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Thanks Luna, appreciate the lovely comments!

Yo Kurkku, there's a lot you've said which is amazing so let me try to break down the response. First off I'm super thankful for your detailed response and appreciate it a lot! Second, I'm very glad you noticed some very intentional elements like the development of the melody as themes across multiple tracks, that the second track is loopable, and also the vocal drone. In terms of your overall responses to each section, totally get where you come from on the comments. I think overall the elements I'd see to improve are in the mix of the second, it was definitely rushed and I know that I'd want a lot of elements to feel fuller and more weighted, especially the drums which are pretty bare. I also get what you mean about some melodies trailing off. I think this was a very intentional effect in track 1 actually - it's supposed to be like foreshadowing vibes, but in track 2 I think compositionally they don't always get the breathing time to have a full arc like u said. I try not to be too literal with themes from these jams too, like, I took the idea of a forge and a weapon of legend rather than the the actual picture to come to my interpretation of the theme, and I felt like a battle theme represented not just the forgery of a weapon but the weapon's use as well. Thanks so much for the comments though Kurkku, very much appreciate you communicating your thoughts so well to me - lots to take onboard!

Yo Alex, love that you focused on creating a really strong melody with those horns. They're blasting the melody at you and it really feels in the spirit of the melody jam. Nice submission!

Yo Kranox, I like this submission a lot, feels like there's real development across the whole piece. I think compositionally it's really strong and everything helps highlight the quite powerful melody that's been used. I think for me it sounds a bit muted in places because I think as some others have mentioned the balance is slightly off with the drums and horns etc. Nevertheless, a great job!

Yo Noah, what a cool track you've tried, and especially for the first time attempting these types of drums. I loved the opening to the track and I think over the course it kind of loses steam a bit, I think some more dynamic and interesting textures in the slower moments and then rhythmic interest in the fast paced drum sections could've helped. The melody also doesn't necessary feel like the focus here, but I like the sounds and ideas you've played with here a lot!

This was such a refreshing listen among the tracks I've listened to in the jam. Was not expecting the style haha. although this was a melody jam, I actually felt that the rhythm in this piece was the standout part. Huge vibes in the roughly 2 minutes in section. Awesome stuff

Yo Kurkku, I thought this was a really unique submission. The instruments used made it sound like an old film style sort of soundtrack like I was watching a movie from the 40s or something, really cool. I think it was quite barebones but that worked to give it a strange eerie atmosphere.

Interesting submission using Strudel here Veilworks, I like it was something a bit different. In terms of the track, I like the syncopated bits but I feel there's something not quite tying everything together as a cohesive whole. I also wonder if maybe the melody could've been more present? Still a cool track that's something different for the jam!

Yo Xafae, this is a really nice track, I'm always eager to listen to your stuff! I think on this one maybe the whole piece feels potentially slightly underwhelming? I think maybe there's not quite enough dynamics because the composition is pretty solid overall. Perhaps the melody could've been more impactful maybe through strong instrumentation or a more dynamic mix? Still a great track tho!

Honestly what a vibe. I'll leave it there.

nice track here opheos, I enjoyed the trumpet melody coming through really well. I think compositionally maybe it could have been a bit more "exciting" in some way, but still a fun listen! nice job

Yo James, there's a mid section in this I just absolutely adore when the handrums and shakers come in, it feels so professionally done and just well constructed. The melody is also super clear throughout the developed composition too which is great. Can definitely hear this in a game like Hollow Knight or something.

yo Redwindago this was a great track. The horns made me laugh cos it sounds like a pop song I just couldn't remember the name but it's always a very clear memorable melody. And I really liked the orchestration, especially the low end, felt very strong and brought the melody to life!

ahh Cowchy I'm so sad there wasn't a stronger melodic focus in this only because this deserves to be super highly rated in most any other jam. I love the soundscape you've made and the textures and rhythm just feel super strong. It's a shame but still you put out an awesome track!

yo tonewolf this has such a nice repeatable melody. I feel like I could actually leave it on in the background and let it play for ages, it does well not get boring. I would say maybe the composition atm is not really helping the melody come alive per se, but you've definitely showcased the melody! Nice job

Yo Hertz, I really liked your approach of making a 16 bar loop with different intensities, felt like you were exploring a musical idea well. And the pitch bending hit me right in the face XD Cool track!

Love the textures and worldbuilding of the pieces across the three Turtle, could see loads of games and worlds that would work with the sounds. But yes I guess it's just lacking a melodic focus across the whole project (don't want to reiterate too much what's been said already). Still very cool to listen to though!

really love the instrumentation for the melody on this one ICJS4, super well thought out. A really nice track here, my only thought was maybe the melody could've come through a bit more in sections of the mix? great job!

Really cool track dude, interesting sounds. I think it departs from the jam theme and doesn't have enough of a melody for this one but still a cool track overall!

Yo Deadric thanks so much for the comment. Tried hard to have that leitmotif effect for a melody jam i thought it would work, so im happy u appreciate that. I get what you're saying - I wanted the first track to feel heavier naturally than the second so i think thats why i intended for the low end to be so prominent. However, I did rush the second track as time was super tight for me which meant it wasn't exactly as I wanted, so I also agree that better balancing on the second track was required - I also didnt have time to properly master track 2 which is why it's quieter overall. Appreciate the feedback, can take it onboard, and hopefully if i can get more time i can rly focus on those bits.

Haha yeah the arpeggios i was also conscious of 😅 it's rly interesting you say that actually because i did base the sound for wielding around 2 tracks from crosscode which are called "Exponential Growth" and "Exponential Conclusion", they act as both like a battle theme and a credits to that same battle. So i think i was aiming for that sort of effect where it's like a battle conclusion? Glad you enjoyed though!!

Ahh that's great thanks grunt! Glad you enjoyed listening 🙏🏽

Thanks turtle, glad you liked the composition! I'm surprised though, what makes you say they departed from the themes provided?

yo simish this was rly nice to listen to. I rly liked how the melody felt like it almost folded into the ambience. I never played WoW but I felt you desire come through well in the piece. Nice!

yo ashborn, this was such a great entry loved it. You really focused on highlighting a strong melody with just a solid instrumentation. The composition feels almost simple but eloquent, i really enjoyed it!

Yo Eetu! This was so fun to listen to, not many do the SNES throwbacks in these jams so it's cool you went that route. I also really like the vision across the pieces and how you documented the process so well - mine was so erratic I don't know if I could structure my process like that bu tit's cool to see your iterations. Personally I found the first piece to be the best, just loved it's opening vibe and melody the most. Great pieces!

LateNight I can't believe you put the full process on the video 😂 good stuff though, it's cool to see how you did stuff, would just say maybe add a timestamp where the music submissiom actually is so people can jump to it. 

In terms of the piece - really dramatic stuff with a strong melody. I think there's a lot going on sometimes that can muddy things but i like the choice of a very powerful melody with a lot of hit and impact supported by the instrumentation. Good stuff!

Thanks very much LateNight! Awesome to hear you enjoyed the vibes of the tracks and the live pitch shifting, did a lot of the mod wheeling for those haha

I thought this was a really interesting submission Kale! First off, I really appreciate that poetry was the focus for the melody, I think it's a unqiue way to interpret the theme and I think it had a lot of impact because of it. I also like the harmonies that come in toward then end. I think it could have had more musical impact in places but the effect is still strong throughout as I was getting strong LOTR vibes. Great to see more vocal submissions!

Yo Mice, I didn't get to listen to this one during the judging period and I'm super sad I couldn't rate it because I'm loving every second. Genuinely think this album is incredible - well done, glad to see how well you did!

that sounds like a great thing william, I'm excited to listen once more ideas come together and complete your narrative arc in mind!

ahhh thanks Xurai! I had a couple ideas for more but they didn't come out quite right and so wanted to keep the whole ost clean without having a like less well made one comparatively. Thank you!

Yo thanks a lot Woolstone for the lovely comments!

Yo Carrot this is a really great entry, everything feels well composed and orchestrated. I especially like how balanced the percussion elements are and how they come through well. Great string arrangements too, especially in that final track. Great stuff!

These were really chill Jaifos, I think you hit what you were aiming for with themes of dealing with depression and self improvement. Nice pads in the second one especially too. Think you've done super well for your first time not going down an action route!

These are sooo chill Grunt. Great vibes. Honestly tracks that are easy to listen to feel great because you know they'd work really well in a game, like I can just imagine these playing in the background while I'm trying to my puzzle or minigame activity, and each track still develops really well within that. Nice submission!

I think u should definitely feel proud of this submission brickfire, i really enjoyed listening. I especially loved your choice of high synths and the control of the mod/vibrato/pitch bend in certain places. I aleays love when drtails like that feel in-place and well executed. Your storytelling was also really great across the tracks. Well done!

Well william, that was truly quite special to listen to. Everyone has provided such good detailed analysis already in the comments but I'd say a couple of things stood out for me. 

Your command of the orchestra and the production of orchestral vsts in on show throughout every piece and it's a joy to listen to. The compositions ebb and flow so well and everything feels entirely coherent in sound even across the tracks when using different instrumentation.

For me I would say I found each piece, because it was so well developed throughout their 4-5 min runtimes and had such a cinematic nature, that althought there is a clear development in each piece, I didn't quite feel/hear/experience the storytelling/narrative arc across the entire OST. Another way to put it is that in each piece I could visualise actions, developments, and a story of that character as they progress in that level/scene, but I couldn't visualise the entire story across all the pieces. This may of course just be on first listen and I would likely change my mind if listened to again, but I thought it worth saying. Regardless, it doesn't stop me rating this incredibly highly as it deserves, given all the incredible work that is on display and has been highlighted by other comments. A great submission!

yo pixcele, this was such a nice ost to listen to. Your take on ambience felt super well put together with the evolution across each track. It also didnt feel like it was too long because of how much they moved naturally. The rhythms used in the second piece I really loved. Great work!

Yo Rizzi, these were so great to listen to! I love the riviera style you've gone for and you've nailed it. It's great to explore your culture through your music too, it's cool to see that come through in your music. Really well done!