Music Composer

[Indicator]

Greetings, everyone. First time poster - long time lurker.

I am a gamer/musician/composer from Seattle, WA and I'd like to offer my services to game developers. At present I am working pro bono (aka "free") for game projects with the "right stuff". Though I've not composed for games before I am anxious to learn. I'm technically savvy enough to learn the ropes of composing for games as I know that it entails more consideration than composing for a CD in terms of space/size, loop points, possible use of MOD and/or MID files, etc. Whatever you need - I'm willing to give it a shot.

I recently posted a temporary sample page on my website to give you an idea of what genre's I'm cabable of working in. The page is a work in progress and I hope to have more samples up soon. http://www.symbioticaudio.com

If you are working on a game and are in need of music, sound effects, or voiceover, please let me know the details of your project, timelines, etc.

Looking forward to working with some of you.

-b

[skyhawk]

absolutely stunning work.

[Indicator]

Wow - thanks! :wow:

Hopefully it will catch the ear of some developers! :D

[blobbo]

Nice job. Your strongest track by far is the Elfman impression.

Texturally it's nice, and your rhythm lines are usually interesting enough, but often times you lack harmonic diversity. I found myself very bored with several tracks, especially with the basslines. You should try to expand your harmonic palette - yes, dissonance is fun, but when it's just dissonance against a I-IV-V-I pattern, it's boring and clichéd. Try to expand your harmonies.

Nice job, though. Some convincing material. From one musician (4th year B.Mus Mcgill University) to another. :)

[Indicator]

Thanks for the feedback. The represented tracks are rather limited, I'll admit. But there are only 5 there, so I can't say it is representative of all of my work. I put mostly the "accessible" pieces up - showcasing genres rather than the variation of styles within a genre. For example - I've composed more pop and synthpop than any of the other genres, but I still only posted one track. But you're approaching it from a more academic standpoint, so I can understand what you mean.

I haven't been through as much schooling - only two years of music theory in college - the rest is from experience and performing, singing, writing, etc. during high school, college, and after. That's really where my melodic and harmonic "cliches" are coming from.

I have thought about going back through my Harder and Steinke books, but I'm not sure that that is really where I need the practice. Any pointers?

[blobbo]

What instrument do you play? Can you play piano?

You know the basic harmonic rules - that much is evident. Don't bother with your textbooks. What you need to do is fiddle more :) You need to sit down at the piano and try to find cool chord progressions. Do you always start with your melody? Try starting with just a chord framework. Or with an interesting bassline. I bet you have composed starting with the percussion track first - try it with more harmonic elements.

Really, the best way is to just be inventive. Take your I-IV-V-I progression and modify it! Make it deceptive (I-IV-V-VI). Don't resolve the V. Throw in a III or a flat II. Add weird intervals over the V (9th or 11th or 13th). Have fun with harmony! It's way more interesting than melody...

[Indicator]

I play piano, but I've never taken lessons. Let's just say that my left hand really likes 1-5-1 with an occasional 7th. :)

Strangely enough, I generally start with chord progressions first - rarely with melody or percussion. Basslines are always a challenge for me. Perhaps as you suggest I should try writing using those other options first - start with a melody, or bassline, or percussion track?

I definitely need to noodle more. :) Thanks again for the advice - it is appreciated!

[blobbo]

OK, here's an assignment :)

Write a funk track, and start with the bassline. Make it exceptionally cool, and something a *real* bassist would have a serious amount of trouble playing. Then jam with it, but be inventive! Play with it! I'd love to just hear the bassline! Keep in mind I'm an armchair critic - I have never gotten remotely close to the quality of material you're producing. That said, I DO have 4 years of intensive music courses behind me! Have fun ;)

[Indicator]

I've gotten two responses from developers already! I think I'll have to put my homework assignment on hold - ;). Thanks again for the feedback. Stay in touch!

[Indicator]

This is an old thread, but I thought I'd revive it to give you all an update. I am working on one project right now and have submitted demos for several others. I've been contacted by numerous projects over the past several months, but for the most part the developers have been...shall we say...flakey...By that I mean that the projects lack focus, resources, and commitment.

I suppose it is the same with composers - a lot of folks who want to BE one, but not as many who want to actually commit to the work...

Anyway, I've recently updated my website with additional demos and a host of other information. Feedback is appreciated - and, as always, I'm open to contributing to YOUR projects. I'm always open to working with dedicated individuals who are out to create unique games and experiences.

Best wishes.

[Indicator]

Just realized that a lot of you have been visiting the old portfolio page, rather than my new site: http://www.symbioticaudio.com

For those who were using the old link, I've now set up a referrer to the new site. Sorry for any confusion. :)