josielemmings's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Pirate Introduction]

Maarrrvellous! I haven't heard your music in a while, and when I logged in today, this was at the top of my "Latest From Your Favorites" section. I think it's my favorite song of yours. It really starts getting depth by the end.

As for the dulcimer, EWQL Goliath has one. It's and old piece of software, but it gets the job done. Something that might help you with long songs is recording each instrument, one at a time as a .wav, then combining the files and mastering the combined file. It's a pain, but that's how I had to do all my songs.

AshleyAlyse responds:

Oh, wow! Thanks for the info! I'll look into that! Thank you for zee review! :) I already do that with most of my songs, then combine them together in Audacity. Such a pain. :/

P.S. Please don't quit composing, you're awesome, dude! Even if it turns into a side hobby, please don't quitttt. I'll be sad. :C

[Alessa's Harmony Memoria]

Another beautiful piano piece

That's amazing that you played this song from memory. Since it's not yours originally, and I don't remember the original song perfectly, I'll only comment that the effects you added are a nice touch. The very last note sounds harder than the rest of the song, but that's just nitpicking. Great song!

Matt-Porter responds:

I tend to panic when recording and that final closing chord almost always gets me. I've literally spent hours recording the same song, only to mess up one note during the recording, usually the last. That would definitely be the case here, but it was good enough by me :) I'll eventually just start recording super long files, and cut out the plays that go well, with no pressure.

Thanks for the kind review, much appreciated.

[Waiting (Clean)]

Calm and Beautiful

I'm impressed by the flowing piano. The tempo even quickens, but the piano transitions cleanly, and the synth follows suit. I like the bright synth, and the piano's reverb helps it blend nicely. Even without the effects in this version, the combination of the instruments puts you on the beach.

Matt-Porter responds:

I'm glad you like it's flowing nature, I too felt that was a strong point of this otherwise simple piece. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

[Waking Up (name already taken)]

A Good Song to Wake Up To

You're good at this. At this point, there are only a few suggestions that could help you take your music from good to great, because you seem to already have songwriting skill. Even the transitions are smooth, which in my opinion are the hardest parts to do.

Here are my suggestions:
First, invest in some higher quality instruments. The synths are fine. The drums could be replaced cheaply. Finding a low cost replacement for Slayer might be harder. Most importantly, buy FL Studio! I know it has nothing to do with your song's quality, but it will save you frustration in the future. When I started music, I had the demo version too, so I respect anyone who can put a song together with that.

Second, adding something high pitched during the parts where the bass synth and the drums play together would bring it out a bit more. I'm thinking a quiet atmospheric synth sweep, or some quiet bell runs up or down the octave. You could also add another percussion instrument there, or switch up the bass drum kick, maybe every other measure so it still has that driving dance feeling.

Finally, some EQ could give your song a unique sound that distinguishes it from other songs made with FL instruments. Reverb on the drums to match the synths would be good. But that's all mastering, which you said you haven't done yet. Overall, this is a good song. It's catchy, even without the mastering. I looped it while writing this review, and after listening to it that many times, it has grown on me even more.

Mushu-Productions responds:

Thanks! It's good to finally get someone that gives GOOD advice. I know I need to get FL studio, it's been on my wish list for quite some time lol. And about adding a higher pitch synth during the drum and bass part, that's where the "words" are to go (I.E. the synths that I never put in). When I wrote this song, I envisioned it with strong vocal melodies, so I'm way ahead of you on that part. = ) I EQ'd some during recording, mostly to Slayer since it's such a murky instrument, but my skills are a bit mediocre when it comes to that sort of thing. Again thanks SO MUCH for the great advice. Hope to hear from you more in the future. = )
Peace -
Dustin Lane
Mushu-Productions

[[oove] Requiem]

Very original

You deserve a 10 purely for creativity. This is sick! I was intrigued when I read it was an orchestral/dubstep mix, and honestly, a little scared. Before this I had only heard your song Heartbeats, so I didn't know if you could pull off dubstep. You certainly did! Nice job with the panning. The ending is attention grabbing. I like how it breaks down, and then blasts you with awesomeness.

broove responds:

This one is definitely different from Heartbeats :)
Actually I had this idea of mixing classical music and dubstep/drum'n'bass for a long time and although I'm more or less satisfied with this song, there's still so much to be done.
And I'm proud of the ending.
Thank you for an awesome review.

[Violin concerto n°1 first mvt]

Very Good

Wow! This is impressive for your first song. I can't tell if you played this or used samples. Either way the mixing is good. I'm looking forward to hearing more music from you.

nicomezi responds:

I used samples.
(there is some other stuff from me on youtube *hint* *hint* )

[Hidden Tears]

Brilliant Imagery

The chords are beautiful. All of your songs are emotional, and this one's so forlorn and melancholy. I think it fits your description perfectly. I like where this is going. I can feel a trumpet solo coming on lol. Keep up the good work!

AshleyAlyse responds:

Thank you kindly!! I shall try to finish this soon. :)

[Through The Masters Gate]

Cool song

The beat is my favorite part. That bass synth is sweet! I like the eastern strings too. The voice sounds too wet at times. It might be easier to understand with less of the effect you used. It kind of reminds of The 6th Gate, but to compare this to that turd of a song would be a travesty. This song is much better.

JohnnyFrizz responds:

"The voice sounds too wet" well actually that is kinda the point man :P

But nevertheless thanks a lot for the review and for the compliments lol

[Climbing the Tower]

Wonderful and Mysterious

This song is beautiful and heartfelt. I love music that inspires imagery. While listening to this song, I can see exactly what you described. It's like the music tells the story by itself. There has got to be an animator on here that can use this. You should get in touch with SilverStitch if he makes another sequel for the Colour My series. This type of song would be perfect for that.

corbetweller responds:

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll definitely send SilverStitch a PM. I'm very glad the piece speaks to you, as it has for me. Take care!

[.Castle_Fire.]

Underrated

The first time I heard this, its score was pretty low. I voted to correct the injustice. This is a cool song, and one of my favorites from the Halloween 2010 collection so far. Good luck with it! I've got to get off my butt and submit something too. I especially like the first half of this. The build from 0:29 is chilling. The second half is smoother, but I thought the melody was slightly too loud. Overall: good stuff here.

RyeGuyHead responds:

Well, its because people are envious and they keep giving me zeros...

That's fine though, I wouldn't mind dying in a fire