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Clockworks Confidential II: Harry Mack, Audio Designer and Composer [Answers posted 7/17!]

82 replies [Last post]
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 19:22
#51
Tersakaff's picture
Tersakaff

Oh... : o
So you like, run with all the regular players..and stuff?
Awesome!
Must find a way to drag you on a run, that would be fun. :3

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 19:29
#52
Kitty-Softpaws's picture
Kitty-Softpaws
Tersakaff: What is there to

Tersakaff: What is there to play as besides a regular knight? Like a super knight that can't die and has the best gear? What's the fun in that! :)

Yet that is how the community is & wishes to be. They throw tantrums when they die because they think just because they've "mastered" a clockwork level, that they will never die & will be flawless in a game that isn't a, stand-in-one-place-&-click-on-skills-to-kill-all-the-mobs-in-the-area type of mmo like majority of massive multiplayer online role playing games that have all copied warcraft. And all they play R for crowns so they can get UV gear & give little care to the game itself. They're all playing as individuals in group party content. If only more players had your moral view of Spiral Knights Mr.Mack.

..../l、
(゚、 。 7 ~ You sir have made my day, I bow to thee.
....|、 ~ヽ
....じしf_, )ノ

My favorite SK track has to be Whitespace Swarm. I'm looking forward to doing Shadow Lairs for both the content and to listen to the music there. And also, I LOVE the sound of Gremlins. Especially their laugh which I think it's a laugh? But yeah.

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 19:55
#53
Nechrome's picture
Nechrome
Yes! LoN agrees with

Yes! LoN agrees with Tersakaff!

Well, all those answers to those question are pretty cool. :3 Very interesting.

Favorite music of mine is the main theme. You know, the one that plays in the final room in the depth before a boss depth? It's called 'Spiral,' I believe. Or maybe that was the name I made up for it. ._. I forget. I can play a tiny bit of it on the flute+piano, although I have taken some liberties with it. :P

The music in the release trailer in awesome too. First it's 'Welcome to Our Haven' then switches to 'Nothing We Can't Handle' and then to the boss theme, which's name I can never remember. ._. But I can remember being obsessed with the trailer. The music was just so epic, I though, "Hey, any game with music this awesome can't be bad, can it? I think I'll try this out." Turns out I was correct. :D

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 20:28
#54
Portrayt's picture
Portrayt
Mr. Harry Mack..

An inquiry:

Would it be allowed for one to transcribe your music by listening to it and "sounding it out", then post the results and let others do what they wish with them?

For instance; I sound out and can roughly play the first 30 seconds of the Blast Network theme, could I write the notes into a music program, or make a video showing the notes as I played, and post the resultant files for others to view and change?

In regards to your music, I really like Beast and Blast Network - ShowDown.
I even attempted to make some music based off your work, here.

Thanks for your time!

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 20:48
#55
Autofire's picture
Autofire
Wow, your awsome!

Thanks for answering the questions. Also, I should have been looking at what others were asking. >.> Oh man, I hope what we are is something you will enjoy. :D

*Walking off* NECROMUS!! I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO SEND ME SOME OF THOSE SONGS FOR THE- *notices everyone else listening* -the...the...ummmmm.....thingy.... *giggles* ohtimetogobye! *vanishes in a cloud of fire*

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 00:22
#56
Incineron's picture
Incineron
"(but not about how I can

"(but not about how I can never complete a grimalkin level and have to run through it as fast as possible without stopping to kill anything and still end up ressing 10 times)"

:o

*pats Harry on the back* Know That feel bro, Know that feel.

I loled when you said you didnt realise cr was shared and the music for Treasure Vault would probably not be as cool if you knew XD

So.... Boss 2 is unfinished, and not going to be in the game? There is no point in programming it into the game files if it will never be in the game.... You are hiding something >:D

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 11:45
#57
Listener's picture
Listener
Game Master
Encore

Lon, I'd love to hear it, liberties and all.

Portrayt, thanks for sharing your song! As for if you're allowed to transcribe, of course you are. I learned a lot doing just that when I was in high school starting out looking into composing. It's one thing to play something by ear on an instrument, but to deconstruct multiple instruments and melodies and see how they look on paper is very valuable. I'm not sure about the video on the notes, not that you can't, just that I don't quite understand what that would be for, or how people can view and change that and why they'd want to. Like a group composition song?

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 12:47
#58
Portrayt's picture
Portrayt
Essentially, I'm just

Essentially, I'm just wondering if I can share what I've managed to sound out, and let others use it to aid in remixing or future compositions. Is that alright?

Also, if I can ask, is the BN theme in D minor?

As for the fact that you listen to classical, allow me to direct your attention to Prelude & Introduction of the album Always Never the Same, by Kansas & The London Symphony Orchestra... I couldn't get a link, But you should be able to find it on Grooveshark.

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 15:54
#59
Virtuewis's picture
Virtuewis
Whoa

I can't believe I missed out on this! D: I love the soundtrack for this game. I too am a "classical" music lover, and fellow composer! In fact, I'm just finishing my last year studying composition at a university. If you are in the mood for a double-encore, I have always been curious:

1. The opening character select screen makes me think of the clock song (you know, like when the hour changes). Was that a starting point for a theme or am I reading into it too much?

2. What was the most helpful thing about studying Bach's scores? Was it reading/playing them, or more just comprehension stuff like following along with the score and listening to a recording? Or was it theoretical analysis of harmony/form/tonality, etc? I've heard that people would copy their favorite scores for practice, like just re-writing what's already there. Is that actually helpful also?

3. Do you write any concert music, and if so, is it available anywhere for me to listen to? I love the string quartets of the classical period (well, the good ones haha).

Anyway, if you read this, Thank You for making such great music for such a great game. It has definitely accomplished its goal of capturing the feel of the old 8bit classics (Final Fantasy 1, 8th grade summer vacation nostalgia!)

Also: Cello > all! :D

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 18:17
#60
Portrayt's picture
Portrayt
Still waiting for a response :)

I believe the clock song you're referring to is called "Big Ben", Virtuewis.

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 07:39
#61
Listener's picture
Listener
Game Master
Virtuewis and Portrayt

Portrayt: There's never a problem with anything like that for any song, until you start to market it or sell it or use it in your products that are used to sell things. So I'm sure you're fine. Yes, BN is in dm.

Virtuewise:
1. Great ears! I'm really surprised someone caught that the Westminster Quarters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Quarters) play a subtle role in the title theme. You can't get much more clockworks than that tune! Here's another quiz for you - take a listen to the wildwoods music and tell me which composer was a major inspiration for that tune.

2. In university we studied Bach chorales and four-part harmony, with exercises of having to compose in his style and sometimes by having just the bass and needing to compose the rest using his ruleset. He has a lot of rules, such as how suspensions resolve and what notes can be scored together. Our teacher reminded us that before we can learn to compose, we should first know the basics. And then comfortably break the heck out of them.

3. I don't have a chance to compose chamber music that often. Lots in university but never voiced. A couple years ago I did one just for fun, which you can listen to here - http://www.harrymack.com/blog-32.html

Thanks for the compliments!

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 09:29
#62
Portrayt's picture
Portrayt
Excellent!

Simply Fantastic, I'm happy that I'm able to get that Blast_Network was in that key! Thanks for you help!

As of right now, I'm too overjoyed to think of anything worthwhile to say, so I'll edit this later..

I am, however, going to continue to... Decompose? I'll just say transcribe, haha!

I'll post my results in the Treasure Vault if I manage to get anywhere.

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 12:48
#63
Virtuewis's picture
Virtuewis
Nice!

I thought I was too late, but it was worth a try! :D Thanks for the response, yeah I thought it was soooo cool how you worked that westminster quarters in there. Loved the morning string quartet too! So regal, haha.

As far as Wildwoods, I want to say it's Vivaldi inspired, probably because of the harpsichord action and all the cello awesomeness. Although, there are alot of interesting things going on that could have come from the Romantic period. My favorite part about that is, aside from the cello, is the big ritard. When it's back atempo, it totally gives you that : OH NO! I'm lost in the woods! Oh wait? No, I'm not! haha. Great stuff.

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 12:56
#64
Softhead's picture
Softhead
Hey Harry, it's The-Trial.....

Have you even heard of any of the Kingdom Hearts' OST? What do you think about it?

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 18:38
#65
Eltia's picture
Eltia
So,

who is the next victim? (Ian or Nick please?)

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 18:44
#66
Doctorspacebar's picture
Doctorspacebar
SUNSHAAAAAAAAARDS

Nick is probably terrified of the angry mob in full Demo suits. In fact, I'm thinking about ransacking Arenas and Devilish Drudgeries so I can set up a torch-and-pitchfork stall when he does try a CW Confidential, those angry mobs are big spenders after all...

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 23:33
#67
Malokenos's picture
Malokenos
:3

That was really insightful, as a musician myself.

And now that you know who David Wise is, you should look up some of his work on Donkey Kong Country 2, it's some of my favourites of his work.

P.S.- I'll have you know that I'm STILL trying to figure out all the parts to the Royal Jelly Palace song on my keyboard!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 08:38
#68
Listener's picture
Listener
Game Master
Subject:

Portrayt: Looking forward to it.

Virtuewis: Thanks, glad you liked it! For wildwoods, think more obvious. What's a famous song where the protagonist is being chased by some sort of wolf-like monster - one who might be... more wolf-like than monster-ish? I listened to that quite a bit for inspiration, also because it's a great song.

Tohru - I played the original one when it came out. Is there a particular song from the next ones I should check out?

Malokenos: I remember playing the first one - I wasn't a fan of the rap-ish intro at the time, but it's grown on me over the years and I can really appreciate the humor of it. I'll check out some of the music in the sequel! As for playing SK songs on the piano, I'm really interested to see if it works out. I have a feeling it's not possible, which is a shame. I can play almost all the final fantasy and chrono trigger songs on the piano. I tend to overcompose, and can really learn a lot from these songs that have one, important melody that stands on its own. Frog's theme, I'm looking at you!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:16
#69
Softhead's picture
Softhead
A few....

Scherzo di Notte, Guardian Nel Buio, Dearly Beloved, Vector to the heavens, Dark Impentus, Rowdy rumble.

The sanctuary theme reminds me of Dearly beloved in tempo and feeling.

Did any KH OST inspire you on ANY pieces you've worked on(in general)? Do you like those compositions? What is your fav?

Away from KH, Will Dark city, Scarlet fortress and the CW lv ever get a "Battle" theme(Like "Creepy" and "Citadel")?

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 15:58
#70
Virtuewis's picture
Virtuewis
Wildwoods!

Oh, this is a fun game :D. My next guess would have to be more modern. Could it be the Russian genius Prokofiev? I can hear some Peter and the Wolf-like instrumentation for sure, and that march vibe. Yeah, that's my guess: Prokofiev! Am I close?

I saw that you mentioned over-composing. If anything, that makes for more choices when doing an arrangement... more choices and more interpretations! I like that about your music. There's a lot going on, but you can still hear everything. That's how modern music ought to be! We have the tools, we should use them to their most musical end. Simplicity is a good thing, but not simplicity for the sake of simplicity.

I'm so glad you visited these forums. It's so inspiring to interact with influential composers and songwriters. Thanks again!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 19:11
#71
Sky-Scythe's picture
Sky-Scythe
Lord Vanaduke

(Hey Virtuewis! :D)

Thanks for answering my question Mr.Mack! (Mr.Mack.. There must be some Kraft Dinner jokes around the office now and again :P) And, I wanted to add ; I am a huge supporter of Lord Vanaduke getting his own theme. Maybe something more upbeat and energetic, but with the same feel as Fire Storm Citadel? I'm not sure, but hey; You're the composer, it's all up to you.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 20:40
#72
The-Rawrcake's picture
The-Rawrcake
@ListenerHarryMack

"The-Rawrcake asks: How often should I change my pillow?

Not a problem, happy to help! http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+often+should+I+change+my+pillow%3F

For the fear of getting a virus, I cannot click on that link :( It isn't that I don't trust you because you work for OOO, it is just that your name is "Listener" which creeps me out.

Sorry for the question, it appears I was beating around the bush. I should've asked this: I have had the same pillow (Sir Henry Derpelton III, YES I name my pillows) for 6 years now. He is covered in yellow and brown stains. I heard that you must break into pillows much like you have to break into new shoes or a new brand of diapers, which would be inconvenient. Is it necessary that I change my pillow?

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 20:48
#73
Undercorper's picture
Undercorper
Very nice...

I also love my employees, myself! However, they never invited me to T.V Tag before...
I, sir, am jealous! Thank you for making my Boss's favorite music track. He hums it every day...

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 22:16
#74
Malokenos's picture
Malokenos
Dem musics

I love Frogs theme, though I've always loved how Magus's theme was employed with his pre-battle speech. Gave me chills the first time around. was also fun learning those.

As for the jelly palace theme, i've got some of the parts sounding right, but it's not really possible to do it all at once. My keyboard has a setting where I can put down a track on repeat and then do a different part in a different instrument, but it's layered enough that I can't get ALL the parts. I've also gotten the melody to Firestorm Citadel's battle theme down, which is another of my faves!

So uh, keep up the good work with the music! And I'll have you know that I love SK's music as much as those by Uematsu or Kondo! :D

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 10:31
#75
Bernston
Harry, you make great game songs. I adore that very much!

I got something to say. Are you working on a new tune for the minibosses? It would be really great to have a new miniboss battle theme made in the game. Your music is so well recieved, you ought to be branded with the simply honorary title, "Composer". Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Parts One (Sonic 3) & Two (Sonic & Knuckles) , had good minibosses with their tunes, but they were so enjoyable by some players, they had to choose both tunes at once.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 05:34
#76
Snowdusk's picture
Snowdusk
Dear Harry,

Thank you for all the kind (and many, many) answers you gave, us knights will gladly return the love back to you!
So, you loved the cello? No wonder I can hear cellos playing in so many SK soundtracks, they sound incredibly wonderful (especially the Winterfest soundtrack, I just can't wait till it's December again!)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 04:49
#77
Vurge
Awesome Music

Any chance you may release sheet music for the music SK (especially 'The Confrontation' and 'Battle for Firestorm Citadel' ;3). You could put a price on it and make monies while looking at people learning your songs! :D Music is meant to be shared ;)

Sun, 08/26/2012 - 19:01
#78
Crimson-Cat's picture
Crimson-Cat
I Thought So

As soon as I first heard it, I knew that the Gloaming Wildwoods theme had to have been inspired by "Peter and the Wolf." It's a brilliant piece that fits the level perfectly and adds to the mysterious nature of those woods.

In fact, all of your music breathes a extra layer of life into this game. Spiral Knights would not be the same without your wonderful music beneath it.

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 06:51
#79
Noblejango
What's your spiral knights name?

What is your spiral knights name and are you considered as a game master?

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 09:17
#80
Autofire's picture
Autofire
You are experiencing a PICNIC ERROR!

Facepalms

NECRO!!

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 19:44
#81
Sir-Henry-Cooldown's picture
Sir-Henry-Cooldown
Necroplis?

Just wish they would do more of these. (necro necro)

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 22:37
#82
Xtweeterx's picture
Xtweeterx
Will you make more awesome

Will you make more awesome music tracks for SK please?

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