Hi guys,

I've been so lucky as to be making and researching symphonic metal for my Honours in Music.

I've now completed the track and survey for my research, and I'd like to invite you all to take part

SoundClound link - "Dawn"
https://soundcloud.com/skybreak-1/01-dawn

Qualtrics Survey link
http://jcubusiness.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?S...3yh7vMXS3bqhZw9

Also a facebook page, cus why not; https://www.facebook.com/symphmetalresearch

Cheers !

Hi mate, congrats on the Symphonic track! It sounds very interesting. What can you tell about it? How did you work on it? Who is the singer? What software did you use to record it?

Howdy man

I am listening and completing the survey as well - I think it's a complex track and it features the important elements of the genre, but I would like to point out a few things as I see them, that could improve the piece:

- the voice goes a bit off pitch in some places and is generally too low for the vocalist
- the track lacks dynamics - a bit too linear sometimes

As Gabi said, please do share some details about the project as it's clear it's interesting

Maybe you would like to practice some symphonic metal based lessons which would add elements of vocabulary to your book I was thinking about these:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Sympho...Legato_Workout/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Winter-Tune/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Winter-Tune-II/

Thanks for the replies guys I haven't checked in before as I thought I got emails when my thread got responses, so thought there was no responses until I randomly checked today. First, thanks Cosmin for taking the time for the survey, every response counts. The research is done and I've published two more tracks as well. Playlist for all 3 here https://soundcloud.com/skybreak-1/sets/dawn-till-dusk

The first two tracks were made together and largely the same way, while the third track - Dusk - was a little different.

Dawn and Zenith started as "in style of" Kamelot and Nightwish respectively, starting with guitar riffs. While those influence sort of muddled away throughout production, that was the initial idea. So both tracks were written as guitar riffs, then added drums, arranged by Dean Kyle and performed by Justin Cataldo. Vocalist on both is Rebecca McHutchinson. Cosmin's right about the notes on vocals, this could have been avoided if I worked with Bec initially, instead of including her after everything else was written (and mostly fully recorded). I made ideas and sample for bass guitar and orchestral keyboards by MIDI, which was later recorded by Gavin Forno and Mark Wyer respectively. Guitars, some atmospheric orchestra samples on Dawn and brass MIDI on Zenith were my own performances. Guitars recorded with ZOOM H6 in my room, the rest at the recording studio of the University I attend. Used Pro Tools 10 and 11 while recording/editing and EWQL Instruments for samples.

On Dusk, there was a bit of time pressure, as well as I wanted something completely my own (artistic ownership/stubbornness, whatever). That track is therefore made entirely of samples from EWQL Instruments, excluding drums which were EZDrummer loops, and guitars (acoustic rhythm, electric rhythm, electric lead and ukulele) and vocals, which I recorded myself.

I'm happy with the overall of all the tracks, though I recognize I have a lot to learn about the recording setup for optimal sound capture, efficient/effective edit process and mastering to approach the commercial/record company standard.

I agree with the linearity as well - it definitely could have more builds and breaks.
I'll check out the links as well, cheers. Sub has run out but I can have a look anyway ^^,

This post has been edited by Scorpiotic: Nov 10 2014, 11:58 AM

Hi friend! This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing all the info behind this tracks. I can say that there is something to remark in your music, you have a very good sense of harmony and melody. Your compositions are tasty, and the only thing that is still lacking is experience with arranging, production and recording.

Now let's talk about "Dusk". Congrats on doing all the job by yourself! It's very rewarding to listen to a piece of music in which you composed, arranged and recorded all the instrument. I like the overall idea and I can really understand it. However, there are some details to adjust regarding your voice notes and the backing track. I notice that you have pitch problems while you sing and it generate a weird effect between the band and the voice. Even with that problem, I can note that the idea is cool.

In order to fix this problem, I recommend you to first define the melody with an instrument (it can be your guitar or a synth one set in flute or something) using the scale that fits over this backing. Then, try to sing exactly those notes in pitch with your voice, the difference should be notorious.

Finally about the notifications thing, please be sure to click the "enable email notification of replies" when you answer here.

Thanks for the feedback Gab
Yea I'm not too confident in my vocals yet, working on it. Nicee suggestion about using an instrument to guide/match the vocals, I'll keep it in mind for next time

This post has been edited by Scorpiotic: Nov 10 2014, 03:59 PM

Great! That's a good trick to define melodies and be sure that they fit good with the tune.

What do you know about harmony and theory? Do you have a good knowledge of chord progressions and scales?

I comfortable with the basics, I think, but that's pretty much it. I don't know much about chord progressions, but have some scales knowledge.

Hey mate - great to see you back The survey was interesting - I had gained a bit of insight on how this is done, myself, so the time invested was mutually beneficial! Now, in order to add a bit to Gabi's idea - I would like to make some recommendations in terms of theory, so that you won't need a subscription in order to be able to read and then discuss on them

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...showtopic=49797 - typical chord progressions
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...showtopic=49799 - these topics here, are based on better understanding the relationship between notes and the chords they are being played on
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...?showtopic=6023 - modal chord progressions

Please start reading these one by one and then, let's discuss on them as you encounter questions or thoughts, deal?

Well, Cosmin suggested great links to learn more about chord progressions, if you want to expand your scales knowledge I recommend you to check my Improvisation Course: HERE

Cosmin;

Glad to hear it was interesting on the survey part too I will definitely give those links a read and report back

And I'll have a look at your course as well Gab

Cheers

Awesome, mate Looking forward to your thoughts and questions