Music - tense scene - 1st try C+C

Pstonie · Mon 10/05/2004 21:03:29

I have very little to no actual experience with music and I've recently tried to do a bit of it. I find that after a while, everything starts to sound the same, so I'd like some C+C on this, please.

One person gave me feedback so far, and it wasn't positive.

This is for a kinda tense scene, slightly dark and gloomy. It would be nice if you guys could tell me if it sucks or not, things I could improve and try and so on.

tensescene3.mp3 - 930KB

Nine Toes · Tue 11/05/2004 01:32:29

I don't think it sucks, but it could use a little tweaking here and there... Not bad for a first try, if I may say so myself.

ElectricMonk · Tue 11/05/2004 01:52:37

Try putting a minor key harmony under the main melody so it doesn't sound so "alone".
The "Jaws"-type interlude doesn't seem to be in the same key as the main melody. I'm not sayin that's a bad thing, but as it stands now, with the main melody relatively naked and undefined, it sounds like a mistake, not like a conscious decision.
The whole thing sounds a bit repetitive. Try adding small variations.

I realize all those previous points might be conscious decisions to make it sound bleak and unnerving, so feel free to ignore my suggestions. However, PLEASE change the instruments. Especially the lead instrument sounds extremely synthetic and just plain fake.

Pstonie · Tue 11/05/2004 20:28:08

Thanks for the pointers and comments, guys.

I think my problem was that I was comparing the quality of this to MIDI, which obviously defeats the purpose of digital audio. So, I thought that I might try doing a MIDI version of this, to see how it comes out. What do you guys think of this one, think I should stick to MIDI?:

tensescene2.mid - 974 b

Quote from: ElectricMonk on Tue 11/05/2004 01:52:37The "Jaws"-type interlude doesn't seem to be in the same key as the main melody. I'm not sayin that's a bad thing, but as it stands now, with the main melody relatively naked and undefined, it sounds like a mistake, not like a conscious decision.

Could you elaborate on this a little? I'm not sure I get what you mean.

I think that that minor key harmony you were talking about is a very good idea, I'm going to try to implement it on my next try.

InCreator · Wed 12/05/2004 06:52:15

Stick to MIDI. It's kinda more fluid and flowing.

Peter Thomas · Wed 12/05/2004 09:11:16

I'd have to say stick with mp3 - midis vary so much from computer to computer. My second comp has such a BAAAAAD general midi, and everything sounds complete rubbish. At least with mp3 you make something you like and it sounds universal.

What ElectricMonk was talking about is this: The first couple of long notes on the synth-violin 'clash' with the lower bass notes that come in. Try singing the melody, and then switch to singing the bass when it comes in. You'll find it nearly impossible to do because the notes are so unexpected. That's not necessarily a bad thing always, however with a tense scene, there should be an element of the expected, so that the attention is put on the action in the game and not on the music.

And try adding a minor or diminished (even augmented) harmony underneath. Just having a one-note-melody doesn't add to the drama.

If you need a hand with what minor chords etc are, highlight below. If you know what I'm talking about, just skip over.

Spoiler

Major Chords = the first, third and fifth notes of a scale (e.g C,E,G)
Minor Chords = lower the middle note in the major triad (e.g C, Eb,G)
Diminished = Now lower the top note of the minor triad (e.g C,Eb,Gb)
Augmented = Raise the top note of the major triad (e.g C,E,G#)

[close]

That said, I don't think this is a bad piece at all. It certainly doesn't deserve negative feedback. Just a couple of simple edits and it'll be great!

ElectricMonk · Wed 12/05/2004 11:16:06

Quote from: Peter Thomas on Wed 12/05/2004 09:11:16
What ElectricMonk was talking about is this: The first couple of long notes on the synth-violin 'clash' with the lower bass notes that come in. Try singing the melody, and then switch to singing the bass when it comes in. You'll find it nearly impossible to do because the notes are so unexpected.

In a nutshell.

Sluggo · Thu 13/05/2004 05:30:20

I kind of like the atonality between the bass and melody. It'd be cool if there was more of it. Add more layers on top of both to fill the sound out. Generally the piece is pretty static, so if you add more changing harmony etc. it will sound more tense. For instance, the last note is held out way too long, and nothing is happening during it. It's more annoying than tense to me. It'd be better if the piece was longer too. I wouldn't want to listen to this repeated over and over again.