I'm back at songwriting. Sharing last songs.

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After graduating from university and getting an actual microphone (not a $5 piece of crap), I could spend more time developing and recording my ideas, resulting in better music and less of an amateur feel. I'm back, if not as a prog reviewer.
Growing Up pt 3 remake - I originally had a 3-song trilogy called "Growing Up" where I had plenty of good ideas but rather poor execution and sound quality. Right now, I decided to remake the last, longest, and IMO better song of the three and it was quite improved, especially on the more subtle second half. If I ever remake the other parts of the trilogy, I'll share. The intro is outrageously influenced by Firth of Fifth. Just to warn you.   Prog moments include alternating minor piano with a 14/8 'nervous' theme, and a slow buildup to the climax of the song. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoK4jiZPdc4

Obligatory Prog Song - A medium-length song with bombastic keys, changes in pace, and clear nods to bands like Genesis/ELP/Transatlantic. As I was not limited to a particular topic, I had a lot of freedom and it was fun to simply go prog. I also included some melodic sections to have a more balanced track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDmPdEgt7HM

And while the following two might not be done in stereo, I think they're still good enough to share.

Thank You - My shortest song. I experimented more on happy, easy-listening music but with tricky/shifting time signatures in order to steer it away from dentist music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxDu5DQjyI8

Emergency Room - A mini-epic if low on the prog scale. A song based on the perspective of a parent waiting by the emergency room while his/her child is in a coma due to a drunk driver striking their car. The songwriting process was entirely based on story (as opposed to 'obligatory prog song') and based on everything the parent would feel: sadness, fear, melancholy, nostalgia, anger (where the prog is), and the last three minutes transitioning into a happy ending with the child waking up and getting better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0fXMrYUXSs

Bonus: my stab at doing a Kanye West cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpRqpKKW3NU . It has a NIN feel to it plus my usual moody soundtrack style.

Edited by Zitro - January 16 2011 at 11:52

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Zitro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 11 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1321	Topic: I'm back at songwriting. Sharing last songs. Posted: January 16 2011 at 11:26
	After graduating from university and getting an actual microphone (not a $5 piece of crap), I could spend more time developing and recording my ideas, resulting in better music and less of an amateur feel. I'm back, if not as a prog reviewer. Growing Up pt 3 remake - I originally had a 3-song trilogy called "Growing Up" where I had plenty of good ideas but rather poor execution and sound quality. Right now, I decided to remake the last, longest, and IMO better song of the three and it was quite improved, especially on the more subtle second half. If I ever remake the other parts of the trilogy, I'll share. The intro is outrageously influenced by Firth of Fifth. Just to warn you. Prog moments include alternating minor piano with a 14/8 'nervous' theme, and a slow buildup to the climax of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoK4jiZPdc4 Obligatory Prog Song - A medium-length song with bombastic keys, changes in pace, and clear nods to bands like Genesis/ELP/Transatlantic. As I was not limited to a particular topic, I had a lot of freedom and it was fun to simply go prog. I also included some melodic sections to have a more balanced track. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDmPdEgt7HM And while the following two might not be done in stereo, I think they're still good enough to share. Thank You - My shortest song. I experimented more on happy, easy-listening music but with tricky/shifting time signatures in order to steer it away from dentist music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxDu5DQjyI8 Emergency Room - A mini-epic if low on the prog scale. A song based on the perspective of a parent waiting by the emergency room while his/her child is in a coma due to a drunk driver striking their car. The songwriting process was entirely based on story (as opposed to 'obligatory prog song') and based on everything the parent would feel: sadness, fear, melancholy, nostalgia, anger (where the prog is), and the last three minutes transitioning into a happy ending with the child waking up and getting better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0fXMrYUXSs Bonus: my stab at doing a Kanye West cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpRqpKKW3NU . It has a NIN feel to it plus my usual moody soundtrack style. Edited by Zitro - January 16 2011 at 11:52

TODDLER Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member VIP Member Joined: August 28 2009 Location: Vineland, N.J. Status: Offline Points: 3126	Posted: January 30 2011 at 08:51
	Holy smokes! You are a fine writer! My favorite is "Obligatory Prog Song". I find myself staring out the window on that one....which is saying something because a piece which drives you to stare out the window during the musical performance brings enchantment to the listener. I admire that chord progression toward the end! I am always comparing influences like a jabberbox but I can't resist saying that your music might be slightly reminiscent of "Two Rainbows Daily" and I believe that is Alan Gowen (RIP). You have great ideas in your compositions. I would like to purchase this music if you ever decide to release it. I'm impressed greatly by your ability to form soundscapes that are ambient and technically brilliant. You must be a classical pianist.

Zitro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 11 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1321	Posted: January 31 2011 at 19:11
	Wow thanks. I am very limited in my recording equipment and technical abilities (especially in guitar) but in a way, those limitations helped me develop my own style. I'm glad you really like "Obligatory" as this is a prog website and the song itself is a tribute to the genre. On good news, I started working on remaking Growing Up pt1 and if inspired enough, I could have all three parts put together into a 25-minute long song in the future, with recurring themes. Edited by Zitro - February 02 2011 at 07:33

Zitro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 11 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1321	Posted: April 04 2011 at 19:55
	Finished the "Growing Up" remakes and combined them into a long epic (18 minutes, not 25 as I predicted) =) http://www.myspace.com/hernysmusica/music/songs/hernan-ortiz-growing-up-mp3-81032360

Ronald Poe Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Newbie Joined: July 01 2011 Location: Tenessee Status: Offline Points: 11	Posted: July 02 2011 at 23:45
	Do you have any tips for a fellow prog muscian? I'm new to this place and think you did good. I like Thank You most.