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Pretty much have to agree with everything you’ve said, also the part feeling with feeling stuck in a rut. This is a great community. So, thanks y’all, and also yourself for being a part of it.

Biggest highlight was finding a place with likeminded people and hearing their entries. The community is very welcoming and friendly and the comments/critiques gave me determination that my work might not be just from the hands of an imposter. Having also the chance to help beginning composers is just awesome and I wish I would just have had something like this in my beginning times.

C'est magnifique! La musique que tu decris la mer est trop beau et comme dans en rêve.  

I think it’s the best, when I’m writing the rest of my critique in English. It is truly a wonderful picture you’re painting with your music. Such an awe-inspiring, beautiful and peaceful ambiance, I am very much enchanted by it.

Can’t say that I hear the FromSoftware connection, since I feel the sounds of those games are mostly frantic and very bombastic with many cluster chords. However, I feel like it could be part of some Lovecraftian story driven game.

Resolution – Very menacing and dark, I quite like it. The solo cello feels somewhat isolated in that thick dark ambience (in a very good way) and then the gloomy chanting, Pure bliss.

The Blade of the red mood – I feel the song could use even more dark energy, while still being solid by itself. I think adding some additional low woodwind like bass clarinet und contrabassoon could add a raspy and haunting Atmosphere. Also the low end sound somewhat thin to me and could use some additional boost, especially for the double bass. Maybe also adding some low brass like Tuba, for a more rounded bottom end, could do the trick.

Nonetheless solid entry.

Very pretty and endearing short songs.  

Come inside - has very much that lovingly character like a mother calling her children in. Heartwarming.  

Hangin’ out – nails that naïve and cheeky feeling of some friends hanging out together and having a blast of time. Also your work on the Rhodes and the additional chord voicings are done handsomely.  

Wonderful work!

Pretty much thankful SoundCloud brought me here. The sheer number of entries is overwhelming and hard to find the next good entry. But there you are. Very beautifully written tracks that are minimalistic in choice of instruments but then also executed very well for building that heartwarming atmosphere like being home. Though I feel some songs could use some additional length I really liked listening to them. Particularly “Maria’s Vision” resonated the most with me. But also Midas is a very strong entry by itself.

Somehow got here the wrong way around, since SoundCloud dropped one of your songs into my playlist. Having even heard some random few seconds I immediately knew I had to listen to all of it. So Here I am. This is simply remarkable. You’ve somehow managed to get a very LoFi sound, that evokes some resemblance to some old SEGA sounds, while mostly using very high-fidelity instruments like your Strings, vocals and Piano. Your songs have a very peaceful quality that oozes charm and variety (well Fearmonger is more of a banger than a peaceful song, but still). Very well done!

Calm but magical atmosphere you’ve created here. Your instruments are very fittingly chosen and I liked your string writing very much. However I feel like the inclusion of some woodwinds for doubling with the strings and adding some deep end with sound double bass and other instruments would have improve its depth of sound even more. None the less a very good entry.

Very upbeat with a great variety of ideas and sounds. I cannot even fathom how you’ve managed to write so much quality music in just a week and also learn a new DAW. Though I don’t know the capabilities of the iOS-Version of GarageBand, the sound is phantastic and rich. You’ve managed to get a higher production value out of your cell phone than some are able on their PC with a s**t-load of plugins (me included). Really like the your more dreamy songs with vocal. They’re like a mix of some older stemage songs mixed with some very upbeat indie artists.

PS. I cannot thank you enough for hosting such a wonderful event. It is my first time participating in something like this and I have only stumbled about this while talking to a friend about an other jam on this site. This is pretty much what I was looking for, for so many years. So thank you so much for creating a place for such a wonderful community!

This is some wonderfully done scoring work. But not only limited to the first song. Also, your more Game Boy inspired Songs sounded very well. True to its limitations and authentically done. Bravo!

I can’t really find the words to describe your OST. It really had everything. From sweet sounding spaces Atmospheres over gloomy and engaging sound worlds to desolate soundscape or chaotic dark dance hall like themes. You definitely know your craft and how to use it to build an intriguing ambiance. I can do nothing more than tip my head and say awesome work!

Calming Waters – You’ve really managed to capture that beauty like in Abzu but in a quite different style. Really liked it.

Battle Against the Nautilus – I feel like I should be using a shovel to fight that monster. Greatly appreciate the different organs you’ve been using in there.

Cephalopoda Theme – While I wanted to clobber down that Nautilus with a shovel, I feel like I want to cuddle the other cephalopods. Very sweet and calm idea.

All in all a very cool entry.

I have to commend the effort. Playing every part even in orchestration or other productions can be hard. But playing everything live into an instrument is its own kind of challenge and that also nicely done. Really dig the groove you’ve used. Wasn’t expecting that out of a waltz, like you’ve mentioned in your description. I also liked how you’ve managed to reapply your main motive in different styles and sounds. Nicely done!

Oh boy! That is some really dark Atmosphere, I love it! It’s like fighting Flowey a whole new different time. Really love what you’ve done with the Amen Break in “vs machine pt2”. Very sinister. Can’t get enough.

I think I stumbled through your entry on YouTube prior to the deadline of this jam. Quite the manifolded piece you got there. I think it has everything a cool retro game OST needs. Cathy rhythm, spars but interesting harmony with a floaty melody and of course that soring raspy but wonderful sound. Really got your vision of the game through, though it might sounded a bit more like Mega Man underwater to me :D. Great job!

Great to see so many beginning composers here and being determined to submit to something like this. I pretty much envy what you’ve done. If I had been younger I wouldn’t been able to produce such cool music like you’ve done. You’ve managed to create some pretty atmospheres with a relaxed but interesting texture. While I can commend your work, I do feel like there could be things done differently. So here are some thoughts.

Sad – The D Dorian is an interesting choice.  Although I feel like having the A-flat in there makes it a bit to dangerous sounding. Also I feel like the voicing of the strings should vary more. I think it is mostly due to the droning Viola on de A. Changing the drone certainly add some more harmonic richness a give different meaning to the same melody. Also having some instruments not playing like pads might be a great idea to loosen up the sound or give some additional movement. Maybe trying to give one of the strings an ostinato or arpeggio can give more depth

Happy – Really dig the bouncy nature of the groove. I feel like adding some deeper bass playing in some short patterns could enhance that rhythm. Like before I believe adding some variation could be very much benefitting. Maybe change the melody throughout your instruments and let them play different parts. Also a cool Idea is to let them commend each other like a question answer theme (like a group of friends reacting to each other).

Memory – I quite like the idea here. Though I feel like it is the same as beforehand. Though a good Idea it somewhat gets dragged out other the time. Some variation in tone-colour or voicing could help. Maybe, as a simple idea, try going through multiple memories. Maybe some are frightening, some tear driving and some other laughably funny. Let the different emotions drag you and your listener through the song.

Replax – I feel like it could be more of a part of Memory other than being its own thing, Although it has some more movement and evolvement. I do believe that this could use some more ear candy. Some more noises and soundscape the catches the listeners attention and adds to the feeling you’re trying to evoke. Like in Sad it could be also beneficial to add some movement into the instruments by adding some ostinatos or arpeggios to contrast the long padded sounds of the strings.

Though the critique might sound harsh, I really enjoyed listening to your OST. Don’t let yourself get deterred and keep on composing.

This is definitely the most outstanding entry! Somewhat like if Aggretsuko was about a shrimp with some country ass rapping. I’m positive this could be part of a late 90s/ early 2000 award winning underground indie game, really got that frantic chaotic energy in there. And now I need that shrimp fried up between some buns, lettuce and some lime sauce. Shrimply delicious.

Who doesn’t love some Bossa nova in the evening? Great choice of chord voicings and phantastic work on the Rhodes. Really love the simple arrangement, it’s spars but noticeable working for you and your track. Got somewhat reminded of Dire dire docks. Nicely done.

Dark dreamy vibes that are still playful for the listener. I feel somewhat reminded of some Scandinavian/Icelandic ambiance, especially for the first two tracks. Really dig your chosen sound design. It has a certain grimy attitude that intrigues me, but is never too scratchy to hinder the listening experience. Very nice entry!

I don't want to be harsh by any means or want to be a gatekeeping asshole. But I also feel like you deserve a honest opinion.

I feel like most comments criticising the mix are trying to hide behind that. The mix shouldn’t be a problem to show an idea or give an overview of the song nether dose the quality of instruments. Besides there is an download link to a better version. However, I believe there are some problems with the song you’ve submitted. 

First of all I feel like your song has quite some hiccups and falls out of rhythm from time to time. Especially with the quite straight drumming it is kind of distracting. Using a quantization should do the trick.

Secondly, I feel like you’ve had an idea but didn’t manage to take the time how to approach it properly. Most of the song is quite repetitive and the melody feels very uninspired and phoned in. From 00m:00s to 00m:32s everything is fine. But then it’s missing some evolvement. Though the drums are a nice idea, repeating everything beforehand and just layering isn’t always the best Idea. I feel like adding some harmonic context and maybe adding an arpeggio to add some movement to loosen up everything can add a whole new dimension.

Having said that I feel like the Melodies are my biggest problem. The best advice I can give you, is to really listen to some other works. Most of the time you’ll find to things with them. Firstly, they are like a singing voice, so you’ll find pauses like breathing. Also, they are never just running through the whole scale or pentatonic in random order. The best way to check,is to really try to hum your melody. If it is great it will stick. Try giving it meaning, maybe the melody describes the descend into the deep water and your melody reflects that or it describes a drowsy witch with some chromaticism and so on and so forth.

Yes, my advice can be somewhat contradicted by your mentioned inspiration of Bolero. But I have to say that Bolero is quite a hard rock to chew and is a quite challenging song. Altering the main melodies and changing it through multiple instruments and stacking different timbre for additional harmonic content is a balancing act that is its own art and Ravel having a neurological disorder by that time is its own can of worms.

don’t want to discourage you in any way or form or even want to bash you or your composition. It is a part we all had struggled through and needed to work on, so I have to commend that you’ve submitted your work. So please don’t let my words be a letdown. Hopefully we might see us in a following contest. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and also fun in your embarked journey.

Little sweet bewitching OST. You've nailed that haunted house vibe with a more light-hearted style. I really like the style of your arrangement and writing. It has woven quality that is very enchanting. Also, your harp writing beautifully done.

Cool collection of some pretty versatile and sweet Ideas with a splendid soundscape (especially for "the Aquarium"). Really liked the structure of your songs. Everything sounded quite cohesive with a good arc. Bravo!

Intriguing buildup in all of your songs with a very thick and gloomy atmosphere. Great drive and cool sounddesigne. Really liked your submission.

Your songs really have an interesting drive and rhythm that is quite catching. Quite variable roster you've presented here with also some very interesting ideas. Really liked Subaquatic Saunter.

Your soundtrack catches that grand magical adventure vibe very well.

The Diamond Heard ) Very epic and you feel the gead adventure starts. I feel like I stand on the frond border of a ship as the waves clashing in.

Winds and Wispers) forboding, enchanting mystical atmosphere.

Beyond the Veil) Great finale. It also catches that adventure feeling but with a heavyer aditude, like in the middle of the climax.

Nicely done

I didn't know what to expect after the first song, since it was quite the ride, but it really paid off to stay. Very bittersweet sound quality that makes you feel at home. I truly enjoyed the listen.

Very calm and minimalist soundscape. Lightweight and dreamy atmosphere that surrounds the listener like a lush fog. Good work!

Very upbeat and lighthearted soundtrack. Really liked the combination of bassoon and steel drum as the main instruments in most of your pieces. All in all nice work.

Quick tip fore anybody whatching afterwards, watch the YouTube. You get some additional fitting animations and an additional cute storytelling of the scene you are listening to.

Lush and clean orchestration with an intriguing mix of different sounds and noises. Really appreciate the chamber orchestra for the emotional effect and closeness especially in combination with the very good arrangement and mix. I got nothing to say but to tip my head and linger and to listen more. Excelent work!

Also short nerdy question, if you'd allow. What was the Vocal library you where using on "False sun of shadow"? I am really looking for that hungarian choire. Additionally what is the library in the beginning of "Guilt That Fades Away"? Really loved the wavyness of the strings. Kind of had something of a minimalism piece

Well, for this project it was kind of a happy accident I suppose. Sorry for the long post ahead. I already tried to shorten it down, but I’m kind of a blabbering monkey when getting to the itty bitty stuff. If someone likes to discuss the process or want further information, feel free to contact me.

The original theme Havet og Marah was firstly only written for Synths and wasn’t intended as part of the Project. Also the project then was named “Carried by the wind”. I only wrote the first half of the song to try out my new midi-controller with poly aftertouch and was trying out an emulation of an Yamaha CS 80, promptly after the moto for this jam was announced. After some consideration I’ve added the second part with only a harp as an ostinato. The main melody came only a few days after. Afterwards I decided to add a full orchestra and wrote the additional brass, woodwinds and strings.

Rolig sjødans was only written after I decided to use  the first song for the jam. I wanted, besides the main theme, something to represent that this is part of a game. So I chose an overworld theme and something like a boss or chase theme (that was becoming to be Det skremmer meg). I already knew three things for the overworld theme. First of all, the theme should start with the main melody of Havet og Mara to tie it in more. Secondly, the theme should be structured in different stages represent the different stages of waviness the character can encounter while crossing the sea (still water, rippled water, big waves). Also I knew I wanted a bassoon to play the melody. Since I’ve already established the size and assembly of my orchestra, I’ve used that as a starting point. Also the strange noise you are hearing in the beginning and end of the song are meant as a que für when the user is able to control Marah or better to say when she spawns in and out of the full view.

Det Skremmer meg was only written in about five to six hours and was almost cut, since the time was running out. I already knew what I wanted to describe with the music  but didn’t hat a melody or theme in mind yet. But after some experimentation in the earlier songs I had already established some synths and Sample-libraries I wanted to use. After some experimentation the song was born.

For mixing I always try to get as close to the real world as possible. For orchestra I always consider the standard semi-circle. Also for microphoning the different sections I have my established workflow. Strings always heavy on the Decca tree, add some close mics for details and set the ambience mics low. Woodwinds heavy on the close mics with a little Decca tree and some ambience and additional reverb. Brass always set the close as low as possible, set Decca tree fittingly with ambience and outrigger to get the full room sound. Every instrument gets some EQ-treatment but never more than 3 dB to not change the original sound. The whole orchestra then gets its own mix bus with some compression and some additional reverb and distortion (tape emulation). Also if necessary some stereo enhancer. It is also the same for the master bus. I mostly used a parallel compressor with only a few dB of compression, a reverb with only 10-15% mix and also some tape emulation.

Very pretty and chilling. Though it might not nail the old Dreamcast FM-Sound to 100%, it definitely got the style and feeling nailed to a tee with a very polished sound to it. I realy enjoyed it. Also very nice touch with the lore to this forgotten media.

Really nailed the phantasmal feeling you where aiming for. Like swimming in a kelp forest with the light glistening around. Great ambience with a very fitting soundscape.

Like Synlyfe said, it has a very ethereal quality. Really love the stereo pads paired with the strings and the use of some more unusual but insteresting instruments, like Koto and Jew Harp. Defenetly nails that water dungeon vibe.

This song keeps evolving and showing its many beautiful facettes. It sounds and feels like a cool breeze shouting over the sea spouting up silt and fine drips of water on a hot day. And I can't get enouth of it. A very calming motive with need sound flourishes and a sparce but stong instrumentation. Stunning work! I am pretty stoked what's to come next of you.

It is very true, that this project needs some furthor pollish. Especialy the strings, since they aren't my strongsuite. Thou I'm thankfull you didn't mind and liked it nether the less.

I had to look up Simon Stålenhag, since I didn't know him yet. Very stunning artwork. Glad you've mentioned him. Definitely something to get inspired by.

To be honest, I didn't expect such positive words for my work at all. I am stunned and also thrilled you liked it. I will make shure you won't be disappointed :)

Thank you so much comment. It really means something.

You're pretty much bang on with the Blade Runner comparison. I've used mostly throughout this hole projekt an emulation of an CS 80, which also was heavily used by Vangelis for Blade Runner.

I am very much humbled by your kind words and am very thankful for this detailed critique. It very much gives me determination to see what's up ahead.

First of all thank you for your kind words and also your critic.

To be honest, I kind of get where you coming. The mix seem to have some odd graininess and lost some sharpness. Also having been a bit heavy handed with wow and flutter of some cassette emulation. I think I should defenetly do so and revisit this afterwards.