top ten, but, dude, TUNE THAT FRICKIN' GUITAR!!!!

*Ahem*

-S.

[Beardedone]

7. Beardedone-Report-I hate this kind of thing, but this is really nicely done.

That makes me doubly appreciate your vote Sleek. I did not expect one from you.

Cheers,
Gordon