OmriLahav

I'm going to try to cover everyone's points in one reply, sorry if I leave anything out. I disagree with the statement that the score is "period based" on the wrong dates. My intention was never to make a period score for this game - due to the fact I have no knowledge on 0.A.D. period music. What I did intend, however, is first and foremost - to make a game score. If that means that in order to work in the epic context of this game, the score needed to be orchestrated - then that is what is "appropriate". I read someone mentioning Uillean Pipe drones, as you can hear in my Celtic peace track - I have used them extensively. If you can change the stringy drone to a pipe drone, that's a step in the right direction. I also used penny whistles (D and low D), but I recorded them much more loosely then you did - with a lot of air and transparent compression, and that difference in sound is too radical IMHO. I never said samples are not a viable option - I use them all the time, in fact the Uillean pipes I used as a solo instrument on Celtic Peace #1 are sampled. But I do want to use live recordings beside the samples - if nothing else, then simply because few independent scores have them. However I wouldn't insist upon it as much if I didn't truly know it'll make a big difference in the overall product quality! I listened to the second draft and it is sounding better, but I still have a bit of a problem with the percussion intro... The instrumentation of it just doesn't sound right to me, I'd prefer to hear Celtic percussion, such as Bodhran and some Spoons, the current sounds instinctively make me think "Africa". Bottom line(s): I don't want to make period music - just music that suits the nature of the game, that is a priority I will not settle on to accommodate anyone, and weather or not the sounds are correct with the dates is immaterial - as long as the music works in game and is believable in that context. I do not "poo-poo" samples, but I think that 100% sampled tracks will stick out in a mostly live recorded album, and lower the overall production quality. And while it's true that good sampled beats average performed - I'm not looking to record "average" musicians, so no worries there As it stands right now, I'm having a hard time seeing this piece fit in with the rest of the score, but maybe I just need to get used to it, I'll listen to it a few more times.

Well, they really did sound like sampled guitar and flute - and I'm listening through KRK 8" studio monitors... With harpsichord I can understand how that impression is given (though a harpsichord hardly falls into the early Celtic folk chamber group), but the tin whistle (to my ears) had no air or dynamics, which is why I mistook it for a flute sample. I don't know how you recorded it, but if you didn't - I'd advise using a good condenser microphone. Don't get me wrong - the lowered 2nd is beautiful, musically - but it isn't very likely to be in what is supposed to sound like Celtic music. As for the delay, to me - it was completely out of context, the score isn't as period based as the rest of the game, but at the very least it shouldn't sound too modern. That's not to say we can't make it interesting - but it must be believable and set the right tone.

This piece is indeed very nice, though a few points stick out to me: The delay used is completely inappropriate considering the game we are composing for. The sampled guitar and flute, sound way too obviously sampled. Do you have a way of recording them live? Also, the harmony (especially that lowered 2nd) is very out of place with regards to Celtic music. If you need help or have any questions please feel free to email me, OmriMusic (@) Hotmail.com Thanks,

I would like to set a few things straight - first of all, while the game is historically based - the score simply can't be limited to 0.A.D. period music for a few reasons: We have no credible idea what it sounded like, and, an entirely chamber based score simply wouldn't feel right on an epic war game. To be clear about my current peace tracks - they are not going to be the only peace tracks included, I fully intend to have the peace tracks vary in size. However, the concept is indeed, that the orchestra is going to be the underline throughout. With regards to recording live instruments - it is very important to me. Sebastian, with regards to your comment about "fooling around with effects", I think anything more then plain reverb is inappropriate for this production. Once again, if you wish to contribute - email me your pieces, if they meet the criteria I set at the start of this thread. Thanks,

I am firmly determined to avoid any tracks that are 100% VST, especially when all the rest of the tracks will have live solo instruments - it will stick out like a sore thumb. If you can't record live instruments but your tracks are really good otherwise, I will consider taking playbacks and sheet music, and recording the solo lines myself on a free-time basis, however I can't guarantee exactly when I will have the time to do it. There is no deadline per-se, but the sooner the better as I'm making tracks myself, so at some point I won't actually need any contributions. The best thing to do if you want to contribute is to email me a sample of your best work to OmriMusic (@) Hotmail.com (In the email subject please include "0.A.D. music submission"). Omri

As Music Lead on 0.A.D., I decided to start a thread here to explain to would-be contributors how my desicion making in that area will work. The few basic requirements of quality-assurance must be: - Ability to create tracks of similar production-value to my score in terms of sampling, sound, mix and mastering. - Ability to record live instruments to match my score and avoid the cliche, 100% sample-based score everyone else has. - A certain understanding of the game and the concepts set for each civilization. - Availability to make any requested changes by me / the team. - Ability to deliver product as a high-resolution .wav file. - An understanding of and willingness to work under Creative Commons, share alike license. I will generally not work with anyone who doesn't match these criteria, although in extreme cases I might consider accepting a MIDI file and doing the production myself, on a free-time basis. I will generally not accept pre-existing tracks, unless by some chance they fit remarkably well, or can be tweaked to fit. I understand that many young composers are attracted to this kind of project, but in the interest of delivering a good, even-quality product, I must be very picky with music contributions. Composers who feel they meet the criteria and wish to contribute are welcome to contact me directly via omri (@) omrilahav.com, or post on this thread. Please include a link to your work and a brief description of your experience. Good luck,