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Arkane

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Blog Entries posted by Arkane

  1. Arkane
    This was a post I did on some thread a couple of hours back. Thought it deserved its own blog or something.
    I've had tons of people criticize my music. Like I always say, when people throw shit at you, you convert those poop to fuel.
    But like I said. I've had tons of people critique me that most of what they say contradicts each other. This resulted in me choosing the people allowed to critique me. Now, hear me out. I don't go looking for yes men. I vehemently despise the though of myself being surrounded by worshipers. It makes me cringe. I'm looking for harsh critics, ones that aren't afraid to say "Your music sucks and you should kill yourself!" But I make sure that they give me something beneficial to work with. A suggestion, hints and tips, how certain things go, and the like. I only let experienced producers and musicians criticize me. And when I say experienced, I mean those who have been exposed to the field for more than 15 years since they actually know what they're talking about.
    With that said, It has gotten me alot of good things. Rather than trying to take everyone's critiques, I only take the ones who are legitimate. Not just some musician that happens to have 10000 subscribers or something. If I could compare my current self from 5 years ago, doing this sort of routine has done wonders for me. I currently work for film producers, indie game developers, commercials and whatnot.
    What do I do about those criticisms who aren't in my field? I disregard them since they lack the legitimacy. I mean, its good if your an amateur musician and you take criticisms from everyone, but when your planning on entering the professional world, the best option is to find proper and good criticisms is from professionals. And come to think of it, I don't know jack about reading music stuff.
  4. Arkane
    I dont get the hate.
     
    I mean, the show hasn't even aired yet and we're having tons of paragraphs of hate all over the place already. If the concept is enough to make them cringe, then what's the purpose of them coming back and writing paragraphs or starting a debate of how terrible the show is gonna be?
     
    Already, we've seen people claiming that the show is all about teen drama, high school romances and such. But have they actually seen the show? It hasn't even aired yet and here they are implying their asses off of these things.
     
    I know they're expressing their opinions and all and I respect that. But is it necessary? Will it benefit those who are actually looking forward for the show?
     
    Why cant they just move along with their life and find something else that they enjoy? Its not that hard! But here they are, bashing on their keyboards trying to convince everybody like a sanctimonious evangelist that the show is bad.
     
    I can imagine someone answering these questions with the words "Because I want to."
     
    But, again, is it necessary?
  5. Arkane

    Human Ponies?

    By Arkane,

    Enjoy with what you're given. Don't whine and bitch about the things you want to happen. Its not your show.
     
    If you don't like it, move on.
     
    If you cant, Get the fuck out of the fandom.
  6. Arkane
    HOLY SCHMITT! I CAN MAKE A BLOG THINGY?! REALLY?! Wow.. I didnt know that.. Well.. might as well make use of it. I've got nothing to do anyways.
     
    WARNING: BAD GRAMMARING AND ENGLISH; I SOORY ICANNOT ENGLISH WELL,
     
    ---
     
    Hello all! I guess a proper introduction of what the hell I'm writing about would be appropriate. To make it short, I'm working on a Symphonic Metal Album called "The Crystal Empire Saga". That's about it.
     
    So, What's so special about it? Well, I'm incorporating a plot to the album. Meaning that its heavily driven by a story.
     
    How? The album will have voice overs in them to properly deliver the story to the listener. Imagine an Audio Drama.
     
    Will there be singing? Chances are that singing will be implemented in the sequel and not on this one. This is because the album is centered primarily on the understanding the background lore of the actual story. The real story will be the sequel. This is just the background story of how everything came to be.
     
    How many songs will it have? I've already finished all the tracks. There are a total of 16 tracks. 8 of them are Interludes (Tracks that progresses the story. These tracks have an approximate duration of only a minute and a half), 6 of them are the main songs (These tracks contain the Important parts of the Story. These Tracks are three to five minutes long), and 2 are Bonus Tracks.
     
    What's the story about? The only thing I can tell you for now is that its a revision of the Season 3 Premiere Episode of mlp. The Story has been twisted to have a much darker and militarized feel.
     
    Can you give us a sample the songs? Sure! Click HERE to have a listen. Well.. its not really a song but more of a teaser. HERE'S Another one if you'd like. But it has no voice overs yet. Actually, I've released some of the main songs already but they're not in their final mix.
     
    Then what's the point of making an album with your already released songs? The Story that comes along with the song. Sure, I may have already plopped up in some places the songs in my album but they lack the story that was supposed to come with it.
     
    Will there be a version WITHOUT the voice overs? Eeyup.
     
    Can I use your songs for my [insert Project Here] once you release them? Certainly! Just credit the people who made this possible.
     
    People? Yes! I am not alone in this endeavor. I have someone to write for me a detailed story of the plot (And so far, it looks freaking beast!). I have also collaborated with someone who is very knowledgeable with classical music!
     
    When's the release? I don't know, to be honest. I want this to have quality. I want it to have that professional feel (Though I'm not certain that it'll have one). I don't have a deadline to follow because I'm using all the time I have to make this as good as possible.
     
    There we go.. I think I've tackled enough here. That's basically it. I'll be posting up entries soon if ever I make progress with the album. I just hope someone reads this xD
     
    Oh, and btw! Here's what the album cover looks like!
     

     
    Nifty eh? Well.. I've babbled long enough. Wish me luck with this Album!
     
    EDIT: And yes. The Cover was made using Powerpoint.
  7. Arkane
    For them people who don't know what VST is, it means "Virtual Studio Technology. What it does is pretty simple. It acts as your DAW's (Digital Audio Workstation, e.g. FL Studio, Cubase, etc, etc.) instruments.
     
    Now that that's taken care of, here's an incomplete list of the VSTs I use and what I think about them, what they're good for, their downsides. But since this is a drunk rant, expect a half assed review on them.
     
    1. Edirol Orchestra

     
    I've been using Edirol as far as I can remember. Its a complete orchestra, excluding the choir, and its only 110mb in size. Its got strings, brass, winds, percussion and all that guff and fluff. I can still remember back then that I thought that there was no other VST out there that would sound near realistic as this. But damn, I was wrong miles off. Its small, reliable, but not really authentic sounding. Once you get used to it, you'll be able to recognize the sounds coming from this a mile away. That doesn't mean that its a bad VST. I still use this today actually. Its strings are good for making your pieces sound big but I wouldnt recommend them being the lead of your pieces. Edirol doesnt take up too much memory. Hell, your computer wouldnt even know it was there since its so lightweight.
     
    2. Miroslav Philharmonik

     
    This is basically like edirol but with choirs, acoustic guitars and organs and a hell lot more authentic sounding. Well, I guess it isnt like edirol afterall. But yeah. what else would you expect from a 7gb VST? Its a complete Orchestra set. By complete, I mean it has everything you need to create a lush sounding orchestra. It doesnt eat too much memory too. I mostly use this one for its nice sounding lucious strings.
     
    3. Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra

     
    If you've ever wanted to try and make an orchestra piece but don't have the budget to buy expensive VSTs, then Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra's got your back. The samples were recorded from real instruments though some are made using other softwares. Though there are some parts of it that sounded like the pitch was artifically altered. The winds are absolutely fantastic. The percussions from this one have a really nice oomph to it. Choir isnt that great though. But come on, its bucking free! Get it here if you want: sso.mattiaswestlund.net/download.html
     
    4. EWQL Colossus

     
    EWQL is notorious for there incredibly large files. If you want to have a really high quality VST but don't have the space or the cash to buy EWQL's other products, then I'd recommend Colossus. It isnt just for orchestra though it contains a complete orchestra too. It has synth, guitar, drum samples. Literally an almost complete musician's toolbox, if you will. Its 32gb but worth the size.
     
    5. EWQL RA

     
    If your looking for a VST that does ethnic sounds, then RA's what your looking for. I don't really use this much since I really can't find any use for this in my songs. The sounds are great but there are those occasional repeats of samples. Overall, its an excellent VST. Its around 14gb, I think? Can't remember.
     
    6. EWQL Gold Edition

     
    If you really really REALLY want a realistic sounding orchestra, then this one's for you. If Edirol and Philharmonik are good, then this is better. Well, not for me since I rarely use this one. But the general review for this one is excellent. Lush sounding strings, thick brass, oomphy percussion. 30+gb in size. IMO, you could just get miroslav and get the same result but if you really want to expand your library then by all means, get this one.
     
    I'm tired. I'll make part 2 tomorrow or something.
  8. Arkane
    With the new concepts Wolfenstein: The New Order has introduced, I think its easy to say that the game has the potential to be an RTS game.
     
    A Good premise would be that the Resistance has grown larger but still operate underground. They no ability to liberate a nation in their starting missions but through discovering other Da'at Yichud vaults, they become stronger and stronger. Few in number but powerful individuals. Nazis would be the usual shock and awe. Striking fast and hard or slow and precise, they resolve conflicts through the force of their massive numbers.
     
    When a Nazi spy manages to slip through the ranks of the resistance and manages to gain information about the other Da'at Yichud vaults, the war has turned into a race of who gets to these vaults first. Smash and grab would be the main style with story missions here and there to expand on characters, lore, etc.
     
    Nazi base building would be strong, permanent, and stands as a defensive structure on its own. They start out powerful but slow but they eventually go weaker to some extent but faster. Resistance base building would be weak, defenseless, but incredibly fast. Having the ability to relocate aswell. That is, until they're able to reach a Da'at Yichudesque level in their tech tree. Once they do, they'd be equal to the Nazis. Permanent strongholds with powerful defenses and the like.
     
    Nazi resource management would revolve around setting up prisons and whatnot. Sort of like a Black Market or a Supply Drop from Generals. A Self sustaining economy, if you will. Resistance resource management would resort in scrapping any material they can find in the battlefield. Alternatively, though it maybe later in their tech tree, they could establish an espionage center of sorts in which they could steal resources <self sustaining economy, no more hunting for scraps>, information <revealing them in the map>, or technology <adds additional units>. Though I would assume that there would only be one available espionage center per game and when one function is on, the others are disabled permanently.
     
    I continue to talk about mechanincs, online gameplay, boring stuff. Didnt bother to add.
  9. Arkane
    <WARNING! LOTS OF SWEAR WORDS! DIDNT WANT TO EDIT IT TO PRESERVE ITS THINGYNESS>
     
    "No one listens to my songs. I'll never be famous!"
     
    u wot m8?
     
    So, your motivation in composing songs is because you want to keep up with the big heads? because you want people to recognize you? Can't making music just be for the sake of creating? I mean, yeah, I feel disappointed whenever I make a song I know I worked hard on get ignored. I sometimes feel insignificant when I'm being compared to the big heads. But that never stopped me from making more music. I make music because I feel like it. I make music because I love that feeling that your were able to accomplish something that sounds amazing. What makes me feel better is that I pity the people who will never get to hear my pieces. I mean, yeah, I have tons of songs in my youtube channel but those are just, like, 5% of the total songs I've made.
     
    Look at me, I'm a talentless hack but I can still make music even though I cant read fucking notes or chords. But all those crap never hindered me. I just kept making and making for myself. Making music isnt about getting noticed by people of how amazing your musicality is. I know I sound fucking cheesy and cliche but making music has been about expression. Its always been about that. There's nothing in between.
     
    So fucking what if they're famous? So fucking what if no one would listen to your song? Keep on making them anyway because fuck them. Or not. Its up to you.
  11. Arkane
    Heya!
     
    Tis been a long time since I blabbered about TCES.
     
    I've absolutely nothing to say, actually. Except for some updates and possible changes for Act 2.
     
    If you haven;t listened to Act 1 yet, here it be. 8D
     

     
    Now for the Updates!
    Its no longer just the usual Orchestra. Its going to be Symphonic Rock/Metal!
    Some POSSIBLE changes in voice actors.
    moo~*
    wau wau <3
    nya! ^w^
    baa~!

    Sorry. >.<
     
    That's all.
     
    ---
     
    EDIT:
     
    BTW! I have some minor characters that need voice actors!
     
    Requirements:
    - Decent/Good Mic
    - Must be able to scream/shout. Not a fake throaty scream/shout. Like AAAAAAAAAAAAGH scream/shout.
    - Delivers lines ASAP.
  14. Arkane
    I kinda felt that the voice of the Black King deserves a bit more attention. And that is why I'm writing is Entry. I'm going to blabber about the Voice of the Black King! Woot Woot!
     
    This is how the Black King sounds like:
    https://pony.fm/tracks/5-the-crystal-empire-saga-teaser1
     
    He was voiced by yours truly (though this is still subject to change until I find a much more suitable voice actor. UP FOR GRABS!! :DD ). The final mix is composed of Three tracks. Each Tracks are heavily modified to achieve that grunty scary evil sounding distortion in the voice. A Bunch of Custom Chorus, Flange and Reverb effects were used to achieve this final mix.
     
    Here is another sample of the Black King using scratched dialogue from the Album
     
    http://soundcloud.com/arkanemetal/the-black-king-voice-1/s-KWXOo
     
    And here's the Black King doing a stereotypical evil laugh.
     
    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
     
    I have to admit that it was a bit hard on pulling off a satisfactory voice effect for a character that had little to no character progression in the series. The lack of dialogue didnt help as well. How am I supposed to know his accent if his only line was "Crrryyyyyyystaaaaaaaaaaals.."?! xD
     
    There have been many renditions before this one. Most of them stemmed from default presets from my Audio Mixer -AND- from trying to mimic StarCraft voices. (Mostly the Zerg voice)
     
    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/WATCH
     
    So, yeah.. That's pretty much all I can say about the Black King's voice. If you're interested in the voice effects, feel free to comment! I'll put it here for everyone to see.
  15. Arkane
    I just had a thought when I was in class.
     
    Its about the songs already released being in the Album.
     
    I thought: "What's the point of rereleasing them if they're already out there, being listened to by hundreds of people?"
     
    That was when I decided to redo some of the tracks of the album. The one's you've probably heard in my youtube channel, soundcloud account or any other sites you might have listened to will no longer be a part of the story. Instead, new songs will replace them. The old ones will till be a part of the Album as bonus tracks.
     
    [[[ EDIT: I've linked my YT and SC acc up there ^ for you to listen to them. :DD ]]]
     
    I've also thought about changing interludes. The pattern for the Track arrangement was:
    - Prologue
    - Intro
    - Interlude
    - Main Song
    (And so on and so forth...)
    - Interlude
    - Epilogue

    I'm planning on making the arrangement more dynamic and to make it look less "pre-arranged." I've also thought about Making the Interludes longer. This might decrease the number of tracks, but hey! I'm working on making it better! :DD
     
    We'll see where it leads us.
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