Looking for feedback on a potential challege event

[the4thImpulse]

I have been thinking about this idea for a while now, a sort of challenge/event thing that could potentially be made into a small EP or possibly a fun sized album.


I'm thinking of of creating an entire song via midi, all drums/synths/sequencing is done with midi rather any audio clips, and then sharing that song with a few other people and then we all add our own VST's and samplers to those midi notes. The idea is to have the exact same arrangement (including drums) but hopefully have a completely different 'sound' to it. You can't remove, modify, or add to any of the midi, not including automation.

I haven't thought much about what the song would be like (genre/complexity).


I want to get feedback on this basic idea before I start anything, I obviously really like the idea but if it sounds like the stupidest thing ever please tell me (or if it has been done before).

[simonli2575]

Seems interesting, though with the same arrangement again and again, making it into a big album might make the tracks sound one-note.

No suggestions from me, I can't think of any.

[Captain Ironhelm]

I would participate, for sure. If nothing else, it'd show the differences in how people think in terms of sound design.

Has it been done before? Well look at the horde of beyond her garden "remixes"

[Symphon]

What if you get a list of participants, and once you got that, each participant makes a track like this where it's just the MIDI. And THEN, you take all of the MIDI's and give them to another random participant. That way, you have many different songs, but the same concept.

[the4thImpulse]

Seems interesting, though with the same arrangement again and again, making it into a big album might make the tracks sound one-note.

I am thinking of a smaller EP sized album, I think at most 4 versions of the same midi song would be enough.

Maybe we could have a few different song genres and create a bigger album, if we get enough participants that is.

Im assuming we can change bpm though?

You could, but changing it would very likely have a bad effect on the song sounding too slow or fast.. I'm not really seeing the benefit in changing the speed.

What if you get a list of participants, and once you got that, each participant makes a track like this where it's just the MIDI. And THEN, you take all of the MIDI's and give them to another random participant. That way, you have many different songs, but the same concept.

The planning/coordination to make that happen efficiently and effectively would be more than what I would want to handle. I am thinking of just having a smaller group of more talented artists who, for the most part, have found their 'sound'.

Thanks for the responses everyone, I want to keep them coming before I make any commitments to the idea and make the legit post for the event.

[Ocular]

I don't really see how this would be a good idea. If I'm reading this correctly, basically every song will be the same song, with just different synth patches. Especially if you can't change the BPM or modify the MIDI at all. I would find it really difficult to apply my own style to something like this.

[Nine Volt]

I don't see a reason not to at least try, as long as the midi isn't shit.

[Freewave]

I don't really see how this would be a good idea. If I'm reading this correctly, basically every song will be the same song, with just different synth patches. Especially if you can't change the BPM or modify the MIDI at all. I would find it really difficult to apply my own style to something like this.

While I would expect they will be a bit similar my recommendations for making this an event would be:

1. Participants should pick the genre they are doing in advance and claim it (ie reserved). So one dusbtep version, one trance, one electro house, one drum & bass, etc. That way we won't have the same genre for the same track at least. You can easily get 15 or 20 genres if you allow people to reserve them.

2. The particpants are allowed to change bpm and move sections around.

3. People can use short samples (kicks, hats, drums, horns, striings)

But i think as long as you follow some of the ideas above you should have enough variety.

Question i now have is if we do something like this can we decide on a title and theme? Since we're essentially remixing the same (unreleased) song it may be completely different in theme and focus (ie pony) and would be even more so if someone did vocals and lyrics too....sticking with one title and theme would prob need to be a necessity.

[Nine Volt]

I call prog house

[Freewave]

I am thinking of a smaller EP sized album, I think at most 4 versions of the same midi song would be enough.

Maybe we could have a few different song genres and create a bigger album, if we get enough participants that is.

You could, but changing it would very likely have a bad effect on the song sounding too slow or fast.. I'm not really seeing the benefit in changing the speed.

The planning/coordination to make that happen efficiently and effectively would be more than what I would want to handle. I am thinking of just having a smaller group of more talented artists who, for the most part, have found their 'sound'.

Thanks for the responses everyone, I want to keep them coming before I make any commitments to the idea and make the legit post for the event.

Actually it looks like 4th was wanting this to be an ep length and choose the artists, have the drums chosen, keep a bpm, and not have this be an open ALBUM EVENT. If that's the case that's fine as he can choose how he wants to run it. If he's willing to reconsider then my recommendations stand.

[the4thImpulse]

1. Participants should pick the genre they are doing in advance and claim it (ie reserved). So one dusbtep version, one trance, one electro house, one drum & bass, etc. That way we won't have the same genre for the same track at least. You can easily get 15 or 20 genres if you allow people to reserve them.

2. The particpants are allowed to change bpm and move sections around.

3. People can use short samples (kicks, hats, drums, horns, striings)

But i think as long as you follow some of the ideas above you should have enough variety.

Question i now have is if we do something like this can we decide on a title and theme? Since we're essentially remixing the same (unreleased) song it may be completely different in theme and focus (ie pony) and would be even more so if someone did vocals and lyrics too....sticking with one title and theme would prob need to be a necessity.

1. My initial plans were hosting an event much smaller, at least to try out initially. If there are many people who want to participate then we will need a system like that to make sure the album has some variety and balance.

2. I had no problem with BPM changing, but if the song has to stay rigid then I don;t much use in changing BPMs as it would only really make it slower or faster. I have to think more about letting people move sections around.

3. Meaning people can add in whatever samples they want/need to make their own track more unique? I think I can work something like that in.

It would all have the same theme, it being the same song with different sounds applied, I haven't thought much yet about a vocalist, that could be worked in.

basically every song will be the same song, with just different synth patches.

That is the basic idea of it, its not a remix competition in the traditional sense, its not about applying your own musical style/genre to an already released song. Its more about applying your 'sound' to the exact same song as someone else.



I may not have been clear enough in saying that its my vision to do this with as few people as possible, I was thinking of having no more than 4 versions total. It's only ever been a thought in my mind, I am still forming the framework.

[Motivfs]

I think it's a simplistic, fun idea, I think you imagining it only have 4 people though is a little concerning, as this seems like a fun little challenge that I would believe lots of people would be interested in. I also think you should be allowed to change the BPM, add more variety and not just all be one genre with YOUR sounds. It would also leave more room for a bit more creativity and more participants.

[Bronies Are Cool]

I'm willing to give this a shot. It could be fun. I would like to experience something like this.

[Fimbulin]

Not tweaking the midi would be bad for legato kontakt instruments.

%I

[Aequus]

This sounds like a good idea!

(if we're claiming genres i've got tech-house)