orchestral dynamic music for games

[magates]

Artist: Matt Gates
Site: http://www.SymphonicUproar.com

There is a whole section of game music but I also write music for film and other random projects. I have won some awards and I have a lot of experience working with live orchestra as well as doing orchestral emulation on computers. I don't do sound design though (at least not in the traditional sense).

If you have any questions let me know, I'll be glad to answer them!

best,

Matt Gates

[magates]

I have posted more music from my current (undisclosed) project on my site www.symphonicuproar.com

As I explain in another thread some of this music is done so it can be interactive. I can't really explain how it works without giving too much about the game away but basically the more you are wounded the more intense the music gets. The music on the site however is just the most intense version of the music.

I also have a my-space where I constantly put up my latest work - I have over 8000 friends and 20 thousand plays! I'd love to hear from you guys regardless of wether you are in desperate need of a composer right now.

www.myspace.com/symphonicuproar

best,

Matt Gates

AIM: mg12358gatesmatt
msn: magates@gmail.com

Would love to talk about the indie game scene and music!

[magates]

I have a new posting of music with a wider selection at
www.soundclick.com/mattgates

in addition to

www.symphonicuproar.com and
www.myspace.com/symphonicuproar

[willevolve]

Great Music!

I really enjoyed your adventure track.

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/LIVE_SYNTH_23_AT-Adventure.mp3

:)

[magates]

hey, thanks for listening. Glad you enjoyed that piece. I recorded it at Paramount Studios stage M with a 23 piece orchestra and then added Samples on top to beef it up.

[magates]

i just finished mixing the music from my recording sessions in Russia. Have a listen.



http://www.symphonicuproar.com/music-group-22.html

Best,

Matt

[TimForsyth]

WOW!! This is GOOD stuff :D. Honestly very, very good!!

[whisperstorm]

Very nice! I may have use for dynamic music like this. Working on a game mechanic where you do battle by hitting the keys in time to the music - which would then change and evolve.

[magates]

That's really cool. Using hardwired synths is the easiest way to do that - doing it with live orchestra would be very difficult (well expensive anyway) unless your mechanic works in a way of other than what I am thinking.

[magates]

I wanted to share the info I can now disclose about the game I scored:

http://www.warlordonline.com/

[magates]

FAQ:

Q: What are you rates?

A: I base my fee on the amount of music needed (in minutes), and how the score is to be produced. Per minute rates range from $100 - $200 per minute. In the end there are many factors that go into determining a fair payment and I am always willing to negotiate. Factors that bring my rate down are: using live orchestra, having lots of music (think bulk rate), having fair usage in the contract.

Q: How fast can you get the score done?

A: Time to completed score is usually one to two months, unless the game is on the epic end of things and needs lots of music. Orchestral recording, if planned for well in advance, will add no more than 2-3 weeks to the time. Planning is of the utmost importance in completing the score in a timely fashion.

Q: Your "orchestral emulations" sound pretty good, is it really worth the extra money for live orchestra?

I would be glad to show you a side by side comparison of the exact same piece played by live musicians vs the computer. I think the difference is quite apparent and a huge improvement. Orchestra is a luxury that is highly desirable. It adds to the esteem of the project regardless of the subjective quality difference (which I think is significant). In addition, using live orchestra with me at the the helm is a better value in terms of return on your money; I do more work for less money when I get to use live orchestra because I think it is so invaluable to my career. As mentioned before I don't charge for orchestration, copying, mixing or music editing. The work of a whole team of people, I do for nothing, just so I can participate in the great benefits a live orchestral score provide.

Q. Where are you located? Is distance/location an issue?

I am located Little Rock, Arkansas (USA) for the time being. Distance is not an issue the vast majority of the time. I create active and friendly lines of communication. One of the most helpful things I do is get you music on a regular basis for review and suggestions using an ftp or idisk. Sometimes it is helpful to do voice and video chats over the net which I am set up to do. Finally, there is the ever growing use of email to communicate at a frequency and thoroughness that even face to face meetings rarely match. I frequently use European orchestras to record. In certain cases it is worth flying but for most projects I do a remote feed or rely on trusted contacts to run the sessions.

Q: What are the costs associated with using live orchestra:

A: An all inclusive recording session including studio time, engineers and musicians for 4 hours with full orchestra is $5,000 - $8,000 depending on where we record and the total size of the orchestra. You can typically record 5 minutes of music per hour. I can also arrange for smaller ensembles if it fits the creative needs of the film.

Q: Are there any hidden fees such as orchestration, copying, music editing, mixing, or media costs?

A: If you hire me the answer is No; I do all this myself and don't charge you anything extra for it! (included in the flat composer fee).

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to email me:

magates@gmail.com

[magates]

New music:

http://symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Salvation.mp3
http://symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Against_All_Od.mp3

Also I have redesigned the website. Of course music is available to be licensed at www.cuepop.com and my FAQ is one post above.

[Sysiphus]

Fantastic...

Am just a 2d/3d artist/painter...no music knowledge...But love how it sounds...

Wow..really good...

[magates]

http://symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-RK_Demo_2_mix.mp3

New track to listen to.

[magates]

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Fearless_Battl.mp3

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Run_from_the_t.mp3

[magates]

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Weapons_Room.mp3

another new track.

[magates]

ah yes another new and very moving track

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-tragedy_into.mp3

[magates]

http://symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-tragedies_and_.mp3

Here's the whole thing. Thanks for listening.

To set the stage for this piece:

It's the end of Christian's journey to heaven. He faces one final obstacle - the raging river proves to much for him and he is pulled under by the weight of his past sins. Fortunately 'Hopeful' is there to remind him of Christ's forgiveness through the cross and is able to pull him from the river. They reach heaven's gate's and speak with the angels there - and then we cut to 'Ignorance' who reaches heaven without admittance - finally we return to modern day and realize it's all been a dream.

Forgive my extreme optimism in the ending :)

[magates]

I added a demo/sample section to quickly get you into my music:

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/music-group-27.html

(all the best tracks lot's of new stuff plus it's all been remixed and mastered with my latest gear and mixing knowledge)

[Sean Beeson]

I added a demo/sample section to quickly get you into my music:

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/music-group-27.html

(all the best tracks lot's of new stuff plus it's all been remixed and mastered with my latest gear and mixing knowledge)

As always, I enjoy the tunes :) Some great stuff!

[magates]

Epic Theme
http://www.symphonicuproar.com/audio/FILM_COMPOSER-Pilgrims_Main.mp3

[magates]

http://www.symphonicuproar.com/music-group-28.html

[J.A.R.S.]

Pilgrim's Progress Main Titles was awesome. I feel really underdressed now ;) Nice work, very clean, very orchestral indeed, definately great.

[Nigel]

Nice music Matt, 2 thumbs up for it. :)
May I know what samples do you use mostly? I think I hear some East West products in it. Do you use them?

[magates]

I do use the East West Symphonic Choirs. Which are by far the best choir (at least until VSL releases a choir). The rest is VSL for the most part. I do also supplement with project sam and sonic implants.