Round III Challenge Discussion

[NotACleverPony]

Round III hasn't started yet.

So here's the big question:

What would you guys like to do for the Challenge track in Round III ?

We're playing with different ideas. From Locations (Canterlot) to Episodes (DragonShy) to individual characters (Derpy).

Let us know, maybe we'll set up a poll at some point~

If you're ambivalent, The Great and Powerful Makkon will be very happy to pick something for you guys.

Let's hear your ideas!~

[Makkon]

I've been rather fond of doing a location for this next round, but I'd rather do something that the community as a whole would prefer.

Before we start a poll, lets get some suggestions

I'd love to do a theme for Canterlot.

[DavidReinold]

I'm thinking it might be cool to have people do original songs with lyrics. Just a thought, I don't know.

[NotACleverPony]

Oh man, WITH LYRICS?

That would be so tough. But it totally lives up to the name "Challenge track".

[Makkon]

If you really want to hear my singing...

[sci]

with lyrics? I'd die. Then take everyone else with me.

HOWEVER I do like the idea of mechanics-based challenges, vs theme based.

stuff like, "write something in odd time. anything but 4/4. also ponies."

that'd be fun. and challenging.

[DavidReinold]

with lyrics? I'd die. Then take everyone else with me.

HOWEVER I do like the idea of mechanics-based challenges, vs theme based.

stuff like, "write something in odd time. anything but 4/4. also ponies."

that'd be fun. and challenging.

THIS. And bonus points if you switch between 3/4 and something weird like 5/4 or 7/4 at different appropriate parts of the song.

[Stars In Autumn]

Or maybe work in a different key other than major. I think something to get people who might not know a lot of music theory to learn some is a good idea.

[Whitetail]

Jeff, some people pretty much exclusively stay in minor keys

I'd think something that really forces you to stretch your music skills by forcing an odd combination could be cool, like think 2 characters instead of just 1: Twilight and Trixie, as you could imagine fitting them both into a piece would be fairly difficult because their personalities are different, so in that manner you may end up having to work with a sort of clash, one thing that could work would be tonicizing to the relative minor for Trixie and tonicizing to the relative major for Twilight, same notes but you'd have to work out a transition to make it work smoothly.

Another idea would be like Derpin' up the time signature, so instead of working with like 4 4 straight through, you have to alternate between 6 4 and 9 4.

[ArtAttack]

I second (third) the idea of technical skill related challenges. And for a new idea, pony+pony mashups. Could you imagine Art of the Cupcakes?

[[voodoopony]]

What if you can only make a song using audio from the show? You can alter it and whatnot but no midis or synths or anything like that.

[PinkiePieSwear]

Lyric wise, all I've ever done is rip audio straight from the show. Forcing me to create my own lyrics would definitely make for quite an entertaining challenge entry!

Why am I liking this idea so much?!

[General Mumble]

I also like the idea of messing with keys and time signatures... getting progressive with your ponies.

I think it would be pretty fun, and fairly mind-bending for those who normally stick to 4/4 (such as myself, when it comes to electronic music).

[Supersaw Hoover]

I also like the idea of messing with keys and time signatures... getting progressive with your ponies.

"Songs About My Ponies" - Venetian Hooves

[Whitetail]

I also like the idea of messing with keys and time signatures... getting progressive with your ponies.

"Songs About My Ponies" - Venetian Hooves

It features 20 minutes of progressive experimental pony IDM, all samples save for a few synths (the only tonal things in the entire album) taken directly from the show or circuit-bent voice-boxes from pony figurines (chiefly the talking celestia one), featuring such tracks as Hoovemaster, Gallopalot and For Big Mac.


Hmmmm... why do I think that'd be a really awesome idea?

[Rainbow Hash]

I also like the idea of messing with keys and time signatures... getting progressive with your ponies.

"Songs About My Ponies" - Venetian Hooves

Venetian Snares have been bronies for a while apparently

[[voodoopony]]

Bahaha the Venetian Hooves reference was clever XD
Wow, he's an old school brony.

[General Mumble]

I MUST take a look at this. I'm kind of oblivious when it comes to IDM, but I'm pretty sure this forum will change that.

Furthermore, I do like the idea of creating a song out of nothing but samples from the show, I imagine it would make for aurally pleasing work.

[PinkiePieSwear]

Furthermore, I do like the idea of creating a song out of nothing but samples from the show, I imagine it would make for aurally pleasing work.

Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to do that. I am absolutely going to give this a shot sometime soon!

[Whitetail]

Working with just samples would definitely create for some interesting concepts and force people to really think outside the box, you're probably going to have to do some sample hunting and EQ magic to turn ponies into a usable percussion line. If you're going to do that, would there also be restrictions like they can only be vocal samples (IE you can't just grab Fluttershy's pot kick for a drum sound since that's a fairly obvious choice)? If the tracks made entirely would of voice samples I'd imagine it sound quite interesting.

I'd say either weird time signatures or only samples from the show, both would create some interesting results

[General Mumble]

I'd say either weird time signatures of only samples from the show, both would create some interesting results

Assuming you meant or only samples from the show, I totally agree with you. I'm torn between which idea I prefer.

[PinkiePieSwear]

I'd say either weird time signatures of only samples from the show, both would create some interesting results

I'm torn between which idea I prefer.

Samples from the show! Samples from the show!!

[Overkillius]

I just hope I am up to the challenge whatever everyone decides. If I wanted to give myself a challenge, (one I would love to try but don't know if I can do it) it would be an acapella Indian raga (something along the lines of this ex: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thk_WcV0jRM) written with english lyrics about ponies and or rhythmic solfege. (I forget what it is actually called.) Of course... to be honest it is more fun to sing that type of thing than it is to listen to by a LONG SHOT I think. (not to mention how much work I think it would take to make a song like that and then actually record it). Also my proposition is likely ridiculous considering the music that I've seen some of you produce. Regardless of the final decision I want to participate and see how good I can do.

[Makkon]

Hey guys, just to give you all a heads up:
NC is passing the torch for round 3 to me, and I'll be gone all of next week. We'll have a good break in between rounds to leave some room to participate in other challenges (and set up some more features on the board). Before I leave on Tuesday of next week we'll have an official poll up for you guys to vote for the event.

I don't think I could pull off any of these suggestions, they are way over my head. But I think if we went with lyrics I'd go for a Pony version of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

"LUNNAAA!!!! OOooooOOOOO! Please don't you cry, each night I wish you never left us all!!!"

Hey, what if we did pony parodies of popular songs? Sort of following suite of Equestria Girls.

[Overkillius]

I'd be down with parodies... actually... me and my friend had some idea's for that already. :]