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Description:
Perhaps death is not the end.
Hardware:
Korg MS2000B
Roland XV-5080
Software:
GB3
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i like... &mdash 03/22/07 - 03:06:57 PM
the picture you used.
you've created a veru ethereal soundscape here. it really sounds like an afterlife journey or maybe a dream of one. very nice piece. [ Reply to This ]
Good ambience and tones &mdash 03/22/07 - 03:26:01 PM
Beautiful and eerie. It manages to be hopeful and mournful at the same time. I love the bittersweetness.
The subject is very close to me. I lost my Dad four years ago this April first. A lot of my music comes from a painful place. Much of my inspiration is derived from saying goodbye to him over and over through music. I want him to know that I think of him every day.
Your tune has a note of optimism which lifts me. Artistically it is flawless. Technically, I found the drums a bit loud in some parts but overall very solid. Thanks for the listen. [ Reply to This ]
An enjoyable listen .... &mdash 03/23/07 - 01:10:16 AM
... I had to make my mind forget about the "funeral" part tho ... or it would have broken me up .... [ Reply to This ]
OR NOT &mdash 03/23/07 - 05:05:39 AM
Don't connect with the Title, but connect with the piece.
Smooth Build and Momentum throughout,
Cinematic breadth and Sound Scape.
The Bells are such a strong touchstone for the sweepy chords and rhythm.
Nicer than any funeral I've ever been to/
Dixie [ Reply to This ]
what about... &mdash 03/23/07 - 08:55:18 AM
I like it. Great composition... great soundscape... The beat is tight... Well done [ Reply to This ]
languid and lovely &mdash 03/23/07 - 09:04:56 AM
very interesting, shimky. seems very well thought out. all you had to do was plant the word FUNERAL in my mind, and away i went. i can certainly hear a From the Living to the Gone transitioning effect. it's sad and sweet - great job of combining those 2 moods. i just love that big bottom groove - it's a good one. nice build at end. bravo! anne [ Reply to This ]
Cool &mdash 03/24/07 - 03:14:40 PM
The synth sounds are entrancing here. I agree with Cipher about the hopeful sound coming out here. Thanks for sharing. [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 03/26/07 - 05:07:10 AM
Big production here. That synth riff is so eerie (the first one). Lots of light and shade - would never have picked "funeral" if you hadn't mentioned it. Sounds to me like you had a good time doing this! Love the bass and drums - and the epiphany towards the end. Very uplifting and very well done. Bells lead to a classic ending.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful . . . : ) &mdash 03/26/07 - 05:17:25 AM
Perhaps Youre right.. I like Your description very much....such a BEAUTIFUL song... Wish there were even more 'churchbells' or wha it is in the beginning & end ! & the 'tinklings' . Death can be beautiful & peaceful at it's best.. . We also die in many ways whiles living..which is a good thing painful yes but pain doesn't last forever . THANKYOU SHIMKY : )
Can You explain the hardware -my English is limited ? [ Reply to This ]
Atmospheric &mdash 03/26/07 - 06:20:51 AM
The delay effect on the keyboard part is groovy. Whose the old girl in the pic, she looks familiar? In your description it's suggested that death is not the end... well, what about adding a slightly more 'uplifting' part at the finale -so may I suggest a banjo solo over ascending major chords. [ Reply to This ]
thoughts from the bull... &mdash 03/26/07 - 08:53:30 AM
while i may not agree that this piece is "ambient," as it doesn't have that feeling of being part of the natural atmosphere of a scene or landscape (i think i'd call this either new age, electronic, or even downtempo), i absolutely love the mellow and easy pace of the piece.
the image is strong to define the piece, so for me, i had to sort of lose that image and allow the music to follow a natural flow of its own. In doing so, I found this to be a very adventurous, moving piece... like traveling through a dense city full of people or a jungle. searching for something. anything.
and i suppose in your comment, "Perhaps death is not the end," is an appropriate descriptor for this piece. Perhaps there is a longer journey beyond the chemical reactions of our bodies... an existence from which all the music and energy we cast is derived.
or not. who knows?
regardless, this was a wonderful way to start my day. downloaded and will enjoy this for a long time to come! thank you!!! [ Reply to This ]
Lovely and Lush &mdash 03/26/07 - 10:10:03 AM
So, you've been storing up the music energy while you've been gone, I hear.
I think Boris is right that this is downtempo.
I love the production on this it has so much space and especially like the synth that sounds like a whistle. Theres a really nice progression and you do a great job of pulling the musical themes through the song, rather than just having sections that change up when you feel the song is getting boring. This is a journey, which is fitting with the theme.
I agree with Neil that I might not have gotten funeral from this had you not said so, it's a pretty versatile piece of music and very lovely. [ Reply to This ]
aargh &mdash 03/26/07 - 10:10:59 AM
I enjoyed... &mdash 03/26/07 - 02:20:55 PM
Listening to this. I really liked the beat you used. And, yes, perhaps death is NOT the end. I like to believe so. [ Reply to This ]
Cool electronica &mdash 03/26/07 - 02:26:03 PM
this is a really nice melodic piece of music...it is more uplifting in feel than I was expecting given the title! Really nice beats you have going on this one... [ Reply to This ]
perfect &mdash 03/26/07 - 03:10:38 PM
I guess I can see a funeral in this. Too me its more about those attending the funeral for different purposes. It seems to capture a distracted mindset during the services. Well made jam. [ Reply to This ]
Downtempo it is &mdash 03/26/07 - 03:13:37 PM
A classic example! I'm trying to find tunes like this (after hitting a bunch of Soulmonk's hits like "Lost In Conversation"). So neatly phrased, I'm with everyone else in loving the portamento lead line. The tolling bell is nicely chosen with great tonal character. Production is happening - can't think of any nits to pick. [ Reply to This ]
Way to build &mdash 03/26/07 - 04:02:38 PM
I really like the way the song builds as it progresses. The big orchestra sound is really nice...
This could befit a cinematic sound track application. Nice fruit from your hard work.
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Spectacular &mdash 03/26/07 - 04:08:47 PM
Spectacular! I love the bells, the portamento lead--everything about this piece, actually. Excellent production, too. Overall, this track has a certain cinematic feel to it that just brings all sorts of images to my mind. Great work! [ Reply to This ]
very trippy &mdash 03/26/07 - 05:41:04 PM
Like Dixie said : "Smooth Build and Momentum throughout,
Cinematic breadth and Sound Scape". That about nails it. Nice choice of synth pads and beats. Wonderfully sensuous. The bells were hypnotic.
nice job, simon. [ Reply to This ]
sad and beautiful &mdash 03/26/07 - 07:30:36 PM
love it &mdash 03/27/07 - 06:25:20 AM
really nice beat slow swing.. ambience is smooth and airy whilst deep and earthy...i suppose consistent with the funeral theme...the spirit rising whilst the body is committed to the earth...
I felt very light and positihilst listening to this really nice track shimky thankyou! [ Reply to This ]
i meant &mdash 03/27/07 - 06:55:15 AM
: ) &mdash 03/27/07 - 06:37:02 AM
This is GREAT!!!!!!! Perhaps it could be in the *Abstract/experimental Genre* - death is kind of abstract & Your Music certainly feels experimental ! Love it ! [ Reply to This ]
Haha &mdash 03/27/07 - 06:38:39 AM
honesty??? sheeesh .... lol &mdash 03/27/07 - 07:18:26 AM
it's not really my thing shimky but i can appreciate the melee of sounds - a little bit 'Dr Who' and one of those things that get played by waving your hands in the air!!! you did a grand job of mixing them all together and you are getting the appreciation that you deserve - nice to have seen you in chat - xox [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 03/27/07 - 10:08:43 AM
I love the beats and tones and different rhythms you've got intertwining here - it's solid and tight, yet still feels loose as it spins about. Great textures - reminds me a little of a combo of Smashing Pumpkins and Depeche Mode. With all of the ethereal atmospherics going on, I kind of want to hear more effect on the drums, which seem incredibly dry for all of the dream-state wetness going on. Still - it's going on the iPod for road-trip! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, Bing! &mdash 03/27/07 - 10:15:26 AM
Yes, the drums are the only loop in the song - and I agree: they are a bit dry. I only have GarageBand; I used to use Cubase on PC and then I used to use the input matrix and create my own rhythm tracks (although I was crap at it). [ Reply to This ]
Very Nice ----- &mdash 03/27/07 - 01:28:41 PM
KICKIN TRACK &mdash 03/27/07 - 05:26:25 PM
Loved it! Killa beats retrospective type feel and love that high pitched part! [ Reply to This ]
Great! Nice outro too! &mdash 03/27/07 - 06:02:59 PM
I like the balance of sounds, catchy notes, Im guessing this is in a minor key which fits the funeral title. The whistle sound is excellent as well as the "boiling" tea kettle sound, really nice mix of sounds in a solidly put together song, you make very good soundtracks and this is just more proof of that! [ Reply to This ]
You put the "FUN" in Funeral &mdash 03/27/07 - 09:41:08 PM
Shimkins (as if I know you that well),
The first thing I thought after I pushed the play button was, am I gonna cry? No. Hell's Bells, I did not cry. I kinda danced around a bit in my chair. Great melody and very well produced.
I like the piano parts in the intro and the whistling/whining part that repeats through out the song as it pokes in and out of the heavier synths. The bells and the ultra electronic bleepity bleeps and blorps contrast well. The drums pound throughout the song and in my extremely humble opinion, ese
really anchor the whole thing down.
If this were my song, I'd add some Vietnamese children screaming numbers in a random order as if they were insane and running from the robots that slaughtered their parents. Then at the very end, I'd apologize, because those weren't really their parents. They were FBI agents involved in a sophisticated plot to raise taxes. That's when the laugh track would come in and fade out beneath more bells.
I think I'll download this and save it for my funeral.
[ Reply to This ]
Yes, Perhaps it is not :) &mdash 03/27/07 - 09:45:26 PM
Wonderful sound!!!! If this is death, well, I want to sing with it!!!! You have added so much beauty to this experience..........i do not think it could be any other way :) Morning Light* [ Reply to This ]
As I sit here &mdash 03/28/07 - 02:27:48 AM
As I sit here at 3:25 a.m. Ohio time this is the perfect song to drift asleep to. This would also be great to wake up to. Very peaceful. Thanks for sharing this epic piece. [ Reply to This ]
Creative &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:00:20 AM
I like the sound and unusually feel this song has. I'll be honest., I most likely wouldn't listen to it all the time or as a regular song, it's not my style, but it is a great song. It has obviously an eire feel, but at the same time at parts is sad or suspenseful. I like the part near the end with the orchestra type strings. I'm not sure if the title is too fitting though. Might sound good as an alternate X-Files theme! I love hearing new songs with unique sounds, so keep it up. Please listen to my music. [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 03/28/07 - 10:15:33 AM
there's nothing left to say ... all round: very cool beats (maybe a litle bit forward) meet perfectly arranged keyboards ... last but not least perfectly produced, so nothing to gripe at all. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for taking the time &mdash 03/28/07 - 10:27:19 AM
Yes, I do have a tendency to have the rhythm section a little loud. I've recognised that recently.
Thanks for taking the time to listen. Much appreciated. I will check your stuff out when I get home... [ Reply to This ]
Reincarnation? &mdash 03/28/07 - 10:33:52 AM
.. flawless soundscape, lovely instrument choices and use of FX. Quite cinematic to me. Build is excellent to a kind of climactic 'go to the light' kindof thing .. then it seems to start off again, leaving me with that reincarnation thought, which is fitting for the description. Like others, I particularily enjoyed all the high synth (delayed) recurring theme bits that sounded a little theremin-esque, like a soul on a journey. So in short I got the impression of a first person sound narrative from the deceased perspective .. not really grieving funeral attendees, so the title threw me off- other than a starting point. Mix sounds great to me too - maybe just lower the drums a fraction but that's a taste thing. Very well done, enjoyed it. [ Reply to This ]
Another Loud Drums Comment &mdash 03/28/07 - 10:53:13 AM
There are a few people who agree with about the loud drums. That's good: something to work on.
What's "theremin-esque"?
Thanks for taking the time. :O) [ Reply to This ]
Theremin &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:35:56 AM
Theremin description here
an unusual early electronic instrument, distinctive eerie sound .. used alot in 50's cult movie sci-fi soundtracks eg. "The day the earth stood still". I think Caroline described it better as the thing you play waving your hands about ;o) [ Reply to This ]
Great tune &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:10:03 AM
Great tune here. The beat for me is so hypnotic I just kinda lost myself in the song. great flow and rhythm. Keep it up. [ Reply to This ]
THE QUICK AND THE DEAD &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:48:00 AM
"Funeral", to me seems much more about the Living than the Dead, as all mortal creation indeed must be, but let me tell you why I feel that.
There is "New Energy" introduced throughout the piece; a vibrancy that belies the Elegiac nature of the Title.
The piece has a very Large and Well utilized Sound Stage. There is space for all the elements, regardless of their size or Value in the Mix. The Bells and the "whistle" are haunting counterparts that circle each other and bring a continuity of contrast. This is in addition to the overlapping and recurring themes that precede the introduction of new themes or activity of a new sort. This brings an all-over structural feeling of familiarity while you continue to add fresh elements.
By the 2/3rds mark, where the piece becomes its most symphonic, it is, also, the most elegiac, followed by the, now familiar voices of the Bells and the "whistle", which seem to impart a loneliness that again evolves into new energies.
The piece is nearly heroic, throughout and while its dimensions change, it remains very available and well organized. To me, the piece is quite thoughtful, though rarely pensive or brooding.
I might have dimmed the Gain on the first introduction of the percussion track, but after that the cooperation of the elements is so agreeable that I find I can be of little assistance as a structural critic.
Do a piece with a few more flaws so that, in the future, I might be of more assistance!
With Best Personal Regards,
Cooper [ Reply to This ]
Holy cow! &mdash 03/28/07 - 01:15:53 PM
Positively chilling...yet lovely at the same time. This is quite the production Shimky. I am blown away. The composition is wonderful. You held my interest throughout. The mix is clean and spacious. Nice work man!
Be well!
http://www.macjams.com/song/30366 [ Reply to This ]
well done &mdash 03/28/07 - 03:08:03 PM
groovin &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:24:02 PM
Love this feel the vibe Peacefull yet concerned. Love the subtle guitar in the back. Excellent [ Reply to This ]
LOL! &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:30:58 PM
Thanks man but ... there's no guitar!! Those shimerings are from the keyboards, if that's what you're referring to.
:O) [ Reply to This ]
variate... &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:33:06 PM
This comment is very personal and as you asked me to have a listen and be as nitpicky as possible...Here I go..
First of all I agree also with Boris the Bull that it is more downtempo then ambiant. I also think that the only connection I link with a funeral, as a listner, are the churchbells. Very electronic as well...
Not sure what your aim is but I am missing something in this song that would make me remember it tomorrow...wich is hard to say...but true..
My final 'verdict': Go Deeper, intenser. With that I mean work a bit more with softer and louder volume to create even more emotion and intensity. It is like you have loads of energy(sadness is an energy too) that needs to break out! I want to hear that MORE.....
VARIATE!!!!
Again just some thoughts...
There are good points too...The arrangement, the subtle sounds, production all Are topnotch!!! I love how you used the 'eerie' sound and how you 'fused'sounds. The combination of your Roland with your Korg is very neat!!
Kind regards,
o0o [ Reply to This ]
Finally Some Meat To Chew &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:39:00 PM
Many thanks for your thoughts. I will chew away for a while and see what digestion brings... [ Reply to This ]
Wow. &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:49:56 PM
Almost there &mdash 03/28/07 - 06:54:53 PM
Definitely love the drums, very cool pattern, very powerful, but maybe a little loud in the mix for this type of music. This would work for HipHop but not here.
The sound combinations are beautiful and suspenseful, but I don't understand the title Funeral. This is rather happy and romantic track. When I think of funeral I think of depressing and dark sounds, maybe some rain effects, footsteps and such.....Rename this, lower the drum volume and you have a masterpiece ready to go on record.
Good luck! [ Reply to This ]
Yes, "Funeral" &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:27:56 PM
This might not have occurred to me without the title, but in my mind this could have played over a scene from "Six Feet Under," which treated death with the kind of eclectic and irreverent approach I hear in this piece. There's something contemplative about it, which is appropriate for a funeral, and there is also humor, which isn't inappropriate. [ Reply to This ]
Shims... &mdash 03/29/07 - 01:53:05 AM
Whistling in a cadent industrial mesh. Electro-march toward something. Definitely covering the aural spectrum here. Well mixed and separated elements. But am I satisfied? No, too loopy. Wait. Halfway through you start to lift me up on a winged seraph. It's the underbeat that is too ponderous and robot-like. What can we do to make the percussion more lifting and legato? I don't know. Certain repetitive elements get on my nerves, but I sure do like the wavery, seamless synths. There is something here that can be refined and made even better. I like the oriental cries in there.
I'd say listen to my remix of DN's song for some ways to smooth this out a bit...
http://www.macjams.com/song/27133
Also, listen to Solorio's epic song:
http://www.macjams.com/song/22199
I think you have to lose a lot of your looped percussion to make this song more ethereal...if indeed that is your goal. Free yourself from a strict meter. Get more fluid with those drums. [ Reply to This ]
THAT'S why I wanted your opinion &mdash 03/29/07 - 02:24:37 AM
Thank you very much for giving me something concrete to think about. In GB, I am missing some kind of percussion grid where I can make my own compositions. I am going to upgrade to Logic Express or something else, so hopefully this move will help me move away from drum loops.
[ Reply to This ]
yea &mdash 03/29/07 - 05:55:38 AM
nice start...fantastic beat and nice use of fx great track congratulations :D
Marius [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 03/29/07 - 05:56:19 AM
wonderful stuff - first I've heard from you.
I need a few more listens to comment properly - will do so later.
We're currently on even par on the fan picks - it's my pleasure to move you ahead.
Steve
[ Reply to This ]
Thank You &mdash 03/29/07 - 07:01:42 AM
That is VERY cool of you. What a nice guy! I'll have a listen to "They Come with Smiles" tonight - I'm at work now, so it's not possible.
Thank you for your initial comments and looking forward to hearing the rest...
[ Reply to This ]
Fan Picks &mdash 03/29/07 - 04:26:18 PM
I can't imagine what it must be like to have fans.
That's abstract, yet, somehow, cool, but in a weird way. I think one of my songs has 3 fans, but that's probably because one is a co-worker and another owes me money and I am the third! (Now that's weird!)
---
five extra arms is not what you thought it'd be. [ Reply to This ]
The End! &mdash 03/29/07 - 12:14:20 PM
Shimky - what a wonderfully crafted piece you've concocted here. It has a lovely stately pace, and so many wonderful little textural and atmospheric changes that keep you interested all the way through. A great choice of interesteing sounds to this - its well paced, and oddly uplifting.
I love the swelling chord build-up towards the 'end' ... at first, i wasn't sure of the continuation of the piece at the end of the track, but it's now my favourite part! Excellent structure, excellent track.
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 03/29/07 - 03:14:47 PM
This is very expressive and captivating. I really like your choices in instruments and textures, balancing between electronic and acoustic, making it very rich. That high solo voice has such a natural performance, swinging dolefully from note to note. Everything is layered well and thoughtfully placed. Very nice work. [ Reply to This ]
Adding water... &mdash 03/29/07 - 03:57:33 PM
I like the over all feel to this. I think you've done a good job in with tone painting. My biggest criticism is that I think it drags on a bit too long. Sometimes restating a topic does not make the story stronger, it makes it more diluted.
Overall though I really dig the mood.
Nize.... [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic production &mdash 03/29/07 - 05:10:11 PM
This is great stuff. Really nicely layered. I thought that even though there are many instruments involved and little bits it still doesnt sound too fussy. It is sombre and I think you have captured they title quite well. cool [ Reply to This ]
Funereal &mdash 03/29/07 - 06:18:40 PM
Well, this is eerie... seems upbeat where death is always a little bit of a downer for me. Or a lot. I agree with what Alannah wrote. However, this does have that journey-in-the-afterlife feel to it... like a guided tour of the curious nature of a new universe. The melodies resonate with grieving though, which casts a bit of a pall over the tour. Fascinating construction; nice work, Shimky. [ Reply to This ]
For whom the bell tolls... &mdash 03/30/07 - 12:46:56 AM
I like compositions that make you think and that give a visual impression.
This is one of those...with the title adding to the intrigue.
Reading others' comments here has been very cool as well--to see how each views this piece.
I guess I see this on 'either side' ....the bell tolling is the mortal realm and earthly trappings, while the 'progressiveness' of the track from that point forward is the soul's journey onward.
I especially like the build-up towards the end of the piece....really nice :)
[ Reply to This ]
. &mdash 03/30/07 - 07:57:40 PM
Some very beautiful melodies with an underlying tension that is pleasingly consistent throughout the piece. The overall direction and continuity are well constructed and arranged thus I found the transition between sections to be seamless & fluid. Nice textures and song structure. [ Reply to This ]
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you've created a veru ethereal soundscape here. it really sounds like an afterlife journey or maybe a dream of one. very nice piece.
[ Reply to This ]