Donler's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Lackadaisical Cohort - Part 2]

Question for you

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the trip step+daft punk voice+dance influence but I can tell you're really good at what you do from this. I am wondering how you learned to write. I've tried writing with ProTools and Ableton Live. Granted I don't take the considerable time to learn everything. I've only spent maybe 60 hours between the 2 programs, but I was wondering what program you use and if you used any tutorials/where to find some. Keep producing. I look forward to see what you come up with next.

-Donler

InvisibleObserver responds:

Answer for you.

60 hours is probably the total time I would spend on 6 or so songs (on average). 60 hours is very little time investment, while it would be enough to allow basic understanding of the hosting software, its not enough time to become skilled with the software, nor is it time to let ones abilities become defined in any manner.

I've learned to write with a lot of experimentation and trial and error, and a basic background in music theory. My style of writing is relatively unique in a sense that I attempt to avoid cliche's and well known convention. This song isn't the strongest example of that, but theres a lot of sound creation and manipulation I've done that helps set this apart from others.

I'm using FL8 studio and this songs made up primarily of a free VST known as alieno, another free one called Protoplasm and a paid for one called Vanguard. Rest is samples and some other dinky synths,

I do not refer to tutorials, most people with FL making the tutorials hardly know what they are talking about. The one you will find on youtube are basic and often not the most efficient ways of doing things (I look at them for fun to pick out the flaws), they will provide basic information to stop you from feeling trapped in with the softwares limitation, however they will not give any magical insight. If its necesssary to rely on tutorials after knowing the core functions of a DAW in order to create music or emulate someone elses style, frankly its not a worth while endeavor. May seem a bit conceited, but that is the common trend. There is the rare gem of a tutorial actually imparting important non simplistic information.

Most of this comes with time, as is most things.

If I've missed anything in my 2am rambling, just PM me, I'll clarify. :)

[(WF1) F-777- Phantom (Fin]

Here's my critique.

8/10 +1 for originality, so I think you earned a 9/10. Here's my critique.
The heartbeat you had before :50 seemed a bit dull. Try using a different sound or modulate it so it sounds more definite, clear. The riff going on around 1:35 sounded very good. 1:57 should probably be slowed down by about 5 bpm or so to fit with the prior part as well as give you the emphasis on the following section that you're looking for.At 2:13 you should consider going back into the full orchestra just like you had at the beginning and then give a drop ride to the part you placed at 2:13. It would give your song the length that it just falls short of. The ending sounded very abrupt and didn't give the feeling of 'epic continuation' like the music could go on forever. I know you are good at that, as you have done so in many of your other pieces.

At least consider my recommendations for a remix or similar future work. Hopefully it can help. It sounded really good and your originality and variety continues to amaze many people whom visit the audio portal specifically for you.
Great job overall, oh and I almost forgot, your modulation at 1:07 was Very Nice.

Have a good one as always,
Donler

wyldfyre1 responds:

Heh i'm not sure we'll be doing a remix of this track but i do like the idea's i MAY try some of this just to get a new outlook on it =) Thanks for the review as always and i'm glad you enjoyed it.

["Air Fantasy" - F-777]

Good song ^_^

I'm impressed in your workmanship as always, this is very good. Only thing, Interesting insturment choice around 1:25, a good change of pace from the same ole techno thing others give. Some of your inspiration certainly did show though though as RokiSensei said. I noticed 2 or 3 well known artists with similar themes. Although that just means you're up there bringing the best to your fans. A good diversification for your collection, but not a title piece for a CD. Keep up the good work.

PS: Your inspiration of from about a year ago has gotten me starting my own song production. I'll send you an email with info.

[Monstrous Turtles!]

A nice surprise

Wonderful use in variety of insturments, decent refrain, excellent building before the 4th bars! And mainly, AMAZING progressive qualities! You win.

[Sting - F777 challenge]

Interesting, not your usuial.

The background "drum/symbol" part is really solid. But I feel like the piano is lacking a climax, for some reason I feel like it should have one even though it is a rather repetitive part because it sticks out to the listener. If you don't want to make a climax part to it then I would recommend playing around with what key it's in.

PS: You're going to see my work up on the Audio Portal soon under [SMOS] so I hope you take the time to review it too. Have a good one, and i'll be looking for your next submission. GL!

Blasphem-E responds:

If I see it, I'll be sure to drop a review for sure man. Thanks for the look out, and I've got a bunch of stuff you can check out if you'd like to

[F-777 "Entranced"]

This is a really good song.

I could see this working well for background music. Yet it can stand on its own. What program do you use to write your music?

[A New Energy - F-777]

From a fellow artist - PM request

Honesty I think this isn't as catchy as your normal music. You did a really good job when you slowed down around 1:30, but I think you could afford to slow it down by about 3-8 bpm or so.

If you work around with specific instruments fading in and out a little bit more then you could improve its quality. Especially in the beginning and end you need to think larger picture. If a song is going to make it big then it needs to be something that isn't going to smash into people all at once in the beginning. It should be something that is built into. Your insturments all begin so close to one another that you lose some of the building effect. You have an excellent start, but you will make this song twice as long and twice as memorable if you take my advise. Trust me.

-Donler

[Dj Otherworld - Happy Core]

good song - tips from a musician.

I love your method. I feel like you're not really giving it your all though. You could definally add another line in with the other major themes within the song. Once you can alternate in complexity and dynamics then you can be the king of the audio portal. Keep workin' hard. You've got this.

raretools responds:

Thx :D just keep in mind that I was only 14 when i made this song. it's one of my first

["After Sunset" F-777]

You summoned me? A true 10-star music selection.

Beginning and End: They match! You connected it! YES!

:42 Amazing job.

I love how the bass part is there but not distracting from the song. I noticed that it was a little distracting in your 3rd collab with Kris but you used it perfectly here!

1:33 great job on bringing it down. You show your skills in your contrasts.

No complaints. You gave this type of song a run for its money and won.

Congratulations.

[[Kriz & F-777] - Brightness]

Thx for the message. Here ya go!

Start: consider fade-in with first climax being your introduction. (to go with fade-out at end)?

:10 you could get away with your introduction being played louder then that. I know you want credit for this masterpiece.

:40, was unsure why you included the change in effect. Just seemed a bit overdone

1:40 could use some more dynamics

It was very well done. You guys did great! Lovin' it.