115 replies to this topic

[ChadWarden]

Hi,

I'm a professional composer with experience in video game soundtracks. I've been a Mechwarrior fan for most of my life, and I'm as excited as anyone for the upcoming MWO. I've noticed that Mechwarrior seems to lack much of a musical presence, particularly Mechwarrior online. I keep hearing the same guitar riff in every single promotional video, and I'm getting tired of it. There could be so much more in this game's soundtrack and it pains me to see such an overlooked opportunity.

So, on my own time, I'm going to write a theme song for Mechwarrior Online. I was hoping to get some suggestions from people here - reference songs, ideas, etc. What do you imagine Mechwarrior's theme music to sound like? If it had more presence than it did in previous games, what kind of rousing, kick-arse theme would you associate with Mechwarrior?

Writing a full piece of music usually takes several days, so I'll be reporting back later. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get some great suggestions/references from you guys.

(right now, I'm envisioning crunchy guitars, rousing string sections, and a handful of electronic elements a la Transformers soundtrack... I'll see how it comes out.)

Cheers!

Edited by ChadWarden, 05 August 2012 - 10:19 AM.

[Ciypherr]

If you can create something in the region of this my friend you have my vote

Edited by TaylorMadeGamer, 02 August 2012 - 03:32 PM.

[Kilroy]

[Tzeentch]

I will be paying very close attention to this thread. GOD SPEED, MY BOY!

[ChadWarden]

Nice, I'll be using those as references. FYI, just so you all know I'm not full of BS, my general-purpose portfolio can be found here: http://soundcloud.co...demo-reel-2012/

(not necessarily the one I show potential clients, but there's still plenty of music there)

I'll get to work!

[MAD DOG MOS]

Really liked Burning Heavens, looking forward to hearing what you come up with mate..

[HanaYuriko]

ChadWarden, on 03 August 2012 - 05:48 AM, said:

Nice, I'll be using those as references. FYI, just so you all know I'm not full of BS, my general-purpose portfolio can be found here: http://soundcloud.co...demo-reel-2012/

(not necessarily the one I show potential clients, but there's still plenty of music there)

I'll get to work!

Good stuff there. Listening to music always helps me with my own artistic endeavors. The six tracks you have posted helped me to focus and put my mind to a mood for creativity.

Thank you for that.

[Sneaky B]

While it isn't Mechwarrior music, I thought you could draw inspiration from the neo-classical + electronic + rock fusion

[Grendel408]

Maybe take inspiration from a cover of Bad Company? Take something good and original and add heavier chords to it

Edited by Grendel408, 03 August 2012 - 01:52 PM.

[DoomEngine]

This really is an amazing community. good luck in your efforts!

[Orzorn]

Yes yes, we'd all love to hear a return of the Mechwarrior 2 and Mechwarrior 2 Mercs soundtracks. They're my favorite soundtracks of all time.

However, today I was thinking about it, and I think MWO could also have music similar to Turok's and it would work pretty awesome:


Turok is much like Mechwarrior 2 and Mercs in that it combined two totally different styles. It has the tribalistic drums, flutes, and other percussion, but then it would just jump at you with synthetic sounds and all sorts of metallic piston noises, like in the track I just posted. You don't need metal to make a track tense and heavy.

Another excellent example is:


MWO doesn't have to have all metal, good use of tense strings with heavy, fast drum beats can provide for some excellent tension that would work well for a combat game like this.

Turok 1 and 2's soundtracks are some of the greatest of all time.

Edited by Orzorn, 03 August 2012 - 02:00 PM.

[Sneaky B]

Here's another one



for industrial - Garden of Linmiri

Edited by Sneaky B, 03 August 2012 - 02:13 PM.

[Rennon]

Sammy Hagar(Heavy Metal) Or Takin a ride from the same soundtrack from you guessed it Heavy metal. Great movie and great music..

[Ivan Tseng]

[Fusea]

Ivan Tseng, on 03 August 2012 - 02:28 PM, said:

I see... While it is... impressive... I just don't feel the kind of martial presence that I would expect for Battlemechs on the march.


Now, there will likely be a lot of venom and bile for posting this. But it's a solid song and very martial. And I can certainly imagine something like this playing for 'mechs marching in lock step past a review stand.
Edit: Just squint really hard and imagine its a picture of the Hell's Horses emblem or something.

Edited by Fusea, 03 August 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[Melegaunt]

Good talk on what makes video game music iconic.

Extra Credits - Video Game Music

Edited by Melegaunt, 03 August 2012 - 03:50 PM.

[Grimskar]

get inspired by this openning music for the classic cartoon

[Harlock Fredrick]

Cant wait to hear it! i been a big fan of the mechwarrior games and books. Miss the cartoon that was released long long time ago and comics also. But i would love to hear some music for Mechwarrior Online! would be epic to play while in battle

[Steel Raven]

[Assassinsf]

Nice work, what program are you using or are you using real instruments?