Castlevania Dungeon Forums
The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => Fan Stuff => Topic started by: Jazz Paladin Productions on January 20, 2016, 03:17:57 PM
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Greetings all!
As I am getting closer to finalizing things, and am beginning the process of paying licensing fees, I just thought I'd share some (hopefully) exciting news.
As you may have gathered from another post of mine in the "What can we do to convince Konami" thread, I've personally been working on a Castlevania music CD to be released later this year quite simply because it's just about the only (legal) thing that a fan could realistically hope to create that is distinctly Castlevania related. I've had the idea and inspiration for making such a tribute for quite a long time now, and with the series pretty much now defunct, now seemed the best time for me to go forward with such an endeavor, especially with this being the 30th year anniversary!
With that being said, here's a list of songs I am currently submitting for licensing. In no particular order, other than by title...
Crystal Teardrop (SOTN)
Wandering Ghosts (SOTN)
Lost Painting (SOTN)
Waterfall (CV IV)
Submerged City (CV IV)
Theme of Simon Belmont (CV IV)
Pillared Corridor (IV)
Forest of Monsters (IV)
Knight Corridor / Entrance Hall (IV)
Opposing Bloodlines (Rondo of Blood)
Portrait of a Ghost Ship (Rondo of Blood)
Bloody Tears / Out of Time (CV2 / CV 1)
Vampire Killer (CV1)
Revenge (CV: The Adventure)
and...one special Easter Egg~to be revealed later.
Overall, I would say the flavor of this particular work is a lot more varied than my last one. Some tracks are geared more towards traditional jazz, others bossa nova, a few are atmospheric/classical, some more rock-ish, and others are more of a new-age or EDM flavor. I'm really happy with how things are turning out so far, and am hoping that this collection will help breath some new life into some of these classics, especially given how much of a propensity some of these tunes can have towards purely metal feel these days...
Here's to just about the only thing a fan can do these days to celebrate the memory!
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Oh, this looks really cool! :D
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This sounds interesting, Wandering Ghosts arranged with flamenco or bossa nova elements was always something I wanted to hear.
Do your best!!
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This sounds interesting, Wandering Ghosts arranged with flamenco or bossa nova elements was always something I wanted to hear.
Do your best!!
I actually considered doing Wandering Ghosts as such, but seeing as how someone already did such an interpretation...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwuahrUGpSs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwuahrUGpSs)
Consequently, my arrangement is more of a New Orleans brass band style.
However, I do have a flamenco/bossa style arrangement of Bloody Tears that I produced last year. (The CD arrangement will be different)
https://open.spotify.com/track/1N11cW8xLPRvOY8cJ3G21n (https://open.spotify.com/track/1N11cW8xLPRvOY8cJ3G21n)
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So, just for some additional info, here's what I can say about each track so far.
Crystal Teardrop--In some ways this is a very straight forward upgrade from SoTN. Yet, at the same time, it is very, very distinct, with some great jazz overlays of trumpet and tenor sax making it oh-so-much like a jazz club quartet.
Wandering Ghosts --When SoTN first came out, I was in a New Orleans style street/brass band. I think Wandering Ghosts had quite a bit of an impact on my playing style, and left quite an impression on me that lasted to this date, but I think I will always associate the time period I first heard the song with the jazz bands I was in at the time. Consequently, I am rather amused that my take on Wandering Ghosts ended up being a Mardi Gras style featuring tenor sax and blazing trumpets and trombones.
Lost Painting --A very straight-ahead conversion of the original piece, featuring muted trumpet.
Waterfall Also very genuine conversion, also with muted trumpet for the melody. Makes me feel like I'm watching a smokey, murder mystery or cheesy detective story. ;)
Submerged City -- Talk about a tough piece to faithfully convert to real instrumentation! The difficulty in upgrading old midi tunes is that they can be nigh impossible to play in real life given the "perfect" nature in which they are often sequenced with a mouse. Fortunately, I think I managed to do justice to the vibe of the original while also giving a very lounge-like feel. This one is very akin to a traditional jazz quintet with trumpet and tenor sax, and a groovin' upright bass solo just like in the original. Castlevania fans may also catch hints of another CV IV song towards the end...
Theme of Simon Belmont--Big Band Style Baby!
Pillared Corridor --More of a rock arrangement. I suppose someday I'll have to go back and do a more "faithful" rendition, but for now, this is how it's rollin'.
Forest of Monsters --Highly atmospheric. I had a lot of fun with this one, while at the same time almost pulling my hair out. Playing bass clarinet was easy enough for me, but I never realized how tough it is to record/mic such a beast and still end up with a consistent and natural sound. But it worked, and has some great low-end vibe to it.
Knight Corridor / Entrance Hall -- Starts out as a sort of baroque trumpet fanfare, but gradually evolves into something a bit more sinister. And then there's the big joke at the end...
Opposing Bloodlines -- Big Band Style again, baby!
Picture of a Ghost Ship (Rondo of Blood) Electronic Dance Music meets soprano sax and trumpet! Easily my wife's favorite so far, especially since it's so much "out" of my usual style of performing.
Bloody Tears / Out of Time : Slow Techno
Vampire Killer : Bossa Nova jazz quartet with tenor sax and trumpet.
Revenge : This piece sounds so evil and wicked. My wife says this sounds very ominous, and I really like this rendition. Sort of a sinister Big Band feel to this, especially with the trombone fanfare at the beginning...
Hope this helps give a proper feel for things. More to come later, stay tuned!
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Interesting concept. Looking forward to hearing this! :)
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Interesting concept. Looking forward to hearing this! :)
Thanks!
Honestly, I am sometimes having a hard time keeping a tight lid on some of these songs...
I just finished up the last of the recording for the project today, and started to work on the "minor" little bits of mixing needed for Revenge. And good lord, I am having such a hard time doing even the simplest things with the piece, just because I end up listening to the song over and over and over again. I can't even make a stupid volume level change without listening to the whole bloody thing again...Aaaaaaagh!
Seriously though, this tune is just blowing me away right now...imagine a balls-to-the-wall brass section hitting you in the face with a wall of sound that leaves you with the impending sense that Dracula himself is coming to YOUR town to feast tonight.
"It's my kinda town"
Sigh, I just keep getting floored every time I hear this...Can't wait to unleash the beast, let me tell you...
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I love jazz and I love Castlevania. So sweet!
You should call this Jazzlevania.
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You should call this Jazzlevania.
I thought about that more than a few times, actually. I still might, although I'm also trying to avoid the prospect of Konami considering this a sort of threat to their branding.
Not too sure if you've had a chance to check out the "big band-esque" demo I just posted for Opposing Bloodlines, but that one has also been a lot of fun, I loved being able to get those trumpets in there.
It's pretty much just a matter of mastering these things now and trying to make them sound good on everything from hi-fi systems to lowly cell phone speakers. Not an easy task, let me tell you, very hard to find a good middle ground.
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Castlevania: Boogie of the Night
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Castlevania: Boogie of the Night
Hrmmm...You know, I just about exhausted every possible musical variation of "______ of the Night". Shuffle? Waltz? Swing? Bossa? Samba? Blues? Grooves?
I am surprised I didn't think of "Boogie" at all...it does have perhaps the best ring to it...
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Good news, the CD itself is pretty much done, just waiting on the cover art and then replication can begin!
In the meantime...
Here is a sampling of all 14 tracks! Enjoy, and let me know whatcha think!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6RcrsQKbMc&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6RcrsQKbMc&feature=youtu.be)
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Very nice man!
What a breath of fresh air!
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Looks great!
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Sounds very original and nice!
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The very best, of THREE games.
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Thanks much for the feedback, y'all.
As of now, all of the masters have been sent to the disc manufacturer (NOT CD-R's, woot!) for replication, just waiting on that art, which should be done in a week or so...
This is something I've literally always wanted to do for Castlevania. I am really happy for a chance to do something for the Big 30 this year.
Now on to the next project...hrmmm...what'll it be...Chrono Trigger/Cross? Final Fantasy IV? Wild Arms? Streets of Rage? Secret of Mana? Arrrrghhh! Decisions, decisions!
Maybe I'll just take a small break for now...
Naaaaaaah!
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Crystal Teardrop (SOTN)
jazz
I AM IN.
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Woot woot! Just got the colored sketches of thecover art!
It looks absolutely fantastic, huge "classic" Castlevania vibe. Just touching up one minor issue with the logo, and we'll be set for replication!
I'll post some pics as soon as it's finished, stay tuned!
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Licensing all done!
By the way, I've been asked this a few times, so just throwing this out there : If anyone ever has any questions about how to obtain digital or mechanical licenses for fan-made projects, shoot me a PM. It's actually pretty easy...
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Here is some of the new art at last!
Replication should be starting soon, woot!
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So are you gonna add this to iTunes?
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So are you gonna add this to iTunes?
Yup yup. I have noticed it can take a few weeks after a physical release for things to show up on I-tunes, but once I get the physical copies out there (in about a month or so), it shouldn't be too long after that when you can expect to see it in digital download sites.
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Nice! Good luck on the final release!
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Here is a link for a 3D viewing of the CD and packaging.
Should be here by second week of June!
http://www.oasiscd.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=/5ldUEUEnZHUO9JLLVdL/w==#.V0NFBvkrIYw (http://www.oasiscd.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=/5ldUEUEnZHUO9JLLVdL/w==#.V0NFBvkrIYw)
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Where will this be available to purchase other than iTunes? I refuse to use iTunes.
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Where will this be available to purchase other than iTunes? I refuse to use iTunes.
Downloads should be available on most of the major download sites. On cdbaby , amazon.com for sure, among others.
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Will it be on Apple Music in addition to iTunes?
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Will it be on Apple Music in addition to iTunes?
Yup, absolutely!
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Greetings!
Just an update, since I am starting to get some inquiries.
The physical album will be available in a few spots as of June 13, most notably cdbaby or amazon.com . However, I've been informed that due to a slight shipping delay, you may not see the items listed on those websites until Tuesday the 14th.
Alternatively, one can always contact me directly, and I can see what I can do to make this easier, as in all likelihood, I may even be able to save people a few dollars by offering free shipping since I believe CDbaby charges about 4 USD for shipping anything under 3 cds. They and other retailers also mark up prices a bit sometimes, too, so not much I can really do about that...
The digital version should be availble without delay on the 13th, and will be arriving on the following platforms (in addition to others) : i-Tunes, Apple music, Spotify, Amazon Music, cdbaby.com , Tidal. This may roll out a bit slower on Amazon or i-Tunes, but should be available on at least some of them by Monday the 13th.
Also, for anyone interested, I can also create discounted bundles that include my first video game music CD at a price the major retailers won't be able to offer, so if this is something that interests you, just let me know via PM.
Lastly, a few things to know about the production:
1) I know Jazz isn't everyone's thang...I don't expect everyone out there to like or "get it" sometimes. So criticisms are always as welcome as well as praises. Feel free to let me know what you think.
2) I did try to include a few "jokes" or allusions that only Castlevania fans would "get". For a 30th anniversary , I thought this was appropriate as a sort of nod to the past. There are also a few other VGM and non-VGM music "jokes" in the music that you either may or may not get.
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I look forward to seeing this on itunes.
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I'll be adding this to my Apple Music library on the day it's available. Can't wait dude!
Thanks for making something different out of Castlevania music!
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Any interest on adding it to Bandcamp? 320 kbps option is nice
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Any interest on adding it to Bandcamp? 320 kbps option is nice
Agreed, higher sample rates are nice indeed.
Pleasantly surprised to get a bandcamp request. I'd pretty much abandoned that platform about a year ago given a lack of hits / interest, everyone seemed more eager about Apple, etc...
I'll try to get it all uploaded today, though. Work is in progress as we speak.
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Any interest on adding it to Bandcamp? 320 kbps option is nice
There we go, all uploaded!
https://jazzpaladin.bandcamp.com/album/jazzyvania-symphonies-of-the-knight
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I didn't know these were covers. I thought you just ripped them from games. Whens it coming on iTunes?
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I didn't know these were covers. I thought you just ripped them from games. Whens it coming on iTunes?
I know that the songs have all officially been received from iTunes . They can be a bit slow to get things in the store on time for release dates, though, unless you're a mega star or something.
It should be there in a few days, is my guess
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It's up on itunes now, but you got a typo. It says submersed waterway instead of submerged waterway.
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It's up on itunes now, but you got a typo. It says submersed waterway instead of submerged waterway.
Blargh. I'll see what I can do. Thanks!
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Amazing work.
Added it to my Apple Music library.
I highly suggest checking out the CV4 songs. They turned out very interesting.
Thanks for making this Paladin. It's very unique and a welcome addition to my CV library.