Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Hakurei Shrine~ => Alice's Art Atelier => Topic started by: Tengukami on October 26, 2009, 05:29:50 AM

Title: [Music] Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 26, 2009, 05:29:50 AM: (http://i38.tinypic.com/m8g2ev.jpg)

OK, here it is. (http://sharebee.com/918d00fc)

The story behind Rin Satsuki always fascinated me. The idea of a Gensokyan who would have been completely unknown if no one had opened the source code of a game and looked inside fascinates me. So when I decided to make a theme for her, I wanted it to sound like a girl lost in the code of a game. I hope that comes across.

It's not in the style of ZUN, and might not even be a game theme at all, so I hope no one's expecting a lot of trumpets and piano.

Anyways, have a listen, enjoy, and of course feel free to offer your impressions or suggestions.

For the curious: this was made using Buzzmachines, Hydrogen, and Audacity.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Moerin on October 26, 2009, 06:38:05 AM: Oh... Oh wow...

...EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH~<3

Ahem... Now that that's out of the way...

I always kinda figured that Rin's theme would sound a little more melancholic, but... Wow. That's just... It just fits my image of her so well. I mean... Just... Ahah...

...I should probably wait until I'm in a more coherent frame of mind before I go on. Ahem.

Phase 3 is complete~ All is going according to schedule~ Eheheh~
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: VIVItheFujoshi on October 26, 2009, 07:54:36 AM: mmm...sound arabic and mysterious...
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Nine West on October 26, 2009, 08:06:16 AM: I'M NOT LATE AM I?

Hehe, Theorist and VIVI covered most of it; the title of the song fits and the level of mysteriousness is high. All in all, a pretty good song considering it's not done in the vein of Touhou (which would likely add several amount of bonus points from me).

Though, a Touhou-style theme for Rin would be beyond awesome, if done right.

Quote from: Moerin Satsuki~ on October 26, 2009, 06:38:05 AM
Phase 3 is complete~ All is going according to schedule~ Eheheh~

Good Sir, then what is Phase 4?
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on October 26, 2009, 12:54:09 PM: Quote from: Nwbi on October 26, 2009, 08:06:16 AM
Good Sir, then what is Phase 4?
A Danmakufu/Musuu no Danmaku script? I guess?
I do plan to do a Rin-centric script. Someday.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Jana on October 26, 2009, 01:02:30 PM: I wanna listen, but I'm in class... Downloading for future use! Thanks for the music, Ammy!
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Drake on October 26, 2009, 03:43:20 PM: i want to touhou this up

EDIT: This could be the basis of Theorin's boss music, or possibly Stage 6 theme. Yes/yes?
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Jana on October 26, 2009, 03:51:50 PM: Just gave it a listen not too long ago. Really nice work, Ammy~

@Drake: Y
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on October 26, 2009, 03:54:49 PM: Quote from: Drake on October 26, 2009, 03:43:20 PM
i want to touhou this up

EDIT: This could be the basis of Theorin's boss music, or possibly Stage 6 theme. Yes/yes?
Y to both.
Also just got to listen it. Sounds very mysterious. GJ
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 26, 2009, 05:14:46 PM: Thanks, guys, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy it. I had a lot of fun making this piece, and I learned a lot about the programs I used during the process. Buzzmachines is a great program for making loops, but kind of counter-intuitive for composing melodies. In the future, I think I'll compose melodies on an instrument I'm comfortable with, like guitar, and then program the notes I come up with into Buzzmachines. That should make for a more fluid and natural melody. Hydrogen is a fantastic drum machine. And Audacity - just wow. I had no idea all the things you could do with Audacity.

Maybe I'll ask Santa for one of these (http://www.zzounds.com/item--NOVXIO25).

Quote from: Drake on October 26, 2009, 03:43:20 PM
i want to touhou this up

EDIT: This could be the basis of Theorin's boss music, or possibly Stage 6 theme. Yes/yes?

As it's a doujin work itself, of course anyone and everyone is welcome to take this theme and remix it or embellish it however they please. I'd be very curious to hear what other people would do with it. All I ask in return is credit for the original, but I'm sure that's a given.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: FinnKaenbyou on October 26, 2009, 08:05:30 PM: Quote from: Drake on October 26, 2009, 03:43:20 PM
EDIT: This could be the basis of Theorin's boss music, or possibly Stage 6 theme. Yes/yes?
Currently experimenting with it right now. Might try and get a sample out before the end of the evening.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Slaves on October 26, 2009, 08:12:25 PM: Quote from: Roukanken on October 26, 2009, 08:05:30 PM
Currently experimenting with it right now. Might try and get a sample out before the end of the evening.

yay o
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 26, 2009, 08:16:04 PM: The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of this being used as stage theme music.

But if you want to change it, sure, let it ride.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Moerin on October 26, 2009, 08:17:19 PM: Quote from: Roukanken on October 26, 2009, 08:05:30 PM
Currently experimenting with it right now. Might try and get a sample out before the end of the evening.

Wow, two ambitions fulfilled so soon? Awesome~

Now I just need to get some giant speakers, and then... Eheheh~
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Firestorm29 on October 26, 2009, 09:02:43 PM: When I first listened to this track, I too think it might fit better as a stage theme, got a nice touch to it.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 26, 2009, 09:15:48 PM: Quote from: Firestorm29 on October 26, 2009, 09:02:43 PM
When I first listened to this track, I too think it might fit better as a stage theme, got a nice touch to it.

Yeah, I wasn't trying to imitate ZUN or even write a game theme when I made this piece. I just wanted to write a song about Rin Satsuki; one that conveys her qualities and tells her story. I think that's been achieved.

Now, if we were to put it in a game context, I think it could work on its own as Rin's stage theme. Making it her game boss theme would require, I think, a solo somewhere in the middle. Probably one involving a violin, as that's as close as the west gets to an erhu.

EDIT: I have to say I'm really pleased with the reception this has been getting from you guys. I'm glad that you like it on its own (especially that Drake thinks it's worth being a Stage 6 theme) and am flattered by the talk of remixing.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Dragoshi on October 26, 2009, 10:48:57 PM: Quote from: Hizengar Byakuren on October 26, 2009, 03:54:49 PM
Y to both.
Also just got to listen it. Sounds very mysterious. GJ

Pretty much this as I can't really think of anything better to say. :x
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Doomsday on October 27, 2009, 01:09:18 AM: sounds effective as a stage theme. also like VIVI, it sounds very arabic to me (which isn't necessarily a bad thing ;p)
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: FinnKaenbyou on October 27, 2009, 01:42:28 AM: Well, I gave it my best shot.

Stage 6 - Fading Dreams (http://www.mediafire.com/?hwkznt213oq)

It's very much a remix, I'll admit that, but this song just filled me with so much inspiration that after I got the basic idea down, things just...WORKED.

There's a MIDI version, (http://www.mediafire.com/?kn42lrrtr1m) but TRUST me when I say that you want to hear this in proper quality. I'm actually more proud of this piece than anything else I've ever come up with, actually.

Now to watch some responses and see if that pride is misplaced...:/
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Nine West on October 27, 2009, 01:57:14 AM: Quote from: Roukanken on October 27, 2009, 01:42:28 AM
Now to watch some responses and see if that pride is misplaced...:/

I'm pretty sure it's not. :))
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Drake on October 27, 2009, 01:58:09 AM: christ
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on October 27, 2009, 02:12:02 AM: Oh god
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Formless God on October 27, 2009, 04:01:23 AM: HOLY SHINKI HOW DID YOU DO THAT.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Suikama on October 27, 2009, 04:14:14 AM: Quote from: Roukanken on October 27, 2009, 01:42:28 AM
Well, I gave it my best shot.

Stage 6 - Fading Dreams (http://www.mediafire.com/?hwkznt213oq)

It's very much a remix, I'll admit that, but this song just filled me with so much inspiration that after I got the basic idea down, things just...WORKED.

There's a MIDI version, (http://www.mediafire.com/?kn42lrrtr1m) but TRUST me when I say that you want to hear this in proper quality. I'm actually more proud of this piece than anything else I've ever come up with, actually.

Now to watch some responses and see if that pride is misplaced...:/
Dammit man
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Graph on October 27, 2009, 04:45:32 AM: This is really something. I like mysterious stage themes like Heartfelt Fancy so this was right up my alley. Roukanken's version is a pretty suitable stage 6, short but strongly mood-setting.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Dizzy H. "Muffin" Muffin on October 27, 2009, 04:48:10 AM: You know, for some reason, I kinda feel like Magician's Melancholy from the Grimoire of Marisa soundtr--
Quote from: Roukanken on October 27, 2009, 01:42:28 AM
Well, I gave it my best shot.

Stage 6 - Fading Dreams (http://www.mediafire.com/?hwkznt213oq)

It's very much a remix, I'll admit that, but this song just filled me with so much inspiration that after I got the basic idea down, things just...WORKED.

There's a MIDI version, (http://www.mediafire.com/?kn42lrrtr1m) but TRUST me when I say that you want to hear this in proper quality. I'm actually more proud of this piece than anything else I've ever come up with, actually.

Now to watch some responses and see if that pride is misplaced...:/

Oho. Never mind.

It could use some improvement. That opening segment is kinda lengthy and a bit out-of-place compared to the rest of it, and it needs more bass overall, and some of the background music seems to drown out what I think of as the main theme, but other than that, it's pretty damn snazzy.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 27, 2009, 06:32:12 AM: Quote from: Roukanken on October 27, 2009, 01:42:28 AM
Well, I gave it my best shot.

Stage 6 - Fading Dreams (http://www.mediafire.com/?hwkznt213oq)

It's very much a remix, I'll admit that, but this song just filled me with so much inspiration that after I got the basic idea down, things just...WORKED.

They certainly did! I really like what you did with the original, and I think that made a bit longer with some added bass it would make a great Touhou-style theme.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Solais on October 27, 2009, 08:35:45 PM: The original is not my style, but the remix... dammit! I'll make you a shrine.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Rikter on October 28, 2009, 01:05:06 AM: The original feels completely and utterly soul crushing...

I haven't listened to the remix yet though.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 28, 2009, 03:04:57 AM: Quote from: Rikter on October 28, 2009, 01:05:06 AM
The original feels completely and utterly soul crushing...

I haven't listened to the remix yet though.

Ha, alright. Wasn't really going for the "completely and utterly soul crushing" sound there, but consider it noted.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Fightest on October 28, 2009, 09:18:13 AM: Quote from: Tengukami on October 28, 2009, 03:04:57 AM
Ha, alright. Wasn't really going for the "completely and utterly soul crushing" sound there, but consider it noted.

I wouldn't quite use those terms, but the very harsh sounds that you use for the first two main motifs do indeed make the listener feel ill-at-ease. The bit in the middle is the main contributor, its brutal emphasis on aharmonic chords being in stark contrast to the rest of the track that's relatively laid-back. This could, of course, be intentional, and that's fine.

As it is currently, the track feels a bit disjointed - there's little connecting each major motif to the next, and no real overarching melody or harmonic line. Only a bit though - a little more emphasis on a bass line, or some accompanying chords would allow one motif to easily flow into the next.

I'm not really certain what you're trying to show with the augmented second intervals that show up in the first major motif, the one that gives that "arabic feel," as mentioned upthread. If you're trying to emulate sounds possibly heard from an erhu, bear in mind that it's a bowed instrument, thus the sounds it makes will be long and legato. To be fair, it's easily plucked as well, but the majority of the notes would be bowed.

For reference, in case anyone cares, the "arabic" feel is present due to the plucked quality of the notes combined with augmented second intervals. This interval is easily-associated with middle- and far-eastern music, and the plucking quality sets the music firmly in the former category, due to the prevalence of plucked, not bowed, string instruments in the middle east - India, Iran etc.

I hope these comments are helpful.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 28, 2009, 01:30:06 PM: Thanks for that, Fightest. That was indeed helpful. One thing:

Quote from: Fightest on October 28, 2009, 09:18:13 AM
I'm not really certain what you're trying to show with the augmented second intervals that show up in the first major motif, the one that gives that "arabic feel," as mentioned upthread. If you're trying to emulate sounds possibly heard from an erhu, bear in mind that it's a bowed instrument, thus the sounds it makes will be long and legato. To be fair, it's easily plucked as well, but the majority of the notes would be bowed.

The erhu was actually supposed to be the reverbed strings that play in the background throughout the entire piece. The "arabic" sounding melody was to add to the mystery of her story; scattered, largely unknown, pieces found here and there.

I have newly obtained a synth called ZynAddSubFX (http://zynaddsubfx.sourceforge.net/). The difference between it and Buzzmachines is, with Buzzmachines I had to program the notes I wanted to play into the thing, and then press "Go", but with Zyn, my actual laptop keyboard can be played like a keyboard. I expect this will make future pieces sound more fluid, natural and cohesive.

It's a learning process, eh? The praise and suggestions both help in this. So thanks!
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Fightest on October 28, 2009, 02:17:32 PM: Quote from: Tengukami on October 28, 2009, 01:30:06 PM
The erhu was actually supposed to be the reverbed strings that play in the background throughout the entire piece. The "arabic" sounding melody was to add to the mystery of her story; scattered, largely unknown, pieces found here and there.

I actually figured the former bit soon after I posted, but it's good to have confirmation. As for the augmented seconds and mystery - you know what? It works. Westerners are less used to these motifs, so they'll have that sensation of being in a strange land, as it were, yet it's still melodic so as not to damage their fragile sensibilities. Just the right kind of music for mystery without fear of the unknown.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 28, 2009, 03:28:32 PM: That's much appreciated, but I still look forward to being able to compose on a more intuitive instrument. The Zyn synth is amazing. I can't stop messing with it.

Anyone still following this thread: my next piece is going to have more layers, more melodies, more fluidity and more cohesion. Your input really helps me make better music, and for that I'm very grateful.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 29, 2009, 11:09:32 AM: UPDATE: Alright, I've made up my mind. The next piece I'm going to do is a remix of Erhu Lost in the Code. Expect the same drums, bass, and the eerie stringed instrument in the background, but I'm going to create a much longer melody and chorus from it, and add piano, strings, organ, and other accents. If all goes well it should take a week.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Fightest on October 29, 2009, 10:43:52 PM: Quote from: Tengukami on October 29, 2009, 11:09:32 AM
piano, strings, organ

They're all strong sounds with lots of personality, as I'm sure you already know, so be sure not to lose them in each other. Looking forward to the final result.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 30, 2009, 08:46:33 AM: Quote from: Fightest on October 29, 2009, 10:43:52 PM
They're all strong sounds with lots of personality, as I'm sure you already know, so be sure not to lose them in each other.

As it's shaping up so far, piano will be doing the driving melody, strings will be more in the background, doing longer chords, whilst the organ will be adding accents.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: 9/4 on October 31, 2009, 06:13:14 AM: Quote from: Tengukami on October 29, 2009, 11:09:32 AM
the same drums, bass, and the eerie stringed instrument ... add piano, strings, organ, and other accents.
If it is just as eerie as this thread's, then it should be fine. However, the connection between your bass notes and soprano notes are hanging by the string (quite literally) Is the "strings" going to be the regular violin, viola, cello, bass type? Or a one track synth strings? It's also interesting to use a single "wind-type" instrument (organ)-opposed to many, against strings and drums.

Of course, even if you know how to split melody and harmony, remember:
Quote from: Fightest on October 29, 2009, 10:43:52 PM
be sure not to lose them in each other.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Tengukami on October 31, 2009, 09:56:42 AM: Quote from: 9/4 on October 31, 2009, 06:13:14 AM
If it is just as eerie as this thread's, then it should be fine. However, the connection between your bass notes and soprano notes are hanging by the string (quite literally) Is the "strings" going to be the regular violin, viola, cello, bass type? Or a one track synth strings? It's also interesting to use a single "wind-type" instrument (organ)-opposed to many, against strings and drums.

The idea here is pretty much that the main melody - the oriental-sounding one - will be lengthened into a more fleshed-out, fun melody. This will be done in piano, and it will be up front. Strings (probably closer to violins than anything else, although not in a particularly high register) will do longer chords. They will be behind the piano - enough to provide a backdrop without overpowering the piano or getting lost in the eerie strings or the bass. Organ (tentatively - I might try some arpeggios instead) will just be adding accents here and there.
Title: Re: Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: 9/4 on November 01, 2009, 12:21:54 AM: Quote from: Tengukami on October 31, 2009, 09:56:42 AM
Organ (tentatively - I might try some arpeggios instead) will just be adding accents here and there.
Lot's of versatility here [organ], so you need not worry about organ having unnatural sound or clashing horribly with the others.

Looking forward to listening to it!
Title: Re: [Music] Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: BestKHparodies on August 06, 2010, 09:33:00 AM: The theme definitely does not sound like ZUN or Touhou at all. To me, it sounds as if Rin is trying to send a message to whomever is listening.

Nice work, it's not often that a song creeps me out this much, I was impressed. :D
Title: Re: [Music] Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Infy♫ on August 08, 2010, 05:11:26 PM: i didnt expect amen breaks and orchestra hits with 200BPM but I didnt expect this either... there's not much happening in this song, is there?
I feel like a song does not need to sound ZUN-like to be good, but that instrument playing that tune designated by jana as arabic sounds bad. it could use some reverb.
so i'd say it needs a lot of work.
as for the arrange by roukanken, he seems to have put in what i felt was missing. but it still feels like nothing is happening...
Title: Re: [Music] Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Solais on August 08, 2010, 05:15:36 PM: Some kind of a necromancy goin' 'round here. Rou's arrange is perfect for a final stage, that's why I used it. It has Fires of Hokkai vibes.
Title: Re: [Music] Rin Satsuki's Theme
Post by: Drake on August 08, 2010, 07:31:26 PM: Quote from: Sercan on August 08, 2010, 05:11:26 PM
i didnt expect amen breaks and orchestra hits with 200BPM but I didnt expect this either... there's not much happening in this song, is there?
I feel like a song does not need to sound ZUN-like to be good, but that instrument playing that tune designated by jana as arabic sounds bad. it could use some reverb.
so i'd say it needs a lot of work.
as for the arrange by roukanken, he seems to have put in what i felt was missing. but it still feels like nothing is happening...
Eh, wait until we get to Stage 6.