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GAF Electronic Music Project Thread (Resurrected Edition!)

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Mr Nash

square pies = communism
December 15, 2007 Update - Finishing Up Mastering, and Thinking about Promotion

Note: If your completed song is not in the list below, please PM me so I can add the link. Also, for uncompressed versions of your song that will be used for mastering the final cut for this project, please PM me a link for that as well so that lil smoke and I can start divvying up the workload for mastering.

Now that we're finishing up the mastering and getting ready to put the music up for all to download it's time to start thinking about promotion. FightyF has already made some good suggestions for promoting within NeoGAF with us all either having tags that link to G.A.M.E.'s web page, or avatars promoting it (or both).

I'm also looking at how we can promote this thing outside of GAF. The first thing that came to mind was to post something on Digg. I'm sure most of us here either have an account there, or can set one up quick. Since votes for links get posts to the front page if I post a mention of GAME there, post a link to said post here, and everyone pours in to vote for it we could easily get that post on Digg's first page and keep it there for a couple of day, especially if we can mobilize most of the NeoGAF community to help with that. Digg alone would bring thousands more people to check out our songs.

There's also legions of gaming blogs out there that we could email, asking to post something about GAME. We'll need to put together a comprehensive list of all these places, and I can get down to notifying them. Love 'em or hate 'em places like k0taku and j0ystiq could get a lot more people listening to our tracks, and there are plenty of other places worth trying like Evil Avatar, Blue's News, Shacknews, etc. Maybe we can even get some of the 1Up people that post here to put a quick mention on their site's news page, it's worth asking anyway. Also, are there any chiptune collectives worth talking to that may be willing to post a link to GAME?

If you guys can think of any Digg-like sites, or game blogs worth contacting to promote this project, just list them and I'll start organizing this part of the project.

One other thing I want to touch on is setting up a Torrent for GAME. I don't know a hell of a lot about these things, so can anyone walk us through how we'd go about seeding GAME, and getting a tracker on the web page. Having a torrent for this thing may help conserve bandwidth if the project gets a lot of people interested.

Web Space and Bios
Trip Warhawkins has been kind enough to volunteer some web space for this project. If we're going to have a site for this project it would be nice to see short bios for everyone telling a bit about themselves. If contributors could whip something up in regards to that, that would be great. It could be split into something more specifically about yourself and your music, and answer the following questions about your involvement in this particular project:

I would like to know when you guys post your songs the software/hardware used

What genre do you know/believe your song falls into

The inspirations

What did you try new or differently from previous songs?

What have you learned while making your song?

If you had more time what would do differently?

What is your favorite part of your song?

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

Project Name G.A.M.E. (Gaming Age Musica Electronia)

Okay, it looks like Fighty got himself banned for whatever reason, so in order to keep this project on track I am reposting the OP, and we can continue discussion here for the GAF electronic music project. This is the only thread I actually post in regularly (usually I'm just lurking), so there shouldn't be any worries that I get banned and can't update this thread.

Anywho, we are now heading into October, so how about we all touch base on where we are with our tunes, and also start brainstorming an official name for this project. :)

What is this?
GAF electronic musicians have decided to band together and release a full length album of their music, available online for free! The music will be original productions created specifically for this album. Though the song themes will not be restricted, it is encouraged that the artists create songs that are videogame or videogame genre related.

How can I join?
Simply leave a message in this thread letting me know that you would like to be a part of this. If you are wondering if your music classifies as electronic music, feel free to ask. If possible, please include a link to previous works (ie. myspace, soundclick, or pure volume account). Song submissions are due Nov. 19, so obviously one cannot join thereafter.

When will it be released?
December 21st, 2007. Think of it as a Christmas present for GAF.

The current list of contributors.
alaria (http://oneblackrose.org/music)
Albino_Samurai
alistairw (http://www.myspace.com/littlemaths)
Allen
Animal - Song: Caturday (http://files-upload.com/files/630051/Caturday.mp3)
arena08
bggrthnjsus
davepoobond
DopeyFish (http://www.myspace.com/dopeyfish) Song: Nosebleed (http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplayer.m3u?id=5988785&q=hi)
Drozmight (http://myspace.com/donono) Song: Me Speak You Kinda
FightyF (http://www.myspace.com/nrxic ) Song Here: (http://www.punkistan.com/nrxic/GAFsongwav3.mp3)
Freest Rolexes
Fusebox Song Here: http://home.exetel.com.au/djfusion/html/Fusebox-Outrunnin-GAF.mp3
iced lightening (http://www.myspace.com/electricsalmon)
Karma Kramer Songs Here:Scotch Craackle and 1 AM
kitchenmotors
K0NY
lil smoke
LiveFromKyoto - Song - Moonless Dawn (http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=769569&content=music)
MikeOfTheLivingDead
Monchi-kun - Song: BAWS BATTL (http://idisk.mac.com/baka.saru-Public/BAWS BATTL.mp3)
Mr. Nash (http://www.myspace.com/jeffnashmusic) Song: Reflex Cannon (http://www.zshare.net/audio/5582836de4144d/
Orellio
Pharmacy
pixelated (http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp...=188473&T=7008 http://www.myspace.com/thebitmipsyndicatemusic)
relaxor Song - http://rapidshare.com/files/64463057/The_Future_-_Nelson_and_Eric_Present_-_Red.m4a.html
RSTEIN (http://www.soundclick.com/rstein htt...ce.com/rcstein) Song: Evilore
SD-Ness (http://myspace.com/nessjx)
SD-Zeta - Song: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...&content=music
shagg_187
silenttwn
Sweedishrodeo
Teknopathic - Song: L.N. Cafe (http://www.evildownfeathers.org/L.N. Cafe.mp3)
Timedog - Song: Mod Power Abuse (http://www.lightningmp3.com/live/file.php?fid=10082)
Tr4nce - Song: Tr4nce presents Kings of the Sky - Nebula (http://download.yousendit.com/BC4C8CB6650C1C5D)
Tralfamadore64 (www.myspace.com/theholyromans)
Trip Warhawkins (http://www.myspace.com/rodweiller)
X5z - Song: Stage Run (http://www.cerealdome.com/shared_files/X5z - Stage Run.mp3)

Those who can help in other areas:
Kinesis: Vocals (http://www.myspace.com/therealmikecorleone)
captive: acoustic or electric guitar riffs
Lionheart1827: improvised or not-too-technical guitar solos for use in your songs (http://www.myspace.com/paulalbanesemusic)

CURRENT TO DO LIST:

-Come up with a timeline that establishes dates for release date, and song submission deadlines Done
-Discuss and choose a solution as far as mastering the entire album is concerned.
-Discuss and choose a solution for online distribution and webspace.
-Discuss and choose a name for this "collective", and a name for this album.Done
-Discuss and choose someone responsible for "cover art" and liner notes.


ATTENTION ARTISTS:
Please subscribe to this thread, to keep up with all updates. The top of the thread will note the last time this post is updated, so you know if you've missed anything or not.

Secondly, if you have a link to your past compositions, please share and I'll update this post with it.

If you are having a hard time getting started, and if you need some inspiration, look at the following list of game-related ideas to help get you going (note: your song needn't follow any theme at all):

-Make a song using something specific to games as your inspiration, without sampling any in game music.
-If GAF ever made the music for Final Fantasy battle scenes
-GAF memes, made into music!
-Racing music: GAF style - we could make music suitable for racing games, so that people can actually use it for their custom soundtracks
-If NeoGAF mad the next Ridge Racer, this is what the soundtrack might sound like.
-soundtrack for a 'shmup.
-Music to shag to. Modern grooves for a modern pron soundtrack.
-The theme could be like a soundtrack for a shoot'em up or a platformer. The tracks would be label as such: Level 1: Song Title; Level 2: ..
World 1 - 1: Song Title; World 1 - 2: Song Title; World 2 - 1: Song Title
-"Music Inspired by Game XYZ" where they're games that already have electronic music, or stuff that is reasonably electonic-esque. ie. Ridge Racer, WipeOut, Shin Megami Tensei, R-Type, Rez, Phantasy Star, Unreal, Beatmania IIDX
-"Games that Inspire Us" and we each write music based on a game that we personally like (can have it so everyone chooses their own unique game, or can choose whatever game they want with 2 or more artists possibly choosing the same game).

Feel free to post your work in progress songs if you would like feedback.

Also, feel free to discuss your opinions on various topics in regards to this CD. Though I have started this thread, I only plan to behave like a moderator, and not like a dictator. It is pretty much a democracy as far as how this album will come to be. All decisions will be made based on the posts here, so if you don't share your opinion, it won't be heard and factored into any decisions being made here.

Important Dates and Deadlines:
Oct 12: Finalize collective name, album name, and who will be doing the cover art.
Nov 19: Deadline for song submissions. 3 days grace is given only to those who have shared their work in progress on the forum numerous times. (Song submissions include relevant notes on the song, ie. inspirations, genre classification, etc). Mastering work begins.
Nov 23: Final tracklisting (order to be determined) finalized. Artwork for liner notes and cover are worked on.
Nov 30: Track order determined (by resident GAF DJs).
Dec 7: Album cover and liner notes finalized.
Dec 10: Deadline for the mastering of songs.
-buffer time in case any deadlines were missed prior-
Dec 20: Songs uploaded to our webspace.
Dec 21: Virtual CD release party over Sony's Home software on the PS3. We'll stream the music under a new user with the GAF collective name that would be decided upon. At that point, all download locations/torrents would be made public to GAF and the World.

Helpful Links for Musicians:
Discussion on Mixdowns and EQing
All about Equalizing
Mastering and Bass Mixdown for 4/4 Hard-Dance music
Side Chaining tutorial
Ableton tutorial VIDEO: Side Chain Compression
 

lil smoke

Banned
I'll be bouncing my track this weekend and mastering it. It's done.

Names? G.A.M.E. (Gaming Age Musica Electronia), or 8bit?
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
I kinda like GAM from the GAF (Gaming Age Music from the Gaming Age Forums) as a name for the project. As for a name for this collective of artists, I'm drawing blanks. Maybe I need more coffee.

lil smoke, what software are you using for mastering. I'm probably going to track down a new program for that stuff around Christmas and need some suggestions. I've heard a lot about Isotope and Wavelab, but that's about it. Anything else that I should consider that is available for Mac?
 

lil smoke

Banned
Mr Nash said:
lil smoke, what software are you using for mastering. I'm probably going to track down a new program for that stuff around Christmas and need some suggestions. I've heard a lot about Isotope and Wavelab, but that's about it. Anything else that I should consider that is available for Mac?
Ah it's so subjective. There is no answer as to the best. You should get demos and trust your ears. It's always difficult to judge because what you need is software that you won't hear! IE. Transparent processing is the best quality of any mastering software. Also alot of enthusiasts bullshyt, and swear by expensive software because they like to supply the myth that only "special" people have access to mastering. Here's my .02

The bigBoys.
Wavelab is what I wished I had, only because I am familar with Steinberg software. It's used in professional studios, but it's just too expensive for me and oh, it's PC only. The most popular bundle is probably Waves (Mac and PC), with the famous c4 compressor and L2 limiter. It's known for being able to make your track VERY LOUD and PUNCHY, if that's what you want. Also, pricey. PSP audioware (Mac and PC) are also very popular...I haven't used it or heard the sonic quality, but I do know they have rep with top pro studios. Voxengo looks VERY good. I like the simple straight forward interface for the modules. No gimmicks, just set it and forget it. (Mac and PC?)

The affordable stuff I have and use.
I love Ozone, but a little bit goes a long way. I've learned to use only the exciter and the limiter. The limiter will give you a nice level...not as loud as L2, but transparent. TC Electronics SparkXL (discontinued wares) was top quality at the time. It has filters, spectral and freqency band adjusters, just etc. etc. that I have found in no other software. Used rarely, but is important when you need it. The algorithms are all from TCWorks software. IK's T-racks is new for me. Known for old school tube warmth. I've only used it on single channels here and there, and haven't figured out the pros and cons. I plan to master this GAF track in T-racks, so we'll see. Last, I definitely use the Dynamics compressor built in Cubase. I think it's the most transparent module for an entire mixdown, once you have the right settings.

Anyway, a company that has a decent compressor doesn't neccesarily have the best limiter. Some compressors thin the sound out, some limiters narrow the stereo field. That includes the top "quality" brands. I haven't even talked about mastering EQ.

I've gone on and on, which I love to do when discussing computer music... but I think you get the point. Pick and choose some of the less expensive modules. Used sparingly, they all will achieve a decent effect. Later, pick up some more cheapies. You will see that the combo of plugs that you use depend on the type of music, how loud you want it to be, and really how your ears feel at any given moment. It will take YEARS to even understand what all the stuff is doing! You'll have to ruin (over-compress) a few tracks to appreciate to subtlties of each module, and where they fit in the mastering process.

The End :lol
 

K0NY

Member
I'm still working on my Resident Evil inspired track. I'd post it, but it currently sounds like crap: Just various sketches laid out as I try to piece it together into something cohesive. Once the structure is there, I'll need some help with a mix down. I'm not very proficient with Reason 3, but that's the tool I've picked to work with.
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
Thanks for your thoughts lil smoke. Making a very loud track is something I'm looking for, so I'll have to look into Wavelabs a bit more. :p Lately I've been combining compressors in Live with Apple's peak limiter to jack up the volume. It's a tad cumbersome, but works very well on electro tracks. :D
 

alaria

Member
Reporting! I'm planning on making a piece inspired by my favorite game (for college nostalgia value, if nothing else), Crystal Chronicles, with riffs inspired from the game, vocals, and wacky electronic sounds. I'm planning it out as we speak, actually :)
 

lil smoke

Banned
Mr Nash said:
Thanks for your thoughts lil smoke. Making a very loud track is something I'm looking for, so I'll have to look into Wavelabs a bit more. :p Lately I've been combining compressors in Live with Apple's peak limiter to jack up the volume. It's a tad cumbersome, but works very well on electro tracks. :D
If you want the real loudness, get Waves, not Steinberg's Wavelab. Waves has the ever popular L2, which sets the pro standard for ultra loud tracks... And the C1 has 'real' sidechain capabilities. Do at least demo Ozone. The limiter will get you up there with less distortion. Live's compressor with make up gain, followed by Ozone's limiter is worth a shot.

BTW if you get Waves or Wavelab, maybe you should offer free mastering services for all of us here :lol !

Any ideas on the next theme? Might as well start talking about it!
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
I reckon we should get everyone in here so that we can decide on a name for this project, and group, as well as see about finding somebody who wants to do the "cover art" for it.
 

lil smoke

Banned
Mr Nash said:
I reckon we should get everyone in here so that we can decide on a name for this project, and group, as well as see about finding somebody who wants to do the "cover art" for it.
well, heres a bump. And I do a bit of graphic design here and there.
 

X5z

Member
Sign me up to do a track!

As for names, how about The Gaffer's GAMs or The Gaffer's Electronic Arm?
 

alistairw

Just so you know, I have the best avatars ever.
I'm sure there are plenty of people who could contribute art to it. Someone should PM some of the people from the fanart threads. I really like lil smoke's suggestion of G.A.M.E, personally. Though, it might be more suited to something specifically about game music.

Anyways, I'm still working on my Ridge Racer inspired track. Actually, that's a lie - I'm working on a cover of Caroline No at the moment. But I'll have the other track done sooner or later.
 

lil smoke

Banned
shagg_187 said:
Basic question:

EDIT: Whats the best/most-flexible software for creating real-time guitar sound for Windows XP and not MIDI-like(No. Not Fruity Loops :p But Similar)

"midi-like" ... that depends mainly on the producer's skill level, not the software. If you know how to vary your velocities, put together nice chordy strums, and compose a natural arrangement, any guitar patch can sound quite realistic.

As long as your not using a fake guitar sound (like a synth programmed to sound like a guitar) you can do it. Examples of software with guitar patches: Sampletank, Virtual Guitarist, Gigastudio... or just use a range of velocity layered guitar samples in any sampler (such as Halion or Battery, which BTW include guitar patches). If you want to get life-like, you'll need samples that have every note and articulation included in the set. That way, you can vary your pluck, scrapes, sustains, etc.
 

DopeyFish

Not bitter, just unsweetened
shagg_187 said:
Basic question:

EDIT: Whats the best/most-flexible software for creating real-time guitar sound for Windows XP and not MIDI-like(No. Not Fruity Loops :p But Similar)

Electrical or Acoustic?
 

davepoobond

you can't put a price on sparks
here's a title for the album you might like: NeolectroniGAF (combination of "Neo-electronica-GAF")


i can also help people name their songs, or give them DJ names if they so prefer.


i COULD possibly make a track too. My DJ name is DJ Davy A.

Depends on if i find inspiration or sounds that sound video gamey enough.
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
Just a quick nudge to keep the brainstorming going for naming this project.

On an unrelated note, one of my songs got played on a Paris radio station tonight, so I'm doing a bit of a happy dance right now. :) I just hope people listening to the show liked it. >_<
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
Giving this thread it's daily bump. Keep these name suggestions coming. It's about a week until the deadline for naming this thing, and I'll also see about PMing a few of the illustrators on GAF to see if they may be interested in cover art. Anyone in particular that I should contact?

On a side note, does anyone have some links to articles for good tips on remixing? It's something that I've always wanted to try doing.
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
I went and downloaded Ozone the other day, and it's pretty neat. I'm trying to get a handle on just how hard I can push the loudness maximizer before the sound starts to break up. The presets are decent, but I want to learn how to do everything manually on my own. First stop: tutorials on how best to use parametric EQs.

Given that the software is only $250, it's tempting to snap up Ozone. Wavelab is around $700 where I am, which is a bit more than I'm willing to spend on mastering software at this time. Maybe one day, but not now. :\
 

lil smoke

Banned
Mr Nash said:
I went and downloaded Ozone the other day, and it's pretty neat. I'm trying to get a handle on just how hard I can push the loudness maximizer before the sound starts to break up. The presets are decent, but I want to learn how to do everything manually on my own. First stop: tutorials on how best to use parametric EQs.

Given that the software is only $250, it's tempting to snap up Ozone. Wavelab is around $700 where I am, which is a bit more than I'm willing to spend on mastering software at this time. Maybe one day, but not now. :\
I've found this recently. It's one of the better guides I've read. Very fundamental, but it really covers everything completely.

Sweetwater's Signal Processing Guide

You'll enjoy Ozone. I'd avoid trying to let the Maximizer do all the levelling work. If it's already clipping and you still don't have the loudness you want, check your low end. Low end bandwidth will push the maximizer before you're ready. The exciter in Ozone can be a good friend too ;) I sometimes like to cut out overwhelming frequencies with it, rather then using eq or compression at all.

edit: uploaded my track to soundclick http://www.soundclick.com/thereallilsmoke
 
Albino_Samurai, reporting for duty, Sir!

Allready hard at work for this project, and i hope someone has'nt picked my idea sofar...

My project contains stuff from my favorite game and is HARD!!

Gear list:
Yamaha CS1X, Synth
Novation K-Station, Synth
Roland XV2020, Synth Module with SRX 08 and SRX 09 expansions
Novation D-Station, Drum Module
Akai S2000, Sampler
MOTU 828 MKII, Audiocard (FireWire version)
MOTU Midi Express 128, 8x8 midi in out
Novation ReMote LE25, midi/control keyboard
Yamaha MG24/14 FX, Analogue Mixer
Yamaha HS80M, Active Monitors
Tannoy System 800, Passive monitors
Cubase Studio 4, Software sequencer
Wavelab Studio 6, Mastering/Recording software (just got it)
and about 6 miles in cables......

Here's a good site for people just getting in to the music production thingamajig.
It certainly helped me a lot.

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

or this one, wich covers a lot of details...

http://www.soundonsound.com/forum/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=MRT

oh , and i'm game with G.A.M.E.!
 

alistairw

Just so you know, I have the best avatars ever.
As I've said previously, I like G.A.M.E., but I'm just of the opinion that we shouldn't use that name if we're not doing a project focused completely on video game music.

At this point, I'd say NeolectroniGAF is the best we've had, in terms of relevance to the project, at least.
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
Okay, I need one more quick software recommendation. :p This one for a virtual instrument. I want something with full orchestra sounds (strings, horns, percussion, the works). What are some nice suites for this? If the price is right I'd consider getting something with a very realistic sound, and another that is more lo-fi a la Star Ocean 2. Anyone have some ideas?
 
A couple of album title suggestions:

GAFtronica: Our contribution to society

Believe: The NeoGAF album

Do androids dream of electric crabs?

NeoGAF All Stars: Here Comes the Megat0n
 

lil smoke

Banned
FHUTA. :lol That should be the next theme. Take it as you wish

Mr. Nash, you could check out Garritan Personal Orchestra or East West. I have the silver East West (EWSQLO or something like that). Was a waste, since I have most orchestral instruments scattered about in other non-dedicated software and samples.
 

Fusebox

Banned
Woot, my hardware has finally arrived so now I can get back to work on my GAF tune...

1537173397_ea7ecb8493_o.jpg
 

K0NY

Member
I like the name "NeoGAF Allstars" but that's probably just vanity. A simple title with a subtext might be nice. For instance:

MUSIC-AGE
Electronica compilation
by the NeoGAF Allstars
 
I have been messing with Psycle and Rebirth lately, taking some of my first stabs at composition. I have a lot to learn, both about composition and about synthesis, so you won't see me throwing in an entry soon, but maybe I'll join in someday. :p
 

Fusebox

Banned
If you want to start at advanced synthesis with minimal knobs, sure.

And I'll check that soon rstein! Mp3s are blocked where I am atm. > <
 

Fusebox

Banned
DeadTrees said:
Lawdy, no. Overpriced for a MIDI controller (three octaves, no aftertouch), and the UI will probably drive you batty if you're using the onboard sounds.


Reviewing the Micron as MIDI controller? Lol.

Here,

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan05/articles/alesismicron.htm

Summing up is easy. The Micron sounds fabulous; rich, lush, powerful, warm... everything you would hope for. Equally, it can be harsh, dirty or percussive. It is compact, solidly made and has more programming potential than anything this tiny has a right to. At the price, it's almost too good to be true.

By including effects and a surprisingly flexible sequencer/rhythm programmer, the Micron can perform backing-type duties currently beyond the scope of the Ion.
 

Mr Nash

square pies = communism
I've made a quick poll for us to make a final selection on the title of this project. Hop in and pick your favorite when you have a sec. :)

http://snappoll.com/poll/226019.php

On an unrelated note, does anyone have any suggestions on tutorials that give tips on how to make very stuttering rhythmic pieces. I'm thinking along the lines of Thomas Bangalter's edit of Signatune by DJ Mehdi. I love the way the stuttering and shifting sounds so barely in control but works so well.

You can listen to the song here to get a better idea of what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN8fkKMA8vg
 

Fusebox

Banned
Righto I've voted.

As for the stuttering effect, it sounds like one of the glitchy loop chopping and mangling effects from my KP3, but could also easily be done with something similar to Abletons built in beat-repeat or one of the crazy BPM fx VST I use such as CamelSpace.

In fact, check out CamelSpace first if you can handle VSTs, I think it'd be exactly what you're after.

edit - you could also manually sidechain to get that effect. Dont forget sidechaining is essentially one instrument telling another to stfu when it fires off so you could throw in some invisible snares everytime you want your synth part to stutter.
 
Voted. I love seeing my single vote have such an immeadiate effect. 33% of votership agrees with me.

I can't wait until I actually have time to work on my song. Are lyrics alright? I'm not much of singer or lyricist, but thats what I enjoy listening to and don't typically work with. I'm trying to expand my repetoire, ya know?
 
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