Description

(RMN Music Pack cover image by courtesy of Yaichino @ Deviantart.com!)

Selection of past RMN Music Event entries.




Calling all composers! - It's RMN music event time again, but this time things are going to be a little different.

So, if you've participated or voted in the RMN music events before you'll have noticed that they have taken the form of competitions with set themes and public voting to determine the winner; this time around however, the main purpose of the event is going to be a bit different. Instead of competing, we're going to collaborate (and for the greater good, to boot! but more on that later)





For this event we're asking that the participating composers create pieces of original RPG/video-game music, as many tracks as they want and whatever they want (but adhering to some basic standards of quality and stuff, see below for details on this).

At the end of the time-frame for this event the tracks will be collected together, given the once-over, standardized into mp3/ogg formats (where necessary), given proper file information tags, given some sweet cover art and compiled into a downloadable "album" or "soundtrack" of royalty free, creative commons licensed music and then hosted on RMN for the whole community/internet to use as they wish in their not-for-profit game-making endeavors (The CC license model we'll be using will be attribution, non-profit).

Essentially, we'll be creating a free rpg music pack for anyone and everyone to use in their games and helping diversify the publicly available resource pool for rm users a little bit.






* For every approved submission you will receive an entry into a raffle draw with a $50 main prize by courtesy of RMN and $30 secondary prize by courtesy of Happy!

* Submitting 1 approved track grants you a 50 ms achievement.

* Submitting 3 approved tracks grants you a 100 ms achievement.

* Submitting 5 approved tracks grants you a 150 ms achievement.

* An excuse to get some practice in or try something new.

* The gratification of giving something back to the community.

* The possibility of your work and name ending up in some cool project you didn't even intend it to be included in.

* The chance to make something cool along with a bunch of other composers.

* A panel of judges will decide on a composer that has contributed the most and grant this person a $70 award by courtesy of Happy! - quality and quantity of the submissions are both taken in consideration. (If you win this award, you cannot win the raffle prize.)

* To receive any prize money you must have an active paypal account.






* First and foremost you understand that any work you submit to this event is going to be disseminated under a creative com-mons license as publicly usable without your permission and in any way the end-user wishes as long as they attribute the work to you in their credits and that they also do the same themselves with any derivative work based on yours. End-users of this material (and any derivative material) will not, however, be able to legally make any money from anything containing these tracks without your express permission. This is important because if people decide to back out or change their minds about work they've submitted mid-way through this event it's going to get a bit messy, so please make sure you're positive that you're happy with essentially giving away whatever you submit for this event to the public at large.

* Some minimum degree of quality is going to be required from the submissions, they don't need to be AAA studio quality compositions, but they do need to be decent enough that people would want to use them in their projects. Tracks that don't make the cut will not be included in the final package.

* When you have submitted your track, it will be listed as "pending" until judges have listened to it. If the track meets the required quality standards, it will be listed as "accepted." In case your track still requires further improvements before it can be accepted, the track will be listed as "validating" and you will receive a PM where we will explain you what we would like you to improve in your track. If the track fails to meet the required quality standards and no fixes are applied to it before the event deadline, the track will be listed as "rejected." Don't be afraid to submit your track, however! We aren't expecting full professional quality from our participants! You are also free to post your track in public for open feedback.

* Please, name your track and tag it with your author name (whether it's a nick or your real name.)

* Submissions are preferred to be in .mp3, .wav, or .ogg format.

* Considering that we're going to be giving this away it's important that any/all work you submit be, to your knowledge, 100% original work of yours and contain no copyrighted material either compositionally or in terms of sampled sounds. No arrange-ments of existing songs or lifting motifs from anywhere else please. (I doubt anyone would do this but you know, just in case).

* There is no fixed theme or style required for participation in this event but if we get 50 battle themes we might be in a bit of trouble so if you can, try something a bit different than the standard fare you'd expect from a generic rpg or pick a type of track that is less commonly created. We'll probably put up a list of themes to help out with ideas for anyone stuck as to what sort of track to make (and we're still gonna need at least some battle themes!) If you aren't a composer, but have ideas for themes, you can suggest them in the comment section of this page.

* It is preferred that your track can be made into a loop, which means that you have to include repetition of previously occurred sections after all the development in the song has occurred. You don't have to worry about actually looping the song (coding it into the .ogg file) as this can be done by the judges once the album is being put together. Just make sure you include some of your first sections in the end of the song (excluding a possible intro.) If you have questions regarding this matter, feel free to PM Happy!

* You can submit as many tracks as you want as long as they meet the requirements for the event. So if you're feeling bored and generous then knock yourself out and make more than one. You will gain 1 raffle ticket for each accepted track.

* Any and all music you submit should be made specifically for this event. No dumping your existing works here. We're expecting you to see some effort and create something new.

* The finished product will be a .zip file, which will be hosted on RMN, freely available for download by anyone and everyone. There will be both, .mp3 version and looped .ogg version of the album along with cover art by Yaichino and some .txt files listing the songs, creators and CC license details.

* The event will run for 2 months to help ensuring high quality and quantity of entries.





* Once the album is out we will hold a public vote and people can choose a composer to receive a "Voters' Choice" award for the best contributions. If you wish to donate any prize money for this cause and support the participating composers, please do and you will have our sincerest appreciation!

You can donate any amount you wish the best composer to receive. After you have made your donation, be sure to PM kentona and tell him the sum you have donated so that he can tell the Music Event donations apart from the regular RMN donations.



* Please have fun and be creative! Use this as an excuse to make something new and interesting (yet usable) and give something to the community.

Details

  • 11/08/2012 12:00 AM
  • 02/16/2013 12:00 AM
  • Happy

Achievements

Registration

You must be logged in to sign up for RMN Music Pack.

Participants Entries
MISTER BIG T
Hexatona
Happy
jasprelao
McTricky
narcodis
bobthebobish
Caz
Jude
Gamesfreak13563
Despite
yusolaifdfer
NewBlack
Tarranon
Spanish-Omelette
Muninn
MrChearlie
jackalotrun
Xcalnarok
Lana42
pazuzu555
LadyLeilani
Kunsel
JuurianChi
Subaru
nathangday
Urbon
albertibay
Snowy_Fox
slozzyfizz
possibly
hyde9318
sonosanctus
bzr
Shade_Hunter
Odin
ReclaimedGlory
Apoc
ZenVirZan
add9
kukenstragames

Posts

If you want me to do any changes to my submission, just send me message and I'll try and do something.


I was thinking of dark seedy alley where the heroes would have to go when doing this, I hope it conveys the idea.
Happy
Devil's in the details
5367
author=Music_Student
I could do this. I could also write specific pieces for people who need them...

I believe there will be use for the pieces of this pack also, once it's complete and released.

author=MISTER BIG T
If you want me to do any changes to my submission, just send me message and I'll try and do something.


I was thinking of dark seedy alley where the heroes would have to go when doing this, I hope it conveys the idea.

You will receive a PM once all us judges have listened to your entry.


Also, it seems ankylo created us some new cool features to help with the judging system.
Isrieri
"My father told me this would happen."
6155
Is 8 bit music allowed? I've never made music tracks before but it might be fun to try out.

Or not. I'm wishy-washy!
I have a bunch of music from a failed project. Could I submit those? I would love to see them being put to good use.

I read the rules.

I'll try and pop a few things out. Maybe a track or two over Thanksgiving Break. It'll get my creative juices flowing.

Also, does the genre of the music matter? Could I have space ambient stuff going? Or some grunge stuff? Just curious, since the artwork seems to signify a more medieval concept.
Happy
Devil's in the details
5367
There's no real restrictions to the genre. Submit whatever you feel comfortable with.
Which songs are in the "Selection of past RMN Music Event entries." compilation at the top of the page? I'd like to find and download them they sound great!
author=jackalotrun
I ain't no money to be throwing away right now so i'm (hoping) that I can find a way for the demo to work to my advantage....
Oh and thanks for the advice...


It is a sad truth that making music is expensive business. If you're serious about getting into it, another valid starting route to take is to see if you can get ahold of a cheap workstation keyboard, second-hand, with an on-board sequencer. I've heard some good stuff people have made with just such things. The learning curve varies from machine to machine, though, and getting the finished song from the workstation to your computer may be equally as simple or complex. If you know someone who already has a keyboard with a built-in sequencer, have a fiddle with theirs and see if it's for you.

Another good option that will keep your work inside the box and your wallet in your pocket is tracker software. You can find many music trackers for free, but they tend to be less user-friendly than DAWs like Logic and Reason, and you'll often have to find your own sounds. They were popular throughout the 90's, and produce MOD files, which can sound a bit dated these days, but for the purpose of RPG Maker games, that's actually quite ideal. Google around and see if you can find one that appeals.

Finally, it's not a music program, but Audacity is an excellent audio editing tool, which you will probably want sooner or later, even if only for converting audio files from one format to another. Furthermore, it's free!

Hope this helps!
author=Snowy_Fox
author=jackalotrun
I ain't no money to be throwing away right now so i'm (hoping) that I can find a way for the demo to work to my advantage....
Oh and thanks for the advice...
It is a sad truth that making music is expensive business. If you're serious about getting into it, another valid starting route to take is to see if you can get ahold of a cheap workstation keyboard, second-hand, with an on-board sequencer. I've heard some good stuff people have made with just such things. The learning curve varies from machine to machine, though, and getting the finished song from the workstation to your computer may be equally as simple or complex. If you know someone who already has a keyboard with a built-in sequencer, have a fiddle with theirs and see if it's for you.

Another good option that will keep your work inside the box and your wallet in your pocket is tracker software. You can find many music trackers for free, but they tend to be less user-friendly than DAWs like Logic and Reason, and you'll often have to find your own sounds. They were popular throughout the 90's, and produce MOD files, which can sound a bit dated these days, but for the purpose of RPG Maker games, that's actually quite ideal. Google around and see if you can find one that appeals.

Finally, it's not a music program, but Audacity is an excellent audio editing tool, which you will probably want sooner or later, even if only for converting audio files from one format to another. Furthermore, it's free!

Hope this helps!

#1 When I say I ain't got NO money to spend, it means NONE... and in my town, chances are i'm the only person who even half-likes this sort of stuff...
#2 I'll have a look at this 90's stuff but I probably won't be able to work it...
#3 I've had audacity for years, although it has got some very annoying flaws (My computer converts all new music to WMA, which Audicity don't like and takes a good amount of time to fix...)

Or basically, this is just not gonna work for me and I should probably call it a day...
Thanks for the advice though!
author=jackalotrun
#1 When I say I ain't got NO money to spend, it means NONE... and in my town, chances are i'm the only person who even half-likes this sort of stuff...
#2 I'll have a look at this 90's stuff but I probably won't be able to work it...
#3 I've had audacity for years, although it has got some very annoying flaws (My computer converts all new music to WMA, which Audicity don't like and takes a good amount of time to fix...)

Or basically, this is just not gonna work for me and I should probably call it a day...
Thanks for the advice though!

I learned to create music using said tracker software in the 90's. The last full piece I made used it too, just because I am so used to it.

It's definitely not easy, but if you have the dedication, you can give it a shot:

http://schismtracker.org/wiki/Schism%20Tracker

That's the only tracker you'll likely need to know about. Visit modarchive.org to browse a large selection of tracker modules you can use samples from. If you want to make songs that harken more to the video game tunes of SNES and Playstation, check out http://www.mirsoft.info/gamemods.php . Lots of games to browse and songs to grab.

If you want to jump straight into more professional software without spending a dime, download Reaper at http://www.reaper.fm/. The software is technically a demo, and is not freeware, but the program will remain completely functional for as long as you want to use it. This is a real DAW with full audio and MIDI capabilities. I have used software that costs hundreds of dollars and there are things about Reaper that I like better than many of them. It will use your operating system's built-in general MIDI synth by default. A few minutes on Google could net you tons of free software synths that you can plug in to Reaper, such as those found here:

http://digitalmusicianonline.com/2012/04/13/30-great-free-soft-synths/

One way or the other, you have to stay committed. Both options have a steep learning curve.
@Jackalotrun - I'm just gonna say that I doubt everyone on the internet who composes has actually purchased the software that they use to do so. Just saying.
Happy
Devil's in the details
5367
Happy enough with my mix to submit it finally... On to the next one!

People whose submissions are currently pending should receive their feedback soon, also!
Happy
Devil's in the details
5367
author=jmjohnson85
Which songs are in the "Selection of past RMN Music Event entries." compilation at the top of the page? I'd like to find and download them they sound great!


You can find these songs from the past RMN Music events,

here: http://rpgmaker.net/events/rpg_music_challenge/

and here: http://rpgmaker.net/events/mini_music_challenge/

The songs are made by Athenium, Kunsel, harmonic, Happy, emmych, beau_rl, Tarranon and NewBlack, in the order they appear in the compilation. Be sure to ask the said composers in case you wish to use any of their songs in your projects as the CC lisence doesn't necessarily apply to the entries of the past music events.
That change in Warpath whoa, loooveeee <3
Slozzyfizz, please get better sound samples, your compositions are so nice ;-;
Based on the feedback I got, I made a new version! Hope you all enjoy!


If nothing else needs to be added, I guess I'll try doing another song? Yes, no? Maybe?
First track done and submitted! Town music might not be the most imaginative choice, but it was the first theme to pop into my head and I liked it, so I rolled with it.

I already normalized it (its volume is about consistent with the RPG Maker 3 music pack, which has been inspiring me more than anything else lately) and included loop comments, so it's fully RM-compatible. Give it a whirl in the sound test.

Hope you guys like it! Critiques are more than welcome.
Happy
Devil's in the details
5367
I'd like to remind everyone that this is supposed to mainly be a collaborative event! Everyone's welcome to post feedback on the submitted tracks. And I have to thank especially those participants so far, that have been open to feedback concerning their tracks!

We also have a new judge to help us out with the workload: Liberty!

On a side note: if anyone has feedback to offer for my submission "Mellow Darkness", that'd be great! I have received feedback from the other judges already, but I'm still wondering if there's something more I could do to improve it.

Ps. Keep up the good work! There's still 6 weeks left!
author=Happy
I'd like to remind everyone that this is supposed to mainly be a collaborative event! Everyone's welcome to post feedback on the submitted tracks.


Good point Happy. I personally would love to receive feedback on my pieces, as well as give feedback for anyone who would like it.

@Happy
First off, awesome piece. I love how the song emits an aura of mystery. The harp sets the mood well, and as the song grows, the myriad of instruments, with repeating melodies overlapping one another, evokes an ominous, lingeeing feeling. It's really good. The only advice I have is for the sustaining cellos at the end. I think having them surge in volume (creep in, slowly get louder, and receede away) will accompany the dark, ethereal sensation you have near the end of the piece.
EDIT
Accidental double post. Sorry. :/
So, recorded acoustic guitar wouldn't matter?
There is a free one I heard about called LMMS - Linux MultiMedia Studio

http://lmms.sourceforge.net/

It's WAAAYYY beyond my skill level and understanding, so I can't comment on it, but it is free so worth checking out.