Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

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Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Welcome to the Libre Music Challenge, a very serious silly competition. You can win. You can lose. There are no real prizes. Have fun playing and seeing what others enter.

Win or lose, your recording will be archived online for the long haul.

In this competition, we goad one another to create a new musical recording using only Libre Software. Libre software (also confusingly called Free Software and sometimes Open Source Software) is software that respects the freedom of users by ensuring that users are free to study and, if they like, modify the software source code; free to use the software however they like and to share their modifications with others. Can’t beat all that. One place to learn more is https://www.gnu.org/. (Please note: many libre music programs run on all popular operating systems, not only GNU-based systems.)

Why enter? The goal of completing a track with only 4 weeks to do it is a great way to gain experience, learn more about the software tools available for creating music using libre software, and to show off what you can do in a safe and friendly competition.

To enter the competition, all you have to do is post a new musical track made using only libre software, according to guidelines that change with each new round of the contest.

This month’s guidelines are given below. This post is also an entry form: copy and paste the form below and fill it out when you post your track.

After all the tracks are in, who votes? The entrants themselves.

Guidelines for “Begin then finish”

The core of this challenge is to begin a brand new track and finish it up and post it in only 4 weeks. Budget your time carefully: if you spend all your time recording, you’ll have no time to produce a mix. If your musical idea is too complicated, you won’t get it done in time.

Begin and finish what, though?

Prompt: Tell the audience a story

Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form.

This means that first, at the start your track should introduce a solid home base: a groove, a beat, or other singular musical idea. Call this A.

Second, your track should make an interesting shift to a second musical idea. This could be a chorus, or a breakdown, or an interesting modulation and second melody - anything like that. This is B.

Third, you should return to the home base of A, but a little differently this time. Maybe you include elements from part B or maybe not. Whatever you do, it should wrap up with a satisfying ending. This is close to A but not A, so call it A’.

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your A-B-A’ structure:



Voters: clear A-B-A’ structure? [yes/no]

Voters: if you have to pick only two entries to share with your friend to convince them to join the contest next time, might this be one of them? (It is OK to vote for more than two). [yes/no]



Do a decent production and mix

If you are not skilled at this yet, congratulations: you’re far from alone.

Try to give each musical voice (each separate instrument or whatever) a distinct space in the mix where it can be heard cleanly. Try to create an overall spatial feel.

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your mix:



Voters: would you say, of the mix:

[ could be improved / fine / very nice ]

Voters: regardless of your answer above, have you got any links to pages that help teach mixing basics? or other suggestions?



Optional Categories: use of featured software:

This month, we’re encouraging people to check out these programs. If you are unable to use these or are just uninterested, don’t sweat it – these are separate voting categories.


Optional Category: use of Bespoke

For information about the bespoke synthesizer and sound processor see: https://www.bespokesynth.com/

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using bespoke)? [y/n]

…any notes you want to add:



Voters: What do you think of this use of bespoke?

[meh / neat / hey now! / wow!]




Optional Category: use of Cardinal

For information about Cardinal see: https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using Cardinal)? [y/n]

…any notes you want to add:



Voters: What do you think of this use of Cardinal?

[meh / neat / hey now!/ wow!]




Optional Category: check out my chops!

This category is for people who want to show off their chops using traditional instruments (flute, guitar, drums, keyboards, and so forth).

Note: This is not a “who can shred the best” category. In other words, if someone enters a really easy to play one-string guitar solo that is just so well processed and so tasty and in just the right place, and another contestant gives a kind of technically correct but lifeless performance of a difficult piece by Rachmaninoff, guess who should win.

Contestant: Are you playing in this category?
[y/n]

What instruments (and any other note you’d like to make)?



Voters: What do you think?

[ nice / I really like that / now you’re just showing off and I like it ]




Entry Submission

Entries must be submitted as high quality audio files, preferably FLAC format, and posted or linked on this thread at linuxmusicians.com:

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=24523


Deadline is Saturday, 4 June 2022
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by d.healey »

Any minimum/maximum length the track should be?
David Healey
YouTube - Free HISE scripting and sample library dev tutorials
Libre Wave - Freedom respecting instruments and effects.
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

Sorry for the delay. I forgot to check here for a few days. No, we talked briefly about min/max times but it was already getting too complicated so I left those out.
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by LAM »

8)

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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by bsg75 »

Here is my contribution for Libre Music Challenge #16:
https://soundcloud.com/sg75_2/words-that-start-with-aba

THX, @Thomas Lord for organizing this round. I like the theme a lot. :D
I was fun as always and as always leaving the comfort zone was necessary.

The track is made with Ardour, Helm, Geonkick, Tal-NoiseMaker, FDNCymbal, eSpeaker and my voice.

So, I had a sore throat and got a super deep voice from it.
I thought, it might be a good idea to record some samples.
Well, I like the samples but not the pain from the misuse ...
Don't do this, I cannot recommend it!

The fake guitar is a already over driven Helm patch send through Guitarix "Amplifier-X".
The "fast" kicks are 1/6 notes. The accompanying super metallic HH come from FDNCymbal, in short burst of *tuplets.

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your A-B-A’ structure:
It should be like a standard verse/chorus/verse structure ... but I got it wrong and started with the chorus :)
Each transition should feel normal (not constructed) and should build up a little more energy.
Eventually, the structure ended up being: A B A B B A A

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your mix:
Mixing is hard. I used quite some AirWindows plugins on the master bus: ToTape5, Wider and Texturize -
with automation of their dry/wet controls to build up loudness as track progresses.

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using bespoke)? [y/n]
No.

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using Cardinal)? [y/n]
No.

Optional Category: check out my chops!
There are some manually arranged vocal chops here and there.
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by LAM »

Here's my submission:
LAM - Turba Philosophorum

Made with:

BespokeSynth (https://www.bespokesynth.com/)

All sounds made with:

BespokeSynth oscillator

BespokeSynth fmsynth

BespokeSynth signalgenerator

BespokeSynth drumplayer (stock samples)

jpcima String machine (https://github.com/jpcima/string-machine)


Effects:

BespokeSynth internal effects

Airwindows plugins (http://www.airwindows.com/)

StereoEnsemble

Verbity

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your A-B-A’ structure:
Not much to say, I tried to stick to this "rule".

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your mix:
Everything is sequenced and mixed in BespokeSynth. I did it in a hurry, so not the best mix I could do. :lol:

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using bespoke)? [y/n]
Yes

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using Cardinal)? [y/n]
No.

Optional Category: check out my chops!
No chops. I sequenced and randomized a bit the drum part, the rest is generated by one note.

Image
Last edited by LAM on Sat Jun 11, 2022 3:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by MyLoFy »

Hey there,

here's my submission: "Galero" (= a traditional broad-brimmed hat of a cardinal)

https://soundcloud.com/mylofymusic/galero

Project files: https://mark.nl.tab.digital/s/ip8kRAPBT4XE6rJ

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your A-B-A’ structure:
A: A simple three chord structure in Cm (Cm Cm D# A#) with some arpeggios on top
B: More complex chord structure, main melody goes in chops through several patches
A: Back to the initial three chords, now with dramatic solos, toms and a ride cymbal!

Contestant: If you feel like it, say a word or two about your mix:
Just a few plugins, since Cardinal allows so much control already:

-ToTape5 to make low frequencies audible on small speakers
-Texturize, makes drums punchier
-ADClip7 and ClipOnly2 on the drums
-LSP Parametric EQ
-LSP Gate
-LSP Multiband Compressor for sidechaining lower frequencies
-Noise Repellent, my single coils are noisy as hell
-ACE Compressor
-x42 Parametric EQ
-Dragonfly Reverb
-Gxplugins for the lead guitar: gxtubescreamer, gxamplifierx, gxdelaystereo
-B.Schaffl: Does wonders on HiHats

Master chain:
-LSP Parametric EQ
-LSP Compressor
-ToTape5
-x42-dpl

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using bespoke)? [y/n]
Nope. Never really used it. Yet!

Contestant: Are you playing in this category (using Cardinal)? [y/n]
Oh, yes I am! 25 instances of Cardinal, quite a challenge for my old PC!

Optional Category: check out my chops!
Those are the audio chops used here:
-a red cardinal chirping in the beginning/end (CC0, https://freesound.org/people/kvgarlic/sounds/147594/) and
-a guitar solo in the end
Everything else is pure Cardinal.

License:
Music CC BY 4.0
Patches CC0
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

Study #1 for an eventual track called "All that's left".

Temporary location (will post a download link tomorrow): https://soundcloud.com/thomas-lord-3199 ... at-remains

A-B-A’ structure:

A: I started out just goofing around with the ii - I figure on the piano with the just the first and the fifth as a shell.
Added some simulated Yamaha YC-20.

B: Arpeggiated sus chord extension over the ii - I drone concept - but here the sus chord as melody
stands alone.

A': The combination of A and B with some use of GxEcho for the flock-of-birds-coming-in-to-land
cacophany.

In B and A, the violins are played using FluidSynth using a libre soundfont (that'll try to
provide a link for later.




Mix:


Recorded using Ardour 5-somehting (!). YC-20 simulation was outboard - I think the old plugin had a bug.

YC-20 also has an EQ on it (Calf, 5-band).

That EQ made a huge difference. The Echo hack is gimmicky but I like it. Came out kind of
sweet and melancholy (to me, at least) which is what I aimed for.

There is automation on the echo R/L "level" dials.

Other than levels, there is nothing more to the mix.

My intonation skills on keyboard have not yet manifest on this plane of existence so the dynamics of the
piece are a bit, um, "not quite".

Optional Category: use of Bespoke

I rather badly need to update my system before trying bespoke.


Optional Category: use of Cardinal

I did lose a few days to trying out Cardinal before figuring out
that if I didn't step away from it for a while, I'd spend the whole
month just doing *that*. So, no cardinal.
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

THIS IS THE BALLOT FOR LIBRE MUSIC CHALLENGE 16

Please vote by Sunday evening, June 12.

The contestants are:

1. bsg75:

viewtopic.php?p=145561&sid=1a7cebc3385a ... 9b#p145561

2. LAM:

viewtopic.php?p=145567&sid=1a7cebc3385a ... 9b#p145567

3. MyLoFy

viewtopic.php?p=145589&sid=1a7cebc3385a ... 9b#p145589

4. Thomas Lord

viewtopic.php?p=145612&sid=1a7cebc3385a ... 9b#p145612


First, let's just pick a top 2, specify by contestent tag
(e.g. "LAM" or "MyLoFy"). Feel free to vote for yourself.



1.
2.


With that out of the way, here are free response categories.
Please use contestent tags throughout to make it clear which
entry you are talking about.


See the original prompt (top of form) for elaboration on
what each category is about.

Feel free to comment on your own track or any track, even
those you didn't pick for top two.


CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."

[...comments?...]


CATEGORY: "decent mix"

[...comments?...]


CATEGORY: "use of Bespoke"

See the individual entries to see if they used Bespoke.

[...comments?...]


CATEGORY: "use of Cardinal"

See the individual entries to see if they used Cardinal.

[...comments?...]

CATEGORY: "chops" (use of instruments / instrument-style-controller)


See the individual entries to see what they used.

[...comments?...]
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by LAM »

Here are my votes:

1. MyLoFy
2. sg75


CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."

MyLoFy: Very well done. Each part is rich of nicely crafted sounds and composition.

sg75: I wasn't able to spot a clear separation between the sections, it's more like a progressive addition of elements.


CATEGORY: "decent mix"

MyLoFy: For some ears could sound a bit weak in the lows but I guess it's a deliberate choice for this style, very good.

sg75: Very good too, given the unconventional choices in sound design and structure I bet it wasn't easy. The distorted Helm and the drilling hipassed kick are my favorite sounds of the track.


CATEGORY: "use of Bespoke"

-empty-


CATEGORY: "use of Cardinal"

MyLoFy: Sound design is exceptional. The "Yay" talking synth at 00:52 and the alternating synths at 1:35 are my favorite moments of the track.


CATEGORY: "chops" (use of instruments / instrument-style-controller)

MyLoFy: The guitar toward the end is delicious.

sg75: The vocal chops and TTS samples are becoming the unmistakable mark of sg75, great work.

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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by asublin »

Here's my unsolicited vote

1. LAM
2. MyLoFy

CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."

LAM: Powerful-Agitated-Powerful. Totally love it. Perhaps the agitated part, B, is too loud compared to A.

MyLoFy: NiceChords-AssRobotArguing-NiceChords+Solo.
The solo guitar isn't perfect, I don't like the notes at 2:37 and 2:41, the other notes, I like.
Overall, nice production, fun and pleasant.

OTHER CATEGORIES: NA
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by bsg75 »

1. LAM
2. MyLoFy

CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."
LAM ....... : B section is dope. Favorite moment of the song: when in the ending of the first A section, the B section is anticipated/introduced: Awesome!
MyLoFy .... : Clear ABA' structure. The drop is pure MyLoFy DNA :) Favorite moment of the song: guitar solo.

CATEGORY: "decent mix"
LAM ....... : Crystal clear, but perhaps it lacks a little Galactic (just kidding, running gag :)
MyLoFy .... : Yes :)

CATEGORY: "use of Bespoke"
LAM ....... : Bespoke wizard! The screenshot of the BeSpoke session alone is art.

CATEGORY: "use of Cardinal"
MyLoFy .... : F**king amazing use of Cardinal!

CATEGORY: "chops" (use of instruments / instrument-style-controller)
LAM ....... : not much noticed
MyLoFy .... : not much noticed
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by MyLoFy »

Hey there, here are my votes and comments:

First, let's just pick a top 2:
1. LAM: Awesome track, excellent mix
2. sg75: Very creative mix of TTS and spoken word
3. Thomas Lord: Sounds a bit like a draft that could lead to something exciting

CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."
LAM: yes, there is a noticable ABA structure (slow - hectic -slow)
sg75: probably two musical ideas but not exactly in ABA form
Thomas Lord: clear ABA' structure, with A' containing parts of B (Piano/Organ - Strings - Piano/Organ together with the strings from B)

CATEGORY: "decent mix"
LAM: Lots of reverb without being muddy, nice! I like the moving panning of the pads
sg75: equilibrated, nice mix
Thomas Lord: Very sparse instrumentation. I like the cumulative delay in the end

CATEGORY: "use of Bespoke"
LAM: Since I've never used it I have no idea if this was hard (I guess it was). But the track is great, probably not easy to make something structured with a modular setting
sg75: no
Thomas Lord: no

CATEGORY: "use of Cardinal"
LAM: no
sg75: no
Thomas Lord: no

CATEGORY: "chops" (use of instruments / instrument-style-controller)
LAM: none noticed
sg75: sore throat vocals are the best. Some people try to get there with the daily use of whisky along with chain smoking, but I wouldn't recommend that.
Thomas Lord: Keys sound like played live, which is nice
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

1. bsg75
2. LAM


CATEGORY: "Your track should tell a musical story in A-B-A’ form."

bsg75: Really excellent response to the prompt. So great.

LAM: Literal interpretation of the prompt, very nicely done. See notes on mix.

MyLoFy: Literal interpretation of the prompt, very nicely done.

Thomas Lord: See what I did there? :-) Spent most of the month trying to understand
enough theory to figure out what might go with the monotonous D-A C-G shells and
at the very last possible minute tried what you hear.




CATEGORY: "decent mix"

LAM and bsg75: I'm not qualified to confidently make suggestions so, unconfidently
I would say both mixes under-use dynamic range, don't use enough eq on individual tracks
to spatialize separate voice, could use some wider L/R separation on voices, and thus there's
a little bit of mud in the mix instead of the mix taking a highlight marker to the musical stories
being told.

The biggest example might be in LAM's in the A to B transition. Start listenting at 1:40.
At 2:08 we get a first preview bass drop -- something big is coming down the hall getting close.
At 2:24 the big thing has just bust opened the doors and is a booming declaration of a
take-over of the room. Except the mix doesn't support that and to a lesser extent, the
composition could better support it. I really, really, like the contrast between the outside-the-
door 2:08 drop and the 2:24 boom drop -- I just think section A could step a bit more back
leading up to 2:08 and that 2:24 could hit a LOT harder with some mix tweaks.

But that's all, as I said, very unconfidently stated.

MyLoFy: knows what they are doing better than any of us. It suits the composition but
I wouldn't mind a composition that supported more dynamic range.

Thomas Lord: (mine): Outsider art. As a beginner I limited the number of voices
in the composition because that was as many as I could handle and, that in turn
makes the mix hard to screw up *too* badly and I think I accomplished "not screwing it
up too badly" well enough.


CATEGORY: "use of Bespoke"

LAM: I had no idea it could do that.



CATEGORY: "use of Cardinal"[

MyLoFi: Very nice.


CATEGORY: "chops" (use of instruments / instrument-style-controller)

bsg75: The poker-face well executed vocals were great. Your mix steps on them a little.
I don't mean they should be forward more - the composition doesn't want that.
More like the mix could help keep them separate and distinct a bit more.

MyLoFy: Nice guitar skills.

Thomas Lord: That is me playing through A and B on a midi keyboard controller
(separate takes for each of three voices, A and B recorded separately). A'
is a pure manual assembly in Ardour from A and B plus some automation on the echo mainly.
The rhythmic looseness is because I'm a beginner and am using the slow tempo
and compositional looseness to compensate for very weak keyboard skills.
I think I did edit the midi track I played to remove two "fat finger" mistakes.
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Re: Libre Music Challenge #16: Begin then finish

Post by Thomas Lord »

Counting up top-two votes and disregarding voting ranks:

LAM: 4
bsg75: 3
MyLoFy: 3

I think LAM also got the most 1st place votes.
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