Fairwood Studios RBN Previews and Releases

[FairwoodStudios]

So we finally got to recording some of our RBN2.0 tracks. Rather than put out a whole bunch all at once, we're going to put out one preview a day until we run out. It'll easily last until the 15th, probably longer.

First up: Betus Blues (Retro Remix), the first of the Super Meat Boy! tracks.

[FairwoodStudios]

Second preview: 28 Days, the second Mafia Track Suit song, the first with harmonies, and the first demonstrated by a group of guys in track suits.

[Quazifuji]

So we finally got to recording some of our RBN2.0 tracks. Rather than put out a whole bunch all at once, we're going to put out one preview a day until we run out. It'll easily last until the 15th, probably longer.

First up: Betus Blues (Retro Remix), the first of the Super Meat Boy! tracks.

Wow, that guitar chart looks amazing. I was already excited about the announcement of Super Meat Boy songs, but actually seeing that one in the game is awesome.

[FairwoodStudios]

Wow, that guitar chart looks amazing. I was already excited about the announcement of Super Meat Boy songs, but actually seeing that one in the game is awesome.

Chiptunes make good guitar charts. And good keys charts.

Case in point: Pressure Cooker from VVVVVV, our third RBN2.0 preview.

[Quazifuji]

Chiptunes make good guitar charts. And good keys charts.

Case in point: Pressure Cooker from VVVVVV, our third RBN2.0 preview.

Yeah, that looks pretty fun too. Having immensely enjoyed both these games, I'm really looking forward to all the tracks from them. I probably couldn't recall most of the music from either game from memory, but the second either of those videos started up I instantly recognized the song.

The distinction between the guitar and keys parts on these songs seems kind of confusing, though, especially with Betus Blues. There are parts where it sounds like the guitar will be playing one part and then suddenly keys will be playing that part and guitar will be playing something different. I assume you're consistently following the same stem for each one so there's no way to avoid confusion (and also that it's a lot less confusing when actually playing one of the instruments), but it was kind of weird watching the video.

Also, that guitar solo in Betus Blues seems like it could have a keys solo at the same time.

[FairwoodStudios]

The distinction between the guitar and keys parts on these songs seems kind of confusing, though, especially with Betus Blues. There are parts where it sounds like the guitar will be playing one part and then suddenly keys will be playing that part and guitar will be playing something different. I assume you're consistently following the same stem for each one so there's no way to avoid confusion (and also that it's a lot less confusing when actually playing one of the instruments), but it was kind of weird watching the video.

They're tough to arrange, so we're doing a lot of experimenting. Lot of stuff like, do we want guitar to be lead, do we trade off leads, if so when... It's nice to have the freedom but it does result it things seeming weird to some people. All the chiptune arrangements are subject to change, even drums and bass, based on playtest feedback, so hopefully the final version will be good to the most people.

[rab39]

They're tough to arrange, so we're doing a lot of experimenting. Lot of stuff like, do we want guitar to be lead, do we trade off leads, if so when... It's nice to have the freedom but it does result it things seeming weird to some people. All the chiptune arrangements are subject to change, even drums and bass, based on playtest feedback, so hopefully the final version will be good to the most people.

They look great and I'll take as is, but the part early in Betus Blues with no keyboards seems weird. Maybe there's a way to share notes with the guitar so the keyboard player doesn't disappear while chiptune sounds are playing.

[LuigiHann]

Is there any chance you could get the artists to tweak the songs themselves, to perhaps use more distinct voices for the guitar part versus the keys part versus the nonplayed parts? I know with midi-based music that's not technically so difficult, but they might have objections to that or they might be really into it

[FairwoodStudios]

Is there any chance you could get the artists to tweak the songs themselves, to perhaps use more distinct voices for the guitar part versus the keys part versus the nonplayed parts? I know with midi-based music that's not technically so difficult, but they might have objections to that or they might be really into it

With Danny, possibly. He's really redoing things so he may be open to it. Magnus, I'm not too sure about, maybe he'd be up for it, maybe not. I'll see what could come of it.

Either way, I think that's gonna be the end of our MIDI-based music previews for a little bit. I've got at least one more planned for tomorrow with a totally new artist, and we'll be announcing all our new RBN2.0 projects then as well. I might have more to show you guys after that, but I'm not positive if we will or what they will be.

In the meantime, here's a second Mafia Track Suit preview, Forest for the Trees.

[FairwoodStudios]

No video today; I've had a really long day doing presentations and pitches, and the label behind the track I was going to show all of you decided they want to keep quiet for the moment.

Rather than leave you folks empty-handed, I figured I'd let you know all the new projects we've built up since our last announcement. This doesn't include the label I just mentioned, which will introduce at least two new tracks, or the nearly-done-but-not-quite projects.

Kylie D. Hart - "Leave Me Be"
The Story Changes - "Constellation"
The Story Changes - "New Ground"
Yesternight's Decision - "A Sickness You Like"
2nd Thought - "Soul Sparks"
Stagehands - "Now or Never"

"Leave Me Be" is a slower country ballad, and the second song to benefit Kylie's work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Story Changes is our first direct attempt with pop-punk, though they're not that pop. Sort of on that punk/emo border line.

And we've got three projects from returning artists. Yesternight's Decision got a little bit of production help, so their new bass-driven song "A Sickness You Like" should sound a lot better and play just as well. 2nd Thought have gone full classic rock with "Soul Sparks", which could've been a ? and the Mysterians song with little issue. I'm gonna really argue for the Classic Rock genre on this one. And last is the long-awaited 'proper' Stagehands track, with keys and harmonies. It's "Now or Never", the climax of the Silent City storyline, and one point where The Mayor totally sounds like Fred Schneider. It's eerie.

These will all be appearing in the coming weeks/months, along with a handful of new surprises and all our old tracks that haven't quite made it through yet.