A christmas composition competiion?

Jules · 17-11-2009, 9:54 PM

I differ from most on here in that I like to produce orchestral music (some of my work I've linked to on here in the past if you're interested).
Unfortunately I don't have much to say in the usual guitar, drums and DJ type discussions, so consequently I havn't dropped in here for a while.

But it's getting near Xmas...
I reckon most musicians would have a crack at writing a Christmas song or some festive sounding instrumental music if they had some incentive.

So how about we have a Christmas single competition?
Other AVF members could vote on our entries and we could have our own exclusive AVForums christmas singles chart, and our own AVForums Christmas No.1

Probably a bonkers idea really, but anyone up for it?

**Kieron** · 17-11-2009, 10:23 PM

Sounds great

shadieb · 18-11-2009, 1:12 PM

I wrote a christmas song years ago. Only the lyrics, never got round to putting music to it. Something I keep meaning to, but being able to only play guitar and having minimal recording experience, its one of those things filed under 'N' for never get round to it.
I have shown a few people the lyrics in the past and explained how i expect it to sound and they all liked the idea.

Bursar · 18-11-2009, 1:58 PM

Maybe a joint venture then. There must be a few lyricists, singers, drummers, guitar and keyboard players here.

**Kieron** · 18-11-2009, 3:34 PM

A joint venture sounds great. Put me down for drums

evangelink · 19-11-2009, 1:17 PM

What a cracking idea. I might just dust off the jingle bell samples!

Jules · 19-11-2009, 11:25 PM

Well I dug around in the percussion section of Halion SYmphonic Orchestra and found some sleigh bells.

However, they don't sound anything like as jingly, crisp and atmostpheric as those you hear on the radio at Xmas.

Is there some magic formula of effects / reverb to make sleigh bells sound great?
Or have I just got some naff samples?
One idea I have is to actually buy some sleigh bells (I think you can buy them quite cheaply... around £15) and play them along to the track

.

I havn't yet come up with a tune, but I was doodling at the piano last night and played with a few ideas.
It seams to me that most Xmas songs are built around quite simple harmonies, so I'm sure I'll find something soon.

Anyway, it seams there is some support for this idea already.

Who else wants to give it go?

robfosters · 20-11-2009, 10:11 PM

Get em off ebay for about a tenner.

Gives you that added authentic musician touch as well. Preset sleigh bells!, no thanks, i'll make my own

robfosters · 20-11-2009, 10:15 PM

I cant join this one as i'm still (sadly) lacking in gear.

But thinking, if this one is a success and people take part, maybe we can do something regular, like they do on the photography section. I dont mean every month. Pics are a lot easier to take than producing a song, but maybe quarterly.

The songs dont have be worldbeaters and theres no embarrassment, just a bit of fun.

Possible themes could be

Xmas
Rainforest
Summer
Mountains
Over the top (war)

I would like to have something like that to work to.

evangelink · 21-11-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules

Is there some magic formula of effects / reverb to make sleigh bells sound great?

I'm thinking of putting the through Beat Repeat in Ableton! Give it a different feel. Other than that a big reverb would make it sound like a snowy lanscape.

Will be listening to Alec Empires 'low on ice' for inspiration, like being stuck in a snowy blizzard!