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DragonZero
14-08-09, 07:33
A while ago, K_Kip introduced me to a MIDI Composer program, called NoteWorthy Composer 2. I had been tinkering with the thought of Writing Music - Specifically for the Epic Ex Militia Project - for some time now, and quickly got to work Writing. Only very recently, about an Hour ago, in fact, I was actually able to purchase the Full Version, which allows me to export my Songs as MIDI Files.

Keep in mind that I haven't even been doing this for a Year, so I'm not quite gaining on Mozart or Uematsu just yet. Most of my Songs are Entirely instrumental, with very little or no Percussion (I am getting better at Writing Rhythms and DrumLines, though. Especially now that I can find more Decent Instruments in the Selection). Songs usually consist of several Featured Instruments, almost always accompanied by a Choir and a Guitar, and sometimes a Bass. Usually, they're quite short as well, since I think the Longest Song I've ever written is just short of Three Minutes.

Prelude to Nightfall (Original MIDI) (http://www.mediafire.com/?yjhmwn2ommm) Prelude to Nightfall (MP3) (http://www.mediafire.com/?z1mzmoyqjqo)
This Song was Written for a very specific reason. For a while, I'd been planning to create a Trailer or Intro Video of sorts for the Militia Series, and I designed this Theme for that reason. It features several different Tunes, compiled into one Song, some of which you may hear again...
Ancalagon's Nocturne (Original MIDI) (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?wmnimiaymtw) Ancalagon's Nocturne (MP3) (http://www.mediafire.com/?lzdt2hznwcz)
I Wrote this Song as the Theme for my Character, Darrel. It's probably gone through the most Change of all my Songs, since I want it to be as fitting as possible. It has a Medieval Flute and a Clarinet, accompanied by a Choir which is in turn supported by a Church Organ. I also added in a subtle, yet distinct Guitar Part which I feel blends nicely without overpowering the rest of the Parts. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it, and I think it suits me pretty well.
Lecherous Assassin (http://www.mediafire.com/?himnmrqmjg4)
When I Wrote this Tune, it immediately stood out in my mind as what would most likely be my most, and only UpBeat Song to Date. Naturally, I thought of Jace's Character, who has always been lighter than a lot of the Others. I had some difficulty settling on the instruments, but eventually decided that his Featured Instrument should be a Violin. Naturally, I added in a Choir and a Guitar Part, which I made a bit more distinctive than I usually do, since Jace is a bit more Rockin' than Orchestral.
BloodStained Warrior (Original MIDI) (http://www.mediafire.com/?ngqzmgznyym) BloodStained Warrior (MP3) (http://www.mediafire.com/?myzjzddnuyf)
When I Wrote the Tune to this Song, I immediately took a liking to it. In fact, for a while, I considered adopting it as Darrel's Theme, since I did feel an affinity with it, but once I heard it played with a Violin, Crimson Hammer's Character, Zeno, was the one who I thought matched with it the best. Since he and Darrel are similar in many ways, I thought it would be an interesting pairing. I added in a Brass Part, and a Guitar, as well as the Choir, and it seemed to flow quite well. This was the first time I tried my Hand at a CounterMelody, and the resulting Contrast I felt made the Theme suit Zeno all the more, since it does seem somewhat harsh.
Grieving Anubis (http://www.mediafire.com/?jyymlogzyd1)
As you can most likely guess by the Name, I sort of assigned this Theme to ReSpored's Character, Chisigaru. This Tune was actually Written deliberately, with Chi in mind, and I feel it fits him nicely. Since I know ReSpored in Real life, I've always thought that Chi would be a more Gothic than Egyptian Character, and this actually reflects in the Theme. I used primarily Gothic Instruments, but the Song itself, as strange as it may seem, still retains an Egyptian Feel. An odd Combination, certainly, but I still like it. For this one, I remember using two separate Violin Parts, which I think might be partly responsible for the Egyptian Mood.
Lachrymose Solitude (Original MIDI) (http://www.mediafire.com/?3iminndknmd) Lachrymose Solitude (MP3) (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?w0hejmnqwmj)
I was depressed. Quite depressed, even. In hindsight, I think I might have made the Song too Fast, if only by a little. Still, with the Harp, Violin, and Music Box together, I feel it communicates the feeling of Sadness and Loneliness as well as a MIDI-quality Song can.
Immaculate Paladin (http://www.mediafire.com/?vdynmgn3imj)
This Tune reminded me of Tarkaris, so I fleshed it out a little, and made it into his Theme. I feel this one is a bit weaker than some of my others, to be honest, but I think it suits Tarkaris and his Paladin Character even so. It features Brass, a Pipe Organ, and Tubular Bells, which give it a bit of a Christmas-ey quality... Of course, I didn't leave out the Guitar or Choir parts, either.
Epic Intro (http://www.mediafire.com/?dyjom1nhlmt)
I haven't thought of a BadAss, Elaborate Title for this Song yet, not that it doesn't deserve it. It came to me as a Drum Rhythm, actually, and I filled it out from there, repeating the Drum Phrases and gradually adding Layers of Instruments over top. At first, I always envision a sort of Primitive War Tribe, marching across a Moor, and later, Medieval Crusaders when the Horn and additional Choir comes in. I really like this one, and it was good experience for Writing Drums.
Battle (http://www.mediafire.com/?nmildvhfcwy)
Like the Epic Intro, this Song doesn't have a Title yet (Although, now I think about it, "War of Wrath" seems fitting), not that it doesn't deserve one. I Wrote this Song in an exceptionally bad mood. I think I may have overused the Rapid Guitar and Drums in this one, but I still like the overall feel: it's quite Dramatic and Theatrical. Like "Prelude to Nightfall", there are several Tunes in here that you may hear again, including the Militis Faction Theme.

I have a few more, one in particular that I think you all will like, but I think that's all for now. The rest is mostly a Work in Progress.

crimson hammer
14-08-09, 13:41
Alright these are done quite well. The tunes are pretty good, well as good as MIDI files can be. Putting the sound quality aside I liked the themes for each character, and I liked mine too. I really likes the Intro to Nightfall.

Im not much of an expert on MIDI files, but I really think the tuning or something is off in the BAttle song, because it doesnt sound very dramatic, the concept is good, but it need more "Umpf" when the instruments are played, like the drums need more "BANG" and the guitars need more high pitched notes, know what I mean? But I like how it makes a dramatic pause in the middle of the song, it allows for a dramatic stance and deadly staredown. XD

Furthermore, the themes are really cool and all, but I guess it's becaus ethey are MIDI files, but many of the themes sound a bit too similar where it is hard to differentiate between them.

Perhaps you could make these MIDI files as a backbone for the type of tune you're going for, and probably get someone's assitance on making better quality sounds and make the instruments sound more realistic.

All in all, as far as the quality goes for MIDI files, these are pretty good, they dont make me want to bash the wall in with most MIDI type files where the songs are just irritating for some reason.

[fish in space]
14-08-09, 15:06
Could you post them on youtube because I dont really feel like downloading them and I doubt many other people will. also, if you want a really nice music maker go for FL studios. Thats what all the pro indies (oxymoron) use.

DragonZero
14-08-09, 20:06
With regards to the quality, I had discussed with K_Kip the possibility of turning them into MP3s by way of a program called "SynthFont", which sounded pretty cool. The only reason I haven't by now is that, well... I've only really had the MIDI Files themselves for about Twelve Hours. I would rather have them at MP3 Quality before I start posting them on YouTube, though.

With that said, I'm really glad someone likes them. To be honest, I'm pretty sensitive about showing these Songs to people.

I'll look into that FL Studio, Python, but I may just end up using SynthFont for the conversion.

Lern
14-08-09, 21:00
Could you post them on youtube because I dont really feel like downloading them and I doubt many other people will.


Yeah, thats pretty much my case. Also one of my friends has one of these programs, I'll check with him what it was called, maybe it will help you.

K_kip515
15-08-09, 04:17
They're a nice start, but somehow, they still feel like fragments to me. Once you get a better feel for the program, I'd suggest adding to what you have now.

@CH: If you've ever heard songs from RPG Maker XP's runtime project (the default resource kit for it), you'd see some stuff MIDI can do before the sound quality's upped.

DragonZero
16-08-09, 21:11
That's a little Vague. I assume you mean they feel like they need to be filled out more...
Is there anything else you can think of that could be improved on?

Fuzion Phoenix
17-08-09, 00:12
The Battle theme defenately needs drums in it.

Also most of the themes are a little to similar in terms of notes, they all have a similar start

Lord Wraith
19-08-09, 21:13
Yes they all start to blend together after awhile. They're not too bad, some of them show unique twists. While the rest all sound like remixed versions of one another. I think they're a good start but definitely not the final product.

crimson hammer
20-08-09, 02:59
Also for the sad Midi, I dont know, but it doesn't really sound sad to me for some reason, maybe make some of the notes longer and amke them fade or something.

DragonZero
20-08-09, 19:37
I did try slowing that one down, and it seemed to increase the sad effect.

Although I have to say, this is all rather vague. I assume that if I lengthened each of the Themes with more distinctive parts (Like Bridges and such), and possibly bolstered them all with unique Percussive Lines, it would be better. Do you guys think that would help?

Also, for the record, Fuzion, of all my Songs so far, the Battle theme is one of the only ones with Drums. They're Synth Drums, though, so they Blend in a bit too much.

Fluttershy
20-08-09, 21:19
From what I've heard all of them seem too mellow and somber and since they all give off that feeling they all sound/convey the same thing. Even Jace's theme is way too mellow(which definitely doesn't suit either me nor him. He's way more upbeat than that. Even in battle. Sounds more like an opening to a Final Fantasy game) I understand what you're trying to do and what you're doing is good. It just seems to me that you have a hard time conveying upbeat songs. It's not a BAD thing... it's just, I don't know. I gave my two cents and that's all I can do at the moment. I wish you luck, and hope you make more music.

Edit-Oh, and lengthening the song I don't think will help at all really. Sorry.

Edit2-If you want to try and improving Jace's theme why not go with a Cabaret style? ;)

DragonZero
22-08-09, 18:25
Well, as you said, "Mellow" doesn't always mean "Bad".
Anyway, I actually took Tuna/Python's Suggestion and DownLoaded the basic version of FL Studio, which I am starting to get a feel for... While I hardly claim to have more than the Basic knowledge of the Program, I have begun to convert my MIDI-Quality Songs into MP3, which I think will satisfy some of the comments you had all posted earlier about them "Seeming like Fragments", as well as giving the Songs more overall... "Umph".
Although, as for the Similarities between the Themes, it would appear that at least until I either DownLoad more Synth Fonts, or gain further knowledge of FL Studio, the Sounds I can produce are somewhat limited.
That being said, I do have the MP3 Version of "Prelude to Nightfall" for you all, which I'm quite pleased with, as well as a new Song which I think you'll all enjoy...
Prelude to Nightfall (http://www.mediafire.com/?jmiylim3kny)
and...
Warrior of Solitude (http://www.mediafire.com/?0qwzdwyoh1m)

Lord Wraith
22-08-09, 19:35
Hey DZ, I also have FL Studio, been playing around with it myself. 'Cept mine won't let me save because it's the demo version... so if you'd let me know that secret that'd be great.

The Warrior of Solitude is nice, which character did you have in mind for it?

DragonZero
22-08-09, 20:05
Ah. I'm glad you like it: it's a personal favorite of mine. I hadn't had a Character in mind so much as a scenario, although the scenario was mostly specific to Darrel.
As for your other question, I've never tried actually Saving my Work: I just render it as an MP3 File, and Save that, so that might be a loophole. XD

Lord Wraith
22-08-09, 20:14
I was hoping for something like that XD.

Cool cool, I'm playing around with something grungy for Nate. Even though your stuff all is Medieval themed...

DragonZero
22-08-09, 20:26
Well, FL seems to largely favor a more Dark, Industrial Sound, as does the MMZ Series, so that should be alright. I was going for a mix of Orchestra and Guitar with my MIDIs, but it seems like that could be difficult with the Fonts I have. I'll look into getting some additional Fonts so I can retain the initial Feel.
If you guys could let me know if you come across anything like that, I would greatly appreciate it.
Also, Wraith, just as another thing, your Character of Nate is a bit Darker himself, so a Darker Theme would probably suit him.

Lord Wraith
22-08-09, 20:28
Grunge and dark go hand in hand my friend so we have no problems there.
On a side not have you played around with the Speech Synthesizer yet? If not do so. Too much fun XD.

DragonZero
22-08-09, 20:32
Well, at first I was under the impression that I could make it Sing, like a Vocaloid, but unfortunately, if there is a way to do so, I haven't uncovered it yet. In fact, I haven't been able to find anything resembling a Choir, or Vocals, or anything of the sort, which has been quite aggravating. XD
It does seem like it could be interesting to have a Technological Voice in there sometimes, though...

Lord Wraith
22-08-09, 20:39
I was looking for something creepy so I played around with the voice. Put it to sing, tipsy and whispered. Typed in "Are you afraid of the boogey man?" and well it turned out perfect. Sounds like a crazy guy just like I wanted. Not sure what I'm going to do with it but hey, I'm sure that voice synth will come in handy if you ever try making some electronica or dance music XD.

Fluttershy
23-08-09, 03:47
So DZ, I just got FL Studio myself and am going to play with it and wanted to let you know that if you want/need help I'll do what I can. As for your new songs, Warrior of Solitude gets pretty good after the first min but before that it sounds like the rest of your stuff to me. Same with Prelude to Nightfall.

Edit-Unfortunately It's confusing as hell for me so I might just stick with Acoustica Mixcraft for now.. :D

DragonZero
24-08-09, 00:18
Well, I think you may personally enjoy the MP3 rendition of the Battle Theme I Wrote, Jace. With the new FL Slayer Guitar, and a bit of a quicker Tempo, I have to say, the end result is pretty Metal.

Lord Wraith
24-08-09, 00:49
I love that slayer guitar for the record. Though I find it's very limited in sound unfortunately.

DragonZero
24-08-09, 00:51
I'm quite pleased with the FL Slayer myself, though I think there is a way to Tweak it quite heavily, if you so choose.

Lord Wraith
24-08-09, 00:54
I've been tweaking it to use it as a bass in one channel and leaving it alone in another channel. They kind drown each other out unfortunately.

DragonZero
24-08-09, 03:51
Ah. While I don't have any new Music for you guys just yet, I'm pleased to report that I've located a large amount of Orchestral Synths that I should be able to use to render my Songs better in the MP3 Format.

DragonZero
24-08-09, 04:46
Sorry for the Double post, but with the newfound advantage of my Orchestral Synths, I've been able to redo "Ancalagon's Nocturne" (Darrel's Theme), "BloodStained Warrior" (Zeno's Theme), and "Prelude to Nightfall" in MP3 Format, closer to how they were originally intended.
I've updated the First Post with DownLoad Links for you guys, and I've also kept the Original MIDI Files for Posterity/Nostalgia/Reference.

crimson hammer
24-08-09, 13:57
For Darrel's Theme, I feel there needs to be a transition before the guitar starts, because the guitar sounds out of place when it starts out of nowehere. Other than that it was pretty good.

Bloodstained Warrior was alright, but one of the instruments still seems a bit "squeeky"

Lord Wraith
24-08-09, 16:08
Try maybe a subtle drum roll before the guitar starts perhaps?

DragonZero
25-08-09, 00:00
The "Squeak" you're referring to is probably the Trumpet, and I can see what you mean... Hm... Maybe if I lower the Notes on the Trumpet part... Alright, I'll try that.
Update Edit: Alright, I've lowered the last Two Thirds of Trumpet Part to make it sound less "Squeaky", and it's sounding pretty awesome. I modified the Violin Part to be somewhat more prevalent as well, so that should help.

As for Darrel's Theme, I think I might just make the Guitar Quieter, so it doesn't stand out as much. In the Original MIDI I made it so that the Guitar actually blended subtly into the Mix, so I'll see if I can replicate that.

DragonZero
25-08-09, 01:11
Alright, I've softened the Guitar in "Ancalagon's Nocturne", so it doesn't protrude from the texture quite so much... And I've Lowered the tone on the last Two Thirds of the Trumpet Part in "BloodStained Warrior".

I also have the MP3 Version of "Lachrymose Solitude", which I've slowed down to make it... Even... More... Depressing... XD