First time composer.

Hi all! This is my first post on Young Composer Music Forum. I've been a huge fan of orchestral music, in particular film and video game scores, since I was thirteen years old. I've never had any formal training in any instrument, nor music theory. Two years ago I decided to learn the piano. I got pretty OK after a while, but I noticed I had more fun improvising my own tunes than actually learning established ones. I started doodeling around in Logic Pro a little and found it to be quite fun. 

So long story short: I composed my first album and put it on spotify. Even though it's my first attempt at concept/filmmusic, I really went all out and got in touch with violinists, vocalists, flute soloists and more, to help me play my composed music. So it's a combination of 90% samples, with some soloists thrown in as featured artists. I have many influences, everything from John Williams, to James Newton Howard, Howard Shore, Vangelis and Hans Zimmer. 

I would love to get you guys' feedback on my album. I'm not over-confident about it, and getting your nuanced criticism would be fantastic! :)

The album is called Nostalgium on spotify, but I'll also provide the link. https://open.spotify.com/album/6LOwhL4sNsr9mpdDKIO7cP

Let me know if any other platform than spotify is preferred, and I'll upload it to that. 

Can't hear it on spotify. Why not post an MP3 here That's usually how it works.

Oh, sorry. I just assumed everyone had a free spotify account. :)

I have always had problems uploading files to these sites. I tried, but it would not upload.

I will post a link to my soundcloud. The files I would want feedback on are "Vesper", "Bruma" and "Autumnus". But any amount you want to hear is perfectly fine! :)

You don't sound like a "first time" anything. Why you would spin yourself in this fashion here is beyond me.

7 hours ago, Ken320 said:

You don't sound like a "first time" anything. Why you would spin yourself in this fashion here is beyond me.

 

I agree. It's a simple matter of contrast. "First time" lowers your expectations, and then once you hear the pieces you are simply amazed that a "first time" composer could compose that. It is a matter of manipulation of expectations. It's also a way to generate interest of which I don't approve. By the way, the phrase "first time composer" sounds to me like "first time human being". I do not think someone suddenly becomes a composer. It is a process and not a black and white dichotomy. So in a sense you can say that a composer is never not a composer, and never completely a composer.

Coming back to the music (having listened only to the first few), I think it is good. It is a good example of the genre of music it represents. It evokes a certain mood and mystery. In some places reminds me of the influences that you mentioned above, perhaps Vangelis in particular.

Thanks for listening guys!

It was never my intention to lower any expectations. I AM a first time composer, and I'm not all that confident about it. I'm studying film at university, but I decided to compose an album for my bachelor, at the behest of my professor. I spent a few months on this, and it wasn't easy, but I managed to pull through. I was completely honest in my modesty, so there's no need to call out an ulterior agenda. I'm just a huge fan of film music who needed to get my built-up inspiriation expressed in some way. 

That being said, I really appreciate you guys checking it out. And I apologize if I let out a "douchy" first impression.

13 minutes ago, MortenJohnsenSolberg said:

Thanks for listening guys!

It was never my intention to lower any expectations. I AM a first time composer, and I'm not all that confident about it. I'm studying film at university, but I decided to compose an album for my bachelor, at the behest of my professor. I spent a few months on this, and it wasn't easy, but I managed to pull through. I was completely honest in my modesty, so there's no need to call out an ulterior agenda. I'm just a huge fan of film music who needed to get my built-up inspiriation expressed in some way. 

That being said, I really appreciate you guys checking it out. And I apologize if I let out a "douchy" first impression.

 

Sorry for the unfounded generalization then! By the way, I had noticed that your music was fit for films. So it is not surprising that you are a film major. Good luck. It is obvious that your months of work for a first-time composition has paid off.

Thank you! Means a alot to hear it from you guys. :)

You have to understand, I made this music from pure love of genre film music. So if I hit the mark or not is not up to me to decide. I'm proud of the fact that I managed to get through it, with limited knowledge of music theory, but I always took compliments with a grain of salt. But knowing you guys liked it means alot! :)

Fair enough. Best of luck to you.

Thanks! :)