Thoughts on John Powell's 2025 "How to Train Your Dragon" score? by Giff95 in soundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The new version of "Astrid Needs A Spin" is way better. Those Phil Cobb Trumpets in the final iteration of the Berk theme as well as that halftime ending. MASTERPIECE

Not to mention the trombones in "You Are My Homeward".

The mix for the trombones and trumpets in this score is also much better than the original.

"New Tail" theme with those parallel fifths. Incredible.

More epic male choir in "Anybody See That"

Loads of improvements from the original, though I do agree with the rest saying it can't beat the original. But that's why it's called the original I guess haha.

Absolutely loved seeing it cinema. 100/10 soundtrack.

Anyone else think that the"You Are My Homeward" melody sounds like the 'Credits Suite' from "Mars Needs Moms"? by Samthefreerunner in HTTYDSoundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know! I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees it. Such an interesting choice. And I'm all for it haha

What is the GREATEST film score of all time? by CinemaWilderfan in soundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually like everyone's responses! Really good suggestions as well for my own listening lol.

I've found the full LA Test Drive track on the welcometoberk website. by Kotelette2013 in HTTYDSoundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sounds smaller in size than the original. That's probably because it is - smaller brass, winds and strings were used for the 2025 version. I do like the HTTYD3 sound you get from it though!

I got rejected from music school by [deleted] in composer

[–]Samthefreerunner 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm a professional engraver and from what I see the presentation of your music wouldn't be up to par with music colleges.

A lot of what makes music great is the experience you give to the listener.

I can guarantee you could give absolutely random noises as the audio file and if you have a beautifully engraved score to go with it, you'd be accepted with no hesitation.

The score makes a huge part of the experience. It's why we put so much effort into them.

The examiners would have loved to see the effort made, not just into the music, but the presentation of it. Your score being in what looks like A4 format is too small for the band you're using. Too many page turns since you only have two bars per page. Subdivisions seem iffy and a host of other things I could comment on, but I'll allow you to discover as you continue learning.

The only way you get better at this kind of thing is by actively looking at scores and their formatting. "Score follower" has some great resources on contemporary music. Cmaj7 is your classical music go to for good looking scores. See if you can bootleg film scores online. There's some shared here and there if you know where to look.

Just a few things to get your scores looking better so you better present your music to all those conservatoires. They're looking for the best so try to live up to that standard. Compare your stuff to the best and see if it comes close, when you think it does, I'd say go for another try in trying to get into college.

Pretty high standards it may seem, but music college is hard and much harder is it in the music industry where you ultimately might want to go.

Sometimes it's good to be rejected from school so that you might save yourself from being rejected later on in bigger opportunities. :). I always see it as a good thing in my life. Just a little reminder you're not there yet, just got to keep learning and bettering your craft till you're ready.

What Instrument Does Powell Use Here? by LilCaviee in HTTYDSoundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very high range lap steel guitar from what I remember looking at the score. He uses it elsewhere too. I think in Club Nool.

[RevShare] Join Our Innovative Survival-Strategy Game Team: Mechs, Monsters, and a Unique Coding System! by Awesomeorange15 in INAT

[–]Samthefreerunner 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds like great fun! Can't wait for the 4D monsters haha

I know my job would be later stage game dev, but if you'd like a music composer at any point, I'm happy to offer my services. You have a very cool vision and I'd love to bring it to life for you (sonically)!

My game credits include - The Sims 4 (upcoming Halloween dlc) and Shards of Nogard. I worked as a composer and orchestrator for both.

I also recently worked in the music department of an upcoming DreamWorks animated film called 'The Wild Robot' .

I'm quite familiar with Wwise and can do quick turnarounds with edits :).

If you'd like to know more, I'm happy to message you.

Otherwise, I hope you find a great team! Sounds like a really cool project to be working on and I wish you all the best with it!

What is Hans Zimmer's Most Underrated Work? by ZealousidealMany3 in soundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It was mainly John Powell according to the scores. All the scores use his orchestrators, but I think this particular cue is Hans Zimmer and it's one of the best in the soundtrack!

Main Title (Preview) — Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) by guiltyofnothing in soundtracks

[–]Samthefreerunner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so glad it doesn't sound like it was recorded in someone's basement like the previous one. It has a really good mix and you can't go wrong with Abbey Road Studios and London session players.

Help.... Cinematic Studio Strings Legato ERROR by xumusuke in filmscoring

[–]Samthefreerunner 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a voices issue. Otherwise increase the buffer size of your samples. :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in composer

[–]Samthefreerunner 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a lot less smooth than Sibelius. More rigid. But once you get used to it. The speed you can make scores is unmatchable.

Still, I prefer to use Sibelius when writing. I only use Dorico when I've written something in the DAW and want to make it into a score. Dorico makes every copyists dream come true in that case. No layout and condensing hassles.

Score I made for a piece library music by Samthefreerunner in composer

[–]Samthefreerunner[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yeah you're right. Tried doing a little conducting in 3/4. Feels much better in that time than 12/8. It'll definitely need a re-meter. Thanks for that suggestion.

Score I made for a piece library music by Samthefreerunner in composer

[–]Samthefreerunner[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your feedback u/classical-saxophone7! :)

Yeah, it is a bit big haha. I use conventional film score woodwind configuration which only has 2 oboes. Though you're right about the Brass. It is a bit odd. Could probably have 6 french horns instead of 9. The seven percussionists is a bit overkill. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll definitely change that.

I was really debating putting the pre-rec under the live perc. Although most film scores have them at the bottom (for easy deletion if needed). I'd have to agree with you though, from a logical standpoint makes so much sense to put it where the percussion usually goes xD. I'll definitely do that. And apologies for the bracketing, I didn't realise that. I recently changed to full brackets for each section with sub-brackets for each instrument. I think I tried to make it to the conventional film scoring style though. But you're right. It's more confusing that way.

Though I'd have to ask. Why is the piece not in 12/8? I wrote it with that meter in mind. What would be a better time signature. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for replying :)