OK, quick demo of the Handpan from Pianobook.
Started playing with the time slider and got some interesting sounds out of it. Pretty sure this was not what the author envisioned.
2 Likes
I’m hearing very interesting sounds.
Excellent Mark, really refreshing!
1 Like
Thank you, very unlikely that I’ll get sponserships but eh that doesn’t matter lol i like being funny while looking at stuff i like
Here’s a daft little video to accompany something I’ve just released.
1 Like
I just wanted to share my entry for the Sonokinetic/Scorecraft Academy & Film Score Seminar Composing Contest 2025. I used the Crow Hill Snakes of Russia Venom instrument on it.
2 Likes
Very good, yours is the best entry I have seen on this one. I like the movement in it and the choice of instruments. Venom works really well, just right for this kind of music!
1 Like
Thanks, definitely was inspired by Dario Argento Goblin 70’s Italian Horror movie soundtracks (my favorite soundtracks) on the synth sound selection…It took awhile to get just the “right” sounds dialed in…but wanted to give it a modern twist. I have been using Venom on almost every video I’ve scored since I got it (it works well as a drone or even a pad), and on too many trap and drill beats to count…the bass sounds in Venom are a secret weapon layered with 808’s. I got it for the synth bass sounds really, although the drums are nice too. More synthesizer based Crow Hill libraries please…
I remember them saying they had something in the works with that CS-80.
1 Like
Hi Everyone 
I wanted to share my entry for this month’s cuetube challenge (I’ve submitted and it’s now closed so I’m not cheating!), and ask a cheeky question…. Excuse the rookie composing chops, still learning (and I think the straight up lalo shifrin inspired brief will probably still be over ambitious if I’m lucky enough to still be doing this when I’m 100!), but what I really wanted to ask you all was if anyone has time to listen and feel they could give me a nugget of advice regarding my mixing I would be everso grateful (and the orchestrating too if you liked - I suspect my problems involved that too). I’ve not attempted anything at all like this before, and I must confess I found getting it all to sound even as good as it does was like trying to get an 8lb octopus into a teacup… Thank you so much for your time 
xx
8 Likes
That mix is clean…and I listened on Sennheiser HD600s…The only flaw is that I would bring the flute/clarinet volume down a touch (like .5 db) on the higher register notes, where it gets a bit harsh at one part…Other than that, it’s an A1 mix, and I like the orchestration, it really fits the vibe…I think I hear some tape emulation, which also sounds good…
1 Like
It seemed to match your brief for me Ros. Well done, for me the flute parts gave sections of it a seventy’s vibe.
1 Like
Thanks so much for your time 
yes, I found it tricky to get the flute to sit with the sample instruments in a friendly way! It’s very old and some of the pads have gone - I fancied it helped me sound a bit jazzier, so I made a quick and dirty sample instrument with what notes worked… but I fear it was also a bit out of tune too…. 
That’s really helpful thanks again!
1 Like
No issue with mixing. There is good separation for all the instruments no frequency clashes that I can hear. Symbols can create a lot splash so it nice that they are so clear here. Liked the use of the base at the start and the flutes.
- Requested Nitpicking : (Not sure if helpful - said with best of intentions) The clicking figure sound at the start of the mix need would sound better to me with a bit more depth. Also I might layer something to the brass sound, or adjust the automation so that the saturation level or panning increases as the note rises so it sounds a bit more natural.
Like Michael I also got a 70s vibes - Funny the film that it reminded me of was Bullet. I had to check who composed that and Lalo Schifin so right on brief!
1 Like
Brilliant! Thank you so much for your time too With adding depth to the clicks - might I do that with more delay? Or is that an eq thing?
The brass is separate parts so I can easily pan it around more - great advice, thank you. Perhaps my arrangement isn’t quite right too - that could add more depth and realism I guess? I’m going to put this on the shelf as a project to try when I have time to make parts with as if it were to be played - I suspect I’ll spot some howlers as i find it harder to see the chords when they’re in the editors in logic. I hadn’t thought of automating panning and saturation within the stab - I’m going to try that!
Thank you again for being so generous with your time
A CrowHill CS-80 would be amazing! The VST emulations are good, but in a way they are they are not even close. like the influence that’s when they knew how to make a good a horror film!
1 Like
I would just eq the click to add a little more bass and a touch of sub bass to make it stand out more. Didn’t hear any issues with the arrangement good natural vibe to it.
1 Like
Brilliant! Thank you again
1 Like
Well Rachael, I listened before I read, and I was going to comment on a nice sound in homage to Lalo Schifrin; so very well done in that respect! With regards to tips, I’d say keep at it, keep learning and listening! But really after so many years at it myself, I’m still drinking from the same octopus filled teacup as yourself!
Stay Tuneful.
1 Like
Thank you so much for listening and your kind words
2 Likes