The Challenge March 2011 - Your vote Please

Renesongs

[b]Do What You Like Gee guys thanks for all the entries . Everybody gets 3 votes that 1 vote for each category. Voting closes Wed 30 March 2011. Oh yeah, just because you entered the competition it doesn't mean you cant vote, hell you can even vote for yourself, so I expect at least 12 voters out there, get your friends to vote as well, use all necessary force.

[quote author=deefstes link=action=profile;u=2979 date=1299244897] I thought I'd pitch in an entry for this month's challenge. Unfortunately we're leaving for holidays on Tuesday so I had to rush this but here it is anyway, for what it's worth. http://www.box.net/shared/29tgfav8ya I guess you could probably call me (I)ntermediate. [/quote]

[quote author=CostaFonix link=action=profile;u=2357 date=1299440558] I've submitted my tune onto http://www.box.net/shared/rjpqxe30qh [/quote]

[quote author=Viccy link=action=profile;u=755 date=1299601643] Hey there. For this entry I went with "Musical Doodle". Two reasons. One: I'm too lazy to break my head over an entry this month. Two: I'm getting worried that recording makes me lose spontaneity so I forced myself to be spontaneous by not knowing what I was going to play next. I just started with a slide from "Marietta", Tarrega and doodled from there. A Category please. http://www.box.net/shared/4axuiqh2qs [/quote]

[quote author=G-Man link=action=profile;u=2202 date=1300017021] Here is my entry for the March competition. I'm entering under beginner. http://www.box.net/shared/7bts1hnjse [/quote]

[quote author=MedMantle link=action=profile;u=3770 date=1300145075] Here's my Entry Wested: http://www.box.net/files#/files/0/f/0/1/f_663101173 Intermediate [/quote]

[quote author=Seventhson link=action=profile;u=1733 date=1300355529] Ok so here we go. I hope I did this right:p http://www.box.net/shared/imetcse7dr [/quote]

[quote author=make and do link=action=profile;u=3301 date=1300456657] Here's my entry for the comp: www.makeando.co.za/GFSA/Begin-Inter_Makeando_a_while.mp3 I'm not sure in terms of category what I should be? Beginner or Intermediate? Maybe you can be the judge of that, being a pro and all ;) [/quote]

[quote author=Squonk link=action=profile;u=298 date=1300741301] http://www.box.net/shared/n55kzmx6g2 Intermediate Peavey T-60, Line 6, Behringer and Audacity [/quote]

[quote author=V8 link=action=profile;u=1415 date=1300778603] Entering a instrumental 'electro blues' in the intermediate category. A bit over time @ 1m24s, apologies - I did try and get it shorter, but failed to find the feel at higher BPM =( Download here :: http://www.quickshare.co.za/files/w13102t6/Electro_Levis_Ver03.mp3.html [/quote]

[quote author=FruitarGeek link=action=profile;u=2434 date=1300823067] Ok. So this song of mine needs a little explanation, so that people may not take it out of context. The genre as I like to put it, is Progressive Funk Fusion, so if it sounds out, its probably because its supposed to be. Pete offered me an opportunity to really spread my wings on this one, and this is something I have NEVER done before. You are the first to witness me, even attempting jazz nogal. Another thing is that I use lots of ideas and riffs (mostly my own) but some that must be attributed to Mike Stern, and Guitarist Magazine :P Anyway, enough talking, enjoy the track. I had fun with this one. http://www.box.net/shared/8sst02j1p9 [/quote]

[quote author=raithza link=action=profile;u=2352 date=1300866036] I wound up doing quite a rush job on the whole thing, having had to re-record all the guitars last night, so I'm not quite happy with my entry, especially with the rhythm playing at the start. Just a straight up rock&roll entry, that I did more as a recording exercise than a playing/compositional one. I think it's fun though :) I used SHRED suite for amp modeling etc. Think I got some nice tones, esp considering the limited time I put into it. Beginner category.... http://www.box.net/shared/td9zma5m8b [/quote]

[quote author=Warren link=action=profile;u=2258 date=1300917540] Almost didn't make it! My entry, something a bit different for me, advanced category please ;) http://www.box.net/shared/6ss9jb032j]http://www.box.net/shared/6ss9jb032j [/quote]

(old forum) Poll Results: Do what you Like

deeftes (I): 1
CostaFonix (I): 6
Viccy (A): 10
G-Man (B): 2
MedMantle (I): 1
Seventhson (B): 5
make and do (B): 5
Squonk (I): 12
V8 (I): 3
FruitarGeek (I): 5
raihza (B): 8
Warren (A): 15

Bob-Dubery

MedMantle: Your file hasn't been shared and thus I can't listen to it.

Seventhson: Your entry surprised me - in a good way.

As usual Squonk has the best story in his song - though an awkward ending this time, I'll never know what came next.

V8 - a fun entry. The lead guitar was too far back in the mix I thought, but some nice ideas in there and it was just a little out of left field (which is good).

Viccy - you get such a nice recorded sound. Natural. Airy. The "plain" production values mean that all the attention is on the tune and the playing. Your playing and your tunes stand up. I LIKE the plain, minimal production.

guitarboy2828

Wow thats a lot of entries, I just see my cap disappearing quickly listening to all of those! :O Will give em a listen tonight though! ?

P.s. Pete, no more picking topics for you, FAR too many entries! ?

Bob-Dubery

PS: Squonk.... "intermediate"? Commendably modest of you, but not an accurate reflection of your talents.

Norman86

DAMN ?
You guys are SO damn good!

If i were to enter, my stuff would sound like pants in comparison!!! :-[

Ray

Yashee Seventhson! Really lekker.
And again Viccy, so pleasant to listen to.

Warren

Got a chance to listen to some of the entries this morning before work 8)

@Squonk
My favourite of the lot. Very groovy hook, great playing, awesome tone. For me, the most musical of the lot by some stretch. ROR at intermediate category though. ?

@V8
Interesting take on the blues theme. Like it a lot. I'm actually surprised we didn't have more bluesy entries!

@Raithza
Another of my faves. I really enjoy the dynamics with the drums and it's a fun, riffy sort of piece.

@Seventhson
Nice entry man, good job on your effort! Nice, crunchy and powerful. I'd like to hear your playing along a rhythm track, be it another guitar or drums or whatever.

@FruitarGeek
The tone you've got is great, and your playing is solid. I'm trying to get more into fusion type stuff myself, but the rhythm and chord changes take a lot of practice to improvise over, so I respect that you guys took a shot at it.

@Costa
Another very good rock entry. Nice tight rhythm playing especially.

@Viccy
Nicely played as always. Has a breezy, free and spontaneous sort of vibe about it. Very nice.

Must have a few more listens to all the entries before I comment further and cast some votes.

Really nice turnout for this one guys ?

Seventhson

Thank you guys. Will give them a listen to.

I am surprised. I rushed it took me ten minutes. :-[

been so busy. But wow I am glad you folks like it.

raithza

Great to see so many entries...

@deefstes: liked the stereo delay & tasteful lead. would have liked to have the lead stand out a bit more.

@Viccy: As always really nice playing. Very soothing piece of music, nice tone, nice dynamics... can't fault it ?

@CostaFonix: Nice piece and I liked how it develops, especially with the harmonics on the hook at the end.

@G-Man: Has a nice QOTSA r-rated feel to it.. I like...

@Seventhson: Lekker riff but was hoping to hear some shredding over it ? and I think you could have developed it further (no offense). Would have been cool with some drums as well...

@makeanddo: nice atmospheric piece... LOVE how it starts... again would have been nice if the little lead part stood out a bit more. I think you should develop the piece into a full song... lots of potential...

@Squonk: Advanced no doubt - well recorded and some real nice tone and tasteful playing (and here I was trying to prescribe you on how to record ?) and nice dynamics... my favourite out of the bunch

@V8: REALLY like this one as well. if sqounk was in advanced category (as he should be) this would've gotten my vote for I ?

@FruitarGeek: Nice and loungy and some really nice playing... but I'm not gonna lie, the genre is a bit lost on me ? lots of respect though...

@raithza: F'ING AMAZING WOWW (lol jk)

@Warren: Really like that intro riff & how the piece progresses - very well put together

so my votes go: B- make and do I-Squonk A-Warren.

Hope to see so many entries again next month guys!

NorioDS

Fark! Warren! Nice man, nice! I was bopping away to yours! You got a great groove going in your rhythm - topped with some nice soloing over it - very cool ?

Warren

Norio wrote: Fark! Warren! Nice man, nice! I was bopping away to yours! You got a great groove going in your rhythm - topped with some nice soloing over it - very cool ?

Haha, thanks man. ? I'm quite pleased with that little riff, although I wanted a much more metal-type tone (like those 7 string groove metal vids that Chad posted). I ran out of tweakage time though. ?

costafonix

Warren wrote:
@Costa
Another very good rock entry. Nice tight rhythm playing especially.

raithza wrote:
@CostaFonix: Nice piece and I liked how it develops, especially with the harmonics on the hook at the end.

thanks guys,
I took a brief listen to some this morning and cant access from work, so will take a good listen this evening and vote,
Squonk and Warrens sounded great though from the little that I heard ? :yup:

Squonk

Thanks for all the extremely Kind words

Still have to listen to a whole bunch of them, We have restrictions at work, which blocks anything to do with media whatsoever.

But I heard Fruitargeeks entry this morning, brilliant stuff, good playing and as Warren says quite complex, with the chords and the soloing over them. Wish I could do this kind of stuff, even bought a Jazz guitar, take my hat off to you FG :applause:

listen more at home with my unrestricted Internet Access

FruitarGeek

Hmmm. Some Good styles indeed. I enjoyed listening to these tracks. Its been an honour battling it out with you fella's :'(

Anyway. My thoughts on the songs:

@G-man - Your intro blew me away, and you also had a keychange in there, I like that. Maybe for the future, have some more solid midi drums beats in there, and vary up your stucture a bit. But I did enjoy it.

@raithza - Wow, that is so grunge rock, I liked this one a lot, and the structure was good. It won my vote - Nice Solo too

@Makeanddo - this reminded me a lot of the opening intro for Doom3 the game. Really freaky and cool. I love that 'clapping' thing you have. This is very eerie. Although I heard a bit of crackling, but Im assuming thats from your recording device you used. Maybe next time, just do something a little more solid! Like this was really good incidental music (the stuff you hear in the backround) but there was no real definitive chord or solo I could hear. I wanna hear you rip it up man ?

@Seventhson - I can hear opposing guitar and 'bass'/rythym guitar notes there. I like it, Very tense! You hold the suspense well. But I wanna hear you solo my man. Even if you just take one scale and gun it down.

@Deefstes - Your into was cool, I love that phaser chord moment, and that 3rd chord really threw me off (in a good way) I didnt see it comming. You should of so turned this into a reggae vibe. Nice soloing there. You land on all the right notes

@V8 - Mmmmmm that was tasteful. Electro Blues, Never heard of it, but it was gooood. Nice solo's there, the panning in my opinion was cool, but for me it threw me off a little bit, I want your solo to sit right on top of my face.

@Costafonix - Nice tight drumming. Like the rolls. Solo guitar was a bit soft, but a ripping solo none the less. I like the harmonies you did. You kinda have a main melody and you play it well. Cool track

@Squonk - LOVE THE CHORDS. I can hear the jazz influence. I like how you so smoothly alternate between the 2 parts, and you solo over them well.

@Viccy - If you telling me that, that was all spontaneous, then kudo's to you. You represent the genre well! I really enjoyed it

@Warren - Definitely the tightest rock based entry. Your lick was scrumptious. I ate it up. Your Midi drums also top quality. Nice Bass. Nice rythym. Solo is definitely well suited. Won my vote

V8

Well done to all, especially happy to see so many "beginner" entries - the toughest group to cast a vote in!

My quick feedback on some of the entries ::

@ G-Man :: Solid, in time and pitch - Pop a little lead on it and yeah - sweet.

@raithza :: Beginner, huh? Well done, rawking it out, dug it. Especially enjoyed the drums - all-in-all, nicely done.

@makeando :: I agree w/previous comments - produce this into a full track - ambient flavoured. IMHO - Intelligent use of guitars in the genre, something I'm tinkering w/as well - but not executing quite as well as I thought this was.

@Svenson :: Great stuff, would be rawking with a drum/rhythm section in it...?

@Warren :: Rawk 'n Rolling. Tasty Riff, fat 'n chunky - everything sounds sweet-ass

@Squonk :: My overall winner in all categories. Fantastic. Tone, timing, production values all top-draw. (although would have been nice to hear you stretch it to 1m15...?

@FG :: Insane. If it were'nt for Squonk, I'd vote for you in (I) - Invested quite a bit of time in this? Very well thought out, executed and delivered all in 1:00...whew. Congratz (P.s. bass line is ripping).

@Viccy :: Eish...improv and one take? Humbled, just humbled are I.

It's easy to vote for Squonk in (I), although FG, you get a very honorable mention!
(A) is up to taste, Warren by a whisker
(B) is tough...raithza or makeando...? I'd vote for both if I could.

Thanks for a ll the feedback,

V8

[deleted]

@Viccy - If you telling me that, that was all spontaneous, then kudo's to you. You represent the genre well! I really enjoyed it

To clarify, I've never played that sequence of notes before or since. It wasn't my first take, because it took me a few to get used to developing the melody instead of freezing up thinking I've done something wrong. You may notice some particularly long pauses. That's me going, literally "..." . And then once I've got a bit of time to get my bearings I carry on. It's all in one take obviously.

Enough about me, what a colourful bunch we've got here on GFSA! I won't have time to comment on everyone, but here are some thoughts that stood out.

Deefstes: This is the first that I've heard from you and it stood out! Well done.

Squonk: One word, smoooooooth.

V8: Flippin' vibey! Love the energy. It made me smile

Fruitargeek: That was very emotive. Perhaps too many emotions though. Could thin it out a bit perhaps?

Make and do: Nice atmosphere

Raithza: very good start, but then falters just a leetle, but then you get right back on it again.

Warren: You ROCKER!

[deleted]

And thanks for the positive comments! And even though it's my birthday tomorrow, don't let that influence your voting okay? ?

costafonix

I listened to all and great stuff well done!!

Deeftes - I like the 'Pink floydion' riff throughout your song
Viccy - you get a fantastic tone on your recordings, nice mellow tune (I can picture a fireplace and a glass of wine for some reason ?)
G-man - good stuff, well done
Medmantle - I couldn't access your track?
Seventhson - dude you improve every time you post a track well done!!
Make and do - really cool stuff
Squonk - I also like your guitar tone, really cool beat, one of my favourites
V8 - cool stuff
Fruitargeek - great stuff, I liked your ending
Raizha - thats my style of music, your song rocks ( is there a ZZtop influence here?) and that guitar tone just hits the spot, well done. one of my favourites.
Warren - you've set a high standard :yup: very neat production, great playing. Also very much my style of rock music,,, also one of my favourites...beware in the next competition ?

Warren

CostaFonix wrote:
Warren - you've set a high standard :yup: very neat production, great playing. Also very much my style of rock music that I llike,,, also one of my favourites...beware in the next competition ?

Thanks Costa ?

I don't normally try the whole "rock" thing, being generally more into jazzy blues territory. But this time around, I wanted a nice stonking riff and solo lines with lots of energy. I wanted to move away from the stuff that's more natural or familiar for me.

If anyone's interested:

Recordings done using Garageband on my Macbook Pro, with EZDrummer for the drum track and Guitar Rig 4 for all the guitar and bass bits. I also used my TS-808 in front of the sound card.

Both the rhythm and lead guitars are double-tracked, set very slightly out of phase. Each track is panned slightly left/right, and the Guitar Rig tones are set differently for each track. For example, lead track 1 is an EVH based tone, and track 2 is an Eric Johnson "hot plexi" type tone. I like the way they blend.

Bass line played on my new Ibanez Gio 5-string bass. I'm very new to bass, and I wanted to spend more time on the bass track for this recording, but never got round to it so just kept it very basic. Enjoying it a lot though, and I want to keep my next track "emptier", with the emphasis on the bass and supporting chord fragments.

Originally, I penned some vocals to go with this entry, which I did actually record. Turned out to be a "Back in Black" kind of vibe. ? Also, it was HORRIBLE. My girlfriend, who is normally very non-objective and loves all of my stuff, was very kind in telling me how I shouldn't try to sing like Axl Rose... ?

Learning a bit more about production all the time, and I really like Guitar Rig 4, after trying a bunch of different options. New to EZDrummer as well, and I'm loving it!

costafonix

you answered my next question,
I know its been mentioned in previous threads but is EZdrummer freeware?
I've been using Cubase with the Groove Agent drumming software, but I'm looking for something thats a bit more organic? would you recommend that?