The 2004 Elemental Music Compo
Competition Results
Water Category
First Place: A River's Life by Skizo, with a score of 40.75!
Second Place: Water Valve by skyscape/Libris, with a score of 40.00!
Third Place: Life's Void by Alex "Tito" Kane, with a score of 38.00!
Fourth Place: Splash Blubb Baby by Sea Calf, with a score of 31.75!
Fifth Place: Dream of Atlantis by Jimmy Heimberger, with a score of 29.75!
Sixth Place: Pond of Go'ssok by Alterfish Gravity, with a score of 28.25!
[EMC Home] [Earth Restuls] [Wind Results] [Fire Results] [Water Results]
A River's Life - First Place / Winner
by Skizo
Download (1636 downloads)
Score: 40.75Artist's Comments: Alright... close your eyes, and see the river's flowin, growin up while the rain hits its surface... watch it movin away heading for the sea, unstoppable, in its royal majesty. Now it reached the sea, where the small water of the river meet all the rivers and the seas mother earth got, and mixes together with those, creating new waves, new kind of water, a new kind of life... Now the small river waters reached the egypt, where joins the water of the Nile, tellin them of the great pharaons who once belonged to those lands... After much travelling the sea water flow into the ocean, the huge Atlantic Ocean, and from there, back to the air, in the clouds, and the cycle continues...
I was walking around my city lookin for inspiration, and to be true I found out some new good vibes to create a nice fire song (problem will come up later, when a bios fault keeps my notebook away from me for more than 2 weeks and destroys all my work due to a hdd change, but that's just another story), when I sit on the side of a river. I started writing down a lyric, and the rain starts to pour. I decide not to run home as most of the mentally sane people would do, but to be still there writing few more lines in that rainy night. I actually did so, and while writing and writing I stared at the river, all dizzy for the rain, but still knowin which way to go... from there on I started thinkin about "what if I could follow the river"... goin out of the land (I'm in middle italy), reachin the sea, movin around the globe, passin in the Gibilterra Strait and finally reachin the Atlantic Ocean. But once there it couldnt last long before getting back to the normal life. That's more or less what the song talks about, that's what I felt while composing it and that's what it's supposed to transmit to you.
This is one of the most complex songs I ever made, one of the most (if not THE most) time eater. I spent on it a long while, and my only regret is that I missed my hardware for so long I actually have to finish it up in a rush, probably forgetting or messing something up. Oh well... time to go finish up the final mix...
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well, the beginning and end sound most like water to me (okay, I'm easilly wowed by effects, what can I say?) -- Honestly, the wah effects DO remind me of water, too, as does the echo/reverb on the guitar. I really don't see that this tune can fit well into other elements, but there's only a few things about it that make me think water... 12 of 20 points.
Musicality
Very nice and mellow track! There's enough to keep the listener interested all the way through, and yet the music still stays true to it's own character. 9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
I don't know that I would have chosen a piano with this tune, though the more I listen to it, it does somewhat fit... I like (again) the effects/filters used in this tune, they fit it well. Also, the modest strings are a nice touch. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, the tune works well as it is. Some of the samples (I'd say mostly the piano) don't fit it as well; better sampling there would do more for the tune. Also, some more effects (besides the storm/rain sounds) would help the tune achieve a better balance in respect to it's ambience. Pretty good panning work, it makes the song seem to swim around :) 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 12+9+9+7 = 37 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Definitely Water - Not much question there ... Especially with the synopsis - you can just feel the cycle of the water ... 20 of 20 points.
Musicality
Music is quite excellent. it sounds so simple to be so complex. I could use this for my relaxation music - takes me away ... 9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
I thought it was most original - reminded me of a lot of 60's style music. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Everything was pieced together perfectly. No sound or instrument overwhelmed any other and it was all very well placed for the "story." 10 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 20+9+9+10 = 48 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
18 of 20 points.
Musicality
8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
8 of 10 points.
Comments
I really like this entry, it flows along very nicely; I think it is quite suitable in this category - The piano fits beautifully! Good job Skizo!
Overall Score: 18+8+8+8 = 42 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
If you took out the poor quality and over the top thunder and rain samples ( which really was not necessary ) this track still does great in this category. Great texture and a generally lazy sound just create the perfect atmosphere. 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Interesting melody but often very predictable. The song gradually builds and I love when the percussion and lead come in. The track is short enough to avoid repetitveness and make you want to listen again. I really like this track and had it in my mind all weekend as I was gone camping. A great song of solitude. 8 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
This part hurts this track. The entire chord structure and melody seem like things I've heard before. The sounds however are quite unique and the atmosphere is rich... and some nice variations near the end show some originaity. 4 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Some very poor sample choices from the intro/outro effect to the strings and piano. This track suffers from a serious lack of high frequencies and too many mid tones, and as well some panning ajustments could do wonders to clean up the messy sound. 6 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 18+8+4+6 = 36 points
Final Average: (37+48+42+36)/4 = 40.75 of 50 Possible Points
Water Valve - Second Place
by skyscape/Libris
Download (1565 downloads)
Score: 40.00Author's Comments: This song presents the water element from a technological perspective, think hydraulic powered machines, water processing plants etc.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
This one seems to fit more into wind than water, but I can see (with help from the comments) how it fits water. The water at the end helps, too :) 12 of 20 points.
Musicality
This tune really works well as it is. It's got some good transitions between sections, and a nice overall balance. The tune is at times, somewhat bleak; while at other times, full of life and vivacity. I also like the chord changes, though (in spots) there could be more/different/etc. 9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
This one's a pretty creative tune, with several good moments. It blends some nice ambient/atmospheric and technological genres together nicely. 10 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, this tune's great. There are a few moments where it sounds like there might be some sound 'artifacts' -- but overall, the samples are well chosen. Very nice balance, and some nice (albeit somewhat modest) stereo work. 9 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 12+9+10+9 = 40 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
I don't get water all the way through - but with the vision of hydraulic powered machines - it might be working out that way better. 16 of 20 points.
Musicality
The music isn't bad - good sounds well assembled. 8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
I've heard bits and pieces here and there that sound similar, but it was good. 7 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically speaking - it was put together pretty well. I thought some of the sounds didn't compliment the others perfectly, but it sounded good together. 8 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 16+8+7+8 = 39 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
15 of 20 points.
Musicality
8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
9 of 10 points.
Comments
Awesome entry. Great composition. Needs some watery type samples to make it seem more fitting for this category, but the quality of this entry is really great.
Overall Score: 15+8+8+9 = 40 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
This track could relate well to any element, as its full of lush atmosphere and subtle melodies. Your comments on the track describe it perfectly, though it leads me to expect some heavier more climactic parts. 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
I love the main theme of this track as well as the wonderful atmosphere. I feel that although the track has some nice variations the melody dissappears too soon and for the most part of the track a lead is really missed. 8 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Definately a creative track as it's full of small and subtle details from beginning to end, from the percussion to the most faint ambient sound there is a lot for the listener. At the same time there seems to be a lot of familiar styles and sounds in the many rolling chords and delay effects. 6 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Great sound quality overall, great soundscape and mixed very well. The main complaint is that the volume is overall too low. The intro especially seems too quiet, I think a little compression would help nicely. Also near the end of the track (3:58, 4:23) there seems to be a few control issues on delay effects as well as some popping sounds. 9 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 18+8+6+9 = 41 points
Final Average: (40+39+40+41)/4 = 40.00 of 50 Possible Points
Life's Void - Third Place
by Alex "Tito" Kane
Download (2038 downloads)
Score: 38.00Artist's Comments: I realized when I was writing this that this song was going to be a good deal calmer and slower than most of the other songs entered, but i think that this is a good showing of what water is -- nice, calm, flowing... this song is made to repeat well, so you can play it over and over again for some calming ambience.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
This tune is soft and relaxing, it really reminds me of two things: 1) Sitting in the shade on a nice, cool day, and 2) Floating down a very calm river in an inner tube. Though, the song itself really seems to fit more into the water category, it might have some elements of other things as well. 17 of 20 points.
Musicality
Nice and simple tune, though it repeats itself a bit. Some good ideas, and a relaxing tune, too. :) 7 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Somewhat original, though there's not really a lot to go with on this tune. The way the elements are put together is nice albeit simplistic, and it creates a soft and relaxing tune. 8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, this tune isn't really that strong. At times, the metal hits (effects, background, etc) don't line up with the beat. The samples used are nice, but could be more realistic. Really, though, as the structure of the tune is pretty light, it makes for easier transitions, which happen nicely. The only other thing about the tune would be the dynamics; it could use slightly better fading (like on the strings), and some softer (and even some louder) sections to improve the flow of the song. 5 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 17+7+8+5 = 37 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Pretty much water - and something else unrelated ....... The steady "drips" definitely keep the water part alive but the music somewhere half way into it doesn't really scream any element. 17 of 20 points.
Musicality
Very simple and repetitive. Definitely a night night song .... 8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
I can't say that I've heard much like it - so ...... 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
It was composed and mixed well .. 8 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 17+8+9+8 = 42 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
19 of 20 points.
Musicality
8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
7 of 10 points.
Comments
A slow start, but nice composition, very relaxing, just like listening to water... Great entry!
Overall Score: 19+8+8+7 = 42 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Sitting by a small brook in the grass on a sunny day, thats what comes to mind. Also I feel like playing an old RPG as this would fit nicely as a town theme, as long as the town was by a small brook on a sunny day :) 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Very simple track in "easy C" doesnt showcase a lot of skill. Some nice melodies emerge later, but the guitar part often sounds cliche and a little uninspired, often seeming like it doesnt know what to do next as I suspect it was made "on the fly." 5 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Like I said this track seems like a town theme straight out of an RPG. Nothing new, different, or suprising ever emerges and the whole thing just comes off as cliche. 2 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Overall the quality is not bad, but its simple sound could benefit from some light reverb and some boost in the high frequency range. The guitar is not very realistic, the string sample is rather poor and sounds cheap as it fades across and cuts off abruptly. Just a smudge of reverb would help smooth out a lot of the wrinkles in the sound. 6 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 18+5+2+6 = 31 points
Final Average: (37+42+42+31)/4 = 38.00 of 50 Possible Points
Splash Blubb Baby - Fourth Place
by Sea Calf
Download (1533 downloads)
Score: 31.75Artist's Comments: I experimented with water sounds to create Splash Blubb Baby, which I've entered in the category of Water in the Elemental Music Competition. It is very good. I used beat slicing to chop up a voice saying "blubb" and it sounds cool.
(Changed description per artist request on 4/8/2004)
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well, the overabundance of water effects kind of clinches the artist's intention in entering this track into the water category :) Some of the stuff doesn't quite fit, though. 15 of 20 points.
Musicality
There's not much cementing this tune together other than it being a collection of organized sounds, which some might argue is the definition of music. I won't get into that here, though. It's just that there's not really enough of the musical elements in place to make an easy decision here; it's definately got rhythm, and a hint of a melody (of sorts)... I almost feel like I'm looking for things in the music, instead of it jumping out and biting me. 2 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Pretty original; I have to admit I didn't see this one coming :P 6 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Hmmm... There could be a lot more variety in the samples used; perhaps more (different, not just pitch-shifted) splashes, some gurgling (to go with the blubbing), etc. Also, some really soft, well-faded (ambient!) and smooth chords, if placed strategically, would have done wonders for the track. 3 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 15+2+6+3 = 26 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well, the opening wave and water definitely sound like, well, water ... 19 of 20 points.
Musicality
Not much music goin' on here - but it sounded pretty cool ..... 4 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
It's definitely original and creative, I'll give you that. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
The cutting and slicing add some to it, but the overall sound was a little too sharp. 4 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 19+4+9+4 = 36 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
20 of 20 points.
Musicality
6 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
10 of 10 points – excellent creativity!
Comments
This song belongs in this category!! If it were toned down a bit more, with some steady flowing harmonies in the background, I think that would improve it. This was a fun entry, good job!
Overall Score: 20+6+8+10 = 44 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well of course this track screams water, but is it worth a full twenty points? It takes some skill and creativity to represent the element in music, but anyone can use water sound effects. 10 of 20 Points.
Musicality
With the exception of rhythm this track has no elements of music. While I won't try to argue that this track is void completely of any musical expression, it's so faint that its hard to even give small credit. There is no form of melody, harmony anywhere in this track. 1 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Well there is one thing this track has, originality. Its an interesting but strange minute of sound and although it may be of different taste, definately creative. 6 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Some sounds are good quality, some such as the initial sound have a lot of buzz which could have been cleaned up with little work. It also would have been nice if the track made use of stereo sound, even with mono sounds you could have created some ambience to the piece with simple panning and slight cross reverb. 4 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 10+1+6+4 = 21 points
Final Average: (26+36+44+21)/4 = 31.75 of 50 Possible Points
Dream of Atlantis - Fifth Place
by Jimmy Heimberger
Download (1518 downloads)
Score: 29.75Artist's Comments: My song, 'Dream of Atlantis,' is being entered into the water category. I feel it fits into that category because it is a mellow, flowing song. Also the samples I used remind me of water. And plus when you think of Atlantis, which is in the name, you think of the ocean.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
The effects and samples used do lend themselves well to water in my mind (the title nonwithstanding). Overall, I don't really see this tune fitting well in another category; but there are times when I almost feel like I'm in the dream world, taking off (in flight) -- more of a windlike theme at times (like the part beginning just after 2:03). However, the themes and ideas I get from the tune itself don't really make me think of water; but there are several moments where I can't really think of anything other than water. Indeed, the tune is very dreamlike. 12 of 20 points.
Musicality
Musically, the tune is pretty good, but could stand some improvements as well. I suppose my biggest issue with it is that the sections don't really flow well together; they're all great ideas, but it's almost like the music gives you an image, and just as that image begins to take shape, it suddenly vanishes and another, new image takes it's place. Again, very dream-like; but, for the sections to fit together better, the transitions need some work. 4 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
The tune's pretty original and creative. I really can't get away from this dream-like impression that the tune leaves with me; parts of it undoubtedly take place under water. 6 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, the tune's pretty good, but there are some areas which could be improved. I do like the section (starting just after 1:24) where everything but the bells just fall away; I think it would be even better if the echo-like effect at it's end were more present throughout that section. Also, there should be more dynamics used; the tune doesn't really grow or die away (dynamically speaking) like it could; effects end too abruptly -- it doesn't really preserve the overall mood of the song. 3 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 12+4+6+3 = 25 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Definitely hit the water category - you can just see/hear the rain fall / waterfall outside the window on a lazy day. Some of it drifts off onto something else though. 18 of 20 points.
Musicality
The music was quite good, simple but good .... 8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Honestly, it sounds like a lot of scary movie theme music to me. But, it has a lot of pretty original sounding parts to it. 8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Sometimes the high pitches seemed to overwhelm the rest, but it was probably meant to do so. Other than that -- it was well composed. 8 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 18+8+8+8 = 42 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
15 of 20 points.
Musicality
9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
8 of 10 points.
Comments
Musically this song is excellent, however I do not feel the relevance of water; very well put together though!
Overall Score: 15+9+8+8 = 40 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
With the exception of the water sound effects, the atmosphere of the track doesn't represent water very often. Only for a moment at 2:03 I can see waves gently rolling onto the shore, but this image abruptly disappears beneath uninspiring musical ideas. 5 of 20 Points.
Musicality
A very basic track and not very impressive. The track only starts to sound interesting to me when the strings come in, but the very poorly tuned chime immediatly covers it up with more mundane rolling chords. The final chord seems to come from nowhere and it way too loud. 2 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Not very original at all as I have heard these chords in several songs, even one from me :) The song never seems to break into anything different and is entirely based on rolling chords, it never gets interesting or hints of creativity. 2 of 10 Points
Technical Quality
Poor sample quality and mixing lead to a generally poor and simple sound. Each part seems half done and doesn't flow well into the next, and the song doesn't ever feel like a "whole" piece. 5 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 5+2+2+5 = 12 points
Final Average: (25+42+40+12)/4 = 29.75 of 50 Possible Points
Pond of Go'ssok - Sixth Place
by Alterfish Gravity
Download (1524 downloads)
Score: 28.25Artist's Comments: Water is, I think, the most mysterious one of the elements. It's always on the move, it's different everywhere, and it changes a lot. So, I made a track to represent the mysterious side of water, and the track doesn't sound so much like the water you find for example in swimming pools... There are lots of soft sine-type sounds in the track, so I think the track belongs to the Water-category, if comparing sine-shaped sounds to Water. I also decided to add something from the more beautiful side of water, so there are... well, pads, as usual.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
I feel a connection to water in this tune, mainly because of the samples (sans the drums). Actually, the drums make me think more of earth... Overall, I'd say the structure of this song lends itself more towards water; just not completely. 12 of 20 points.
Musicality
This is a nice and somewhat innovative tune to me. I like the drums, but they seem out of place in a song like this. Also, the transitions between sections need some work; they (mostly) seem to be too abrupt. Nice ideas, though; really helps the overall feel of the music. 6 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Pretty original, somewhat creative. There are things in the tune that make it seem to flow and converge, some pretty nice work. 7 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, the tune's got some great things happening, but also has a few places where it could be improved. I love the chordal sections most, but when the drums just "appear" they seem so abrupt; there could be more variation and dynamic control used. Also, perhaps some effects here and there. I do get the sense of this tune being mysterious, but it's almost got a technological feel to it (again, mainly because of the drums) -- I just don't think the drums fit the tune that well. 5 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 12+6+7+5 = 30 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
I don't know about this one - it doesn't scream water - but I don't know what it screams... 12 of 20 points.
Musicality
I didn't get too much "music" out of this - a lot of noises and they didn't compliment each other very well at all. 4 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Definitely original! But creative - It seems like it was tossed together. 5 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
The "pads" were too overwhelming, the funeral marchish stuff wasn't very complimentary. It really sound like just a bunch of different things thrown together without rhyme or reason. 3 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 12+4+5+3 = 24 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
10 of 20 points.
Musicality
5 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
5 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
4 of 10 points.
Comments
This entry is not suitable for this category. Needs improvement.
Overall Score: 10+5+5+4 = 24 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Great job of representing the element, your comments fit perfectly with the feeling I get from the track, as the music seems elusive, spontaneous, and mysterious. 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Interesting sound and atmosphere, musically its a little hard to follow and gets a little redundant by the end. The "organ-ish" parts sound a bit messy, transitions between chords are not clear and clean. The percussion contrasts nicely and proves to be an important part in the general idea of the track. 5 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
A unique track but not exceptionally creative. After a few minutes I begin to expect a little more, as some of the same ideas seem to be repeated with very little difference. 6 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Sound quality is a little muddy, mainly due to excessive reverb, long legato notes and heavy midtones. I think a little less of each would work well, along with a little more spread on the panning. 6 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 18+5+6+6 = 35 points
Final Average: (30+24+24+35)/4 = 28.25 of 50 Possible Points
[EMC Home] [Earth Restuls] [Wind Results] [Fire Results] [Water Results]