Score: 8

"Not bad"

submission: My Harmonica

date: March 29, 2007

First of all, everyone's going to expect a harmonica with that title, but that's beside the point.

Anywho, the way your mixing is set up makes it feel like the synths and drums are two ballparks playing in the same song; that's not necissarily bad, it's just something that stands out. The drums have great compression applied to them, but either they should come down a bit in volume or the synths should be brought up. Not to mention a melodic synth wouldn't hurt. This piece sounds like a good body without a head.

Altogether though, you have something to work with, so I'd say keep it up!

Score: 9

"Well composed, but vocal mixing needs work"

submission: Something To Remember (Stigz)

date: February 12, 2007

The composition of the song is good. It's not mundane like most rap songs these days where I know I can recreate the songs and make them better in less than an hour. This actually has some creative application to it that makes me want to hear more (note that this is coming from someone who's not necissarily fond of hip hop).

The vocals are good. You have well plotted lyrics as well as rhythm, but the mixing of those vocals need work. Firstly, there's a way to rig up a fake pop filter (used to absorb the vocal punches from annunciating p's, b's and t's. Use panty hose or a sock around your microphone. Also, always double up each vocal track for volume integrity and apply some vocal compression to bring out the richness of them.

Otherwise, you have some good stuff coming through here. It's definitely got potential to be famous.

Score: 6

"Highly underdeveloped"

submission: Ironman Rap Beat

date: February 12, 2007

I think that's the fifth time today I've used that term "underdeveloped". Anyhow, I'll get to the reviewing.

You have a good beat going for the song, although I'm trying to understand what you're trying to do with this; are you trying to establish a custom beat to the song or are you trying to do a complete rendition of the song itself?

So, getting into the grit, I'm not sure what program you're using for this, but if it is at all possible (unless you only have that option) I would get each drum seperated into its own audio track and EQ them to the right sound. You can do a lot to bring out the richness of a drum set by applying the right EQing. There are many sites online where you can research such things. Also, learn about compression -- it will greatly enhance the performance of the punchy kick and snare drum.

Aside adding a bassline and bringing up the volume on these instruments, I would advise learning mixing and EQing and go from there. Otherwise, you're not off to a bad start.

Score: 10

"Great techno piece"

submission: [GF]AliVe[GF]

date: February 12, 2007

I wondered at first why your melody in the opening sounded familiar, but I guess it's just me.

You did an awesome job. Everything is just perfectly mixed and compressed. I have to say that for your first "serious" work, I'm greatly impressed.

Keep up the good work!

Score: 6

"Not too bad but needs help"

submission: *Street Mix*

date: February 12, 2007

First of all, exercise some organization. This piece feels like it packs good punch, but then goes out into the street and gets lost wandering aimlessly. Form a structure to the piece and follow. Your beat is awesome and catchy, and arpeggiated synth is good in moderation as well as your scratches.

Secondly, I would recommend adding a bass part. Hip hop is more than just the drums; it's the bass and additional instruments that make it happen.

You're on the right track; just develop your work more.

Score: 8

"This is okay."

submission: Atheist Fatwa

date: February 12, 2007

Personally, I would've brought your synth string up in volume and upped it an octave. It sounds like the lead melodic instrument sitting back in the mix where it doesn't belong. Bring it in the forefront. Also, you had a drum part come in that was louder than the previous. I would fix those levels to where they balance at the same volume.

Also, add a little more filler. This can be just a simple chord pad or even a distort guitar rhythm to keep it supported.

However, these are just my opinions. The piece itself is decently done. It's well composed; I just feel it could use some more work.

Score: 8

"Hmmm....interesting"

submission: Salute to Tetris

date: February 7, 2007

*NOTE: DOWNLOAD THIS PIECE TO HEAR IT*

This is certainly an original idea (although the 7 in "originality" is simply because this is a cover of someone else's piece).

The low drone synth sounds as if it clashes with the rest of the piece. I understand you were trying to create a techno-ish theme with a bit of a middle-eastern sound to it, and perhaps the fact that it's rarely been done makes it sound so strange.

All in all, I don't understand why the AP won't stream this piece, but you really put some thought into this and for that I commend you. It just sounds too far out for my tastes, but I won't downgrade you for that; actually, the originality of the rendition is highly commendable.

Score: 10

"RRRROOOOOOOOOORRRRR!!!!!"

submission: Metaljonus-War

date: February 7, 2007

Damn man! With every new entry you release, you remind me of how much I friggin' love you.

This piece is driven from start to finish with greasy guitar lead riffs and wonderfully syncopated guitar frams that along with the fast-paced drums keep this piece going down the path of flames that it started on once it was fired from the gun.

Keep up the awesome metal work!

Score: 10

"Interesting piece"

submission: Kindoms

date: January 26, 2007

It has a bit of a light and dark vibe that ironically blends very well. I could see this as kind of a Silent Hill BGM. Wonderful execution of choir samples as well as establishing the malicious underdrones that support the piece.

Score: 8

"Not bad for a first shot"

submission: Paronomasia

date: January 10, 2007

For a first attempt, I'd say it's not a bad one. The piece is very simple which is to be expected from a new composer.

Considering that it's a first piece, it was fairly well mixed, although it sounded as if there was some flange on the drums which wasn't too bad, but it wasn't good either.

There seemed to only be 2 to 3 actual tracks involved in this piece and they were repetitive as most dance music usually is.

However, again, considering that this is your first piece, it's a great start. With practice and learning, you have the potential to go far with your music. Keep it up!