How To Write Relaxing Fantasy Orchestral Music in 3 Steps

How To Write Relaxing Fantasy Orchestral Music in 3 Steps - Orchestration Analysis

Рет қаралды 40,715

6 жыл бұрын

Today, we'll talk about How To Write Relaxing Fantasy Orchestral Music in 3 Steps (Skyrim / Jeremy Soule style). Time to dissect my cover of Terra's Theme from FF6!
- Evenant Cinematic Music Course: alexmoukala.com/go/cinematic-...
- Track From Scratch Video: • Track From Scratch - A...
- Stems / Project Files: goo.gl/UpXuPj
- 30 Hours Relaxing Music Playlist: goo.gl/5cFSt1
- Private Lessons: alexmoukala.com/
- Follow Me On Twitch: / alexmoukala
TUTORIALS I MENTIONED:
- How To Write Realistic Strings: • How To Write Orchestra...
- How To Write Great Melodies And Countermelodies By Ear: • How To Write Orchestra...
- How To Write Chord Progressions By Ear: • How To Write Orchestra...
- Orchestrating A Chord Progression: • How To Write Orchestra...
- How To Make Melodies Stand Out In Any Arrangement: • 2 Steps To Make Melodi...
- The #1 Mixing Rule To Get Your Tracks To Sound Professional: • The #1 Mixing Rule To ...
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🎼 PROJECT FILES: www.patreon.com/alexmoukala?ty=h
⏫ PRIVATE LESSONS: Coming soon...
📚 EVENANT MUSIC COURSES: alexmoukala.com/go/orchestral...
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🎧 MY MUSIC: / alexmoukalamusic
💬 COMPOSERS COMMUNITY: discordapp.com/invite/tZ275cj
🗣️ GET IN TOUCH: / alexmoukalamusic
📷 BEHIND THE SCENES: / alex_moukala
🐦 TWITTER: / alex_moukala
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🎻 LIBRARIES & SOFTWARE:
(For each module, the libraries are sorted based on how much I like them).
- STRINGS: Metropolis Ark 1 & 3, Nucleus, Cinematic Studio Strings, Fluid Shorts, Cinematic Strings 2, Jaeger
- BRASS: Metropolis Ark 1 & 3, JXL Brass, Nucleus, Twelve Horn Ensemble, CineBrass CORE, Century Brass, Jaeger, Angry Brass
- CHOIR: Oceania, Metropolis Ark 1, Stormchoir 2
- WOODWINDS: CineWinds CORE, Nucleus, Metropolis Ark 1 & 3
- HYBRID PERCS & LOOPS: Damage, PercX, Decimator Drums, Cerberus
- BIG CINEMATIC PERCS: Los Angeles Modern Percussion, New Epic Toms Ensemble, New Epic Dhol Ensemble, CinePerc
- ORCHESTRAL PERCS: CinePerc, Rhapsody Orchestral Percussion, Kontakt Factory Library
- PIANO: The Giant, Woodchester Piano, Spitfire LABS Soft Piano
- HARPS & OTHERS: CineHarp, Kontakt Factory Library
- SYNTHS: Juggernaut, Serum, Harmor, Jaeger, Evolution Atlantica,
- ORCHESTRAL SFX: Metropolis Ark 3, Palette Orchestral FX
- SOLO STRINGS: Tina Guo Solo Cello, Solos of the Sea, Cinematic Studio Strings Solo
- SOLO VOCALS: Jaeger, Vocalisa
- GUITARS: Basic Live Guitars & Bass routed into Waves GTR / Guitar Rig, Metropolis Ark 1, Heavyocity Atlantica
- TRAILER SFX: Custom / Private Samples, AVA Instinct, Cinematic Trailers Designed, Epic Sound Effects Quantum, Scenes From The Multiverse Vol.1, Juggernaut, Jaeger, Evolution Atlantica, AizerX Classic Trailers Toolkit, AizerX Trailer SFX Tools
- REVERB: ValhallaRoom, ValhallaShimmer
- MIXING & MASTERING: iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced, iZotope Neutron, FabFilter Pro-Q3, FL Studio Plugins
- DAW: FL Studio 20
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💻 HARDWARE & PC SPECS:
- Desktop PC: 3.7 GHz Intel Core i7 8700k / 32GB DDR4 RAM / 2TB Samsung Evo860 M.2 SSD
- Laptop PC: Asus ROG GLW752 (2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ / 16GB DDR4 RAM / 1TB Samsung Evo860 M.2 SSD)
- Audio Interface: M-Audio M-Track Plus
- MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII
Libraries used & PC Specs:
- Strings: Cinematic Strings 2, Jaeger, Tina Guo Solo Cello
- Brass: 8Dio Century Brass, Jaeger
- Choir: StormChoir 2
- Solo Vocals: Jaeger
- Woodwinds: CineWinds CORE
- Percussion: Rhapsody Orchestral Percussion, EastWest Symphonic Orchestra
- DAW: FL Studio 20
- PC Specs: 3.4 GHz i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD + Extra HDD
Artwork by:
Mominur Rahman - me-illuminated.deviantart.com/
Song: • FF6 - Terra's Theme ~ ...
Original Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

Пікірлер: 125

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

One important thing I forgot to say - Make sure to use Reverb, there's no way you can simulate ambiance without it. Also, follow me on Twitch if you want me to make Live Track Reviews! - www.twitch.tv/alexmoukala

@mdp 6 жыл бұрын

Alex Moukala you and DJ are the only two live streamers I live for 💛

@iamnobody8905 6 жыл бұрын

Hey alex , I think you forgot to link the 3 hour music that you said you would link :)

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

Iam Nobody it is among the first links in the description

@user-br3xe5bw5c 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex. You are admirable composer and you make great and very useful content. Sadly it's a bit hard for me to get what are you saying by voice (I'm Russian, not a native English speaker), so I try to get the thoughts from visual events mostly. Maybe you do have some text based tutorials in any forms?

@user-br3xe5bw5c 6 жыл бұрын

Nikita Ember Hey! I've asked only a question about if there some or not and I haven't asked anything to help me personally. So I do not see the reason for those who weren't asked to be so rude.

@stephanhagstrom 5 жыл бұрын

I used to be a Composer like you. But then I took an arrow to the knee.

@AlexMoukala 5 жыл бұрын

Comment of the day. :D

@FerroFrog 3 жыл бұрын

Player might get nervous, game approaches with it's beautiful ambient music playing. (wow that one was a stretch, hope the reference was picked up)

@RobinsMusic 2 жыл бұрын

@@FerroFrog I don’t get it :(

@FerroFrog 2 жыл бұрын

@@RobinsMusic It's a riff on another line from guards in the game Skyrim, like the original comment. Tho original is; "Guard might get nervous, man approaches with his weapon drawn."

@VaporSynth Жыл бұрын

HAHAHAA YESS

@independentquestion3989 3 жыл бұрын

I learned many things thanks to this lesson. BEST Fantasy Orchestral Tutorial!!! Thank you very much!

@thespiralden 3 жыл бұрын

I just love a lot what you do Alex, I hope one day I'll compose as good as you.

@justrandom6751 Жыл бұрын

BRO THIS GAVE ME GOOSE BUMPS ?! FKING SAGISU IN THE WORKS .. god i love fantasy music so much

@JordyChandra 6 жыл бұрын

oh man need to add more details on my track. thanks for ur super helpful tutorial :D

@PoolzOfficial 5 жыл бұрын

I love it how much effort you put into these tutorials. You really want to help us. Thank you for everything you've done Alex.

@j.hateshisjob5137 5 жыл бұрын

Loving your videos bro, I subbed and I am so happy that I did. You and this channel are a gem. Good luck and keep rocking.

@somename371 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible composer, thank you so much for this video

@wirezts Жыл бұрын

Incredible tutorial, one of the best things I've seen on KZfaq for a long time. I love what you're doing here please keep it up!

@IsaacValdivia 6 жыл бұрын

Pumped to watch the whole thing!

@ToasterLi 6 жыл бұрын

Another great video as always

@G-Doggy Жыл бұрын

Great tips. Thank you!

@olukz2529 6 жыл бұрын

This was a very insightful and useful video on how to make orchestral compositions sound more alive, thanks!

6 жыл бұрын

You putting out a lot of content , love it ❤️ #notificationsquad

6 жыл бұрын

By the way, why are you sometimes using string ensembles instead of violins cellos basses violas sepperartly? :) Thanks for all the value you giving !

@niekkieft4621 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@yaniskhelifi 3 жыл бұрын

You deserve all the support of the world ! 👏👏❤

@yasutakeuchi 5 жыл бұрын

Your love for final fantasy (particularly 6 and 7, which have the best music IMO) just speaks too my soul bro

@Spiritual_Life 4 жыл бұрын

I love thats tutorial, can you create more ? Please

@Jeremiah92 6 жыл бұрын

Again awesome video with lot of information…:)

@grndragon7777777 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome thank you beautiful piece

@zenith_journey 6 жыл бұрын

beautiful track brother

@OomptzMusic 4 жыл бұрын

That track was awesome!

@yasscat5484 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic

@MECHINEAU49 2 жыл бұрын

very good merci vous êtes super

@JamisonBoazEpsilonZero 5 жыл бұрын

Final Fantasy! Dude I love this!

@VaporSynth Жыл бұрын

thanks mate 👍

@lofenoialof5320 5 жыл бұрын

Also I love your mixes and mastering !! Do you have any videos about mixing and mastering ? Thank you !

@GeraldClarkAudio 5 жыл бұрын

Nice arrangement.

@tonvu1000 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing video Alex! I was wondering what headphones do you usually use when making music? Planning to buy one but don't know which one to choose from. Some tips would be great. Thanks!

@dsgsdgsdgsdg4531 Жыл бұрын

The "magimetals" mentioned is actually called "Mark Tree"

@shivam_musician 6 жыл бұрын

Really looking forward to epic RSM style music, Alex! :(

@docky_beats1232 2 жыл бұрын

magari non leggerai mai questo messaggio ma ci tenevo a dirti quanto hai impattato sulla mia vita, grazie alex

@PennyDreadful1 5 жыл бұрын

Greetings Redguard!

@arturbrauns8292 3 жыл бұрын

You are really cool!

@BYanilamusic 6 жыл бұрын

wow, lovely =)

@Thothings 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex, I've been watching a lot of your tutorials and stuff on orchestration and fantasy writing. I play guitar, and I've been trying (and struggling) to write a fantasy type guitar instrumental using just a couple of acoustic guitars. I was wondering if there are any tips you might have in terms of how to get that sort of "fantasy" feel on guitar? As in are there any chords or progressions you find common in that sort of music? Or is it mostly the instrumentation with harps, flutes, etc that get that feel?

@d.i.e.1338 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible you making heatttttttttttttt

@nodpunkbeats7708 3 жыл бұрын

Мужик ты лучший! Спасибо

@augusto7681 6 жыл бұрын

The music is nice but i wonder why you organize your screen that way, for example the brass part happen in just one moment but the piano roll box ocupy all the screen. Why that ?

@aaroncostello4845 6 жыл бұрын

The Magic metals are called Wind chimes :)

@lofenoialof5320 5 жыл бұрын

Do you have a video about why you choose to use FL STUDIO ? I am using Logic Pro and I love it. Would you be able to share why you choose FL STUDIO ? Thanks !

@ericmonin4835 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex how do you get to modulate the dynamics with Cinematic Strings in FL (at 14:42)? The only one i can automate is the note velocity.

@AvHs666 6 жыл бұрын

nice :D

@azakitakanashi8168 6 жыл бұрын

Tnx for another valuable peices of info

@K_J_Coleman_Composer 3 жыл бұрын

A fantasy/fantasie is also a classical term, so this confused me quite a bit

@alainzheng1008 3 жыл бұрын

The thumbnail should help

@K_J_Coleman_Composer 3 жыл бұрын

@@alainzheng1008 Kinda lol, imagery like that could be used to portray the idea in a appealing and consumable manner for audiences on KZfaq. I was just learning a new fantasie at the time of seeing this so the first thing that popped into my head was "the musical form" and not "stylistic choices to create the atmosphere of medieval times". It should have been obvious but I had already hardwired my mind towards the former.

@deharco2810 6 жыл бұрын

wauw....... nice........

@markbay9275 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a page where I can just listen to this beautiful track?

@Sergei_Chernysh 2 жыл бұрын

Круто ! :D

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex, thank you for doing this tutorial! I have a question: what is the instrument that you use for Sub Bass? I didn't catch that if you mentioned it.

@OfficialStevenCravis 6 жыл бұрын

*Zahari* if you get a chance check out the sub bass in UVI.net Falcon - I'm sure there are many great ones out there. Omnisphere also has a really nice one called Taurus Sub Tuba!

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

It's just a patch I made with Juggernaut, but you can create Sub Basses with a simple sine wave. I explain that in this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oMiEhsWG1Z25qZc.html

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys for your reply! *Steven* - I love UVI! I have 3 or 4 of their instruments and their Sparkverb plug-in which is superb! I have Omnisphere and I am going to check this Taurus Sub Tuba patch you are talking about :) *Alex* - I'll definitely go and watch that video of yours! Your explanations rock! Thanks again!

@captainduck3421 3 жыл бұрын

In the first ten seconds, I liked. Because he said 'Skyrimesque'

@whitelegend2482 4 жыл бұрын

i struggle hard how to start, ok piano, but what riffs/chords. i push 3 keys ok, but i fell into making all into a 4bar loop, like all into the step sequenzer,...when i seperate them and start modeling i lost my passion on it, and lose the focus goal i had befoe when i match the whole thing in one, maybe YOU can help to find how to build up a track before losing focus or mind. a better overview in mind i need, when i start piano or strings whats nex to hype the structure in line. hope i could explane my thoughts, you very great musician !

@georgjarrell2648 3 жыл бұрын

So what software is he using to write this? I’m using mix craft but I don’t really like it and want something more advanced, or at least something that sounds better

@whitelegend2482 4 жыл бұрын

wher do you have this small rises, crash hits, bridge whatever you call it...on 0:44 ?? what do you call it ?

@ShadezGhost 3 жыл бұрын

Take a Crash Sound. Reverse it and after that an non reversed crash sound.

@storytimesymphony5395 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex, If I compose a song like this I find myself spending a LOT of time (maybe even most time) getting all the sounds to synchronous. Quantizing doesn't always work since some samples have a lot of attack. What is your workflow in this process?

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

I made a video of me composing this whole thing from scratch, maybe that'll help: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o7Z6iauGmZucZKM.html To solve that matter though, I just drag some notes to start slightly before so their slow attack syncs well with the rest.

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

Most DAW sequencers have delay compensation to solve that kind of problem on each track. Also on some libraries you can adjust the sample start internally. Most sure way is to do it within your DAW.

@storytimesymphony5395 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zahari, this is indeed what I use often (region delay in Logic Pro X). But my point was how much time I spent on doing it... it's literally hours for a track of 10 minutes, and then when I listen to it the next day, I still find stuff wrong with timing... :(

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

Storytime Symphony - Are you saying you are doing it on a per region basis? Don't you delay the entire track instead? It is in the inspector *below* the _Region: MIDI Defaults_ . Look for it under *Track:* where the MIDI Channel is set, Transpose, Velocity, etc. and also you'll see _Delay_ in milliseconds (ms).

@storytimesymphony5395 6 жыл бұрын

Zahari Shtonov Yes but this is actually not what costs me most time. It is the individual notes that are hard to get right, espcially when you use a midi controller and don’t want everything too quantised.

@kahahabahaha 3 жыл бұрын

I know this is an older video, but you might enjoy Dungeon Synth, if you can get past the relatively "bad" sample quality. (Usually, in Dungeon Synth, lower quality synthetic orchestra sounds are used as a "callback" or tribute to old-school video game music.) A lot of the music in this genre is more relaxed or mellow, even when they have more "exciting" melodies, it's music that's written to evoke an atmosphere, and is usually appropriate as background music for a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Some DS music also uses synth sounds that aren't supposed to sound orchestral, and might be a good place to get ideas for how to use synths in the context of fantasy, albeit, in a more "lo-fi" approach

@richarddunn367 5 жыл бұрын

7:41 a mark tree or chime tree

@TreSwayy 6 жыл бұрын

How do you escape the “on-beat” style of Fl studio’s GUI while writing music? I can imagine it to be easier to kinda score music using Muse Score, do you just stay away from the drum sequencer view and just kinda make music looking at the playlist?

@TreSwayy 6 жыл бұрын

What I mean is like when I’m listening to orchestral music, it’s much easier to not always be hung up on having to be on beat. Basically my background is in making instrumentals but I recently for the past several months or so, have dived into classical music, and the history of, and wanted to start composing. I’m still learning muse score, and listening to many Compositions, I’m going by order, starting with classical, then romantic, and Impressionism, and will later go back and study Middle Ages/ Renaissance/baroque. But one dilemma I face is in the instrumental (trap/looped beats) everything is on beat, and I’ve used fl studio for a little over a decade, I’m now starting to realize how difficult it is sometimes to forget about the GUI and just make music. Now I have actually purchased the orchestral instruments yet, maybe once I actually start experimenting it will be easier. Should I just start by making music in composer view (in the scoring/muse score sense) then rewrite those compositions in fl studio?

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

Do what works for you. I don't have that kind of problem, but if you feel like FL Studio's GUI is triggering that sort of muscle memory in you then I think using a different approach to start a song might be a good idea. Eventually you might not need to do that anymore but it might get you on track the first times. Also, consider recording your songs with a MIDI keyboard. That's the ultimate way of escaping "the grid".

@charles3dart683 3 жыл бұрын

This is art but with sound :)

@LukeMans 3 жыл бұрын

Those "magimetals" you mentioned are called (wind)chimes lol

@soumarghyasmusicproduction2187 3 жыл бұрын

Can I make a song from your Tutorial and publish it in my youtube channel can you allow me ?

@user-xw5oz6nn4k 4 жыл бұрын

Мастер

@RubenWBotello 4 жыл бұрын

What version of FL Studio do you recommend in creating fantasy medieval music?

@m.t.asteriti9860 6 жыл бұрын

I see you got FL Studio 20 :D

@gagesmith-ingodwerock 5 жыл бұрын

DUUUUUDE that's Terras theme from Final Fantasy!!!!!! lol

@SirGre 6 жыл бұрын

holy moley how much ram do you have??

@OfficialStevenCravis 6 жыл бұрын

Note: If anyone is using *Logic* even with 16 GB or more of RAM, sometimes freezing tracks makes everything work much better, with a lot of software tracks going on.

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

Freezing tracks is the way to go. Pretty much all DAWs nowadays have that in them (Logic Pro X, Cubase, Pro Tools etc.). Not sure if FL Studio supports that, but if not one can always bounce the track in place as an audio then disable the virtual instrument or completely remove it after it was saved as a preset in case it is needed back again. Of course keep your MIDI performance as well somewhere handy. Edit: I checked and FL Studio does support freezing tracks. They call it _Consolidate Track_ . You can get it by right-clicking on the track header and chose the option. Alex has a video with 30 handy shortcuts for FL Studio here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ocB_gs9p2trXh4E.html Go to 10:09 to see the trick :)

@OfficialStevenCravis 6 жыл бұрын

When a midi track is frozen in Logic, is it making a temp .aiff file of that track at 32 bit floating, or something lower? What about the sample rate?

@zaharishtonov 6 жыл бұрын

I assume it will follow whatever your project is setup to, but I am not 100% sure on that.

@OfficialStevenCravis 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm not sure, because I was surprised to be able to bounce (all midi, no audio) at 32 bit floating, when my project was at 24 bit. But I suppose the 24 bit setting would have only applied if I had recorded real audio, like a voice or guitar, etc..

@az157 4 жыл бұрын

Ahh my brain

@storytimesymphony5395 6 жыл бұрын

Would you consider uploading your tutorials as audio somewhere? I cycle like... 1.5 hours a day, and I don't think it's safe to look at your video's while doing it. If not, and I die, IT'S YOUR FAULT ALEX :@ :)

@ameliagryffon7097 4 жыл бұрын

I've fallen asleep to metal before.

@philippplein4974 6 жыл бұрын

This really doesnt sound Skyrim ish, but wayy more Oblivion-ish.

@Gospelplaya1000 6 жыл бұрын

lol that was the plan :) :D

@HeavymetalHylian 4 жыл бұрын

I'd say Guild Warsish over Oblivion even

@faustoorieta 4 жыл бұрын

sounds more like a fantasy mmorpg to me, kind of reminds me of Ragnarok 2.

@Cremia. 3 жыл бұрын

@@HeavymetalHylian ayy

@ImaplanetJupiteeeerr 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone care to tell the three steps? Also timestamps timestamps timestamps would be soooo useful. :)

@dicktempelaar 6 жыл бұрын

Why so much klicking, you don't give me the time to watch , great music

@bwremjoe 6 жыл бұрын

I want to become a Patron but I think your prices are too high for me. Would you consider a 3 dollar option without any extra benefits? This would at least give me the feeling I support you and your awesome vids, without draining my wallet ;)

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Bram, you can already pledge any amount you want on Patreon, even below of the options with added rewards, so go ahead and do that if you want! Thanks for the support. :)

@Kolenment 6 жыл бұрын

bruh that Jaeger VST is $600

@groovesh4p3r35 5 жыл бұрын

oh god sooo many $$$$$ in your Kontakt xDDD

@soumarghyasmusicproduction2187 3 жыл бұрын

I need your help sir...... I am struggling for 1years on my Music KZfaq Channel. My only aim to Spread happiness all over the world and helping people to live healthier. Would you help me to do that please sir ?

@SHININGXHOLLOW 5 жыл бұрын

that jaeger is 599 dollars . 😐

@RalfKurtsiefer 6 жыл бұрын

you are talking to fast i cant understand you

@scooty727 4 жыл бұрын

Step 0: Have tonnes of money to buy actual good plugins. Well, already failed... Edit: I recommend DSK Overture for anyone who doesn't have hundreds of pounds to spend.

@BlueyMcPhluey 6 жыл бұрын

please make shorter videos, the titles always sound so interesting but I don't have a full hour to find the good stuff

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

You won't like this answer, but it's all "good stuff". Writing music like a pro doesn't involve learning one trick that unlocks a great sound, it's about discovering as many tricks as possible and using them all. But here's your TL;DR: 1) Create a Fantasy vibe starting from instrumentation choice. 2) Write music in a way that sounds relaxing. 3) Have movement in detail to make the track interesting despite it being laid back. Want to know more about how to recreate each of those points? Then you'll have to watch the tutorial. Otherwise watch the shorter ones on the channel, even though you might not learn as much on this specific subject. :)

@BlueyMcPhluey 6 жыл бұрын

I'm just saying if you were able to break you videos into smaller ~10 min chunks then you'd have (at least) one new watcher

@AlexMoukala 6 жыл бұрын

Ah, got it. Thanks for your feedback Josh!

@GlitchSound 6 жыл бұрын

It's fine how you are doing it Alex

@TreSwayy 6 жыл бұрын

josh mcgee no please keep making the vids long