Hi there,
I would like to show you my last piece. Last weeks I’ve been working on mixing vocals in my songs and I’ve realized that voice is a powerful instrument that adds reality especially when working with virtual instruments.
I didn’t use choral midi instruments. I mean that I mixed real audio recordings of lyrics, actually free samples that everybody can download. I use REASON, and the last versions let you work in a flexible way fusing audio and midi tracks. I’m having a great time with this new possibility.
Lately, I’m using the visual method, so I choose a picture to inspire me and it helps to maintain the target of your composition.
Track Description : It is “semi-epic” song. Very soundtrack influenced but not in a spectacular way. Subtle but in moments it is energetic.
My Creative Vision : I used the picture of a young witch in a meditating mood, deep in a dark forest. I imagine that she is a sorcerer apprentice that struggles with her doubts. I think the lyrics fit the message.
Composition Overview : The music evolution tries to show the changing emotional states of a young student, so, the song contains soft passages and more intense moments. There are several changes from minor to major that reinforce this variating situation. (I’ve got a teenager son, so I know what
instability is 
)
Main Sounds : The main weight of the song is supported by the pianos (a polyinstrument that combines different piano sounds in a more complex one)
There is a echoed Zither that add some light in some moments.
The background is filled with some brass combinations (BBC free orchestra instruments), but they stay in the back because I didn’t look for a completely epic sound.
There are 3 vocal layers, one with the main lyrics, with a clear sound. The other 2 vocal layers contain the second voices, with some FX to became more ethereal and adding a magical feelling.
I could be explaining longer about the structure, the parallel channels, the dynamics, the effects,… but I really don’t like to intellectualize it such in a deep and technical way. I prefer telling my motivations and intentions, and some decisions I took for that purpose.
However, if someone wants to know more about any aspect, I will be glad to answer from my modest knowledge.
I hope you enjoy it