[CONCEPT ART] Archer's Music Thread

[Avalanche._]

STUFF

As some of you know, I've been making some tracks the past few weeks for the new Unreal Tournament. This big post is meant to organize everything a bit (some people requested it), since each of the individual threads tended to get messy with all the progress updates and links. It's also meant to showcase my work so far, only mostly finished tracks (as in: finished for now) will be put here!

Most of the tracks loop more or less seamlessly and are roughly at the same perceivable volume level. The tracks are ordered old to new from bottom to top (so new ones will always appear at the top).

Mappers are allowed and even encouraged to use my tracks in their maps, just make sure to mention me somewhere in your thread or wherever you want! Also let me know if you are planning to use one

This thread contains a description + one video, one mp3 file, one ogg file and one 24-bit dithered wave file (for mappers) per track.

!!! NOTE THAT MOST OF THE TIME THE VIDEO IS OUTDATED, THE ACTUAL FILES ARE THE FINAL VERSIONS !!!

So the vid is just for showcasing.

At the bottom you can find packages in either mp3 or ogg flavor, containing all tracks with added fades for home listening

EDIT: How stupid of me to not have added this from the beginning, but I want to thank anybody that took the time and effort to provide me with insanely useful feedback, both on the forums and on IRC. It almost felt as if I was making the tracks together with the community, what a great feeling it was! Not only did the tracks turn out really well like that, I also learned a lot in a very short period from it. So once again thanks guys, you're all epic

That's all I had to say, enjoy!


[+]====TRACKS===========

Dissolution

(Video up to date)

A certain somebody told me to let the tracks speak for themselves, so I'm leaving it at that with this one

FILES
MP3-LOOP:https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...issolution.mp3
WAV-LOOP: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...issolution.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...issolution.wav

Thundercrash

(Video up to date)

Thundercrash is much in the same vein as Destroyer, heavy with guitar riffs and fast drumming. The track is dedicated to the Thundercrash team (e.g. Malcolm and such), thought this futuristic rock-ish theme would fit those guys. The track will do well with any fast paced DM map, think of maps like DM-ASDF, small and industrial-looking.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...undercrash.mp3

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...undercrash.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...undercrash.wav

Monks of Na Pali

(Video slightly outdated)

Monks of Na Pali is basically finished and awaiting feedback from Epic now. It's a track specifically made with DM-Temple and similar maps in mind, to try to get away from that full electronic theme a bit and get closer to the music present in Unreal and UT2004, mystic themes and orchestra respectively. This is the first time I delved into using these kind of instruments and it was huge amounts of fun to compose it (took about 2-3 days). It's also the first track where I can test out and show the potential of the Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra library, with great success! This track is not 100% done yet but I'm listing it here anyway because it's quite close already, perhaps closer than some of the tracks below that severely need to be revised.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...fNaPaliM2L.mp3
OGG: -

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...fNaPaliM2L.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ksOfNaPali.wav

Astra

(Video up to date)

Astra is a track that's all about space. Big and spacious sounds, good amounts of re-verb, while retaining punch. It tries to stick a bit closer to the tracks like the one in Facing Worlds, but then a bit more on the punchy side as stated above. It's ultimately going to suit big maps like DM-Spacer that only have a big interior, or maps that are simply in space. Above in the video you can see a little bit more than I show usually as I show how the track is built up while it plays. Now that I have a pretty decent rig doing things like this has become easy for me, so I might record large parts of the production of one of my future tracks and then add annotations to it for people interested in my workflow.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../mp3/Astra.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../ogg/Astra.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...rces/Astra.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...Maps/Astra.wav

Apex

(Video up to date)

This is a slower and more "elaborate" track, with nice and punchy synths, and some pleasant harmony play. It's comparable with some of the more synthetic tracks in UT2004 and UT99, mixing both styles. It would go well with some big objective-based (CTF, Assault, DOM) maps, preferably outdoors. The track may be expanded sometime in the future, but for now it's fit for its purpose as in-game track. Many thanks to Kurozumi for taking the time to carefully listen to the track multiple times, providing very useful feedback in regards to the mastering. Track is not 100% done yet, final edits still pending to be made.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...c/mp3/Apex.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...c/ogg/Apex.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...urces/Apex.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...rMaps/Apex.wav


Abyss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wh-EM1JUIU
(I cannot put more than 5 videos in one thread)
(Video outdated, check files below)

A rough DnB-esque track that's pretty action packed, but also has softer stuff going on. I personally aimed for that contrast between soft and sharp, because I think it's wicked. The drums in this track were made in a (for me) unusual way: I first composed a rhythm from public domain samples, then I rendered it, then I used a plugin called LoopDrive4 to slice it apart nicely. The track will suit a large range of interior maps, but is best on small-medium (or action packed) maps with an industrial but futuristic environment. This track needs to be remastered properly, first attempt can be found below.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...astered%29.mp3

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...astered%29.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...astered%29.wav



Flow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-rv6AsAaac (I cannot put more than 5 videos in one thread)
(Video outdated, check files below)

A track that flows, doing justice to its name. It's a bit of a mix between trance and industrial, some people thought it sounded a bit like Bladerunner stuff. This track suits maps that have to do with water, CTF-Dam is an excellent example of a map where this track would work, but factories and such can work too, as long as they are decently sized.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...c/mp3/Flow.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...c/ogg/Flow.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...urces/Flow.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...rMaps/Flow.wav



Destroyer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMqRajQ1PTY (I cannot put more than 5 videos in one thread)
(Video up to date)

A very rough rock-ish track, every UT needs at least one! It has some neat harmony pads going on as well though, overall a pretty intense track that you will definitely enjoy fragging folks on. This track is best for small and fast paced deathmatch maps, think DM-Peak from UT99 for instance, there are probably better examples from UT2004 as well.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../Destroyer.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../Destroyer.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../Destroyer.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../Destroyer.wav



Orbit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ue3V3GsK-w (I cannot put more than 5 videos in one thread)
(Video outdated, check files below)

A softer track, meant to feel all spacey and dreamy, while still trying to maintain enough intensity for combat, a bit like how quite a few tracks from UT99 were. This track suits maps with huge open spaces, or simply maps in space. It can also work for very icey maps, that have this dreamy mood to them.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../mp3/Orbit.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../ogg/Orbit.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...rces/Orbit.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...Maps/Orbit.wav


Impact Hammer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PCdoq1m_M8 (I cannot put more than 5 videos in one thread)
(Video outdated, check files below)

My first attempt at creating something for UT. I don't think this is the best track to have on a map, but it's definitely suitable. The track is both soft and rough at the same time, which makes it interesting. It has this "epic" feel to it, which I'm not saying to praise myself, but just to describe the way it should impact people (dat pun). Anyhow, this track will suit maps that are at remote locations, preferably outside and somewhere with a lot of nature surrounding it. It could also work for other maps, similar to Orbit above it's also suitable for space maps and maps with huge halls or interiors.

FILES
MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...pactHammer.mp3
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...pactHammer.ogg

WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...pactHammer.wav
16BIT-WAV: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...pactHammer.wav




[+]====PACKAGES===========

Packages with all the tracks, for home listening etc, also (most) with fades at the end (requested by Stevelois).

MP3: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51891186/UTmusic/Packages/MP3package.zip
OGG: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51891186/UTmusic/Packages/OGGpackage.zip

OGG is outdated...




[+]====SOUNDCLOUD===========

I also keep a Soundcloud set with all tracks so far, which is obviously in lower quality, but has everything at one place and up to date.

Here you go: https://soundcloud.com/deshaadman/sets/tracks-for-ut4



[+]====OTHER STUFF===========

This thread will be updated as I make more tracks, new ones appearing at the top.

If you are a mapper and have a music request for your map or want to use one of these for your map, please PM me and we'll discuss it

Keep in mind that you will need the 16-bit version of the track if you intend to use one for your map (added links)!

If you want to check out my website, please click the link in my signature!

That's all!

[XxEXUSXX]

Impact Hammer ++++++

[Tempestry]

Really enjoying your tracks Archer, I like how they incorporate a lot of the style from the original games while still feeling more modern.

As much as I like the UT99 music, styles have changed pretty drastically since they were released and I worry that too much deference to the original styles might limit some of the places it could go with newer tracks.

Maybe some stuff further out of the comfort zone in a few directions would be great in this stage to start exploring where else it could go. I could even see some near ambient tracks (or just reduced percussion) or rougher 80's industrial being effective if done well enough.

Any thoughts?

[Avalanche._]

Really enjoying your tracks Archer, I like how they incorporate a lot of the style from the original games while still feeling more modern.

As much as I like the UT99 music, styles have changed pretty drastically since they were released and I worry that too much deference to the original styles might limit some of the places it could go with newer tracks.

Maybe some stuff further out of the comfort zone in a few directions would be great in this stage to start exploring where else it could go. I could even see some near ambient tracks (or just reduced percussion) or rougher 80's industrial being effective if done well enough.

Any thoughts?

Those are definitely nice options to consider in the future, I'd like to make at least one ambient track since I've never done that before, the rougher industrial doesn't sound bad either!

In the end I want every track I make to be mostly different from the other, because variation was a huge strength of the soundtracks from the previous UTs, so I might explore a lot of new styles from time to time to achieve that.

The one thing I'd refuse to look into would be dubstep and variants of it, it just strays way too far imo (and it's generally a bad idea to include such controversial styles, one loves it while the other hates it).

Coming few weeks I'll calm down on the music though, need to focus a bit more on college, I've been busy with music nonstop for a few weeks now

[Tempestry]

Those are definitely nice options to consider in the future, I'd like to make at least one ambient track since I've never done that before, the rougher industrial doesn't sound bad either!

In the end I want every track I make to be mostly different from the other, because variation was a huge strength of the soundtracks from the previous UTs, so I might explore a lot of new styles from time to time to achieve that.

The one thing I'd refuse to look into would be dubstep and variants of it, it just strays way too far imo (and it's generally a bad idea to include such controversial styles, one loves it while the other hates it).

Coming few weeks I'll calm down on the music though, need to focus a bit more on college, I've been busy with music nonstop for a few weeks now

I know what you mean on polarizing styles, but likely if it's not labeled ( like "check my dubstep track") and done well many style influences *could* work, just be careful not to identify it as such and often it won't be noticed. ;-)

Except Trap, that wouldn't fit at all. :-P

If I find some time I might throw up a couple tracks and see if anyone has thoughts...

[Avalanche._]

I know what you mean on polarizing styles, but likely if it's not labeled ( like "check my dubstep track") and done well many style influences *could* work, just be careful not to identify it as such and often it won't be noticed. ;-)

Except Trap, that wouldn't fit at all. :-P

If I find some time I might throw up a couple tracks and see if anyone has thoughts...

Please do, variety will be key, I can provide variety to some extent but at some point more people need to step forward and make some awesome stuff

There were some posts earlier with great music concepts by people, need to bump those..

But yeah, definitely make some stuff, I'll give feedback :P

[Stevelois]

Just wanted to say THX very much for releasing Abyss, Flow, Destroyer, Orbit and Impact Hammer in the full package with fade out. I listening all the songs very often and I like them very much.

Excellent compilation so far and looking forward your next song

[WarpSpasm]

i liked all the tracks but i think abyss really nails the UT concept...really good job man

[Frostbite83]

Abyss its good Music for the Deadfall Map

[Voparixly]

Your music is very good man. You've done an excellent job of capturing that UT vibe.

I'll echo the praise for Abyss. It gives me Rankin vibes.
Flow reminds me of oldschool DM-Liandri. Good for a past-faced, open, chaotic map.
Destroyer sounds like something you'd want on a high-speed CTF map.
Orbit's lovely and a welcome deviation from the other tracks, which are all very fast (but good). I envision a grand, space-themed CTF or Warfare map for this track.
Impact Hammer isn't quite there yet methinks. It has some really nice parts, but shifts in theme too often. In some places it's also simply too soft. Couldn't quite decide in which map it'd fit most, maybe something like CTF/BR-Anubis.

[Frostbite83]

Destroyer its Better Music for the Deadfall Map

[Avalanche._]

Destroyer its Better Music for the Deadfall Map

Well I submitted all the music a week ago or so, you might hear them in-game at some point

Your music is very good man. You've done an excellent job of capturing that UT vibe.

I'll echo the praise for Abyss. It gives me Rankin vibes.
Flow reminds me of oldschool DM-Liandri. Good for a past-faced, open, chaotic map.
Destroyer sounds like something you'd want on a high-speed CTF map.
Orbit's lovely and a welcome deviation from the other tracks, which are all very fast (but good). I envision a grand, space-themed CTF or Warfare map for this track.
Impact Hammer isn't quite there yet methinks. It has some really nice parts, but shifts in theme too often. In some places it's also simply too soft. Couldn't quite decide in which map it'd fit most, maybe something like CTF/BR-Anubis.

I agree with you regarding Impact Hammer, I personally don't think it's suitable for in-game stuff. Maybe it can be the song that plays when you go to the credits, after I make some necessary changes to it :P

Thanks for the motivation! I'll make another batch of tracks sometime in the future.

[Sir_Brizz]

I didn't see this thread before.... sorry

Destroyer is one of the most awesome sounding UT sounding songs I have heard in a long time. I love that one.

Abyss really evokes that UT feeling. Destroyer is better but this would drop right in to many UT levels in my opinion.

Flow is also killer. It would definitely build tension while playing. Awesome!

Orbit, as it's name implies, would be awesome on just about any outer space map. I can imagine playing many floating island maps to this track.

Impact Hammer is great too, I could really feel that on a level like Peak.

Overall just really freaking impressive work Archer. Any of those could be in a UT map and it would feel like it fits perfectly with the style. Great job!

[Avalanche._]

I didn't see this thread before.... sorry

Destroyer is one of the most awesome sounding UT sounding songs I have heard in a long time. I love that one.

Abyss really evokes that UT feeling. Destroyer is better but this would drop right in to many UT levels in my opinion.

Flow is also killer. It would definitely build tension while playing. Awesome!

Orbit, as it's name implies, would be awesome on just about any outer space map. I can imagine playing many floating island maps to this track.

Impact Hammer is great too, I could really feel that on a level like Peak.

Overall just really freaking impressive work Archer. Any of those could be in a UT map and it would feel like it fits perfectly with the style. Great job!

Thanks for the feedback and motivation, no need to apologize

[CoconutFred]

Hey Archer, your work is really able to capture a distinctive UT99 feel, kudos to you for that. I can tell that you've put a lot of work into these tracks! I especially like Impact Hammer and Flow.

However - and I'm not completely sure how to explain this - your music just seems a little bit "dated." Not completely sure what causes this (I know next to nothing about producing music, forgive me). It might just be that some songs repeat their motifs a little bit too much; "Destroyer," for instance, sounds really really really cool at the beginning, but the motif starts to get repetitive and just... grating by the end. I feel another big part of the dated feel is your copious use of retro-style synths. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (definitely hits the sweet spot for nostalgia), but I feel like your songs would fit into a game or movie from or parodying the 80s, like Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon.

So, some tips from a guy that doesn't know anything about music, but can hopefully provide useful feedback still:

• Try incorporating more than just one or two themes for each song. Go Down, for instance, has like 4 distinct parts. Many of your songs already do this, but some (like Abyss) seem like they don't have different parts, they just take away layers of sound and add them back in later.
• Use less retro-sounding synths! They are absolutely awesome if all you're going for is a UT99 feel, but we want to attract 2kx veterans and new players to this game as well. Hyperblast Redux (just a rehash of Go Down) from 2k4 and HenrikRyosa's Convergent Boundary are great examples (in my opinion) of more "modern-sounding" songs that still fit perfectly into the UT franchise.