Mystical Motion

Hi,

I've been looking for a suitable forum to showcase my 1st song and I think I might have come to the right place :).

My song is called 'Mystical Motion'. I made it last year. It's 100% original and took me a great deal of time; about 1.5 months or something like that. It evolved from a tune inside my head which I then reproduced using my Yamaha PSR 340 Keyboard, and then applied finishing touches in 'Fruity Loops Music Sequencer' using WAV samples for the instruments which I ripped from my keyboard.

Stream Or Download 'Mystical Motion' Sample Clip (Stream Or Download this first):

***http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/5/25/35832/Mystical%20Motion%20-%20Sample.mp3*** <<< Copy and paste into your address bar without the asterix'.

Alternatively right click here and 'save target as' for 'Mystical Motion - Sample'

Stream Or Download 'Mystical Motion' Full Length Track (Download this after):

***http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/5/25/35832/Mystical%20Motion%20-%20Full.mp3*** <<< Copy and paste into your address bar without the asterix'.

Alternatively right click here and 'save target as' for 'Mystical Motion - Full'

The reason why I want you to do this in this order is because it's very common for people to lose interest during the intro. It's like if the intro doesn't grab people straight away, then they will probably hit the stop button :D.

Hope you enjoy the song ;).

Please let me know what you think of my work and please also throw some crits my way if you have any because I'm still new to this.

Thanks :),

Tozzy

I really, really like it! This song had me bouncing in my computer chair. It sounds, to me, like a chase scene. At the risk of sounding cliched (can't find special character, so imagine a funny line over the 'e'), it almost sounds video-gamey.

The beginning is a very nice forecast of what is to come. I like the layers building on each other. The slow, relentless rhythym affected me emotionally so that when my dog came downstairs, I jumped.

The steady, fast beat a little later is very exciting -- nerve-wracking (in a good way! :)). I like your use of the different instrument sounds. They really play off of each other, creating this carefully controlled chaos (like a cat on a leash ;)).

At 1:31, where the main instrument goes up three notes instead of two, something doesn't work. The third note clashes with the rest of the ensemble.

At 1:36, the three-note minor scaley thing really adds something to the dynamic of the piece, especially since it doesn't abuse one specific note pattern for too long. The background chord change is very effective.

At 2:00 or so, the rhythmic pattern change works well.

At 2:07, I like the start of the scale change to the minor. It's just different enough to keep me riveted. At 2:16ish, I like the addition of what sort-of sounds like strings to the mix.

At 2:24, I really like the addition of flute (or whatever it is). That really works.

At 2:31, I like that layer too. Everything layers so nicely- I'm having trouble finding things to critique! The steady drum could get a little monotonous, but the steady addition of layers keeps it interesting.

At 2:45, I initially wasn't so sure about the reversion to the one main melody, but I'm starting to like it. The harmonies are just 'different' enough that it's unpredictable, to a point.

At 3:00 or so, when it cuts out just to the drums, it gets a little like "Hum. This is nice. But how much longer is it going to last?" If you added in some very quiet references to the melody contained at 1:36ish, I think that the whole feel of that section would improve.

The ending is just a little bit unexpected! I don't know if you meant it to be that way... if you did, please rethink the ending! If you didn't, that's alright, then.

Overall, I really like it (that could be from personal bias- you and I seem to have a lot in common where it comes to rhythym and harmonics, but still, I like it)! Very nicely done. My compliments!

Fuz

(Heh! You joined right after me! :D)

FRUITY LOOPS!!!! YAY!!! Can you send me the .flp file, I'd love to take a look at the internal components. There aren't too many melodic FL pieces, but this one is.

This piece does sound somewhat intense. I'd swell the kick and bit and do some crescendo/descrescendo work.

Is that how it ends? It sounds like the song is just sliced off. Do a sudden ending or fadeout, both work well in FL.

Unforunately, I bet this will be moved to incidental music. I posted an FL project in this forum, too, but it was deemed not a major work. It was called Creation, so take a listen to it if you want.

Hello everyone,

I am truly sorry for not replying earlier. I lost track of which forum I'd posted my work on because I've posted on another website due to confusion of the requirements in this forum. I was very lucky last night because I typed in: Mystical Motion in a Google search and the 2nd result yielded was this thread so, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw feedback here.

I'm just hoping the people that took the time to give me feedback will see this latest post.

EclecticPhilosopher, I can't thank you enough for putting all this effort in to give me feedback that I deem detailed, helpful, and encouraging. This will help me in the future if I do find time to make changes or when I create another song. You've described the various parts really well.

At 2:31, I like that layer too. Everything layers so nicely- I'm having trouble finding things to critique! The steady drum could get a little monotonous, but the steady addition of layers keeps it interesting.

Hehe two great minds think alike:

the current beat is a bit monotonous.

(Original source: http://forums.indiegamer.com/showthread.php?t=7273)

I totally agree. Unfortunately, I didn't put any effort in at all on the beat element which does let the song down in that respect. I just added something simple and didn't think at the time how it would potentially affect the song afterwards which I regret. Then again, I can easily remove the current beat with such ease (hehe that's the beauty of 'Fruity Loops') and will try to add something more vibrant and complex. Thank you very much for pointing this out.

At 3:00 or so, when it cuts out just to the drums, it gets a little like "Hum. This is nice. But how much longer is it going to last?" If you added in some very quiet references to the melody contained at 1:36ish, I think that the whole feel of that section would improve.

Will definitely fix this up if I get time ;).

Well, I can honestly say that you have been the most helpful person I've ever encountered in all my years of 'foruming' :). You have my greatest appreciation. Thank you so much!

If anyone wishes to use the samples I created for 'Mystical Motion', I can upload the full set to www.freesound.iua.upf.edu where you can download them all. I really must get round to uploading them because I would like to contribute my samples to other people. The samples are basically what I ripped from my Yamaha PSR 340, so that I could use them digitally in Fruity Loops.

CK the Fat,

This piece does sound somewhat intense. I'd swell the kick and bit and do some crescendo/descrescendo work.

Will certainly do this :).

Is that how it ends? It sounds like the song is just sliced off.

Erm, I think you downloaded the sample MP3 and not the full song lo.

N.S. Canzano,

This is by far one of the most interesting pieces I've heard on here. Excellent sequencing job!

Sweet! Thanks :). That's lovely to hear. It was frustratingly difficult at certain points where samples didn't sound how they should have done and I had some problems with sound levels (which I think there still are some problems but, I'll try to fix them). The quantization and timing wasn't very good in the demo track last year so I had to fix this too which has now been fixed thanks to people who have shared their views.

This topic has moved from Major Works as it has been agreed by three mods/reviewers it does not fit the requirements.

But this section isn't relevant though either by the look of the summary lol (Jazz, Band, Pop/Rock, Non-Orchestral).

Anyway, once again, I'm thrilled by your thoughts everyone. This has steered me in the right direction.

Cheers ;). Take care all.

I'm just hoping the people that took the time to give me feedback will see this latest post.

EclecticPhilosopher, I can't thank you enough for putting all this effort in to give me feedback that I deem detailed, helpful, and encouraging. This will help me in the future if I do find time to make changes or when I create another song. You've described the various parts really well.

this out.

Well, I can honestly say that you have been the most helpful person I've ever encountered in all my years of 'foruming' :). You have my greatest appreciation. Thank you so much!

:blush: ;)

...I figure that since you obviously took the trouble to write the song (a very good one), the least I can do is give a detailed review (plus, it helps me with my own music composition).

I hope that you put more songs up (if you aren't starved for time -like so many composers-... ;) ).

Fuz

I have a feeling only 3-part symphonies can make into Major Works with names like "Symp. 5," "Opus 3.4," "a tribute to (famous composer here)," etc. Us new age people aren't really appreciated here.

Anyway, do you post at the FL forums?

CK the Fat, I gave you some feedback on 'Creation' :P:

http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/index....pid=1116807830&

I don't post in FL forum because of the layout etc. I was a regular poster on 3D Game Studio forum with about nearly 3000 posts :P but, I quit because I've moved from game design and I'm now dedicated to music creation :huh:. Do you post on FL? Is it any good?

I hope that you put more songs up

Cool, in that case, make sure you look out for my next song which is 'Just One Step Away'. I've planned to release a demo in about 2 months. Yep, I spend heaps of time on one song hehe :).

Take care.

Can I still request a zipped .flp project? I'd like to take a look at your technique.

Conversely, I'll send you a .zip of Creation if you want so you can check out exactly what I did... right or wrong.

Can I still request a zipped .flp project?

Nope, sorry. The reason being the filesize of the ZIP is around 60MB and I'm still on dialup. I have used a tonne of WAV samples. It takes a while to load up the .flp into FL with all the instruments because of it.

I'd like to take a look at your technique.

Thanks. I appreciate your interest. There isn't really any specific technique used. I originally imported 4 MIDIs into FL and then made the notes more accurate in piano roll. The MIDI was exported from my keyboard. Just used WAV samples that I ripped from my keyboard and specified settings in the properties box for each instrument in FL. Listen to the full song carefully and you'll hear each instrument layered :thumbsup:.

If you still wish to send creation, feel free.

That sure is a ton of .wav samples...

I tend to go more synth because it sounds less .midi and they are easier to mix with... but as you heard in creation if you go overboard the song starts to feel shaky and sound like crap.

That sure is a ton of .wav samples...

Don't forget all the key changes too:

Parent Folder: Strings

Child File: StringsA1

Child File: StringsA2

Child File: StringsA3

Child File: StringsA4

The files are 1.5MB each = 6MB for all files and that is just one of many instruments. And there is still a lot more instruments than where those strings came from :angry:.

I tend to go more synth because it sounds less .midi and they are easier to mix with... but as you heard in creation if you go overboard the song starts to feel shaky and sound like crap.

Nah, it just needs a little more variation. Bring in some extra instruments and build up a more complex melody like your latest submission, Tension. That was a really cool song by the way. Liked it a lot.

Well, when you begin mixing pieces using the FX channels (which I assume you haven't used all that excessively) the .wav files only sound distorted, not really properly altered. Tension used no .wavs except for the snare drums. (I'm glad you liked it, by the way.)

Anyway, I'd love to hear what else you've done in FL.

Nice song!

I like the way you used the pitch turned out very well!

The melody was a really catchy one which is good :)

The bassline fits very well with the rest of the piece :)

But i do find the ending very drastic as if you had cut it into half or somthing.

CK the Fat,

when you begin mixing pieces using the FX channels (which I assume you haven't used all that excessively)

Hmm, can't remember what they are exactly. I'm only familiar with the 'piano roll', 'step sequencer' and it's settings for each channel. I don't even export the entire song from FL which I know I should try and do but, the reason why I didn't was because 'MM' has different volume levels during each of the 4 sequences. There are 4 patterns and they use different vulume levels, otherwise distortion will occur in some of the patterns where the volume needs to be decreased. It was tonnes easier for me to export in sections to Audacity and piece together and envelope each section. I took around 2 days to get perfected but it worked and I was very happy with the sound. I must admit, I've not ventured far out of the boundaries that I currently work in. Fruity Loops has many features but, they take time to master. Unfortunately, I'm not a tutorial person where I will spend time studying; I prefer to get my hands dirty with experimentation.

the .wav files only sound distorted, not really properly altered. Tension used no .wavs except for the snare drums.

Well, if you do decide to use WAVs, buy some from ebay. They are really cheap. I bought myself a 3 cd set with about 20,000 WAV samples in all different categories. Cost me about £15 which was 1 day's lawnmowing (occasional job).

I'm glad you liked it, by the way.

Good :laugh:. I'll try and give 'Tension' a proper review when I get a bit of time.

Anyway, I'd love to hear what else you've done in FL.

Hey thanks. That's nice to hear. Well, I only bought FL before Christmas and only used for 1 song which is 'MM'. If you would like, I can post the intro to 'Just One Step Away' when I'm satisfied with the quality which should be in about 1-2 weeks. I want it to sound as good as 'MM' but, hopefully better if I can. 'MM' has so many more problems to fix until I am finally satisfied. I am going to fiddle with the settings more inside the channels this time to get more flexible sounds as the channel settings are so versatile.

Saiming,

Thanks very much for your comments. That was a nice surprise :).

But i do find the ending very drastic as if you had cut it into half or somthing.

Hmm, sorry what do you mean cut into half? :D But yea, I agree with the ending. I think it sounds a bit unexpected so, I will definitely be fixing that up along with all the helpful pointers I've received. I have a full list here just so people know what to expect next time I re-release the track:

Criticism For Mystical Motion:

At 1:31, where the main instrument goes up three notes instead of two, something doesn't work. The third note clashes with the rest of the ensemble.

Remedy: Change notes.

At 3:00 or so, when it cuts out just to the drums, it gets a little like "Hum. This is nice. But how much longer is it going to last?" If you added in some very quiet references to the melody contained at 1:36ish, I think that the whole feel of that section would improve.

The steady drum could get a little monotonous.

Remedy: Change beat to something more varied and prominent.

do some crescendo/descrescendo work.

Remedy: Increase volume of instruments in various parts for added emphasis.

Lusher strings, and more analog at that if possible. Have a slow attack and a long decay. Just a shimmery echo that expands and reinforces the harmonies.

Remedy: Play with properties for instrument.

Tweak intro. Some instruments sound dumb and weak before the crystal clash is heard.

Change left and right stereo switching steel drum in seq 5 (end).

Change piano in seq 5; sounds out of tune. This is actually a synth plugin called Fruity Keys.

Add timpanis like in demo of seq 3.

When all targets met, time for next update to Mystical Motion: Master Version! Stay tuned ;).

Sounds like you've got an ear for change. Good luck.

BTW, is that you in your avatar, or some musicians I don't know about?

Sounds like you've got an ear for change. Good luck.

BTW, is that you in your avatar, or some musicians I don't know about?

Sounds like you've got an ear for change. Good luck.

Hehe thanks I'll be needing it ;).

BTW, is that you in your avatar, or some musicians I don't know about?

Yep, that's me; an ugly recent passport photo :).

Maybe it is Tozzy

lol only Tozzy could look like that :D.

Hehe thanks I'll be needing it ;).

Yep, that's me; an ugly recent passport photo :P.

lol only Tozzy could look like that :D.

i guessed right :)

Ah, I thought you were one of those 14-year old geniuses that patrol the forums and whip out masterpieces every other day.

Ah, I thought you were one of those 14-year old geniuses that patrol the forums and whip out masterpieces every other day.

lol 4 years shouldn't make that much difference should it? ;). I'm only 18; still a growing lad :w00t:.

I think I know what you mean though. It's like if someone my age was doing what you say, 'whipping out masterpieces', it would make me feel as though I have to be able to compete. Maybe you feel like this, maybe you don't; I do though.

I'm 17 myself, going to be a high school senior next year (I really don't know how the British education system works). And it just seems that I've been to all these sites ran by 13-16 year olds who must have been writing stuff since they were 4, because quite often their pieces are astoundingly complex and yet melodic. It's just... unfair.

I'm 17 myself, going to be a high school senior next year

Congrats for you for next year :).

I really don't know how the British education system works

5-16 < Compulsory schooling

16+ < College/ Work placement (but I think a lot of people are unemployed or have crappy jobs)/ or if you're me, stay at home doing music and DIY all day long :D.

it just seems that I've been to all these sites ran by 13-16 year olds who must have been writing stuff since they were 4, because quite often their pieces are astoundingly complex and yet melodic.

I think it's probably just a combination of raw talent/ experience. Hmm... what else could it be.... yea, it can only be that I guess. I don't believe that anybody can just open a music sequencer and start making masterpieces, unless they have really great visualisation (I try and use this a lot because it can help).

I follow a simple, yet effective ruling system where if I can't achieve what I set out to achieve, I question myself. There is always a reason for everything. What one person can do, another person can do. Anything that can be done by another human is not impossible for another.

Also, practice does play a role. Without practice, you have no experience.

It's just... unfair.

Chin up always :blush:. lol you sound like me. I'm usually pessimistic due to my starsign.

Btw, sorry about not reviewing 'Tension' yet, just been mad hot busy. It's been a hot and sticky week so far too ;). Hey what are these:

?

Looks like you've stumbled upon some IPB code (or is it IPS?) or a strange smiley.

In other words, I don't know.

No, it's underneath everyone's username:

You have 3. I only have one. Just wondered what they were for and why people have different amounts than others. If you don't know, it's ok.

it just seems that I've been to all these sites ran by 13-16 year olds who must have been writing stuff since they were 4, because quite often their pieces are astoundingly complex and yet melodic.

Maybe they put a lot of time into what they do. Personally, I don't see the point of people spending a few hours on one song because they must know that they are not going to achieve professional results. It's not a sufficient amount of time. I spend about 6-8 weeks on one song and for that amount of time, I expect very good results.

The little brown squares show how many songs you've put up on YC. Not that 1 square equals 1 song, but basically...