Play leit motif music
Bad Faith Fiend - Villain Theme (Leit Motif)'s itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Overall Sound | #8 | 3.857 | 3.857 |
| Originality | #8 | 3.857 | 3.857 |
| Memorability | #8 | 3.500 | 3.500 |
Ranked from 14 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
What is the most interesting interval in your leitmotif/theme?
The very first chord (Gm2 / SOL LA-SIb-RE) which the motif keeps coming back to - and especially the one time it manifests as an arpeggio. The open-endedness of the (implied) tritone gives off an unsettling unresolved tension. And since it crashes into the composition right from the get-go, the chord comes off as an unexpected attack, a sucker punch. The story behind this being: This villain feels wronged and plays dirty because of it (...the entitled prick.)
Honorable mention: The rhythm mash-up (start of the 8th bar), which combines simultaneously tempo from tango, african drums and reggaeton, and somehow didn't kill itself in the process.
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This is a very nice submission :) The rhythm and melody make it feel like the villain stepping into an arena, prepared and ready to prove himself and restore his reputation. You do well at evoking these emotions. The rising effect at the end adds to the threatening feel. Whoever this villain is, I don't wanna be the one who wronged him.
Heheh. Thanks (^^)/ It's always high praise when somebody mentions a thing is evoking the emotions effectively. ^~.^~ The threatening thing too~
Hey, wow, this sounds very complete as a full music track, going above and beyond the call for just a leitmotif! One thing I found interesting about this piece is that, to me, it seems to be mixed in a way that is very reminiscent of classic JRPG soundtracks, albeit with some twists here and there. I could see this being a song during battle gameplay!
It definitely gives off an epic feeling, but I think the most interesting part for me is the wild stuff going on with the piano part. As it builds, something about it was oddly funny to me — but in a good way! I was picturing in my mind someone physically playing that part on a piano, and the way I imagined it, this hypothetical piano player was slowly panicking trying to hit the keys on the right beats and just barely hanging on, and then at the end just starts desperately slamming out those chords. It may have had something to do with the note velocity or the scales you were using. However, the unexpectedness of it definitely did develop the tension and added some "character" to the villain! Really cool *whoosh* outro effect at the end, too! Nice job!
Also, tangentially related anecdote: I listened to your piece a few times and was taken aback by a strange sound at the very end. "Hmm, that's an odd way to end it," I thought. Then I listened to it again, and didn't hear the sound, but then I leaned back in my chair and... *squeak*... there it was! Yes, somehow I had managed to consistently make my chair squeak at the exact same point in your song like three times in a row and I thought it was part of it. Ha, maybe that's an idea for your next song... the "Chair Squeak Symphony"! That will really throw people off! 😄
Thank you^^ "this hypothetical piano player was slowly panicking trying to hit the keys on the right beats and just barely hanging on" You pretty much described how I usually play the piano XD
You are too kind~ And I'm flattered you think it sounds like a full track (or, well, part of it)~ To be completely honest, I mostly barely come up with a general idea in the piano, then translate it into a sibelius score... and then procede to try hide all the things that sound "wrong"/mechanical about it, by adding a butload of notative expression XD (Arco, treble, pedal, that kind of thing.)
This one had three piano tracks with the same thing at different octaves just to try to make it sounds powerful enough. Plus, it has four strings tracks and, like, five percussion tracks. Maybe that's why it sounds like a "full" track. Just so you know, that was mostly to add volume.... and then I had a whole new problem altogether... *sigh* I just wished it read clearer -_-' Maybe that's why you mistook the chair squeak as part of the song X'''D *laugh-cries* (Also it might be that you were tense throughout the whole thing, always relaxed at the end hence the squeak? Either way, probably an indication the sound might be "too much". Mmh... I mean, maybe not what you were going for, but let me know if you agree; regardless of my... multiple expressions of anxiety, it's actually useful information v__v)
Hey, sorry it took me a while to come back around to this... I just want to be clear: the whole "chair squeaking" story was not meant to be an indication that there was anything wrong with your piece -- it was just a funny thing that I decided to share for some reason. 😆
You could be right, though -- maybe it happened at the same spot consistently because I was leaning forward while listening and leaned back right as it ended. So it seems you had me on the edge of my seat! That's what you were going for, right? Haha, anyway, thank you for describing a bit of your writing process and how you achieved those sounds, too. It's always interesting to get some detail on how people go about polishing their work. And, hey, I don't think you should worry too much about it reading more clearly. You have definitely shown you have a pretty solid foundation in building and layering instrumental tracks, so I think you shouldn't have much trouble simplifying if you want to dial some things back if that's a goal for future pieces. So yeah, no need for anxiety, you're doing great! 👍
You are all being very kind to me. If you enjoyed it that's already a lot, so thank you. ^^
The villain’s desire to prove themself clearly manifested itself for me in the strong rhythm and rising pitches. My favorite chord change was at 0.11 and felt like the villain kicked it into another gear. Perhaps the best surprise was the underlying daring of the macho tango rhythm. Fun!
"The villain’s desire to prove themself clearly manifested itself" + "villain kicked it into another gear" > this
Someone read the description~ I always get the feels when I communicate with the people listening, so that they perceive the concepts, and you just hit the nail in the head, so thank you.
Also the appreciation for the tango rhythm~ It's a matter of national pride for me (I'm Argentinian). So... *does little happy dance*
It does sound like a villain theme, which it's all that matters in this contest.
It should be its own rating category, I agree. *nod nod*
Very strong piano rythm and progression and I love the strings playing in the background, giving life to the whole ! Good job !
Very high praise indeed! Nobody mentioned the piano progression, glad it reads as a positive, so: Thank you!
Seriously, I'm running out of ways to feel flattered >///<
I really like the energy of your piece ! :) has many different rythmic underpinings that I really enjoy! :) the piece also really gives me a boss-encounter "feeling" (if that makes any sense?)- i.e. I'm really feeling the "conflict" happening! :) awesome job!
It's a great thing for me that you tell me that you can feel the "conflict", thank you! This is a very conflictive character XD His whole thing is that he makes others and himself miserable, sort of taking everyone down with him. (EDIT: Oh I'm so going to add this to the description.)
Also appreciate the comment on the energy and rythm, it was a surprise for me too XD That's a happy accident from messing with things in my library for extra pzazz. ('Gotta give the public "larger-than-life" xP) Do keep working on your thing too! 'Hope we will keep in touch after this jam!
Haha, I really enjoy that you made up characteristics for the villain and then wrote from that! :) That is a super cool process! But yeah, it really comes through in your piece! I feel pumped to beat that guy! ;D
And sometimes happy accidents just happen! :D I think my old producer called it "studio-magic"- but that doesn't make it any less awesome!
I hope so too! It has been cool to find a community of likeminded people and there is so much to learn from the different interpretations! :) I'm happy I found this place!
Holy Crap! This is an amazing song. could easily picture it playing for an entitled prick character, just like you said. I have no words! BravO!
Oh, guys, you are making me blush @_@ Straight arrow to the kokoro, critical hit! Thank you ^//^ And specially thanks for the comment about the entitled prick feels. Yes, thankyou, I really wanted somebody to tell me this idea was expressed in the song! >//_//< You just made me very happy~
I still have your song in my head, by the way. I replayed it like crazy XD
Likewise for yours! Those chords keep repeating in my head. (～￣▽￣)～
The chromatic chords with the pedal bass tone sound ominous and with the echoey bass drum rhythm give an evil march sound that fits your villain well. There is a power in pieces that create an implied melody over piano chords. I like the progression you chose as it builds throughout the entire theme. My absolute favorite part about this track is the countermelody you use in the violins at the beginning and I would have loved to hear another variation of that especially when the energy picks up. The last chord is so unexpected, like the villain is playing a dirty trick. I think this track would sound right at home in a Fire Emblem track! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my. I'm so touched by your review @_@ Thank you! Especially coming from you: your submission is one of my three picks for the winner of this jam, if I'm being honest. 9_9
Just to address each point:
-The violin countermelody: that's my mom's favorite part too :P
And noted: for the full version of this song, I'll be considering your recommendation for more violin countermelodies.
-What you say about the power in "implied melody over piano chords"-- I know, right?! I always wanted to try my hand at this practice. This is actually my attempt at that. But of course I'm no Hans Zimmer (who I'm stealing this practice from, I mean I wish). So, how successful I was at it... I leave that to the comments ^^'
-I never played Fire Emblem. I'll check the soundtrack immediately. EDIT: Nevermind, I'm listening to it now. Holy sh*, I'm being compared to this!? I'm double-flattered!
Seriously grateful for your words. I mentioned it in your page, but both in your words and your music, it shows you know what you are doing, so that makes it more valuable. I realize you made similarly detailed reviews in every entry, and I did notice you were picking the things you liked to be the things you mention. Which speaks of how nice a person you are. But, just so you know. Do feel free to point out the negatives here too. I can work with pointers. ^^ Thanks again!
Your welcome! If you make a full version, I'd be very interested to hear it!
Your words flatter me! Honestly, my philosophy on music jams is that every single person who dedicates the time to create something for a jam should feel extremely proud of what they accomplished. I really enjoy highlighting the best parts of music for others. Yes, criticisms can be constructive, but oftentimes when given via text over the internet, it is hard not to hear a more negative/condescending tone or to take it personally. Music that you create is such a personal thing that if I am going to comment on something that didn't sit right for me, it has to be something that is workable or with reason with a clear musical explanation. One of my favorite things about video game music is that literally any genre counts and can fit in the right context. Telling someone I don't like a part of their music is not constructive, so if something doesn't sit right, in my opinion it is best to offer a small suggestion that is actionable and can help them grow as a composer without detracting from or minimizing the greatness that went into the rest of their music. Also, I find that positive feedback and pointing out what makes a song great is another excellent way to learn composition because it helps reinforce those positive aspects in future pieces while allowing for experimentation and growth in other areas that may still need maturation. As fellow musicians and composers, we should all build each other up and support one another! I genuinely look forward to these jams for the purpose of hearing ideas others have to share and to learn from things that I haven't thought of to try in my own music.
I'll get off my soapbox, but I do want to add that I also appreciate your dedication to comment on every single entry in a personalized manner. It's clear you share the same philosophies of building up other composers and helping each other grow. You should know that the time you put into acknowledging the work of others is immensely appreciated and at the same time is helping you also become a better composer in the process!
Aw, shucks, you are too kind ^//^ No, seriously, you are seriously kind. Yeah, for me, I usually like commenting on others' work as I would like to be commented on... I guess that's why I also point out "negatives" (though, they are not "negatives" as in meant to be read as failures, just things to improve... that I can think of... that I would personally do). That's why I said I really appreciate it if you, or anyone, mentioned if you notice something in particular. It's specially useful coming from a person who has the knowledge (and ear) to be able to point that stuff out.
--And, well, I have listened to my things so many times I already can't tell if it works or what doesn't... I'm guessing the sound quality could be better? (I'm using Sibelius virtual instruments instead of samplers). But I don't know if it sounds bad enough that it bothers anyone or not. And what should I take out, if I should. That kind of thing.
Though of course you are in no obligation to do anything, just to be clear XD Just mentioning I really respect your opinion, and don't feel inhibited to be a bit brutal around me. I'll be crying a bit on my pillow and then be good to go!
j/k j/k
I think it’s awesome that you are using Sibelius to write music- that’s my notation software of choice too (though my main DAW is Garageband- hoping to upgrade soon)! Using actual musical notation is such an awesome way to analyze your own music and figure out from an objective standpoint why your music sounds good, or easily identify what is wrong if it sounds off. I am honestly not one to make comments on sound quality (hence my use of GarageBand). I think of myself as a composer first (albeit a hobbyist) and music producer maybe tangentially. :D I'm trying to learn though!
I’m happy to dive deeper into constructive feedback if you are interested though, in the name of growing and developing as a composer. I think the caveat is that anything I say is my opinion solely, and I am by no means an expert. One thing that I have found in my own music to make stuff sparkle a little more is automating the volume of individual instruments. I know that this is difficult in Sibelius as dynamic markings and crescendos etc get you part of the way, but don’t exactly give you full control. When I listen carefully to your piece though, I think there are a few voices that I think deserve to stand out in the mix a little more and some that can stand to be more in the background. At 21”, the low strings (I think cellos) have a really interesting part that rises instead of walking down like the rest of the instruments. I think that instrument in that moment deserves to crescendo throughout that rising line to be heard more clearly. Also toward the end, at 26”, the high violins come in for some harmony support, but by nature of what register they sit in, they come in quite loud and abruptly. This is an instance in which I would mark them down a dynamic, even if they are marked the same as every other instrument, to create a more "even" balance. I would also crescendo into that note to avoid it suddenly stealing attention from the melody. I sincerely do think you’ve got a good piece here and had to think hard for something to write about! I hope you find this comment helpful, if not, feel free to disregard!
Yes! *Thank you!* This is good stuff! Yes, now you mention it, the high pitch note of the string right at the end killed my eardrums too at some point... then I forgot about it, instead of killing the sound -__- Thanks for reminding me of that. (Oh yes, I should have put a pianissimo notation there... it's supposed to be hinted, not steal the show... and people's auditive capacities O_o ) As for the chellos, they were a lot higher at some point... but I was advised to keep them sort of hidden under the main melody. The tango was a lot clearer with the chellos higher, too. I guess I need to find more ballance there, or play with dynamics.
Thanks very much for those notes! I'm crazy for your input, I could pay you for it. (A sort of beta-tester for music lol) Do tell me if you ever want feedback in anything you present, from here on out.
this is so good! Love the Dorian sound
Thanks! Really appreciate you saying that, I was worried about the sound coming across as "too much" ^^'
Thanks for dropping by!