Mario Kart Wii - Maple Treeway (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2026-09-25 | Mario Kart Wii - Maple Treeway (cover)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Harvs Island (Day) (cover) #SoundoleChillout2024 Nico Mendoza Music 2024-05-11 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/7o6csEuio5tAsExUX3ByzuYes, it's true, a new Animal Crossing cover again after two whole years! I was absolutely captivated by this track when I first heard it after beginning to play the latest DLC. You can really hear the folk-y fingerpicking guitars influenced by artists like The Beatles, Zed Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, etc. In this arrangement, I wanted to incorporate some more of those colors on top of the original, such as the 12 string guitar doubling the rhythm guitar figures the 2nd time around the verse. I have to also mention that I was very heavily inspired by John Mayer with the arrangement in the second half, as I felt it just had to be there, no questions asked. It has been so refreshing fingerpicking some acoustic guitar as it really brought me back to my early youth, learning all of those classic rock staples. I am also submitting this cover as an entry for the annual Soundole 2024 Chillout Competition, and am excited to be amongst the very talented vgm community once again. Enjoy!Composed by: Kazumi TotakaArrangement, Melodica, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass Guitar, Glockenspiel, Percussion, Mix, Video: Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #HarvsIsland #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #SoundoleChillout2024
12pm - Animal Crossing: New Horizons (LIVE @vgmcon 2024) Nico Mendoza Music 2024-04-27 | YES! I'm so hyped to share one of the tunes I arranged and performed last week at VGMCon! I got the amazing opportunity to perform IN PERSON with some of the most talented percussionists in the VGM Community, who also happen to be my gaming buddies on Discord and some of my closest friends. Under the name Open World Percussion, the five of us took the insane task of putting together a percussion ensemble with massive instrumentation that just barely fit on stage. Led by Matt Silverberg, this group also co-arranged music for the entire set as well as picked which songs to play. 12pm was one of my favorites from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and I felt fit the theme of VGMCon's Sunshine Resort quite well with the island life vibes. In this arrangement, I feature both congas and vibraphone. Enjoy!MusiciansNico Mendoza - Vibraphone@MarimbaMatt913 - Bass Marimba@VRonMediaMusic - Marimba@EvanCarville - Congas@Sean081799 - Shaker/Tambourine Composed by Kazumi TotakaArranged by Nico MendozaMix and video by Nico Mendoza#12pm #vgmcon2024 #percussionensemble
Banjo Kazooie - Mumbos Mountain (acoustic cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2024-04-06 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/2X131XmmqtOuWuSanh4dUYBack on the Grant Kirkhope tunes! I wanted to cover something spring-y, and this silly little tune came to mind. I really like the emphasis on the simplicity of this composition, as it really reflects how early worlds feel, with their easy quests and not a lot of room to get lost or take tons of damage. I went with a rather minimal instrumentation with a more acoustic flair, and it turned out great! Composed by: Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Violin, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Fretless Bass, Drums, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #MumbosMountain #BanjoKazooie #Cover
Mario Kart 64 - Frappe Snowland (Chill Funk Cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2024-02-24 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/6luvstlWM0ods1V9HL9JmfOh yes, it's an all new sound for an old classic from the N64. For my channel, I've been enjoying arranging my covers to have that true to the original sound and feel, but now, it is finally time to reimagine some of these amazing tracks and write it how I'd play it more instinctually. I really enjoy how chill a lot of winter themed VGM can be, and if 50cc didn't already feel super relaxed and chill, this arrangement of Frappe Snowland will do just that! I came up with the piano ostinato in the intro just noodling around in Cubase, trying to create a peaceful yet driving ostinato to be the groundwork for the arrangement. I later used some of the rhythmic figures in the melody to further build the intro into the A section, which is set up by some lush chords in the electric piano. I went for a jazz combo feel with the guitar on melody and a lightly driving 16th swing groove in the drums. Since the original was so marimba heavy, I wanted to let the mallet percussion carry on both the melody and drive with some background figures. The string section has some disco and ballad influence, and adds that icing (pun intended) on the cake! I really had fun creatively exploring what I could do with this track while being careful to not detract from all the elements that make the original so feel-good. You might have also noticed the bass and vibraphone solos as well-this will have great potential for any future live performances of this track too! More on that as my future projects get released!! Enjoy :) Composed by: Kenta NagataAdditional engineering and filming: instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, Violin, Viola, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Marimba, Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum Set, Percussion, Mix, Video: Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #FrappeSnowland #MarioKart64 #Cover
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - World 3 (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2024-01-27 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37I'm back at it again! It has been an absolutely crazy last week being at MAGFest playing in so many ensembles, meeting new faces, and reuniting with familiar ones. I am so grateful for this VGM community for their love of the music that I also have such a special place in my heart for. I knew I had to return to my videos with something simpler and more manageable this week, so I consulted some of my favorite piano pieces and remembered this track. World 3 was one of those worlds where the music immediately entranced me. I remember it vividly, hearing it for the first time and going into an absolute state of stillness, in complete disbelief how a couple of simple piano notes would have such an effect on me. Anyone who has played Super Mario Galaxy 2 also remembers that moment too, that sheer beauty that perfectly encapsulated the feeling of vastness and space, with its mysterious yet comforting feel of space. I just loved playing and recording this on a proper grand piano, regardless of the trouble of mic'ing it just right and having to play flawlessly; there's just nothing like getting that richness and natural sound from a piano that this piece so well deserves. Enjoy my cover of World 3!Composed by: Mahito YokotaFilming: instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, Piano, Mix, Video: Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #World3 #SuperMarioGalaxy2 #Cover
Oh Banana! (Music from Donkey Kong 64) - Official Album Stream Nico Mendoza Music 2024-01-13 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THE ALBUM! ► https://album.link/s/1Jr22ZV1NMMcdwYXMIlApuOhhhh BANANA!! My long-awaited HD remake of Donkey Kong 64 music is finally out on streaming platforms!! I was really taken back in time to being a kid playing this game again, and the amount of nostalgia that hit me re-working track by track made me fall in love with the game all over again. I had to bring some of the greatest VGM musicians on this album to help me bring everything to life, and MAN did it turn out amazing. Enjoy the full album stream of "Oh Banana!"00:00 01. DK Isle03:27 02. Jungle Japes07:12 03. Angry Aztec09:35 04. Angry Aztec Temple12:05 05. Frantic Factory14:33 06. Gloomy Galleon18:43 07. Fungi Forest23:33 08. Crystal Caves25:38 09. Creepy Castle31:14 10. Hideout HelmFeaturingMadalyn Music (flute on track 1,6)Becca Michaelson (flute on track 3)Joe "JD Winds" Di Fiore (clarinet on track 1,7, bass clarinet on track 3, piccolo on track 6, flute on track 7)Brooke Ferd (oboe on track 3)Steven Higbee (clarinet on track 3, 6, bass clarinet on track 6)Bassoonify (bassoon on track 3)Marc Papeghin (french horn on track 1)Carlos "insaneintherain" Eiene (french horn on track 3)JohnStacy (french horn on track 10)Nathan Banegas (trumpet on track 3, french horn on track 7)John Robert Matz (trumpet on track 10)Robby Duguay (trumpet on track 10)Allison Martin (trombone on track 3)Daniel Romberger (trombone on track 10)Alex Hill (tuba on track 3, 10)Matt Silverberg (steel pan on track 1, marimba on track 3)V-Ron Media (percussion on track 1, 3)Chromatic Apparatus (cello on track 3)Andy-Ru (contrabass on track 6)All other instruments by Nico MendozaAll compositions by Grant KirkhopeArrangements and Mixing/Mastering by Nico MendozaAdditional Engineering on Tracks 01, 05, 09, 10 by RichleeAlbum Artwork by BlueDrawsAlot📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nicomendozamusic🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/nmendozamusic🕹 Twitch: twitch.tv/nicomendozamusic🎵 Tik Tok vm.tiktok.com/ZMea4JP1L#OhBanana #DonkeyKong64 #FullAlbumStream
Super Mario RPG Remake - Beware of Forests Mushrooms (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-12-16 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/7nPgQykqoPOoarM2STFy7rMan, I can't tell you how hard this track imprinted on me when I found it. I first heard it in a Mario 64 ROM hack, and was like, wait, isn't this the Bach double violin concerto in D minor for two violins? Lol. Yoko Shimomura really knows her literature, and the feel this gives the level is just PERFECT. The remake does NOT disappoint, both visually and sonically, and my only regret was playing through this level too quickly. As for making this cover, I didn't anticipate how difficult it actually was to record. Stylistically, it is very easy to flub articulations and note lengths at the end of phrases, and I only could do so much with all the overdubs I did on the upper strings and post-production to make it sound uniform. Mixing was also a challenge, trying to get all the inner musical lines to not be too loud or too soft, and to get all the instruments to sing out without fighting each other. I definitely learned a lot making this cover, and of course I couldn't have done it without my fantastic collaborators, who are not only godly players but also big fanatics of this tune/franchise. It is always special for me to work with musicians who really appreciate and share their love for this kind of music too, which makes me proud to say that they have their own channels of amazing VGM covers too. Enjoy our performance of the Forest Maze theme, Beware the Forest's Mushrooms!Also check out JD Winds' cover of Hello, Happy Kingdom where I played Violin/Viola/Bass too!youtu.be/GVt3s4xjWS4Composed by: Yoko ShimomuraFeaturing@JDmusicwoodwinds - Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, English Horn, Bass Clarinet@ChromaticApparatus - CelloArrangement, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Celesta, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BewareTheForestsMushrooms #SuperMarioRPGRemake #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Hideout Helm (Cover feat. @theGameBrass) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-11-22 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/1JlLZd7lOS7mrhXIY0woLHHere it is - the final level of the Donkey Kong 64 world. Hideout Helm is such an epic finish to the game, with the anxiety inducing timer, counting down the Blast-O-Matic's initial blow to destroy DK Isle for good. I also remember the haunting feeling of the tag barrel's music not triggering when switching characters in this map, and how that further added to the urgency and seriousness of shutting down the machine. I have been waiting for the most opportune time to put this video out, and I chose today as it is DK64's 24-year anniversary North American release. I also chose this track as the last one to go on my upcoming album, "Oh Banana!", a collection of my HD remastered covers coming very soon! I also cannot end this video description without my endless gratitude towards The Game Brass for time/talent/effort on their collaboration with me on this massive arrangement, especially Danny and Thomas Kresge for helping with the organization process. I've been a huge fan of The Game Brass since I fell in love with their Frappe Snowland cover years ago, and have been so lucky to work with/meet some of them irl at GameSoundCon and MAGFest. Their sound worked so perfectly with this cover and were so much fun to hear alongside my already gargantuan instrumentation. Enjoy my cover of Hideout Helm :)Composed by: Grant KirkhopeFeaturing @theGameBrass John Robert Matz - Trumpet 1Robby Duguay - Trumpet 2JohnStacy - French HornDaniel Romberger - TromboneAlex Hill - TubaArrangement, Synth Bass, Electric Guitar, Marimba, Timpani, Drums, Tam Tam, Crash Cymbals, China Cymbal FX, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #HideoutHelm #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Creepy Castle (Cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-10-31 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/3NwvKetb76EnTQfeHstYBRYes, it's here! Many comments from my previous DK64 covers etc were asking for this cover and I knew today was the right time to release it! Creepy Castle was one of my lesser favorite levels, mostly because at this point I spent so much time in Fungi Forest and Crystal Caves with their brighter, more welcoming feel. This level is quite dark in terms of mood and lighting, very rainy, and not to mention quite difficult navigating as a kid and figuring out what to do. I will say though, revisiting the music like this has been such a fun experience. The harpsichord part was really fun to play, and all of the string parts were a treat to record and play layer after layer. The piano I recorded on also happened to be the right amount of "out of tune" for the texture I had in mind when putting this video together. Also, you are probably wondering why all of these DK64 tracks are coming out back to back. More on that soon!!Composed by: Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Piano, Keyboard, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Electric Guitar, Fretless Bass, Hand Snaps, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #CreepyCastle #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - DK Isle (Cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-09-23 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/1V1uFXFb7Cj7HsBUGhczoPHere it is, the DK64 hub theme, all with live instruments! I was waiting for the right time to put this one together, specifically to begin completing a....secret project! You'll be hearing about that very soon :) I can't tell you how many hours I've heard this theme in game, while doing barrel rolls with DK trying to get around quickly through the sand. I definitely couldn't go without getting the proper instrumentation, so I am honored to welcome back new and returning guests on this channel! Enjoy :)Composed by Grant KirkhopeFeaturing:@madalynmusic9288 - Flute@JDmusicwoodwinds - Clarinet@Marc_Papeghin - French Horn@MarimbaMatt913 - Steel Pan@VRonMediaMusic - Congas, GuiroAdditional filming and engineering - instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, Marimba, Drums, Shaker, Cabasa, Concert Bass Drum, Fretless Bass, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendoza instagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #DKIsle #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Shrine Battle (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-08-12 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Oh boy, here's one of the hardest covers I recorded for my channel. The shrine battle themes are just insane, with many time signature changes and fast moving parts that leave the key, this one really challenged my feel and patter memorization to be able to play these parts. Fighting the constructs in the game without all of your collected weapons and armor was always a fun challenge like the Eventide quest from BotW, and getting one-shot by the tiniest mistakes have never been more hilarious. Recording this tune has never been more of an accomplishment as I listened to this and really thought it would be out of my reach. I'm glad I was able to put it all together myself (with filming help of course).Originally composed by Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa UsuiAdditional filming by instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba, Electric Bass, Drums, Piano, Violins, Violas, Mix, Video by Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #ShrineBattle #TotK #Cover
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Lookout Landing (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-07-15 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Ahh, Lookout Landing, the new hub world of Hyrule. I always liked coming back here in the game, even though it wasn't a real town with homes and casual civilians. The underground shelter and closeness to the castle really did it for me, and for Purah to have a bigger role in the storyline was the cherry on top! As for this cover, it was full of new challenges I've never encountered before, like writing for tin whistle in its limited range and keys, understanding pitch bending capabilities on flute and clarinet, and blending and ensemble full of instruments together that I don't have any experience playing! I am so grateful this team of elite musicians and content creators were willing to team up on such short notice (just shy of two weeks!). I am excited to bring you my ost-accurate cover of Lookout Landing! Originally composed by Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa UsuiFeaturing@JDmusicwoodwinds - Tin Whistle, Piccolo@BeccaMichaelson - Flute@Medllix - Oboe@StevenHigbee - Clarinet@VGMBassoon - Bassoon@TheJohnStacy - French Horn@giocko - Trumpet@MarimbaMatt913 - Snare Drum@VRonMediaMusic - Frame Drum, DjembeArrangement, Piano, Violins, Violas, Mix, Video by Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #LookoutLanding #TotK #Cover
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Links House (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-07-01 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Yes!! Finally the moment we've all been waiting for - building our own home in the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom universe of Hyrule. I had so much fun putting together the rooms for the house (while accidentally dropping most of them on Granteson...oops) and enjoying having a plot of land set aside as the hero of Hyrule. I loved hearing the cozy, Animal Crossing-esque style music while walking around the completed house and knew I just had to cover it. I was really happy the tune was simple in instrumentation and difficulty-because man, was it still a lot to track, film, mix, and video edit all in one day! Totally worth the grind for the end result though. Enjoy some music from Link's House!Originally composed by Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa UsuiArrangement, Acoustic Guitars, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Cabasa, Triangle, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #LinksHouse #TotK #Cover
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Tarrey Town (Night) (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-06-17 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Another cover from the new Zelda game, here's Tarrey Town's night theme! While I already covered the day variation a few years back on this channel, this new theme exclusively plays in Tears of the Kingdom, most likely because of how much the town itself has grown and become more than just a building quest. When I heard it for the first time in the game, I already knew I would cover this exact version sooner or later. This is also the first time I made a VGM cover where I livestreamed a lot of the behind the scenes making it from the ground up. I really enjoyed the experience because I had the pressure of an audience watch me edit my recordings pre-polish and edit in real time, revealing my process. I learned a lot though (like being able to paste text directly from another video without having to open it manually lol). I'm glad the video came together so smoothly, and it wouldn't have been so had I not had the extensive practice over the last couple of years being consistent with uploading. Enjoy my cover of the night variation of Tarrey Town :)Full Livestream of the mixing process youtu.be/huDGUTQ34NAFull livestream of the video editing process youtu.be/mKAJ2dSw0dUOriginally composed by Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa UsuiArrangement, Melodica, Vibraphone, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, 12 String Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano, Violin, Viola, Shaker, Bongos, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #TarreyTown #TearsOfTheKingdom #Cover
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Hyrule Field (Day) (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-05-27 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37I am so excited to finally showcase my first Tears of the Kingdom cover! While the main theme would've been a great banger to kick off the new Zelda game, I instead got to guest star in @JDmusicwoodwinds' cover on his channel! You can check that video out here! youtu.be/Rdg1qR_bseQI also wanted to start off with something that no one (as far as I know) covered on this platform yet. I was in awe of how they re-composed a new yet familiar field theme for Hyrule, and I knew this would pose challenges in its own way even with the notes being super simple. I asked Madalyn Music to lay down some gorgeous flute drones like the original, and I couldn't be happier with the result and incredibly quick turnaround! To top it off, I've been so short for time with streaming on twitch daily, to my work schedule, that I didn't even start recording the piano part until about 10 hours before this video went live! I knew I had it in me to not miss my Saturday bi-weekly video streak, and I'm glad it all came together!Originally composed by Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa UsuiFeaturing@madalynmusic9288 - FluteAdditional filming by instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, piano, synth, mix, video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #HyruleField #TearsOfTheKingdom #Cover
Fire Emblem Engage - The Somniel (cover) #SoundoleChillout2023 Nico Mendoza Music 2023-05-13 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/12N3GOpjkSy05W5CMwYwanI am ecstatic to put out another cover from the Fire Emblem franchise! The Somniel is such a nice hub world to return to after every battle, and the activities and mini-games were a cute touch to the exploration of the floating island in the sky. This was definitely one of the tougher ones to transcribe, with all of the fx in the original underneath the piano, as well as its more complex harmony and uncommon instrumentation (so may new ones on the channel!) all of which I couldn't have done myself, so here I welcome my talented friends of the VGM community to fill out the ensemble. This video will also be my entry for the SoundoleChillout2023 cover competition! I am also stoked to say that all of my collaborators are active content creators on their own channels and uploaded their own entry for the same competition! I also linked their entries alongside their names.Composed by: Takafumi Wada, Hiroki Morishita, Yasuhisa BabaFeaturing:@StevenHigbee - Ocarina youtu.be/_0BS3-AQ9yw@BeccaMichaelson - Flute youtu.be/sbJKc1tnWt0@JDmusicwoodwinds - English Horn youtu.be/kWSjHWiwsxM@giocko - Flugelhorn youtu.be/37T4w6oZaKU@VRonMediaMusic - Cajon/Toy Piano youtu.be/_cHiGDSO-h8@MarimbaMatt913 - Marimba youtu.be/e91PfF_ogkgNico Mendoza - Arrangement, piano, violin, viola, double bass, percussion, mix, videoinstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #TheSomniel #FireEmblemEngage #Cover
Jack Black - Peaches (String Quartet Cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-05-06 | ~~Support me on Patreon !~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37SHEET MUSIC ► sheetmusicplus.com/title/peaches-digital-sheet-music/22496177STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/5FzLF8Max1gwBqu1mjdsziIf you've seen the Super Mario Bros. Movie you know this song, but have you ever imagined what it would sound like if they played it for Bowser's wedding? I know for sure this is what he would've wanted, and I am honored to have played for his big life event here! Production-wise, this was a new video style I am excited to showcase on this channel, and couldn't have done without the help of Richlee, who helped bring to life this fun cover from the biggest Nintendo movie yet!Originally performed by: Jack BlackComposed by: Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath, John Spiker, Jack Black, Eric OsmondConcept, engineering, filming, video editing - instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, violin, viola, double bass, synth, mix: Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #Peaches #JackBlack #Cover
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Bramble Blast (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-30 | Maaan, we really pulled out all the stops for this one. This tune is so special to me, as it was the last cover we did for insaneintherain's channel that was a part of his regularly scheduled covers. I remember getting the sheet music for the first time and looking at my fretless bass solo in the beginning going, oh yeah, challenging but doable...wait, is that a high A or C? LOL. After the video came out I kept thinking to myself, man, imagine how sick it would be to play this live?? I am so, so glad it became a reality, and not only with all the original band members but also with more horns/keyboard just made it even more special. This theme has so many incredible moments and dynamics that really make this tune a journey from top to finish. This one was a highlight for me without a doubt.From: Super Smash Bros. Brawlaka: Stickerbush SymphonyComposition: David WiseBrawl Arrangement: Michiko NarukeFlugelhorn - Andrew Sumabat (@sumabatman) Tenor Saxophone(solo) /Arrangement - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Trombone/Arrangement - @EricLTrombone Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM) Keyboard - @88bit / @robkovacsmusicKeytar - @RyanSlatkoMusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #BrambleBlast #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Kass Theme (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-29 | Another insaneintherain solo cover turned into a live band rendition! I loved hearing this theme playing Breath of the Wild, knowing I'm close to uncovering a good shrine ahead. Even though we didn't have the means to fly out with an accordion at the weekend of the show, Rob effortlessly played the intro of the primary arrangement so full just on solo piano. This arrangement was the perfect blend of chill and energetic, and I couldn't be more excited to play that cadenza-like upright bass solo (yes, I am playing it backwards LOL) Enjoy our performance of Kass' Theme!From: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildComposed by Yasuaki IwataTenor Sax/Arrangement - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM) Keyboard (solo) - @88bit / @robkovacsmusic Bass - Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #KassTheme #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - A Cybers World? (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-28 | Man was this tune crazy fun to play! This is the first arrangement we ever collaborated on together as a collective. I remember agreeing to be part of this project, not knowing who else was gonna be in it or what music we were gonna do, but MAN was I blown away not only with how the original YouTube cover ended up turning out, but how much synergy our band had recording remotely. I remember thinking, how crazy would this sound live and in person?? Well, dreams come true here, as we played one of my favorite tunes I ever got to record on. Also, Ryan murdered his Keytar here, and I have never heard anything like it lol.From: DELTARUNE CHAPTER 2Composed by Toby FoxEWI/Arrangement - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM) Keyboard - @88bit / @robkovacsmusic Keytar (solo) - @RyanSlatkoMusicBass - Me!Drums (solo) - @DomPalombiMusicFilming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #ACybersWorld #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Invisible Man (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-27 | One of the more melancholy tunes in our set, this one is also an original composition by insaneintherain from his original album that we recorded together last summer in 2022. I love how expressive this one came out to be, and to end with the big moment at the end really topped things off. Here's Invisible Man from our set at VGM CON 2023.Flugelhorn - Andrew Sumabat (@sumabatman) Tenor Saxophone/Composition - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM) Keyboard - @88bit/@robkovacsmusic Keytar - @RyanSlatkoMusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #InvisibleMan #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Forward (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-26 | Our first tune from the set, here's Forward, written by insaneintherain! This composition premiered on his YouTube channel back in January 2019 and was re-recorded with our band July 2022 for his original album. As you can see, we really had fun with all the musical shifts in each section, and playing this live made me feel so at home with my friends that I am so grateful to be making music in real time with.EWI/Composition - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM) Keyboard - @88bit/@robkovacsmusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #Forward #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Midnas Lament (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-25 | I really loved the range of styles playing this set at VGMCon. This tune really gave me the opportunity to go full on jazz combo with the upright and sparse playing throughout. While this tune was originally an older insaneintherain cover, we got to perform it with additional horn parts, arranged by trombonist Eric L. With the theme of the con being oops, all Zelda, we couldn't leave something like this out!From: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight PrincessComposition: Toru MinegishiFlugelhorn - Andrew Sumabat (@sumabatman)Tenor Saxophone/Arrangement - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic)Trombone/Arrangement - @EricLTrombone)Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM)Keyboard - @88bit / @robkovacsmusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #MindasLament #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Jazz Breaker (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-24 | Here's another tune from one of my many my performances at VGM CON 2023! This one SLAPS (pun intended) and is actually from the game Infinite Guitars. Composed by insaneintherainmusic, this is the first time we performed a tune IN a video game composed by insaneintherain himself!! How cool is that?? The most amazing thing was how quickly we were able to pull off such a new tune on short notice, but man did it turn out killer.Tenor Saxophone/Composition - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM)Keytar - @RyanSlatkoMusic Keyboard - @88bit / @robkovacsmusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #JazzBreaker #infiniteguitars #vgmcon2023
insaneintherainmusic Collective - Ubuntu (LIVE @ VGM CON 2023) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-04-23 | So last week was pretty dang cool! I got to perform alongside some of the greatest talent in the VGM community, led by none other than insaneintherainmusic. Here's one of the tunes, his original composition "Ubuntu", from the album Insane in the Rain. The theme revolves around the South African philosophy "I am because we are" and I definitely felt that on stage, playing together and feeding off of each other's musicality. The tune features flugelhorn and trombone, and some really great trading of solos!Flugelhorn - Andrew Sumabat (@sumabatman)Tenor Saxophone/Composition - Carlos Eiene (@insaneintherainmusic) Trombone - @EricLTrombone Guitar - Joshua Vasquez (@XnarkyVGM)Keytar - @RyanSlatkoMusic Keyboard - @88bit/@robkovacsmusic Bass- Me!Drums - @DomPalombiMusic Filming credits: knightlyjuju/softguitar/Dom Palombi Mix/video: Me! #Ubuntu #insaneintherainmusic #vgmcon2023
Banjo Tooie - Gruntys Industries (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-03-25 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/3bEUuRoTB7H7mfsyUmQ13xHow can anyone forget this super catchy tune? I really believe this is one of the best tracks from Banjo Tooie, or I just have too much nostalgia exploring the inner factory for hours on end as a kid, getting lost in the tunnels and falling down the elevator shaft trying to fly to the upper floors. Either way, this tune happened to fit my arsenal, to the mid-range string lines that fit the viola so cozily, to the haunting celesta lines that really make it feel like you're in a dark yet once hectic area. I really enjoyed using this eclectic instrumentation (4 basses in one score!) to re-create the sound and vibe that defined Grunty's Industries.Composed by Grant KirkhopeArrangement, celesta, xylophone, marimba, cabasa, tambourine, electric guitar, synth, 5-string fretless bass, 4-string electric Bass, 5-string electric bass, violin, viola, upright bass, mix, video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #GruntysIndustries #BanjoTooie #Cover
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Starship Mario (orchestral cover) #MAR10DAY Nico Mendoza Music 2023-03-10 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/1IP07phCusicAQYtPmaXhwAnother orchestral cover back to back! In honor of MAR10 day, and with spring right around the corner, I knew this would be the right vibe and a great track to showcase for today! I had the wonderful privilege of having yet another large ensemble of content creators from the VGM community bring this to life. SMG2 has such an imprint on me growing up, as it was the first Mario game I completed 100%. I always loved (or hated) spawning back on the Starship Mario completing a world or dying too many times and quitting lol. I hope you enjoy this performance of the games beloved hub theme, Starship Mario.Composed by: Koji Kondo, Mahito Yokota, Ryo NagamatsuFeaturing:@madalynmusic9288 - Flute@JDmusicwoodwinds - Oboe@WarpWhistlesMusic - Clarinet@TheJohnStacy - French Horn@natebnegas - Trumpet@EricLTrombone - Trombone@CaitlinAyala - Harp@VRonMediaMusic - Snare Drum@CityFolk66 - ViolinsArrangement, Timpani, Violins, Violas, Double Basses, Mix Video - Nico Mendoza📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nicomendozamusic🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/nmendozamusic🕹 Twitch: twitch.tv/nicomendozamusic🎵 Tik Tok vm.tiktok.com/ZMea4JP1L#StarshipMario #SuperMarioGalaxy2 #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Angry Aztec (Orchestral Cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-02-25 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/4y53yKSIjmFlRA4m59djb4Just when you thought I might have skipped this version because of my cover of the temple area! Well, I knew I wanted to cover this, but as I began arranging the big woodwind section, I really had the urge to add brass and strings to give it that full orchestral feel rather than the original instruments. I was a little nervous to stray away from the original instrumentation if I were to keep the arrangement the same, but it actually worked out great. Not only that, I have been so lucky to have the opportunity to have 12 collaborators willing to lend their time and talent to make this happen. Not only do they all play and record like a boss, but also have their own youtube channels full of VGM covers! Please check them out and sub to them :) Enjoy my orchestral cover of Angry Aztec!Composed by: Grant KirkhopeFeaturing:@BeccaMichaelson - Flute@Medllix - Oboe@StevenHigbee - Clarinet@JDmusicwoodwinds - Bass Clarinet@Bassoonify - Bassoon@insaneintherainmusic - French HornNathan Banegas - Trumpet instagram.com/nbnegas@AllisonMartin - Trombone@WarTubaFox - Tuba@MarimbaMatt913 - Marimba@VRonMediaMusic - Congas@ChromaticApparatus - CelloArrangement, percussion, violin, viola, double bass, mix, video - Nico Mendoza instagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #AngryAztec #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Banjo Kazooie - Gruntildas Lair (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-02-11 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/4oXg9eYONV36MdIAZCUI8vOne of the best hub levels for its chill yet mysterious vibe - I always feel a good game needs a fun hub world to explore and this one definitely did it. This tune was so nostalgic to record, just trekking through trying to finish the game while also feeling the beginning pizzicato lines in duple instead of triple as a kid haha. Enjoy my cover of Gruntilda's Lair!Composed by: Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Fretless Bass, 5 String Bass, Violins, Violas, Double Bass, Tambourine, Bass Drum, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #GruntildasLair #BanjoKazooie #Cover
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Freezy Flake Galaxy (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-01-28 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/1CAfo7hlUSdAFaAiHkDgV7Couldn't help but cover another winter Nintendo tune! This bouncy tune always made this level so fun, even if I got stuck at the beginning trying to figure out how to break all the ice statues lol. I loved the instrumentation and arrangement of the original, but I really felt I wanted to add more. I repeated the tune in a new key and with a swing combo style and it turned out really nice! I thought of Mario Party All Stars and how they arranged new iterations of the tune for the last 5 turns to be more exciting and loved that idea. Enjoy this sweet classic from SMG2!Composed by: Mahito Yokota, Ryo Nagamatsu,. Koji KondoArrangement, Melodica, Violins, Keyboards, Electric Guitar, Double Bass, Drums, Sleigh Bells, Tambourine, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #FreezyFlakeGalaxy #SuperMarioGalaxy2 #Cover
Banjo Kazooie - Click Clock Wood: Winter (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2023-01-21 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/5Vg5qXGY749Hgu9tIOdTh9It is still winter and it's time to keep pumping out the winter VGM tunes! I was looking for more winter themed rareware tunes and went, wow, how did I forget about this one? I figure it's also time to cover the other three seasons, which will come out when they get closer this year ;) Enjoy this happy tune accompanied by its stupidly difficult level; hope you also now recall the trauma of collecting over 90 notes then dying from either falling or drowning underwater water looking for the escape hole in the ice lake!Composed by: Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Glockenspiel, Chimes, Marimba, Electric Guitar, Violins, Double Bass, Sleigh Bells, Finger Snaps, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #ClickClockWoodWinter #BanjoKazooie #Cover
Octopath Traveler - The Frostlands (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-12-17 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/1JO2HdTKvsTXPR8RzxaUBgHere it is, my final cover for the year of 2022. I knew this track would be the perfect ending one with its somber, cold mood, just like the weather over the last couple of weeks. While I haven't played through the game yet, I've heard many covers from this OST which got me familiar with it, and MAN is it just GORGEOUS. Most of the time, I'm moved by the vgm tunes that are either nostalgic to me or super impactful from a new game I played. This OST stands on its own to me, and I can only imagine how it helps tell the games story. This track in particular came up in suggestion in a group I was collaborating with, but sadly, the project never happened. I knew I could tackle it on my own with the original yielding the perfect instrumentation yet again, and man, am I proud of how it turned out. I hope you enjoyed my covers over the year, as this video closes one chapter, only to open the next.Composed by: Yasunori NishikiArrangement, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Double Bass, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Marimba, Suspended Cymbal, Sleigh Bells, Tambourine, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #OctopathTraveler #TheFrostlands #Cover
Banjo Tooie - Hailfire Peaks: Icy Side (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-12-10 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/4CBdS9BN2a1IZYpHXS3hhRIt's winter time and that means snow levels are hot! (or...cold?) It's been awhile since I've covered a tune from Banjo-Tooie, and the instrumentation in this track was simply too perfect for me to pass by when it came to winter cover ideas. I remember walking around this level as a kid constantly lost and unable to figure out how to get in the freakin' train station and how to get the alien kids outta the ice blocks underneath. So much fun exploring and nostalgia to remember, which always makes these covers so much fun. I always love how well these tracks translate onto real instruments so easily; it's just another testament to Grant Kirkhope's exceptional composing. Originally composed by Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Glockenspiel, Xylophones, Marimba, Hi Hat, Synths, Violins, Double Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BanjoTooie #HailfirePeaks #Cover
Super Mario Galaxy - Family (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-11-26 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/7K26CSfWIb8PkFWtl3GNzfWhen picking a piece to perform this week, I went for something reflective of the events going on in my life currently, and lately I've been having thoughts on the cycle of life. Nothing is harder than losing a loved one at a moment's notice, yet it is an inevitable part of time that we all experience at some point in our lives. When somebody passes away, and another being born into this world, both of which I have to brace myself for personally, I knew this piece would be the right choice. In Super Mario Galaxy, the endgame story has a similar arc of loss and birth, and was a beautiful illustration of the cycle of life on a very grand scale. Originally composed by Koji KondoArrangement by Kim Duy Vo, Latios212Filming - RichleePiano, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #SuperMarioGalaxy #Family #Cover
Banjo Kazooie - Clankers Cavern (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-11-12 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/4D3N6a57lxfBqdGBteCXYbWho doesn't love exploring a sewer-like dungeon and swimming through toxic water? This level always frustrated me as a kid with trying to raise Clanker's chain at the very bottom and not drowning lol. Lots of fun memories playing this level, and there's nothing like it all coming back to me like performing each part from scratch! With the low brass and clarinets, I substituted those with fretless bass and electric guitar (respectively) and it surprisingly fit even better than I anticipated.Originally composed by Grant Kirkhope Arrangement, Xylophone, Marimba, Electric Guitar, Fretless Bass, Electric Bass, Drums, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BanjoKazooie #ClankersCavern #Cover
Paper Mario - Boos Mansion Medley (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-10-31 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Happy Halloween!! I'm so stoked to share not one or two, but three catchy, wacky, and spoopy tunes from Paper Mario's 3rd chapter. I definitely recorded WAY too many instruments for this little medley but wanted to also do it justice by not leaving anything out. I really have fond memories of trekking the forest and getting spooked by the mansion traps and puzzles left by those sneaky boos, and learning each part to record took me back to it all.0:00 Forever Forest0:55 Approaching the Mansion1:47 Boo's DanceOriginally composed by Yuka Tsujiyoko Arrangement, Melodica, Violins, Violas, Double Bass, Piano, Electric Piano, Electric Guitar, Fretless Bass, Drums, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Bongos, Triangle, Cabasa, Vibraslap, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BoosMansion #PaperMario #Cover
Zelda Breath of the Wild - Temple of Time (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-10-22 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37 STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/3P4UvE2sFM9mXExC39SGlZI got the rare opportunity to record on a true Steinway grand piano, and on top of that, some filming help as well. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play this hauntingly beautiful theme, which has been reharmonized and slowed down immensely from the original (if you can hear it!). I always loved the sparse and minimal piano sprinkled throughout the game's overworld, and this theme on the Plateau couldn't be left out from my channel. Enjoy this amazing theme.Originally composed by Yasuaki IwataFilming and engineering - RichleeArrangement, Piano, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #TempleOfTime #BreathOfTheWild #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Frantic Factory (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-10-14 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37 STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/2RMET0vOpIg9ifQzDBBgFTOne of my favorite DK64 tunes (who am I kidding, they're all my favorite) to cover for the month of October. While not exactly spooky, I knew this track would fit the vibe with its melancholy and creepy aesthetic from the level. I remember trekking through this level as a kid and remembering how dark it always felt. I tried emulating that feel in the video with the lighting, which was challenging on its own. I also really got the chance to show off the double bass, which I'm glad to have my hands on, even if only temporarily. For a Grant Kirkhope track, I couldn't settle for anything less. I also got the chance to track the upper strings in stereo and through different equipment at a different studio, which I can say was a game-changer at the very least. While this video was several weeks of constant planning and recording/producing, I'm actually gonna miss the process of making the very track that I've wanted to do for the longest time.Originally composed by Grant KirkhopeAdditional filming and engineering - Richlee instagram.com/rich.leeArrangement, Glockenspiel, Violins, Violas, Double Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Fretless Bass, Keyboard, Ratchet, Temple Blocks, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusic🎵 Tik Tok vm.tiktok.com/ZMea4JP1L#FranticFactory #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Super Mario Galaxy - The Star Festival (cover feat. @Medllix) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-09-17 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37 STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/27X1CjR5oAaxser8kXRcGjThis IRL collab was quite the dream come true! I first found Brooke (Medllix) through a bunch of different videos from Game Brass, the Woodwind Wakers, and even her own channel. I was blown away by her oboe sound and multi-instrumental prowess. Fast forward, I started watching her streams and we got to chat quite a bit and realized we actually don't live a million miles away from each other!! After talking endlessly about the music grind, meeting at cons, and gaming both virtually and IRL, it was definitely time to work on music together! Brooke happened to be in town earlier this month, and we thought about collaborating on a video together, and found the perfect track! Super Mario Galaxy is our favorite childhood games, and this underrated tune was perfect. Enjoy our cover of The Star Festival!Originally composed by Mahito YokotaFeaturing @Medllix - OboeArrangement, Vibraphone, Violins, Violas, Electric Bass, Cymbals, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #TheStarFestival #SuperMarioGalaxy #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Gloomy Galleon (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-09-10 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37 STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/5qkfvXuvSg79dvqdmsYfc0Another DK64 classic!! This melody has never been more stuck in my head both as a kid playing the game and recently while putting this cover together. Nothing says nostalgia like getting lost underwater looking for the last 5 bananas or rage quitting the mechanical fish section. I didn't want to tackle this track right away in my list of cover ideas due to the intimidatingly high importance on woodwinds and low strings in this track and I felt guitars/melodica wouldn't cut it as a substitute. With careful planning and having the blessing of the wonderful VGM community though, I had the immense pleasure of having not one or two, but five collaborators to complete the picture, and wow, did they all play so well!Originally composed by Grant KirkhopeFeaturing:@JDmusicwoodwinds - Piccolo@madalynmusic9288 - Flute@StevenHigbee - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet@ChromaticApparatus - Cello@AndyRu - Double BassArrangement, Glockenspiel, Chimes, Marimba, Synth, Violins, Violas, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #GloomyGalleon #DonkeyKong64 #Cover
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Sunshine Airport (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-08-12 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37 STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/6yNM8o7BOgfF3CnZ9BMcqfIt's great to be back uploading videos! Over the last few weeks, I've been playing a lot of Mario Kart 8 online with the VGM community and I really liked this track, especially for the summer era. The instrumentation also fit my arsenal on instruments perfectly, so I know I had to cover this right away. Unlike my previous covers where all of the parts are recorded in one or two sessions, this one took around five, with my IRL schedule giving me smaller windows of time this summer as well as wanting to take my time to give each section the careful attention to detail that it needed. I'm very happy how this one turned out, and like always, it was worth the effort. Enjoy!Originally composed by Atsuko AsahiArrangement, Violins, Violas, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Electric Guitar, Synths, Electric Bass, Drums, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #SunshineAirport #MarioKart8Deluxe #Cover
Donkey Kong 64 - Enguarde (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-07-02 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Another mallet-heavy tune, here's the theme where Lanky Kong turns into a swordfish. I always loved listening to this theme as a kid, as water levels always have that beautiful aesthetic musically, and this was a nice break from the depressing Gloomy Galleon theme. I knew learning these parts would be a challenge, but totally worth learning and recording. I never felt more at home playing this game going back to this little gem of a track than any other cover I've done, and that says a lot. Video-wise, I really wanted to show minimal split screen and have each part show in full. I also thought some b roll would be nice since a lot of the parts were repetitive, and only so many angles of the same instrument would look fresh. Enjoy this swimmy tune for the summer!Originally composed by Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Keyboard, Marimba, Xylophone, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #DonkeyKong64 #Enguarde #Cover
Zelda Breath of the Wild - Abandoned North Mine (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-06-25 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THIS SONG! ► https://song.link/s/6vw1r8RmMYHRT9HEXoWDLfThe Breath of the Wild covers just keep coming! I wanted to do a track from the volcano area but couldn't figure out how I'd replicate the Goron City Theme with the percussion in it. Browsing the OST, I found Abandoned North Mine, the area with all the fire lizalfos and cannons. The instrumentation was just perfect, and I knew this would be a fun one to introduce the trombone to my channel. I had the pleasure of working with Eric L., a powerhouse arranger, trombonist, and fellow Crash Course band member. His tone and style was just perfect, and recording the other parts were worth the hassle as I had to record in multiple locations. I knew using a real piano and an upright bass would do so much for this cover and I'm very glad I was able to make that work. Hope this tune fits the summer vibes as it only gets hotter and hotter in the upcoming months.Originally composed by Manaka KataokaFeaturing@EricLTrombone - TromboneArrangement, Piano, Vibraphone, Timpani, Viola, Double Bass, Temple Blocks, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BreathoftheWild #AbandonedNorthMine #Cover
Banjo Tooie - Cloud Cuckooland: Central Cavern (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-06-11 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Listen to this cover! ► https://song.link/s/0GzpLZMF8BbH6wNdddnV0YIt's never a bad time to cover more rareware tunes. I was surprised to see only a few covers of this theme especially for how good it is, and seeing none for the Central Cavern theme meant I HAD to do it first! Nothing says nostalgia like a level that was randomly super hard and easy to get lost in. The music reflects that well, from the wacky modal interchange and the circle of fifths progression really made this one a bear to read down, especially with all of the closed 7th chord voicings in the vibes. Grant Kirkhope was a true genius composing music for every level which always sounded fun, memorable and perfectly fitting. This tune for sure is an underrated example of that. I absolutely loved the simple instrumentation that set the mood which is a giant cavern floating in the sky. It fit my arsenal perfectly, and made it fun to try replicating the timbre of the original midi sounds using hard mallets and attempting a staccato sound, and also palm muting bass with a pick.Originally composed by Grant KirkhopeArrangement, Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Electric Bass, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BanjoTooie #CloudCuckooland #Cover
Zelda Breath of the Wild - Lurelin Village (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-05-27 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Listen to this cover! ► https://song.link/s/07bOvH1fIzPOgk8jUrBcPYShortly after releasing my cover of Zora's Domain, I got a huge spike in views, and it made me want to follow up with more Breath of the Wild covers! I decided to go with Lurelin Village after seeing it suggested in the comments from the Zora's Domain video, once I thought of the perfect team to put together for collaboration; I had the privilege of having percussionist Matt Silverberg and flautist Becca Michaelson complete the ensemble. I met Becca and Matt at VGMCon in April of this year, and had a good hang with them after attending their Trivia Night panel. Prior to meeting them, I had seen their content online and not only loved their playing but loved the game OST's they covered too. I was stoked to not only have them both agree to my tight upload schedule but also agree to film outdoors for the aesthetic. Sadly, this video was delayed a week due to cloudy weather on my end, which rarely happens here in California. Fortunately, the weather worked out in my favor just days after and I got some neat shots by the pool. I was quite happy how well I could remake this tune with just the three of us, and I feel it turned out great! I also realized this would be the perfect video to enter into the Soundole 2022 chillout competition, with the instrumentation and feel matching the intended vibe perfectly. Enjoy our cover of Lurelin Village!UPDATE: this entry for the Soundole 2022 chillout competition won 3rd place out of 64 entries! Check out the results here: youtu.be/C6zpQu_-E-gOriginally composed by Yasuaki IwataFeaturing:@MarimbaMatt913 - Steel Pan@BeccaMichaelson - FluteArrangement, Acoustic Guitar, Bongos, Tambourine, Mix, Video - Nico Mendozainstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BreathoftheWild #LurelinVillage #SoundoleChillOut2022
Banjo Kazooie - Rusty Bucket Bay (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-05-07 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Listen to this cover! ► https://song.link/s/2qgq6YJ9uTU83YbyaoJALxFinally coming back to the rareware tunes that are so nostalgic for me. RBB is my least favorite stage because it is so difficult but I always enjoyed the tune. I had a ton of fun with playing on a 5 octave marimba in this video as well as emulating trombone glissandos on my fretless bass. This video was a whole lot of effort despite the small(er) instrumentation I usually do with piano and string ensemble parts since I filmed this in multiple locations over many days. I always want to do my favorite tunes justice and I felt it needed that kind of planning and effort! That being said, I'm bummed I couldn't find any cool boat sounds/effects to fill in the stop hits like in the original, so feel free to scream boat sounds when you get to that part. Enjoy!Originally composed by Grant Kirkhope Arrangement, Vibraphone, Marimba, Electric Guitar, Fretless Bass, Drums, Mix, Video - Nico MendozaThumbnail: Dajay Designsinstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BanjoKazooie #RustyBucketBay #Cover
Island Life (Music from Animal Crossing: New Horizons) - Official Album Stream Nico Mendoza Music 2022-04-25 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37STREAM THE ALBUM!► https://album.link/i/1616998903Here it is, my entire work of Animal Crossing New Horizons covers since the beginning of my VGM cover career. The OST and the game as a whole made such an impact on my life, as it reignited my love to make music and give me direction with the skills I worked so hard on over the past couple of decades. When Nintendo officially released the ACNH OST last summer, I was excited to release all of my covers so far, but wanted to wait until I could really make the best tracks I could as this would be my first non-compilation album. Two brand new tracks, six re-recorded tracks, and eleven newly mixed tracks later, I finally had a body of work I was happy enough with to finally release it and put it all together. Featuring many of my IRL colleagues I met through gigging and teaching, here's the official album stream for Island Life!Original composers: Yasuaki Iwata, Yumi Takahashi, Kazumi Totaka, Shinobu Nagata, Masato Ohashi, Toru Minegishi, Manaka Kataoka, Atsuko Asahi, Shiho FujiiNico Mendoza - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Marimba, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Violins, Melodica, additional programming, Mixing, Mastering, ArrangingFeaturing:Jake Parcell - Drums (Track 06)Galvn - Keyboards (Track 07, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)Patrick Rosal - Guitars (Track 08)Richlee - Drum Machine, Keyboards, Production, Programming, Mixing (Track 08)Nathan Banegas -Trumpet (Track 11, 18)Jeremy Davalos - Trumpet (Track 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)David Scott - Alto Saxophone (Track 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)Robert Burton - Trombone (Track 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) Electric Bass (Track 14)Artwork: @MythicalWater 0:00 5AM (Sunny)2:28 10AM (Sunny)4:49 5PM (Sunny)8:23 12PM (Snowy)10:35 Nook's Cranny (Before Closing)12:24 Drivin'15:00 K.K. Cruisin'17:44 K.K. Soul19:51 K.K. Fusion22:22 K.K. Ballad24:18 Toy Day (Snowy)26:45 Auld Lang Syne Intro27:08 Countdown (11PM)28:14 Countdown (1130 PM)29:19 Countdown (1150 PM)30:03 Countdown (1155 PM)30:43 New Year (Happy New Year)30:54 New Year (12 AM)31:53 New Year (2AM)📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nicomendozamusic🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/nmendozamusic🕹 Twitch: twitch.tv/nicomendozamusic🎵 Tik Tok vm.tiktok.com/ZMea4JP1L#IslandLife #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons
Zelda Breath of the Wild - Zoras Domain (cover) Nico Mendoza Music 2022-04-23 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37Listen to this cover! ► https://song.link/s/4sMHjlXYCM1itGKpsAq0baIt's been over a year since I've covered a track from Breath of the Wild, and it's time I finally put some love back into my favorite OSTs. Zora's Domain is without a doubt my favorite town to head to upon starting the divine beast missions. The levels are beautiful, the fish are beautiful (iykyk) and the level just plays out so smoothly from start to finish. I always love how easily the piano scores that water level feel, and I had the most fun playing those triplet lines harmonized in sixths. Here, I welcomed VGM colleague Joseph Chang, who makes excellent percussion ensemble arrangements of VGM tunes, to play percussion on this track to not only offset my workload recording all the strings and piano, but to bring in a fresh face to bring my favorite sounds to life in a manner I normally wouldn't. Additionally, Madalyn is also back to lay down some beautiful flute lines as she has played on my other BotW covers and also shares the love for this game as much as I do. Enjoy our cover of Zora's Domain!Originally composed by Koji Kondo, BotW arrangement by Yasuaki Iwata Featuring: @josephchang8509 - Marimba, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Tambourine, Sleigh Bells, Low Tom@madalynmusic9288 - FluteArrangement, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Violins, Violas, Fretless Bass, Mix, Video - Nico MendozaThumbnail: Dajay Designsinstagram.com/nicomendozamusictwitter.com/nmendozamusictwitch.tv/nicomendozamusictiktok.com/@nicomendozamusic #BreathoftheWild #ZorasDomain #Cover
I BASS BATTLED WITH TSOS BASS PLAYER AT VGMCON!! Nico Mendoza Music 2022-04-06 | ~~Support me on Patreon for sheet music and other great perks!~~ http://bit.ly/3bfvX37What a weekend it has been. Much love to the VGM Community.0:00 Intro0:38 Flying out0:52 Running into Lacey Johnson!1:20 Soundcheck1:56 88bit's concert snippet2:10 Drum arranging Panel w/ Jesse Meyers, Dom Palombi, 8 Bit Music Theory2:27 VGM Collective concert2:31 Trivia Night2:45 Crash Course VGM Band's rainbow road premiere3:03 Rehearsal3:12 8 Bit Music Theory's composition panel3:39 insaneintherain's panel on vgm and jazz culture4:15 Lacey Johnson's concert snippet 4:20 Prestage4:33 Now Loading5:07 Tony's Sick Solo5:36 insaneintherain goes OFF (Air Man - Mega Man 2)6:16 Slapping Bad Guys in Kerning City (Maplestory)6:59 BASS BATTLE WITH TONY DICKINSON!!7:41 the LICK8:03 shredding time9:34 Halo 3 Theme10:01 Dom annihilates a drum set12:45 Breakfast13:02 Woodwind Quartet Jam13:44 Time to leave :(14:08 s/o to friends and the band14:40 NEW ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENTStream Dom Palombi's Album Game Night! Here https://album.link/qwxq00rsc6w5g#VGMCon2022 #Vlog
