RedFFWolf's Creative Space

[RedFFWolf]

For all the miscellaneous things I create or do on a sporadic basis, I figured I'd lump any past projects and current ones here. I like to try my hand at many things, though some creations will certainly expose what little experience (and talents) I have in particular areas

Nonetheless, if at least one person enjoys something, I'm happy!


Anyway, here's the latest endeavour:
Anxious Heart (with sound effects) - FFVII's Anxiety, or Anxious Heart, with sound effects.

MP3-only link

The video for the music I made earlier today. It was only an afterthought, and not meant as a narrative to the music itself, just something for the background; otherwise, the sound effects wouldn't make much sense

Spoiler

though what I really had in mind for the atmosphere, in terms of FFVII only and not the other ideas/imagery I had in mind, was after the first bombing mission

.
Bar one event, the clips used had featured Anxious Heart as its music. As to how they are put together, do they end up telling a story? Yes and no. More like they are telling things—a common theme in mind—but not as a "linear idea". Anyway, nothing too much to consider

Spoiler: Technical Note - Music

Most of the music was recorded using a Yamaha DGX-230, and not with VSTs [MIDI]. Owing to some technical difficulties, being unable to hear what I was recording, I could have done better and, indeed, probably should have fixed some parts

Spoiler: Technical Note - Video

Some of the clips used were choppy due to the software settings used to record some scenes at the time, so it's not anyone's internet lagging at parts or similar

I love sound effects in music, and find they can create unique stories/atmospheres.
Try listening to it as you rest in bed or similar—earphones in—and see what imagery stirs In particular, certain sound effects come across better through earphones - had I made some too loud, they'd have taken away from other parts

 

[CrashOuch]

Oooh I like this very much <3 you're so clever, man, how dya even do this stuff?
I love how, for me anyway, to start with it's kinda unsettling almost and a bit disorienting, like cos it's so atmospheric and effective and then with the rain and it all goes quiet, kinda like being all alone, y'know? I really like it, I find it kinda sad and spooky, but in the best possible way, and then at the end there's like the slightest little glimmer of hopefulness, the rain's stopped, maybe it's gonna be ok. Awesome, dude.

 

[trash panda]

Gahhh this is beautiful! I'm so glad you made a creative thread. Surely this means you'll be posting more?

The sound effects bring the different scenes to life.

 

[RedFFWolf]

Oooh I like this very much <3 you're so clever, man, how dya even do this stuff?
I love how, for me anyway, to start with it's kinda unsettling almost and a bit disorienting, like cos it's so atmospheric and effective and then with the rain and it all goes quiet, kinda like being all alone, y'know? I really like it, I find it kinda sad and spooky, but in the best possible way, and then at the end there's like the slightest little glimmer of hopefulness, the rain's stopped, maybe it's gonna be ok. Awesome, dude.

D'awww, I'm still very new to stuff like this. It's only the second time I've made sound effects to music [the first which wasn't my own] and the same for putting clips to a piece of music [the first which was an already existing piece of music altered by me - see the bottom of the post, or maybe don't in the case of that one ].
Thank you!

I wanted the whole thing to feel like it was centering around Cloud and, to some degree, his struggles before he finds himself - it's why no clip features after his subconscious mind section. It was just fortunate for me that there was a lonely vibe for a lot of these clips [and that Anxious Heart was used a lot more in Disc 1 than later], such as the

Spoiler: Train Graveyard

and I wanted to make the train conductor relevant, seeing as I consider it him the same guy who found Cloud at the station

, as I felt the only one (and this excludes Tifa too) who the viewer really feels aware of, or that the clips are truly/only following, is Cloud.

From moments of Cloud turning back around at the last second as Aerith leaves, to thinking back to their first encounter before rushing off to her [a metaphorical sense in play where Aerith asks "what happened?" as if "what happened all this time?"], and the soldier shouting "Hey! You there!" before cutting to the flashback scenes. These little things I hoped would turn the collection of clips into more than just something to focus the eyes as one listens [even though I had no intentional narrative at the time]

There were different feelings and ideas floating about as I was making it. In the end, I left out clips of Cloud approaching the altar where Aerith makes her final living prayer [as that moment would have made it almost more about Sephiroth]. I also decided to omit the Cosmo Candle scenes, even when I originally wanted them in.


TL;DR - The good version.
I realise I've waffled a lot above, and just pointed out different aspects of the video without really explaining anything or making sense of my motives - I will say two clear enough things. The rain was coincidence, and a fortunate one at that. The ending does seem hopeful with Cloud saying "I'm okay.", but had I left out my "fade out" effect at the end a bit more, it would be easier to see he is just about having another spasm before the video cuts.

So, what does it all mean? Well, that you would take the time to interpret these things is wonderful, and means a lot to me - and had I provided a clear answer in relation to all this at the start, it wouldn't be as thought-provoking. So, I can't give a clear answer. I don't believe there is one

Gahhh this is beautiful! I'm so glad you made a creative thread. Surely this means you'll be posting more?

The sound effects bring the different scenes to life.

Thank you! Yep! I shall be posting more and more and more...and probably won't be making things like this anytime soon, but certainly I can bring to light some older stuff I was at before.

For example, putting it on Youtube yesterday reminded me of this dark horror I created a while ago. I reversed the music piece "Twisted Nerve" from the film of the same name [also featured in Kill Bill] and slowed it down. The surrealist sound was something I decided, "I need to put some video clips to it", and that was the first time I've done something like this [though, technically, the Anxious Heart was only the second]

I blame my fascination of the human mind on why I like exploring darker sides once in a while. Probably what drove me into acting a few years ago too.

Clips used were "Kill Bill" and "Twisted Nerve" - the clips were intended to match the manic moments of the music.

It's a different kind of beauty
And, the last 45 seconds or so are surprisingly tranquil.

FLASHING IMAGE WARNING

 

[trash panda]

The music is so beautiful and ohmygosh that video is incredibly freaky.
The song matched up really well with the clips that you used. I've seen some of Kill Bill but I'm not familiar with Twisted Nerve. Despite not being all that familiar with the scenery, the music told the story well enough.

 

[RedFFWolf]

Thanks, Howl
It sort of told a story, sort of didn't - certain clips did, the rest sort of sporadic [though it was less manic when the music itself calmed], but I guess that worked in the surrealistic sound


I found a load of old keyboard recordings from about 5 years ago, so I've decided not to post here without there at least being something - even if I'm just messin' with my ocarina - works well with a reverb effect.
Hopefully something will please at least one person, 'cause it certainly pains me listening back and wondering why I never took the time to refine some of them.

Take FFVIII's 'Julia' - Not sure what's going on in the intro, but sure I'll let it pass - Some parts it is intentional for the strings not to match up with the piano, but there is a part or two where it could've done with more careful timing (MIDI wasn't used for those segments, so I had to just record over "carefully"). Anyway, too late for that; still, it ain't too bad to listen ta.
Julia (FFVIII)

 

[RedFFWolf]

I've been bugging myself to finish this for too long, so I'll settle for what it sounds like for now

First time using only VST (virtual instruments) and purely composing MIDI files. Tried to keep a faithful rendition to an extent (with a theme sort of in mind), but there are a couple of additional notes here and there alongside other changes.

Anyway, here's a sort-of remix of FFVIII's "Fear"

MP3 Link

Going for a dark city (jazzy) vibe at first, which I think I may have captured in the first half, but the second half I will likely change in the future if I hope to continue that theme - I got kinda lazy and rushed the second half. Transition doesn't work as well as I'd like, either. Jesus, listen to me moaning, ha! Sorry! Hope someone likes something of it anyway

 

[RedFFWolf]

Here's a video I recorded almost two years ago. I recall putting a link up last year in a thread on FFVIII's music, but I figure here is an appropriate spot for it.

And, yes, the tuning was deliberate - I went through a phase of playing around with transpose and tuning to the point it had become detrimental to intuiting the notes on the keyboard (i.e., not knowing too well what sound I was going to get from each note; no good trying to learn things by ear, thus).

Anyway, the main purpose of reviving this thread is sort of a way to self-motivate myself to make something musical soon, instead of constantly browsing online and expecting myself to work on other things when I know I'm not going to. I had a really enjoyable time playing the ocarina earlier today; that ought to feature in my next creation.

 

[trash panda]

This is so beautiful. ;__________;

 

[Shademp]

Bro. That's beautiful. <3

 

[Octo]

^Wot they said.

Also does the penguin got a name?

 

[RedFFWolf]

N'awww, thanks, all

^Wot they said.

Also does the penguin got a name?

Probably 'Penguin'. I mean to say, I have a huksy plush called 'Husky' and a gargoyle statue called 'Gargoyle'. He still sits on my keyboard, but now do other soft toys. A thank you to my workmates for now making it harder for me to find the buttons


Oh, and I said I'd not post here without something.
So here's an overly passionate but mostly indulgent improv. of me playing 'Truman Sleeps' from The Truman Show.


I'm not so good at the keyboard anymore sadly, but I want to get back to playing again. But you know what'll motivate me? A solid request
I'd love to play a piece from FF or Zelda, or anything at all really, and throw in some ocarina too (as I might get a proper microphone soon to help record for it). So, if there are any suggestions/requests, I'd like to follow through with one or two [But I'm fairly rusty, so be kind ]

 

[Octo]

Ooh, how about the Skyward Sword theme. I know it's quite bombastic but I think the tune would sound good as a pianoy piece. No pressure like

 

[Flare]

^omg seconded. I love that theme.

 

[Octo]

^I've got the CD that came with it, has an orchestral version. I play it in the car, it makes me drive a bit fast (which is like a normal speed compared with most people )

EDIT: apparently it's Zelda's theme backwards?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDDAXsgoc5s

thats bananas!

 

[Flare]

^I heard it was her theme backwords as well, like, when I first got the game a couple years ago. I never actually tested that out though.

 

[AvecAloes]

Huh, I never knew that! Interesting!

And Red. Red. Red. PLAY MOAR.

 

[RedFFWolf]

^Awww, thanks - I'm a little shite now but I'm planning to get back into it


Okay, challenge accepted on the Skyward Sword theme. I hadn't heard it before so I'll get familiar with it. I should be able to learn the main bits through synthesia. Since it's so abundant and impressive in the first place, I'll try thinking how I can still make it stand out with just a piano.

Spoiler: Oh, and obligatory post of a creation

A long time ago I found a beautiful 30 second piece of ambient music someone else made. Using sound effects (and one or two sounds I recorded from the keyboard), I tried transitioning through the seasons, from Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and back again.

Ambient - Seasons

It was the first I had made with my mixing sofware, so there are some things I'd like to change and sharpen - nonetheless, I enjoy it (probably easy to say that 'cause I never made the original music piece), and it's best listened to through earphones, eyes closed, lying down in bed kind of stuff - letting the imagery flow.

I posted this in the Chit Chat thread at some point when the topic came up - but next time now I will make a video to correspond with it (some day).

 

[RedFFWolf]

Dear Octo,
On FB I mentioned I'd have Ballad of the Goddess recorded by the end of the week, which was last week, and I now accept what a terrible person I am, as mentioned in said post. It's not even that hard, and by that I mean I wasn't aiming for the complex version ('cause I'm nowhere near as good as I used to be in learning songs), but I honestly don't even know where to begin explaining how this was almost a year ago
I do legitimately want to get it done, at the very least as some commitment to playing my keyboard again, and at most because I do value it was a request after I, ya know, requested a request.



Anyway, I'm gonna self-indulge a bit, 'cause I suppose I named this thread to encompass any creative venture I endure.

Spoiler: I'm writing a book and done did a pivotal and personal chapter.

About two weeks ago, I wrote the penultimate chapter to a very significant chapter/ending per se of one timeline. My book has two timelines interwoven, where the ending of one timeline will explain the second one. (It won't be easy making this work, but if I can pull it off...well, we'll see). Anyway, when writing that penultimate chapter, I actually got a touch emotional. Not in any devastated or teary-eyed sense, but that short-lived bout of adrenaline as you consider what's coming up next. It was a little surreal. I remember thinking "Holy shit, I've been thinking about this upcoming chapter for over a year now, and now I'm about to put this main character through it". And the contents of said final chapter relate in some degrees to the worst fears/experiences I've met with in my own life - hey, ya gotta use what you know to breathe in that extra hint of genuineness to the story.

Anyway, I wrote that final chapter there just over a week ago, and it was rough but not that rough as I know those darker days are behind me - but in trying to embody them again as I wrote, for legitimacy's sake, I did feel it all somewhat. Feels so weird to have gotten far enough to write something you've visualised for so long, and like other things I've toyed with in the past it's never quite how it's visualised, naturally.

Now I'm focusing on the second timeline, which is rather exciting in comparison to the first timeline. Currently I'm at 73,500 words total, rounded off. I'm on a good track to write consistently in the next few weeks so that by the end of August I hope to have the first draft completed, or thereabouts.

I still have some names to fill in. If anyone wants a cameo (just in terms of your name being used), speak nigh. Hey, maybe it was worth you reading all this just to get to this part - not saying my book will be good---it might even be deplorable---but in case it's half-decent you can claim ownership to some of the inspiration behind it

Also, I did manage to relearn FFIX's Roses of May recently.
On listening back to it, the dual sound accompanying the piano should've been lowered in volume or changed, but ah well. Figured it needed more than just the piano, as it's already a pure piano piece.

Actually, I don't particularly like it much the more I listen to it. Must do a new version at some point! (Knowing me I'll be ready in 2018 )

This is recorded directly from the keyboard - I can't find a way to hoist up my phone to record video, plus the sound's a lot better from the keyboard anyway, though it's anything but professional at all. But I ain't aiming for that standard

 

[Shademp]

Also, I did manage to relearn FFIX's Roses of May recently.

BEAUTIFUL

<3

 

[CrashOuch]

Anyway, I'm gonna self-indulge a bit, 'cause I suppose I named this thread to encompass any creative venture I endure.

Spoiler: I'm writing a book and done did a pivotal and personal chapter.

About two weeks ago, I wrote the penultimate chapter to a very significant chapter/ending per se of one timeline. My book has two timelines interwoven, where the ending of one timeline will explain the second one. (It won't be easy making this work, but if I can pull it off...well, we'll see). Anyway, when writing that penultimate chapter, I actually got a touch emotional. Not in any devastated or teary-eyed sense, but that short-lived bout of adrenaline as you consider what's coming up next. It was a little surreal. I remember thinking "Holy shit, I've been thinking about this upcoming chapter for over a year now, and now I'm about to put this main character through it". And the contents of said final chapter relate in some degrees to the worst fears/experiences I've met with in my own life - hey, ya gotta use what you know to breathe in that extra hint of genuineness to the story.

Anyway, I wrote that final chapter there just over a week ago, and it was rough but not that rough as I know those darker days are behind me - but in trying to embody them again as I wrote, for legitimacy's sake, I did feel it all somewhat. Feels so weird to have gotten far enough to write something you've visualised for so long, and like other things I've toyed with in the past it's never quite how it's visualised, naturally.

Now I'm focusing on the second timeline, which is rather exciting in comparison to the first timeline. Currently I'm at 73,500 words total, rounded off. I'm on a good track to write consistently in the next few weeks so that by the end of August I hope to have the first draft completed, or thereabouts.

I still have some names to fill in. If anyone wants a cameo (just in terms of your name being used), speak nigh. Hey, maybe it was worth you reading all this just to get to this part - not saying my book will be good---it might even be deplorable---but in case it's half-decent you can claim ownership to some of the inspiration behind it

AAGGHHHHHH!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!! I'm really glad the second timeline's going well!!!! <3 <3 <3

70,000+ words is SUCH an awesome achievement on its own I can't wait for you to be a super cool published author!!!!

 

[Octo]

@seriously don't worry. I'm still meant to be finishing a picture of Ghost from like 2 years ago! (sorry Ghost!)

 

[Flare]

Waaaa I heard that song on Facebook, I think it sounds beautiful Alan <3

Also ermagerd, congrats on writing out that penultimate timeline chapter! That's awesome to hear; I'm glad you're imbuing it with your own personal feelings and experiences as well. Those are the best stories <3
Crash is right, 73k words is amazing, especially seeing as it's only the first timeline in the book. Keep it up! Mebbe I'll hold a signed copy in my hands one day

Also you can totally add my name in there if it suits a character or something Er what, did you hear something?

 

[Ghost X]

Nice music :thumbsupemoji:

@seriously don't worry. I'm still meant to be finishing a picture of Ghost from like 2 years ago! (sorry Ghost!)

I hold no grudges namely because I totally forgot about this .

 

[RedFFWolf]

Thanks, all

I found a folder on my desktop I had neglected for some time, and it has the music I recorded back in Feb 2011, when I would have had my keyboard for just over a year.

I used to play religiously back then, and I was a lot better.
Keeping in line with my "creation in every post" sort-of-rule/idea, here's an example:
Via Purifico/Path of Repentence (FFX)

Though the piano sound itself is from MIDI software rather than my keyboard's internal sounds, it's my raw playing on the keyboard and not any notes mapped out manually.
It's such a let down how much I've declined since


Book stuff:

For you all!

Another chapter written today, and a general structure for the 2nd timeline in place - Going to continue with the next chapter later tonight.

@Flare - You got it! Hmm, I could throw in a Mel. Though, actually, Flare as a name sounds possible for the 2nd Timeline. I'll have to see how it forms