A little mixup I did featuring the star theme and overworld theme. Actually kind of cool to mix two themes in one song, much more options and elaboration friendly. Have many ideas on these themes and this piece contains a small fragment of them.
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Super Mario Bros - Star theme | Overworld theme (Synthwave | Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2021-01-28 | Remix of Star theme and Overworld theme from Super Mario Bros on NES
A little mixup I did featuring the star theme and overworld theme. Actually kind of cool to mix two themes in one song, much more options and elaboration friendly. Have many ideas on these themes and this piece contains a small fragment of them.
Give a thumb up and subscribe if you like this! Cheers
#SuperMarioBros #Overworld #RemixMega Man 2 - Boss theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-06-17 | Remix of the Boss theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Background art: Art of japanese box
Intro (0:00) Some of you might know about Tim Follin. He is an innovator and a genius when it comes to music and sound production, especially in earlier games from Commodore 64 to NES (for example). I'm a big fan of most of what he has composed and programmed. The intro I used is from the NES title Silver Surfer where stage 1 starts with this. I think it's a cool intro and initial heavy impact to the progress of this remix.
The Boss theme (0:04) Short loop with very catchy rhythms, I love it. During this section I stayed as true as I could to the original, just adding a few more melodic, rhythmic and harmonic elements to the background.
My sections (0:30 to 2:00) Starting off with a solo still letting one of the original parts play in the background. Then I go into half pace with a chord progression that brings a haunting, melancholic, dramatic and mysterious feeling. The melody I wrote came naturally while listening to the chords.
Super Mario World - Castle-ish theme (1:34) It's the second time I use this section from the Castle theme of SMW (first time was Bowser's Castle from MK64). I think I could make this one fit in any boss/dungeon song remix I do, it's so freakin' good and adaptable in many different tempos and genres.
Ending (2:00) Another variation of the original boss theme; dry, simple, straight beat, using a couple of 8-bit drums. I don't apply fadeouts as endings much these days but I thought why not. I honestly do think some songs ends better with a fadeout than an end mark. Funny though, as soon as I wrote "some songs ends better with a fadeout than an end mark" I came up with an idea of an end mark for this remix xD However, I will stick to the fadeout in this case!
0:00 - Silver Surfer Stage 1 intro 0:04 - Boss theme 0:30 - Neon X section 1 (solo) 0:43 - Neon X section 2 1:34 - Neon X section 3 (Super Mario World) 2:00 - Boss theme (variation)
Some other info: I'm not sure if I will have much time this summer for writing new remixes. As soon as I get the chance I will take it though. Me and my wife will throw our 10th anniversary party as a married couple. It will take much time planning and execute everything as we want it. I've stocked up on wood and building materials to build a bar for example. I should post a photo of that project when it's done!
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #Boss #RemixMega Man 2 - Quick Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-05-22 | Remix of Quick Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Love the atmosphere in the original Quick Man, didn't want to ruin it by tweaking too much. I just tried to keep to the original and put my own parts inbetween the original song.
Took me a long time to get this finished, many other things in life have required my attention more than music unfortunately. But here it is!
Something I think stand out more than everything else in this remix is my very first dubstep-ish section (1:04). Though it's short, it got some heavy punches and a solo inspired by my favourite guitarists Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. However, don't take it as pure and authentic dubstep. I just wanted to get a feeling of a dubstep sound. I don't know how to write dubstep and I don't own any synthesizers meant for dubstep, so I just took what I had and tweaked it some :)
The ending section (1:55) is something randomly inspired by a combination of songs from the 1980s band Starship. This section got stuck in my head and I had to get it out, and the most effective way to do that is to eternalize it by writing it down (actually works for me in many other areas as well).
By finishing Quick Man's theme, I have finally worked through all robot masters of Mega Man 2. Next up is probably the Boss theme of Mega Man 2. Hell of a banger, I'm so excited for it!
Until then, please enjoy Quick Man's theme and tell me what you think!
0:00 - Quick Man theme 0:38 - Neon X section 1 1:04 - Neon X section 1 variation (dubstep-ish solo) 1:16 - Quick Man theme 1:55 - Neon X section 2 (what is this :O, outro)
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #QuickMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Heat Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-04-23 | Remix of Heat Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Heat Man's stage is really nasty, those bricks disappearing are nuts and Heat Man himself is pretty harsh too if you're not acquainted with the strategy. I didn't play MM2 that much, but I really remembered this stage with that dope theme.
There are not many original sections in this theme which kind of demands that you add a couple of more to get a complete song (that's how I see it in relation to my standards). I knew I wanted a straight beat (with some side chaining and a couple of techno inspired synthesizers) when I started writing on this. I also took advantage of the original elements a lot and made variations from them, first at 0:38, then in both sections at 1:17 and 2:22.
I bet you can hear Heat Man fire his Atomic Fire at certain points in this remix. It added just enough effect for the atmosphere.
Anytime now I will initiate the making of the FINAL ROBOT MASTER in Mega Man 2 - Quick Man (at least according to my list of order). Then I'm thinking about how I should do with the "Get A Weapon" theme since it only a beat. But I guess I'll try to put a cool spell on that one as well :) After that it's finally time for a revisit to the Dr Wily stage 1 I made some years ago which I'm looking forward to very much!
I'll will shout some when Quick Man's theme is in the making!
0:00 - Neon X intro (Heat Man bass) 0:25 - Heat Man theme section 1 0:38 - Neon X section 1 (Heat Man elements) 1:04 - Heat Man theme section 1 variation 1:17 - Neon X section 2 (Heat Man bass and elements) 2:22 - Neon X intro reprise (Heat Man bass)
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #HeatMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Crash Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-04-05 | Remix of Crash Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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From childish and kind of silly to something beautiful, that's the potential in most Mega Man themes. Even Crash Man's theme is like that. My first thought that came to me while writing the main melody at 0:44 was "I need chords for this". I thought "what if I tried those chords, one of the most common chord progressions of all time". I was a bit mindblowned when I heard the result, that silly melody went beautiful and my favourite atmoshpere from the 80s came automatically - nostalgia and melancholy. I had to change some tones in the section 2 at 1:10 but that only contributed to more variation and musicality in my opinion.
My extended intro was based on the first bassline you hear in Crash Man's theme. It continuosly plays through the whole section but with overlying chord variations of a kind that makes me think of several Mario Kart themes. I'm happy with how that Mario Kart atmosphere is captured here.
The solo section at 2:01 is something I couldn't get out of my head during the creation of this whole remix, so I decided it must be written and eternalized into the remix. It's short but I thought it could be a cool detour or diversion from the rest of the remix.
It took me extra long to finish this remix. Partly the easter holidays came in the way, but also an alpine resort trip with my family here in Sweden. Here you have it, and I'm already looking forward to start the next one!
0:00 - Neon X intro (Crash Man bass) 0:32 - Crash Man theme section 1 0:44 - Crash Man theme section 2 1:10 - Crash Man theme section 1 variation 1:23 - Crash Man theme section 3 variation 1:48 - Crash Man theme section 1 variation 2:01 - Neon X solo section 2:14 - Crash Man theme section 2 2:40 - Crash Man theme section 1 variation 3:05 - Neon X outro (Crash Man bass)
Hope you all had a great easter!
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #CrashMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Air Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-03-15 | Remix of Air Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Air Man is a fantastic theme, I get why so many love it. I was totally mind blowned by it too when I first heard it. Before I started the work with this remix I haven't heard Air Man's theme since I was a little boy, still it got stucked in my brain and I knew exactly how it sounded like when that first bars started playing.
To capture and bring the nostalgia I consciously made it just like the original from the beginning. What came up in my head after that is an "airy" section (0:48) inspired by the main theme. I wanted atmospheric sounds and went for a feeling that you're currently above the clouds in a distant place.
Next short section (1:09) is a solo over the section 1 chords that just came into my head as I began to write it. After that (1:20) I use my standard lead synth and modified some settings to make it sound... different :)
I got the feeling I needed a cooldown somewhere in this remix, and I thought it was a good time to put it right here at 1:41. And what couldn't be better than another variation from the main theme :D And of course some of the atmosphere from section 1 is reused here but with different chords.
I know I could have put in more of the original nostalgic theme, but as my progress writing this was going forward, I felt it was enough to have it played just once, except at the end (2:13) where I took the "refrain" from Air Man's theme and played a couple of turns.
I hope you enjoy this one! Stay tuned for more :D
0:00 - Air Man theme 0:48 - Neon X section 1 1:09 - Neon X section 1 solo 1:20 - Neon X section 1 variation 1:41 - Neon X section 2 (cooldown with Air Man theme variation) 2:02 - Neon X section 2 (Air Man theme variation) 2:13 - Air Man theme (partly) with ending
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #AirMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Wood Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-03-08 | Remix of Wood Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Ever since my best friend did a Fast Tracker II cover of this song I wanted to make something of it myself. Somehow it got away among other remix the last few years. Well, it has come to the point where it just can't be ignored and unprioritized since I'm making ALL of Mega Man 2's themes! And did I have a blast writing Wood Man, it's so freakin' good!
During the intro when all drums come in was having "It's A Sin" by Pet Shop Boys in mind for some reason. I guess it's the sound of that song and some of its atmosphere I was looking for to achieve. And of course, it was released in 1987, one of the 80s peak years of music.
When the original Wood Man's theme initiates I just kept some of that atmosphere and went on with the unparalleled theme I think so highly of. Wood Man's theme is a reeeaaal banger.
Now, my contribution and extension of this great theme comes in at 0:58. And I had two clear inspirations for this section: "Playing With The Boys" by Kenny Loggins from "Top Gun", oh I love this one so much. One of my choices of the best piece of 80s music. The energy, atmosphere and soundscape are perfect and sooo 80s, just love it and I listen to it a lot. The next inspiration for this was the theme of "Toad Harbor" from Mario Kart 8. I remixed it some time ago and just love that theme (makes me kinda sad I couldn't get a license for Spotify/Apple Music and so on for it).
At 1:19 before part of the intro kicks in again, there is a short section (also used as outro but different chords) that very straight sounds like a section from "Playing With The Boys". If you know that song this might sound very familiar, but I thought it fitted here very well.
0:00 - Wood Man theme based intro 0:26 - Wood Man theme 0:58 - Neon X section 1 1:24 - Wood Man theme based intro (partly) 1:35 - Wood Man theme 2:07 - Neon X section 2 outro
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #WoodMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Flash Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-02-28 | Remix of Flash Man's theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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This was one of a few themes from Mega Man 2 I didn't remember too well. At the beginning I wasn't that into the original, thought it was a bit rough and not very interesting. But it growed on me like some music can, and eventually I started to dig the hell out of it.
When I started to read about this something etched to my mind, and that was the possible resemblance to the Metallica song "Seek & Destroy". I did some listen, and sure there is a resemblance (only a couple of seconds), I'm somewhat sceptic to the possibility that the small section in Flash Man's theme is inspired by Metallica. But who knows :). This is where you can hear some resemblance: 0:42 and 2:27, what do you think?
I did some play with chords from the beginning with this one, lots of trial and error too when trying out different chord progressions. I tried to keep the bassline at that one tone, but decided after some hours that I had to change that too to work with the chords I wanted. I also think that part of this remix is the one that took me the most time. The rest flowed pretty good.
The original verse and chorus are banger sections, I tried to keep close to them. Then at my own sections, starting at 0:55 I wanted to have some peace and calm for a while. Simple but colored chords with some relaxing and atmospheric pads, then adding a modest beat building up to a full beat with the theme melody and a solo based on that. Something new I tried to emphasize a bit in this remix was the choir you can here a little right at the beginning and then returning as an addition to the end of each 4/4 beat. I think I will use that kind of thing more and more, I get a feeling of more organic instrumentation whenever a choir is added.
I hope you enjoy listening to my Flash Man remix! The atmospheric part at 0:55 really calms me down good, hopefully you can feel that same effect. Take care of yourselves and your close ones!
0:00 - Flash Man intro 0:29 - Flash Man verse 0:42 - Flash Man chorus 0:55 - Neon X atmospheric + solo section 1:46 - Flash Man intro 2:15 - Flash Man verse 2:27 - Flash Man chorus
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #FlashMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Bubble Man theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-02-19 | Remix of Bubble Man theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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This is one of my favourite themes from Mega Man 2, and also the one I have a hard time extend with my own music, it's so well written that it doesn't open for much potential extension. This is also my first remix that I revisit and completely starting over with. I did this a couple of years ago as well, and I'm more happy with how this one turned out rather than my first.
Starting off with that classic arpeggio we all recognize from the original, then adding some different chords to it for a more melancholic atmosphere. When I listen to, and writing this kind of music, I always look for that melancholic feeling side by side with nostalgia, these two parameters is quite powerful together in my opinion. If you're listening to a song you never heard before and feel the presence of melancholy and nostalgia - the musicians/composers have completely succeeded.
My first section at 0:48 is a more cheerful one to get some balance in the song, and by the time section 2 starts at 0:58 I'm straight off to those parameters I wrote about. Section 3 and 4 is based on a heartfelt solo inspired by the original Bubble Man melody and, of course, with loads of reverb backed up by a half tempo beat.
Wrapping up with another set of the original theme at 1:41 and then ending in a long massive sus2 chord.
0:00 - Bubble Man theme 0:48 - Neon X section 1 0:58 - Neon X section 2 1:09 - Neon X section 3 1:30 - Neon X section 4 1:41 - Bubble Man theme reprise
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #BubbleMan #RemixMega Man 2 - Select Screen theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-02-10 | Remix of the Select Screen/Stage Select theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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Maybe an even shorter original than the Password theme from Mega Man 2. I decided not to write too much extended material to this. Keeping close to the original except the Neon X sections, which also doesn't go too far away in style compared to the original sections.
I wanted to create a deeper more mystical atmosphere than the original. For the third time in my remixes I use that chord progression at 0:26 including the solo section. I used it in my Bowser Castle (MK64) and Wicked Child (Castlevania) remixes, it's a progression ONLY with minor chords, maybe one of the few minor chord progressions that actually works (in my opinion). Anyway, I really find that chord progression interesting, it gives a deep apocalyptic atmosphere I imagine you would feel in a devastating desctruction of a whole world where hope is long gone (depressing, I know!).
However, my challenge right is how to continue the Mega Man 2 journey. What robot master to begin with... Some people went all in on Air Man while a major part starts with Metal Man. And I already covered the Metal Man theme last year so.. that gives me Bubble Man, Wood Man or Flash Man? (also already covered Bubble Man but will start all over with a new version) Most likely my next will be the Bubble Man theme . Must admit though, I'm most hyped for Air Man!
I hope I can continue this release frequency, every two weeks or something like that.
Take care folks! Hopefully I can start writing my next remix any day soon.
#MegaMan2 #SelectScreen #RemixMega Man 2 - Password theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-01-29 | Remix of the Password theme from Mega Man 2, released on NES
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As an extremely short original melody, I wasn't sure how to proceed and build anything from it, but somehow I snapped something up from my mind after countless listenings of the original.
I kind of missed working with Mega Man themes, because they are so freakin' good and have such a potential of being extended with various sections of someone else - like me :) I'm still not sure whether to continue down this road doing the entire MM2 soundtrack, but I'm gonna leave that thought for now and just create stuff from MM2 for a while.
This particular song, as I mentioned, is a real shorty. And thus my even extended version would not count that many minutes, but I feel it's ok since I managed to extend it very far measured to the original. My own section at 0:19 was definitely the most fun and interesting to create. I felt joy and was filled with energy while working with that.
I hope you get some memories awaken when listening to this. Mega Man 2 is the Mega Man game I played the most after Mega Man 3. And with that magnitude of play I get so much nostalgia while listening to their soundtrack.
#MegaMan2 #Password #RemixMega Man 2 - Title theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2024-01-17 | Remix of the Title and Opening theme of Mega Man 2, released on NES
Since my completion of Mega Man 3 Full Remixed Soundtrack I often thinking about doing something like that again - one complete soundtrack. During my work on this remix I really got fired up about doing that all over again.
Now, if you read this please give me some feedback on that thought: Do you want a full remixed soundtrack of the Mega Man 2 music? If so, in what order would you prefer the stage themes? Did you have a specific order whenever you played through MM2?
Mega Man 2 is the MM game I played the most as a kid, even more than MM3 I think. Despite that I totally forgot what order to bring those robot masters down. But damned, did they have some cool themes.
Anyway, I wanted the first section to sound a bit like a 80s creamy and romantic scene, thought a lot about colors as pink, deep blue, neon purple and so on. Just like the background art to this video! So from the opening to the title, a SFX sounding like a screaming machine, just like some kind of aerial strike alarm from the future, then go straight to the original title theme. I believe that's one of the most classic themes in the whole Mega Man franchise.
After that I made some spinoff to the title theme with a close variation at half tempo (I need those half tempo sections in ALL of my remixes) ending up with a more atmospheric and delicate melancholic section (I think the chord progression is inspired by some of Dream Theater's work). Then I bring that original section that I can't remember ever listening to, I guess I was to eager to press start and begin the actual gameplay that I missed that cool part of the song.
Continuing as the original, however instead of end the song just like the original - I inserted a short pause and took my MM3 title theme ending and put it in here too ending the whole song with that long string chord.
0:00 - Creamy opening 0:41 - Title theme 1:02 - Half tempo variation 1:13 - Melancholy, atmosphere, delicacy 1:45 - Original part I never heard 1:55 - Title theme ending 2:06 - Remixed MM3 title theme ending 2:28 - Ending string chord
For you who's interested, since the Snow Mountain remix from SM64 I have lowered the frequency of my music from 440 hz to 432 hz to get closer to the natural frequencies of earth and at what music in the passed was set. 432 hz have a lot of sayings and theories, but one thing I can say for certain is that when listening to something at 432 hz instead of 440 hz, I feel way more relaxed and balanced. Can you feel any difference?
Read this far? Thanks for reading and that you took part of what I shared. I hope you dig this remix!
/Neon X
#MegaMan2 #Opening #TitleSuper Mario 64 - Snow Mountain (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-12-11 | Remix of the Snow Mountain theme from Super Mario 64, released on Nintendo 64
This cool cool mountain song came into mind the first year I began to think about doing a winter/christmas themed remix (2020 or 2021). It has such a happy swing to it, and I can't imagine a more mischievous Mario running around in a snowy landscape throwing snowballs at everyone.
Super Mario 64 has a bunch of memories I hold very dear. I have (and still have) a friend who got the N64 when I was somewhere around 5th grade in school, he also lived really close to me, like 200 meters. That year was all about SM64 and some other games he had (Ocarina of Time and Goemon 64). I just can't forget the first time we launched SM64 and saw that jawdropping graphics and unmatched gameplay.
Playing the Snow Mountain stages during this time of the year also was a 100% joy, because of the music and the surroundings, simply memories for life.
Some time into writing this remix I also felt some urge to add that calm moments you had inbetween all stages of SM64, inside the castle walls. The atmosphere, stairs, doors, carpets is somehow etched into my memory that this is a safe place (I'm sure I could revisit this game and find out that there is no such safe place xD). Also adding the main melody lead of Snow Mountain used in this remix contributed to the fun and mischievous atmosphere that is present in SM64.
I hope that many of you can relive some good memories while listening to this. It will go up on streaming platforms later in december (given I get the mechanical license to put it there) for an easier access. It would be so cool of some of you wanted to share a good memory as well! Please put in the comment section below, or send an email (neonxproducer@gmail.com) to me (I'd love to read and reply to that).
I wish all of you well and that you can be around near and dear ones during this holiday!
A shoutout to my dear remix colleague and friend @Equalyze who just recently published an amazing remix of my last year's winter/christmas special: Frappe Snowland from Mario Kart 64. Check it out here: youtu.be/2oER-TcZ15Q?si=O7XDsieHy04O9C0A He has grown so much the last year in aspect of arranging, instrumentation, invention and last but not least - production. Go give him some subs folks!
#SuperMario64 #SnowMountain #RemixMario Kart 8 - Twisted Mansion (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-10-20 | Remix of the Twisted Mansion theme from Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe), released on Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Switch
I've got so many alternatives for this year's Halloween remix. I'm not sure why I didn't write one of all those, the Twisted Mansion just called out to me in the last minute. And since I love Mario Kart games and all of the soundtracks from them I just couldn't resist making.
The original first seemed messy and unstructured, but when I really started to listen to it my first impression was the complexity of harmonics and layered melodies. But it all winded up pretty darn genious when I got a bit into it. I felt it was a challenge, and at the same time very joyful to write it down and make my own interpretation.
The most time consuming part ion making Twisted Mansion was the instrumentation and modification of all instruments. As you can hear there are several instruments I never used before, like the first classic spooky melody, the female choir, pizzicato strings, staccato strings and not least the pipe organ. When I use new instruments I need to set them up pretty thoughroly to make them fit in the total soundscape as to speak. Much tweaking with equalizers, attack, delay, sustain and release.
At the end, it felt really great to be on time with this Halloween remix, because I really thought I would be awfully late xD So what saved me... yeah I got THE WORST MANCOLD, as usual at this time of the year when my kids started school and so. I got to rest at home, and dedicated many hours into making this remix, it was worth it!
I hope this get you in the mood for Halloween! I won't go into how I build it up and commenting on sections this time, I'm just gonna let you listen and discover things for yourself.
Take care folks, it would be the world to me if you listened and shared this with friends! Thank you so much!
/Neon X
#MarioKart8 #TwistedMansion #RemixTurtles In Time - Sewer Surfin (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-10-13 | Remix of Sewer Surfin' from Turtles IV: Turtles In Time, released on SNES
Finally finished this banger track! First of all, thank you for your patience, I know it goes too long between releases right now. I think that will be changed anytime soon since I'm off my current workplace by the end of october. And that also reminds me of that this year's Halloween remix will be a late one I'm afraid.
Sewer Surfin' was not quite planned to create at this time, but when I listened to it a couple of times I came into the right mood and got very inspired by it's high pace and rock n' roll sound. I really hope I managed to capture all that, at least I tried, along with keeping the original parts close to the actual original.
I must say, it was a lot of fun and developing taking this one on. Learned some new stuff in my DAW and also further developed some of my standard instruments used in my remixes.
An important step in all this is also the use of AI. Not musically, but that AI Art you can get from, for example, Midjourney (which is what I use). The background art (not Turtles characters or my logo, nor title texts) is AI generated (of course I'm still using Photoshop to put it all together). I'm having a lot of fun with that lately, and will also use it for my upcoming Neon X Merchandise(!!). Yes, I'm finally taking that step with an US online store to begin with, then eventually something for Europe and so on. I'm so excited! It will provide all of you with a new way to support me, and also new ways in cooperating and customizing items for you. But I really don't take anything for granted, I know it won't be very profiting, but I will be happy for anything sold. I will shout loud when it's really online.
At last, my new logotype is up and running in most places, this being the first remix using that. For you who miss my old logotype - I will put it on some limited edition apparel in my store later on after the online store goes online.
Thank you all for listening, and reading!
/Neon X
#TurtlesInTime #SewerSurfin #RemixMario Kart Wii - Title theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-08-04 | Remix of the Title theme of Mario Kart Wii released on Nintendo Wii
Hello everyone! After like two months I've finally been able to finish this remix to celebrate my 5k subscription anniversary. Better late than never I guess.
But oh boy, has this been a challenge? Oh yes. In a couple of ways:
-TIME. Have been so much going on in my family and with our house that I had to prioritize in front of like everything.
-Hard transcription. Yes, especially the bass lines were often hard to hear so I made a mix with the original bass lines and my own composed ones.
-Short original theme. The original theme is only about one minute long, so I knew I had to find something else to extend it with. I tried some different other MK themes, for example Sunshine Airport and N64 Rainbow Road. But unfortunately they didn't complement the remix as I wanted. Instead, since the original contains a variation of the Super Mario Kart title theme (0:56), I tried putting in that original melody and thought it ringed just perfect as an extention of the variation. Then reusing the nice and firm part of the original (0:29) but at half tempo (1:16) gave the remix a richer atmosphere (imo). While transcribing and looking for more MK themes for potential use I stumbled upon the MKWii Menu theme as well. Really chill and soft with just hihats and a cymbal as percussion. I decided to transcribe that one as well and try put it inbetween different parts. I leave it to you ,the listeners, to find out where I put it ;)
One last MK theme I infused in this remix is a section from Electrodrome of Mario Kart 8. Cool tune I remixed about a year ago. I reused the instrumentation from it and kept it like that. I just love Electrodrome, so cool. Then back to the half-tempo-nice-and-firm part and wind things up with a long chord of synth strings, bass, some xylophone tones and other stuff.
Took me forever, but I feel quite done with it, so here it is!
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU ALL for listening and streaming my remixes, I wish so bad I could put more time into this and dream of make a living from it. Long way, but our dreams will not be taken away from me. I hope you all have dreams that you strive and fight for.
Take care now folks, and please leave a comment of what you thought about this remix. I'm already starting to plan what the next should be!
/Neon X
#MarioKartWii #Title #RemixLittle Nemo The Dream Master - Mushroom Forest (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-05-29 | Remix of Mushroom Forest from Little Nemo The Dream Master on NES
A game I almost forgot until a couple of years was Little Nemo Dream Master. The first stage, Mushroom Forest, had such an unforgetable theme and it brings back both feelings and memories I also think it has this melancholic amtosphere which I believe comes from the harmony in the chords that's used.
Another thing I loved with this stage was the big mushrooms and enemies lurking around in that dark forest. It really fits into what is supposed to mimic the dreams of Nemo. Of course I remember one more thing, this game was dead hard. I didn't manage to get through many stages, but I really wish I had because I heard the ending is great. Did you guys beat this game?
As you can hear I made some difference in the chord progression in the first section, starting with minor chords instead of major. It gave a bit of a new atmosphere with just a little distance to the original. The bass line is very influenced by one of my favourite synthwave artists/producers - Mitch Murder. Listen to the song Assembly Line and you hear nothing but perfection in sense of production, mixing and quality. The perfect reference music if you're looking for a clean sound. I hope that I could come close to that some day!
I was fooling around with a distorted lead sound during the creation of this remix, and at the same time was a bit inspired by metal (which I listened to a lot in the past). This resulted in the section starting at 1:11 (right after a heavy metal inspired solo) with double bass drums following what sounds like down tuned distorted guitars/basses in a not so common but hot rhythm.
The forest ambience sound is found on freesound.org and contributes to the total atmosphere of forestness. I hope you enjoy this one! Maybe not a very common game, but I played it at some friends houses and liked the music back then as much as I do now. Hope it can bring back some memories of yours too!
/Neon X
#LittleNemo #DreamMaster #MushroomForestYoshis Island - Athletic theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-04-28 | Remix of the Athletic theme from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on SNES
Hey guys! This was a really delayed remix due to IRL schedule being too much lately. I'm never satisfied with some of my remixes and could rewrite or add new stuff for months before feeling that it is complete. But we all know we need to leave some ideas behind and just be happy with what we got at the moment. I'm suspecting this could be a song I'll come back to in the future when I really starting re-remixing my older songs.
Starting just like the original with part 8-bit drums, and part ordinary drums. Then halfing the already fast tempo by adding my usual snare and taking back the 8-bit one. Then when the original loop ends I've added a fresh solo/melody over the original chord progression. After that I take the intensity down a bit with a Steely Dan inspired part followed by my usual atmospheric part (where I use one of my newest syntesizers for that tenor sax) with a smooth jazz-ish section. Back to the original chord progression with a solo that's actually a melody from the original song. You can hear it in the background a bit in with an oboe sounding brass instrument (not sure exactly what instrument it's supposed to be). I end the remix by repeating the main theme followed by strings and tenor sax at descending tempo.
Again, sorry for keeping you waiting for this one! Life gets in the way sometimes. I truly hope it won't be this long before I can release my next one!
Oh, and before I forget - the time is closing in to 5k subs which I'm so freakin' happy for! Can't believe so many people found their way to my very niched channel, not being a YouTube video channel at all, but all in music xD As I have mentioned before, I will put up a big poll for you to vote on a song I should remix for my 5k anniversary.
This is my idea: First, vote on style (I have been touching quite some genres so far) Second, vote on console/platform Third, vote on game
Please give me some ideas of what you want the poll to be like. Should I just put up a single poll with some song suggestions, just a game to choose songs from or this proposed three step poll?
I really hope you will enjoy this remix!
/Neon X
#YoshisIsland #Athletic #RemixThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time - Kakariko Village (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-03-25 | Remix of the Kakariko Village theme from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time released on Nintendo 64
Quick remix with a new synthesizer that combines and resurrects the sounds of the tape replay keyboard Chamberlin (from the 1950s) and the Mellotron (one of the first samplers).
Starting with that classic guitar arpeggio we all remember from Kakariko Village, I used the sound of a 12-string dreadnought guitar. First melody section is played by a tenor saxohpone, very 1950-60s. I couldn't resist putting in some drum beats here and there. Second melody section is played by a clarinet and a flute, backed up by an ambient harp. Then a simple short solo with my signature lead before ending the song with another ambient harp playing melody over that first same ambient harp. I tried to end it with the feeling and vibes of a lullaby.
Ocarina of Time had an initial experience I don't think any game after could achieve. It was that groundbreaking technical and graphical step everyone had been waiting for. We all had dreamed of a Zelda adventure in an (almost) open world 3D game. Ocarina of Time fulfilled many of our dreams. Critics we're amazed, players we're having their time of their lives, saving Zelda and facing Ganon was on a whole new level now. I too experienced this, from loving A Link To The Past so much, into this was just amazing. I don't think there ever have been a jump of experience from an era to another like it was from SNES to N64. So much happened here.
This remix was not intended to go as one of my ordinary releases, just like a fooling-around-with-a-new-synthesizer. I hope you like it anyway guys!
Good night, Neon X
#Zelda #KakarikoVillage #RemixDonkey Kong Country 3 - Water World (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-03-21 | Remix of the theme Water World from Donkey Kong Country 3 released on SNES
An incredible underrated theme from the latest DKC that was released on Super Nintendo back in the days.
I invested in a symphonic synthesizer a while ago. This is the first song I use it for where all strings, harps and xylophones comes from that.
The style of this remix is really standing out from the rest you're used to hear from me. It's more inspired by my classical and cinematic side, which really is what I've grown up with since both my parents practiced classical music. I wanted to try it out for a variation to the synthwave I usually do. I hope this can set you in the mood it was intended for - mystical, beautiful and haunting.
DKC3 is an amazing edition among Donkey Kong games, even without the musical genious of David Wise in this piece, Eveline Fischer did such a good job in finding the atmosphere and harmony for an underwater stage. One of my favourite underwater themes out there, no doubt.
I focused a lot on the chords and harmony in this one, which is best represented from 1.30 until the end which I especially wish for you guys to listen to, it's for you! When I listen to it myself I realize I took much inspiration from the cinematic music of Skyrim.
I hope you can appreciate this cinematic style as you've done with the synthwave, I will try to integrate it with the synthwave in the future as well.
/Neon X
#DonkeyKongCountry3 #WaterWorld #RemixStreet Fighter II - Sagat theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-03-01 | Remix of Sagat's theme from Street Fighter 2, 3, IV, V and so on, originally released on SNES
First thing, I actually mained Sagat for a while in SFIV when it was new, back in 2009-2010 ish. Loved that round house kick into ultra, and man did he hit hard. He was really strong in vanilla SFIV.
Before starting this project on Sagat's theme I remembered since I was a kid that this song had this odd time signature, meaning you can't keep diggging to it like those straight beat songs. This goes into one of the most unusual time signatures ever heard in a video game song - 11/8.
I knew from start that I was gonna change some chords here and there and keep the melody true to the original. I also knew I wanted to use the sharp marimbas I used in Distant Thunder (Secret of Mana). This is therefore applied here and there in this remix.
This theme has a nice ambient touch to it, I love the pluck played in the background during most parts of the song. I found a pad sounding like a soft ambient horn which I modified to playing chords in some of the calm parts, and also remodified it to play some cool melody parts, for example the very last notes you hear in this remix.
It took a while to put this together, not only because of the odd time signature, but also because the original is not very varying. I know I have done a lot with other songs without variation, but it was harder thanks to this time signature. Every bar is longer and the melody and ideas didn't come very natural (much easier with normal bars in time signatures like 4/4 or 3/4). But enough with that time signature, yes it did affect a lot.
After this I have only E. Honda, Dhalsim and M. Bison left to remix before I covered all SF2 character themes, which is kinda cool. Then there is also all ending themes, intro and bonus stage themes. Some day I've got them all covered!
I hope you've got enough attention to listen through this remix, and that it have enough interesting parts. You try that count to 11 before starting over from 1, if you find that rhythm you know 11/8 which is not bad at all!
/Neon X
#StreetFighter #Sagat #RemixSecret of Mana - Distant Thunder (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-02-16 | Remix of Distant Thunder from Secret of Mana released in 1993 on Super Nintendo
It took some guts for me to start creating this. The song is kinda hard and I wanted to stay really close to the original since it's already so good and chill.
Everytime I see or read something about Secret of Mana this song pops up in my head instantly along with Into The Thick if It (which I might actually do soon as well).
My biggest challenge with this one was the drums, both rhythmically and soundwise. I tweaked, adjusted EQ, tone, and kind of everything else. But I'm happy how they turned out! Also that marimba lines, it took a while to find a good base instrument from which I modified to this current sound. It wasn't actually a marimba sound, it was more like a typical electronic pluck sound. However, it turned out quite good as well.
I kept many of the instruments at a "dry" level, took away most reverb and delay, except from the lead melody. And then my fatter synthwave parts where the reverb and delay peaks at huge levels. I love reverb :) I also put an overdrive effect onto the bass which gave more life, more dang and way more punch. I liked that a lot and will be reusing that one a lot in future remixes!
While in progress with this remix I also experimented with AI generated art, which is really cool. I ended up not using what it generated for this, but will keep trying until I find one that works good with how I want it to look.
It was pure joy creating this one, I really love the original and hope you like it too, the orignal as well as my remix.
At last, I want to ask you guys which one of my old remixes you would like me to re-remix? I will put up a poll for this at some point.
Yours truly, Neon X
#SecretOfMana #DistantThunder #RemixMega Man X - Sigma stage 1 (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-01-31 | Remix of Sigma stage 1 from Mega Man X first released on Super Nintendo in 1993 (Japan)
The poll for this remix wasn't fair, I know. "Should I remix this song?" xD Very biased, lol. However, I really had a good feeling about it at that point! So much potential. Did I manage to bring forth some of that potential? I'm really not sure. It was hard taking this forward, both musically and soundwise. Not matter what, I did bring it together and share it with you, and I'm happy how it turned out.
I put a waste lot of time on the original parts , not sure why and what I really got out of that, it just happened. My own composition at 1:27 to 1:57 , especially the first part was heavily inspired by a song from the 80s progressive rock band "It Bites", which I listened a lot to back in the days, and recently listen to a lot. Just love their first two or three albums.
My initial plan for this remix was one of a very synthwavey sound, which is most represented in 0:38 through 1:02, then my plan got smashed by other ideas. However, I think a 100% synthwave version of this theme would fit very well. One day I might get back to this (with better skills in music and production) and synthwave the heck out of it.
While finishing up this remix I have started thinking about my next one. I kinda know how I want it to sound, listen to Mitch Murder's song called Assembly Line, so good, so cool, so groovy. I want every instrument of that song to play with. However, before taking that into mind I really hope you like this one. I think this is a starting point for doing more Mega Man X themes in a near future!
With that said, I'm going out on a hunt for new synthesizers anytime now. I want some new drums and basses!
Cheers, Neon X
#MegaManX #SigmaStage1 #RemixSuper Mario Galaxy - Star Festival (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2023-01-10 | Remix of the Star Festival theme from Super Mario Galaxy first released on Nintendo Wii in 2007
On January 1st I was thinking about what remix I should initiate the new year with. I've had my mind on the Super Mario Galaxy series now and then, listened to the OST a lot, just love the music. I never had the Nintendo Wii nor Switch, so I actually never played any of those 3D Mario games. One day I will, for sure, because they sound and look amazing.
Initially I had a hard time coming up with any natural compositions for extending this original tune, but after hours of thinking and versions of many kinds, I finally came up with something to work from (1:05) outside the original that I was happy with.
At times like this, when I never played the game, I always do a little research about the original song, when it is played and what happens when it plays. I got a really good feeling watching some gameplay from the Star Festival and the purpose of it - once every 100 years Star a comet passes by and release Star Bits. The Mushroom Kingdom celebrates this festive event by gathering in the castle garden outside Peach's castle to collect these Star Bits, then combines them into a grand star which is brought into the castle. Mario is of course invited to this rare festival.
I just love how they built up the little town in which the festival is held. It's so cosy and just screams of Toads celebration and starry vibes.
Another place I noticed the original theme was played in, was in the end associated to when Rosalina appears, which is such an amazing character. I just had to put her in the video background, got some really melancholic and nostalgic feels when she appeared in that final scene. I guess I got some kind of crush on her ;)
Oh, I actually tried to reproduce the melancholic and nostalgic feel at 1:32 to 2:24. I definitely will play her the next time I take a Mario Kart 8 race at one of my friends' house.
I also want to give some creds to the artists I borrowed the art from: deviantart.com/rosalina-luma with the amazing model of Rosalina deviantart.com/supabloopa with the amazing skylike background with Mario flying by
I really enjoyed creating this one, I hope you all enjoy listen to it! Or play to it or whatever you do :D
Cheers, Neon X
#SuperMarioGalaxy #StarFestival #RemixMario Kart 64 - Frappe Snowland (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-12-16 | Remix of Frappe Snowland (and Sherbet Land) theme from Mario Kart 64 first released on Nintendo 64
One of the hardest decisions of the year, what christmas holiday special should I do?? I'm not sure I even did one last year, I think I worked on the title theme from Yoshi's Island but couldn't release it in time for christmas. I was more prepared this year, starting up much earlier. Since the start of my new job assignment I don't have much time left for this kind of fun stuff. But I woke up one day and had the nastiest of mancolds I could think of. I took the opportunity of more time for writing on my remix, and here we are. Released in good time for christmas. Yay :D
So what about the choice of song. I always liked the Mario games winter stage themes, many of them so happy and kind of cute. Frappe Snowland, which I have raced so many times when N64 was the latest technology, I couldn't resist doing something with it. It's also the theme of the Sherbet Land course, I think both is represented in later Mario Kart games.
Besides the happy melody, I wasn't sure how to make it sound more "christmacy", but I did some new stuff for the song, put a shimmering bell in here and there, and a tambourine sounding kind of similar to the traditional christmas bells you can hear in songs like Jingle Bells. At the same time, I didn't want it to sound too much christmas, I want it to be good for all around the year, and maybe be played whenever you want another race in your local Mario Kart winter course even if it's hot and sunny.
Of course I also wrote a more ambient part, half tempo with variants of some melodies and a very echoed and delayed solo (love writing that stuff). This is the kind of song I have so many ideas for, still wondering if I shouldn't have put more variations to this, ideas just keep spinning. But I'm just gonna be happy with the song as it is right now.
I have come to the point when I've gone through so many great themes in video games, I begin to feel like I need to re-remix them all xD Much has happened to my skills and way of working with remixes since I first started two years ago. Themes I did two years ago will sound so much different now, for sure.
What do you think of that idea? Is it crazy re-remixing something from the past? Or could it be cool to see how it would end up today?
For now, I wish you all a lovely december, I hope you can enjoy some of my music and maybe come to think of some good old memories it brings to you.
A proper merry christmas and happy new year will come later on.
Until then, take care and be nice!
/Neon X
#MarioKart64 #FrappeSnowland #RemixBatman - Streets of Desolation | Stage 1 (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-12-04 | Remix of Streets of Desolation (Stage 1) from Batman released on Nintendo (NES)
Since my new job assigment started I've had 2 hours less time per day for doing this, hopefully 3 weeks won't be my new upload frequency. This song, however, didn't speak to me like most songs usually do, and by that I mean I can always hear new and extended parts in my head before writing it. I had to fight this one to get the composing going which also affected the time before completion.
Hardest part of this remix was the intro, yeah really. Not sure why, I think I wrote 3-4 different intros before just picking one, maybe I'll use the others for another remix who knows! Another hard part was the drums, which is quite the fast beat but it's so chill at the same time, something about those drums in the original. I chose to half the tempo and also rewriting the bass line except for some buildups in my remix where I think the bass line fits perfectly.
Oh, and the ending chill synthwave also got that fast original bass line, gave a special atmosphere to it which I definitely will try in many future remixes!
Other than that I felt like this went into the category of remixes that could be remixed and rewritten in so many different verions. I'm not sure if that's a good idea for a project sometime, doing the same song in like five completely different versions. Could be interesting! Might try it when I get back my 2 hours a day (that goes to driving to work right now).
Christmas time is also upon us, me and my family have been decorating our house a lot this last weekend, listening to christmas songs and eating some sweets. Good times! It also made me think about what I should do for a christmas remix, so please if you've got any suggestions - put them in the comments below!
Take care folks!
/Neon X
#Batman #StreetsOfDesolation #RemixDonkey Kong Country 2 - Flight of the Zinger (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-11-14 | Remix of Flight of the Zinger (aka Hornet Hole) from Donkey Kong Country 2 released on Super Nintendo
The winner of my poll for this upload was DKC2 which contains so many great songs, David Wise is a very talented composer indeed. I didn't plan on doing this particular song, I had thought about Lockjaw's Saga for a while. When I listened through the DKC2 OST I got some ideas for Lockjaw but this one, Flight of the Zinger, just spoke to me in another way I couldn't resist. So haunting, yet so beautiful, fits so well to the stage's surroundings.
As an IT consult I will start a new assignment now which will include around 2 hours drive each workday. That means less time of "me-time" and in turn less time for writing music. I hope at least that I can go through with one remix each month, but who knows, maybe I will work more effective knowing I have much less time.
I'm thinking a lot about finding another kind of work in life these days, I'm not sure how much longer I can work within IT, since it's not where my passion lies. It feels like I'm only doing it for the economic benefits of my family (not a bad thing though). My greatest wish right now is to live with a passive income from music and composing these kinds of song. Some day maybe :) With that said, I won't ever quit doing this as I feel now, and I'm so grateful for you guys who continues to support me in this, listening to my stuff and throwing supportive and cheering comments now and then. Thank you!!
This remix kind of includes and embodies the current thoughts and feelings I carry inside me at the moment. Anxiety for having less time with my family (by driving 2 hours a day), the bad conscience when I can't put as much time on what I love the most (family and music), a bit of fear from starting a new assignment (it's always there, when going into something unknown). But as much as I feel that, I had a blast writing this remix, amazing original song that gave me many cool ideas to choose from. It also encourage to never give up what you really love despite how hard it could be to accomplish that.
What did you feel when you listened to this? What memories do you have from this game?
#DKC2 #FlightOfTheZinger #RemixMario Kart 8 - Toad Harbor (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-10-28 | Remix of Toad Harbor theme from Mario Kart 8 released on Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Switch
This is one of my favourite themes from Mario Kart 8. So catchy, beaty and beautiful. I also got this as a suggestion not too long ago from a supportive listener. Thank you!
I really enjoyed every second writing this one, even the transcribing was fun! Then to orchestrate and arrange as I wanted was true joy. Easily one of the most fun of all remixes so far! So many parts to work with and improvise from. Had a blast putting together everything, but I won't hide it was also a hard time! I had to work my hours with this one. Many solos and special chords I wanted to integrate and fuse with the original tunes.
After completing the writing and all polish I listened a lot to it to get the feeling of what the background should look like. I came to think of some certain colors, like a magic sunset with lots of pink, purple, orange and red. And since it's originally a harbor theme I really needed those boats. I found this random background that I changed the color settings for and adjusting the ligts a bit. I very happy with the result because it resembles what I had in mind, both motive and colorwise.
As you can hear I made it sound a lot like some 80s movie theme along with my ordinary instrumentation such as lead synths and atmospheric pads. There is also a finger snap mixed with claps present during a short section. I used that because that particular section made me think of Coconut Mall for some reason, and that theme contains a bit of finger snaps and claps as well :)
Also couldn't resist using a sampled sound from Mario Kart 8 of Toad himself, "let's go"!
So where the inspiration for this come from? Well, all the 80s music I listened to in my life, playing a lot of MK8 some years ago, and also much from a very special band I listen to now and then called Frost*. It's mix of musicians from other bands gathered to create some darn good music! I really recommend them to you guys who like progressive rock, they are really something else! Listen to their album Hyperventilate and you'll know what I mean.
Remember, this is NOT my Halloween remix this year, I released that one last week lol!
I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
/Neon X
#MarioKart8 #ToadHarbor #RemixCastlevania - Wicked Child (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-10-21 | Remix of Wicked Child from Castlevania released on NES
It has been a while since I released something. This remix is meant to be some kind of contribution to Halloween 2022, this particular song has been planned since last year (a suggestion from one of my best friends).
It's this time of the year once again, the world has changed very much since last time. And I want to dedicate this remix to what has become of the world this passed year.
A quote from Dracula by Bram Stoker: “It is a strange world, a sad world, a world full of miseries, and woes, and troubles. And yet when King Laugh come, he make them all dance to the tune he play. Bleeding hearts, and dry bones of the churchyard, and tears that burn as they fall, all dance together to the music that he make with that smileless mouth of him. Ah, we men and women are like ropes drawn tight with strain that pull us different ways. Then tears come, and like the rain on the ropes, they brace us up, until perhaps the strain become too great, and we break. But King Laugh he come like the sunshine, and he ease off the strain again, and we bear to go on with our labor, what it may be.”
I'm getting references to the real world and what it is as we speak, and maybe always is, behind the scenes and curtains. Many leaders and powerful people (not all of them of course) keep ignoring what happens in the world because of their personal goals they think are optimal only for themselves. Sometimes it goes way too far, and a whole nation is affected in ways that might not be restored even in hundreds of years to come. The people of the nation might be told that there is good in what the leaders decide and that their world will be a much better place. King Laugh comes and gives them hope and trust. 6 months later the nation has been cut off from the world completely, and their leader's closest followers drop off one by one. A future of pain, agony and loss is inbound, and the people of the nation almost if forced to leave their homes, their cities, and even their country. This only because of ONE HUMAN BEING. So unfair.
I usually don't bring up this kind of subjects but I just can't shut up on what's happening.
But what about the music? It's really inspired by what's happening in the world. Inflation is almost all-time high (for as long as I've lived), food and electricity is at peak levels in costs, my country's currency is all-time weak. It's hard times, very hard times.
Halloween is coming up, and I got myself a new synthesizer (with a really nice pipe organ, listen for it at the intro and outro). There is tons of synth sounds from Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygene and Equinoxe albums as well, really cool! The original song is first heard in Castlevania from NES, but returns in several other Castlevania games. It's a great song with surprisingly many sections. Oh, and I found a really disgusting female demon scream you can hear in the intro right after the pipe organ section. I would prefer to never enter a house and hear that scream.
My own half tempo section with the solo is all in influenced by the present world and musically influenced by Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and the soundtrack of Unreal Tournament 2004. It's the same kind of chord progression I used in the last section of Bowser's Castle from Mario Kart 64. A really mysterious and dark atmosphere, nothing but minor chords which kind of says it all.
I don't want to sound too depressing though, and finished off with a classic sus-major chord from the pipe organ, just like in many psalms, chorals, hymns or whatever. There is still hope! And never shall we give up the world, and how we want it to be. A happy place, where all are friends and acting with respect and love for others. *blink*
/Neon X
#Castlevania #WickedChild #RemixWii Sports - Title theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-09-28 | Remix of the Wii Sports Title theme released on Nintendo Wii
Okay, this theme has been in my mind for the past 18 months or so. A friend of mine I met here on YouTube and then Discord came with this suggestion 18 months, and by then I really didn't know what it was. But as soon as I started listen to it I slowly started to remember that I played this game at my dad's apartment (after my parents divorce which is another sad story for another time).
By the way, check out my YouTube friend SNEStalgia, he's got some great reviews, playthroughs and other game/console related stuff on his channel! youtube.com/c/SNEStalgia
However, the memories coming back to me with this music isn't sad at all, it's amazing what music can bring forth from any period of your life, despite if it was a tough or lovely period.
What about this song then, it contains many hard elements and harmonies to write down by ear, but with enough time on my back with it I think I managed to make it sound as I wanted. I started off by writing down the exact song to stay true and close to the original. I really love the beginning and the build up. I then gently gave it a touch of "myself" by adding my lead synth and make the chords somewhat fatter.
Then I go all in on my standard instrumentation, adding some new melodies and solos. After that a new section with an original melody and chords that crash into a half tempo section with the main theme. Finishing off with the intro tones, chords and a build-up FX. I didn't make this remix that long, I don't want to wear out this fantastic song too much. It's one of the most genious compositions I've ever heard in video game music. So good.
I hope you like my take on it! Would you like to hear more remixes of this kind? Please tell me in the comments!
All the best to you peeps, cheers!
/Neon X
#WiiSports #Title #RemixMega Man 2 - Metal Man (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-09-16 | Remix of Metal Man theme from Mega Man 2 released on Christmas Eve 1988 for Nintendo (NES)
I really felt like doing something from an old classic Mega Man game. The choice landed on Metal Man's theme from Mega Man 2! The original is a real banger indeed!
So what was I thinking during the creation of this one, well... I thought: "something funky, something bangy, something ambient, something beautiful, something cool, combined with some of that nostalgia and memories". Can't go wrong.
But something did go wrong for sure, after I finished the transcription of the original parts everything went blank. My imagination and ideas were totally gone. Lucky me, it only lasted for a day, but that's way too long for me since I've got so little time doing this. Oh man, I wish one day were like 28 hours instead of 24, would be so amazing to have more time for this.
Something new I learned doing this remix: I will not listen to the song to be remixed for several hours before writing it. I think my ideas got more narrow because of that, not making enough room for improvisation and taking a step or two outside the box.
The hardest part of this song: definitely the bass. I didn't have any problems but it was the hardest part for sure. I could go in so many directions and got stuck several times writing bass lines that was the exact same as in other remixes of mine.
I hope you dig the beats I created here, and that you're reliving some sweet memories of playing this game. This is the 2nd or 3rd most played Mega Man game for me, after Mega Man 1 and Mega Man 3. How much did you play this? Or are you one of them who didn't get the opportunity to play this?
#MegaMan2 #MetalMan #RemixYoshis Island - Underground theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-09-06 | Remix of the Underground theme from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island released on Super Nintendo (SNES)
Believe or not but the main funky groove in this remix is inspired by Bruno Mars' song 24K Magic. This makes my second modern pop inspired remix, but of course there are several other inspirational sources that goes in this remix as well.
Yoshi's Island music always trigger a great deal of memories for me since I got this game for christmas 1995 or 1996 when it was more or less new. I was in 5th or 6th grade and jeez, me and my little brother played it for hours and hours that christmas holiday. This is a game I always will come back to and make remixes from.
There are some new stuff and instruments I've never did/used before here (I love experimenting with sounds and harmonies):
At 2:08 I use a "chiptuney" (sinewave) organ that's similar to an instrument used in the original OST of Yoshi's Island. And I wrote it in a classical/sacral harmony.
Speaking of classical, the part starting at 1:03 is very inspired by classical music and sort of requiem. And when the solo comes in at 1:21 it's like a neo classical solo with similarities to the guitar virtuoso Yngwie J Malmsteen.
One last thing to mention is at the end of each solo where I used 64th notes juggling one octave and meanwhile playing a melody/scale, I wanted to capture some of the music you can hear on Commodore 64, NES and Game Boy.
And there are two sampled sound effects from the game, can you find them? :)
I'm not often do this, but I actually picked up the tempo from the original 100 bpm to 105, it felt too slow for my remix. I tried 110 bpm but that went way too fast instead xD
Anyway, I hope you can enjoy this remix and that it brings some sweet memories to you!
Cheers, Neon X
#YoshisIsland #Underground #RemixSonic & Knuckles - Flying Battery Zone (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-08-26 | Remix of Flying Battery Zone from Sonic & Knuckles released on Sega Genesis and more
After the poll was done and Flying Battery Zone were corred the winner I began to imagine how I wanted the remix to sound. Later that same day, my three kids and wife sat down and watched a movie (we do not often succeed doing this) and the kids wanted to watch Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (they wanted it because it is named Monster Vacation here in Sweden). The inspiration came from the song that was played during Dracula's dance scene - "I See Love" by Jonas Blue.
I liked the idea of combining my retro synth style with a more modern style, I think this is the first time I consciously do that. This also resulted in a more or less complete makeover of the Flying Battery theme, I hope you all appreciate what became of it :)
As I wrote in my teaser post for this, the vibes coming from this kind of resembles or reminds me of the end of summer vacation and that life goes back to work and labor. With that in mind I hope you all have the courage to pursue your dreams and never give up getting to that work position you want. Start small, take a small step outside you comfort zone, take a step back, and then again a bigger step outside just to feel that change for something better. And remember - you DESERVE it. Now, GO AND GET IT!
Please comment on what you think of combining my retro style with a modern style! And also, what's your dream? :)
/Neon X
#SonicAndKnuckles #FlyingBatteryZone #RemixSonic 3 - Hydrocity Zone (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-08-12 | Remix of Hydrocity Zone: Act 2 from Sonic 3 released on Sega Mega Drive and Sega Genesis (and probably a few more)
During the making of any remix/cover I do, I mainly want the listeners to recognize the song and hopefully start to get some memories from the past. The same goes with this one.
Hydrocity Zone is such a cool song (both act 1 and 2), I really love the funky grooves, which I also tried to keep through about a minute of my remix. So you will most likely recognize it a bit before I go loose on creativity and extension of the original melodies. There will be some solos and then some ambient part resulting in a half tempo ending. I just write the music as I hear it in my head and keep going with the flow. This is what came to mind this last week.
The intro SFX is intended to sound like Sonic starting to roll to gain that ridiculous speed. I searched through the SFX list from Sonic 3 and believed this is the correct sound of that.
Until today I was thinking a lot of putting some harmonizing melodies to the original ones, but I went for "less is more" this time and just kept one at a time lead synth to play all melodies.
Other than that, my vacation is over, and have been working again since august 3rd, feels ok but who doesn't love the summer vacation. Since I'm an IT consult with my own company there is sudden change of workplaces after a year or two. It's leaning to a change in october, so I'm a bit excited to what it will be like. And I'm also thinking about investing in an electric car in my company, I have a lot in my mind right now! But nevertheless I will always come back to this which is what I like the most. So thank you for your support once again!
Oh, please give me some suggestions what song to do next, I'm open for a lot right now.
/Neon X
#Sonic3 #HydrocityZone #RemixMario Kart 7 - Neo Bowser City (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-07-01 | Remix of Neo Bowser City from Mario Kart 7 originally released on Nintendo 3DS, then on Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart Tour
There are two reasons why I chose to make this theme: It was a tied 2nd in my latest poll It includes so many Mario Kart themes: Toad's Turnpike (MK64), Mario/Toad Circuit(MK7), Title screen (MK7), Mario/Luigi Circuit (MKWii), Mario Raceway (MK64) + my own added variation of the Rainbow Road theme (MK64). Many. (I didn't analyze this myself but read a lot in forums and comments on a bunch of videos of the original)
This original theme has a crispy, noisy and almost distorted sound to it. I experimented a lot with distorted and noisy synths, but ended up only using two distorted lead synths. I simply wanted the sound a bit more clear and clean, I hope you don't mind.
I haven't played Mario Kart a lot lately, actually it's been years since I raced these courses. But one thing I remembered in Neo Bowser City is that 270 degree left turn, oh my. At 200cc it wasn't a piece of cake. Otherwise one of the coolest courses in Mario Kart, it's oozing synthwave, neon and city night partying, love it.
I won't be spending time describing any kind of workflow in this one, I have a lot to think about right now (mostly preparations of our family trip up north). This means I won't be around with any new remixes the coming weeks, but it also means I will be really excited of making something new as soon as I get back.
I might be posting some vacation related content during our trip :) See you guys!
/Neon X
#MarioKart7 #NeoBowserCity #RemixZelda: Ocarina of Time - Gerudo Valley (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-06-21 | Remix of Gerudo Valley from Zelda: Ocarina of Time released on Nintendo 64
The winner of my latest poll, a piece I put considerably more time on the production (EQ, panning, levels, sound balance) than any other so far. I felt I was getting behind in my skills of production so I really tried to fix some crucial issues I've had in the past.
This was one of my greatest hypes in gaming history, I was in the 6th grade and one of my best friends from the 7th grade got this during spring 1999 (it was released in EU in december 1998). We've read a lot about it in video game magazines already and man... I remember it so clearly, when Navi tries to wake you up in that tree house, and then the moment you step outside into the Kokiri forest, it's a timeless, unforgetable memory that holds so many good feelings and excitement.
So one thing I'm mentioning right off the bat is the "Hey!" sound which is an original voice from OoT, and of course it's from our little fairy Navi. I had some laughs experimenting with her voice in different pitches and amounts of reverb/delay, but this sounded the most serious and fit the best into the production in my opinion so...
Speak of production, please give me some feedback on what you think about the EQ, levels, panning and such during this remix. I really want to level up in that aspect, so all feedback and suggestions for improvement is most welcome!
Another sound effect coming straight from the game is the whistle blow you can hear at 1:25 which is originally from a castle guard or a Gerudo guard.
I also hope I managed to catch a bit of nostalgia from the original song, which is always my main purpose with all remixes.
The main core I used here is pure synthwave, with short breaks of an 80s funk style that always hit my nostalgia trigger hard. There is plenty of sidechaining, plucking and that classic 80s synthwave bass, and in the middle of it all a moment of classical harmony passing by like a deep blue river in a sunset of the Hyrule kingdom ;)
Nearly every chord in this remix is changed or additionally harmonised, but I think you will recognize it despite that.
Thanks for listening and reading!
/Neon X
#Zelda #OcarinaOfTime #GerudoValleyMario Kart 8 - Electrodrome (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-06-10 | Remix of Electrodrome from Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe) released on Nintendo Wii U & Nintendo Switch
Hello guys! First I want to say thanks for the patience with me, I've much things going on IRL lately and therefore not been able to write so much on this remix. I had some time the last few days though and did manage to complete it.
The theme of the Electrodrome course is so frikkin' cool, I had so many fragments of ideas for this which I think shows in the remix as well. I used many different ideas and sections, and I hope I managed to create decent transitions between them. And of course I hope you guys like at least some of them ^^
The original has some noise and cracking synths with a bit of distortion on some. I created a bass with the choice to turn on and off a distortion for different sections, for example at 0:54 I turn off the distortion which makes quite a difference.
Another big change in the remix is 1:52 when the unintensified variation of a piece from the original starts. Groovy bass, warm chords and a running pad over a straight beat. It makes a more relaxed vibe to end this intense song with.
Something to take notice of: Intro (at 0:00), I have no idea why I did this kind of intro, it just hit my mind at some point in late production that I wanted an odd rhythm for intro. And it needed an exaggerating amount of a low rated chorus/flanger effect
Build up FX (at 1:22), home made sound of an accelerating electric vehicle. Based on an atmospheric pad I used in at least 50 remixes
Other than that, please enjoy and put this on whenever you race at Electrodrome :D
Take care folks!
/Neon X
#MarioKart8 #Electrodrome #RemixSuper Mario Bros 3 - Underground theme | Underwater theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-05-27 | Remix of Underground and Underwater themes from Super Mario Bros. 3 released on NES
This one took a lot of effort from me. I have been suffering hard from a mancold during the last week and meanwhile having a very hard time coming up with ideas of variations from especially the Underground theme I had to put in a lot of extra effort to go through with this. Colds can affect your music creation for sure, I really learned that now xD
So I hope this sounds good with levels, panning and the overall mixing, because the cold kind of made my ears and nose canals really thick and my hearing was very affected. I wanted to release this now no matter what, and the consequences from the cold on this remix will be a reminder of how it affected me.
So what about the music, first thing I wanted to do something no one's ever done with the Underground theme. Not that I'm looking around searching for remixes that are similar to my own, but putting these chords over the underground melody is nothing I've encountered so far. Nor have I encountered the variation of the underwater melody I wrote to the same chords. Mission accomplished I guess!
I also made a more naked variation of the underground theme (1:01) with totally new chords followed by an ambience break (1:16). The ambience break is filled with african skin percussives and yet another underwater melody variation which evolves into a half tempo section (1:46) followed by Dream Theater inspired section (2:06).
At 2:24 the song goes back to the initial underground theme and ends with a beatless short section with a reverbed synth underwater variation at 2:43.
I guess there are several easter eggs to find in this remix, one of them is the coin and swim sounds I pulled from SMB3. Actually, putting a moderate amount of reverb to the coin SFX really makes it sound beautiful (given it goes in line with the key signature)!
Maybe I should've named this remix Underground Mancold or something. Anyway I hope you enjoy it, see you soon my friends!
/Neon X
#SuperMarioBros3 #Underground #UnderwaterKirbys Dream Land - Mt. Dedede | Title theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-05-17 | Remix of Mt Dedede, Roasted Sweet Potato Shooting and Title theme from Kirby's Dream Land released on Game Boy
This is my very first remix of a theme that's originally from Game Boy. Since my last two remixes (from Earthbound and A Link To The Past) I kind of got stuck in combining more than one song in one remix, it put much creativity into works and makes it a bit more challenging. This remix contains three songs from Kirby's Dream Land, and I have built the remix as follows:
0:00 - Mt Dedede intro 0:38 - Roasted Sweet Potato Shooting & Title theme variation 0:49 - Title theme variation 1:00 - Mt Dedede 1:11 - New solo part (based on the Title theme) 1:33 - Mt Dedede 1:39 - Title theme variation 1:54 - Mt Dedede outro
About the remix itself. It's has the highest bpm of any of my previous remixes: 179 bpm. Very fast and high paced, which in turn makes it quite intense. That is why some the parts in there plays in half tempo to calm things down a bit. I'm always true to the original pace which in this case is based on the theme of Mt Dedede.
The bass line from the original was really awesome, so I put some work on it and developed it a bit further, then took it down to something more groovy and funky for the solo part and outro part. And speak of the solo part, I took some time to modify a new variation of my signature lead synth at 1:23 which I was really hyped about. I will use it much more in future remixes.
Oh I forgot to mention the initial "crash" sound. That is an original SFX from Kirby's Dream Land which plays when you're flying on the star towards Mt Dedede and crashes into the castle at the top of the mountain.
I hope you like this combination of themes and the entirety of the remix, and please subscribe if you do like it!
/Neon X
#Kirby #DreamLand #RemixZelda: A Link To The Past - Ganon Battle theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-05-10 | Remix of Ganon Battle theme from Zelda: A Link To The Past on SNES (including parts from Dark World theme and Overworld theme)
With a glass of red and faded lights I sit down in my basement office/mancave and peacefully begin my remix release ritual...
I played this game quite early when it was released on SNES, but I never actually made a complete playthrough, so when I listen to this theme after this many years I have no memory of it. Despite that I still feel I know this theme. What really made me love it now afterwards was the rare time signature you hardly ever hear in video game music - 7/8. I know a lot of people don't know what it means, and it doesn't matter (I won't go into explaining it), it sounds really cool in this theme.
I added a couple of more recognizable melodies from A Link To The Past as well - a variation of the Dark World theme and a variation of the Overworld theme/Hyrule field. I hope it made the remix more interesting and lively!
This is how I sectioned my remix:
0:00 - Ganon Battle 0:45 - Dark World variation 0:59 - Ganon Battle (reprise with new chords) 1:23 - Overworld variation 2:13 - Ganon Battle (ending)
And if you've listened through the whole Overworld variation part you should have noticed I changed the time signature to an ordinary 4/4 during a short while, just to get that groovy vibe.
It's always an immense amount of nostalgia that hits me whenever I hear music from A Link To The Past, it was so popular and great when it came. And until today it's at least as great, and will be forever. It's a timeless story within a timeless and magical fantasy world you could relive at any time, and also kind of relive in its sequels.
I hope you all can enjoy this last boss remix!
Thanks for reading and listening /Neon X
#Zelda #GanonBattle #RemixEarthBound - Onett theme | Home Sweet Home (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-05-03 | Remix of Onett's theme with the Home Sweet Home song combined from EarthBound (Mother 2) released on SNES
I am finally taking on something from EarthBound! A really cool and unique RPG from the SNES console which is the sequel to the Japan release Mother on NES from 1989. I think the rest of the world gained access to this as late as 2015 through Wii U Vitrual Console but by the name of EarthBound Beginnings. As I mentioned in my teaser post, I feel the similarity between this and the Netflix show Stranger Things are not a coincidence, but who knows.
Starting with the intention of just working on the Onett theme and the chill casual feels, I was kind of surprised when the Home Sweet Home theme kept coming to my mind. I thought I should try to combine them both in one song which in my opinion actually worked very well. Also a nice variation from the Onett theme that's originally not very long.
So did I play this game? Yeah I did, but far from complete. I think I have played it to beat the first boss, but not more than that, which is kind of lame. But it falls into my To-Play-Some-Day list without any doubt.
Please tell me your stories about this game and the memories you have connected to it! What do you feel and think of when you listen to this?
Thanks for listening and reading!
#EarthBound #Onett #HomeSweetHomeSonic 2 - Chemical Plant Zone (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-04-22 | Remix of Chemical Plant Zone theme from Sonic The Hedgehog 2 released on Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear and Saturn
Since I'm almost a pure Nintendo player, the Sega world is kind of new, except for Sonic of course. But I never really played anything else from Sonic than the very first game, so Sonic 2 is new in every way for me. I was very surprised by the soundtrack, every song has so much potential! And there were some songs I just couldn't let go of, Chemical Plant was one of them. And I will grab more for sure!
I would say this one goes under blues, funk, maybe fusion of some kind, and I really took advantage of those genres by tweaking my synthesizers to sound like instruments used regurarly in those genres. Dry, fast, max attack, not much effects except for the lead with some delay, and the bass with a heavy chorus effect (just like some of the 80s synth basses which I love).
I wanted the remix to be very recognizeable from the original in many parts, but with some enhanced harmonies and fills from new composed lines. And then a completely new section - I'm not sure how I came up with it, it often just starts with one chord off from the original and then my head is spinning loose with countless ideas of which I just grab one and write down.
For some reason I took some inspiration from Dream Theater starting at 1:22 - I think I would refer to it as an John Petrucci part where all things calms down, the tempo goes down to half and there are these extended tones from his singing guitar playing a beautiful melodic solo, maybe along in harmony with Jordan Rudess' wizard like keyboard play. The chords kind of follows how Petrucci would have wrote them too.
Overall I just loved working on this song, the original is so catchy and fun. Really love this style and tried to extend it as much as I could without trashing the original too much.
I already got suggestions on other Sonic themes, but would love to have some more. And if you know any more songs in this particular style I would be very interested in hearing them.
/Neon X
#Sonic2 #ChemicalPlantZone #RemixMario Kart Wii - Rainbow Road (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-04-12 | Remix of Rainbow Road theme from Mario Kart Wii released on Nintendo Wii
I really didn't plan to grab this theme right now, but for some reason I kept on listening to it a lot and couldn't resist. It's really great, and there are some clear similarities between this and the MK8 Rainbow Road theme.
Due to the already complicated harmonies and theme melodies I didn't want to bring that much of my own composition into this one, I kept close to the original with some restyling. And wow, it does happen a lot in this one, such a great original composition. At some points I thought "do these chords really work together?", and when I listened to it after finish writing that particular line it really sounded great! I had many wow moments and I'm happy I chosed this song.
Fun story related to Mario Kart Wii: At my bachelor party back in May 2014, my brother, some cousins and close friends made my day a Mario Kart day. First off was the gokart racing with real gokarts on a real course (I sucked by the way), and damn was that fun! I had to dress up like Mario with that red/blue plumber outfit, a mario hat and fake moustache.
Afterwards we had a BBQ party at a friend's house followed by a Mario Kart Wii tournament, paralleled by a Track & Field (NES) tournament. During the video game tournaments we had a lot of shots and good drinks, and you can imagine how good we were at Mario Kart after a couple of hours.
When we were done video gaming we went out on a club meeting up with the bachelorette party for my wife (!!!) which was the perfect timing and ending of that night. Maybe the best day of my life!
I dedicate this wonderful song to that night, and all the people that made it happen. Thank you!
/Neon X
#MarioKartWii #RainbowRoad #RemixSuper Mario Bros 3 - Overworld theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-04-05 | Remix of Overworld theme from Super Mario Bros 3 released on NES
My first sub 2 minute remix, but still contains many elements and variations. This could also be the most fun song I ever took under my wings. With the original reggae style I could easily add jazz and some blues elements, and spice it up with a pinch of synthwave.
SMB3 was (and still is I think) my favourite Super Mario game so far. But then I haven't even played any Super Mario from the 21st century except New Super Mario Bros for Wii U. SMB3 on NES and on SNES All Stars was so much joy and they hold so many memories from those days. The soundtrack is timeless and simple yet so memorable and fresh, I could imagine me remixing the whole SMB3 OST some day.
Some of the "easter eggs" in this remix: After the solos the SMB3 Underwater theme intro is used but restyled - 1:32 And at the end of the Underwater theme the SMB3 "Enter level" sound is played with a lot of reverb, but pitched down a whole tone to fit the key signature - 1:34 I used african skin percussive together with GameBoy drums on several parts
I hope you enjoy listen to this, I really enjoyed creating it. And if it goes well I definitely will do more of this kind. There are many Super Mario themes that could apply for this style.
/Neon X
#SuperMarioBros3 #Overworld #RemixMario Kart Wii - Coconut Mall (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-03-22 | Remix of Coconut Mall theme from Mario Kart Wii released on Nintendo Wii, and recently as a new course on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch
This is my first ever attempt at doing something with a swing song, and I kind of look at this remix as an introduction in fusing my style with swing. That is why I kind of left out my usual original sections. The more I get into swing though, I will be able to compose original sections that extend the originals in a proper way.
The biggest challenge was indeed the rhythm, took some time to adjust to that. Then also the jazzy chords that fills the original with cool harmonies. As I have explained earlier in my remixing, I transcribe everything by ear which simply means I listen to the original and write the song from what I hear. In this case it was a hard challenge because of the swing rookie I am.
If you listen to the other half of the remix you'll hear at least something Neon X original - the solo. I felt quite satisfied with that, it gave the remix something new and different.
Besides all that, my beat is not the same as the original, the bass and the rhythm synth as well.
I'm really motivated in trying out more themes within the swing genre. For example from Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island. Actually most Mario games contains more or less swing themes.
I hope you like what you hear folks, the swing is really a new side of my remixes.
/Neon X
#MarioKartWii #CoconutMall #RemixTrials of Mana - Powell (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-03-15 | Remix of Powell from Trials of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 3) released on SNES (remake released on Windows Microsoft, Nintendo Switch and PS4)
It's not too often I decide to make a remix/cover of songs from video games I never played. Trials of Mana is one of them, however I have been playing it like 10 minutes on a SNES emulator which I really don't count as legit playing. What I have been doing though, is listening to the soundtrack of it, which is truly amazing!
Powell is a song that has a lot of potential for a great synthwave track, I used some of it, but to make it justice I probably would have to do 5 more versions. And man, does it make me wanna play the remake of Trials of Mana!
Before I started the work with Powell I watched a lot of gameplay from both the old Seiken Densetsu 3 as well as the remake Trials of Mana. It's easier to create music if you've got some initial story or a moment to focus your mind on. What I'm looking for is to get feelings, emotions, vibes and link those to an existing memory, or in this case rediscover long gone memories.
This song actually took me back to a completely different game when I had the long summer breaks as a kid. We had this attic dedicated to storage for seasonal clothing (winter clothes, summer clothes, you name it), but we also had an old CRT TV, large, and really old (1980-85 ish), but color screen and perfect for connecting your SNES console to it. I think it was the summer break between 5th and 6th grade when I played the RPG Terranigma a lot. And I remembered just how I felt sitting up there solo, trying to pave way further into the fantastic story of that game. That feeling of freedom, just diving into the story of your game, no worries of taking too much time playing, your friends just a phone call away. The exact same feelings bubbles up while listening to Powell, it's really amazing actually, how music can drag long gone memories and feelings of specific moments to the surface once again no matter how far away in time they was made.
This is remix is dedicated to all those memories, just waiting to be dragged out of your brain beam making you feel good and rediscover memories you maybe didn't know you had in storage.
/Neon X
#TrialsOfMana #Powell #SeikenDensetsu3Street Fighter 2 - Balrog theme (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-03-08 | Remix of Balrog's theme from Street Fighter 2 released on SNES
I finally decided to go through with Balrog's theme from Street Fighter! This is such a good tune, I love the original for its easy form and potential to experiment with. I went towards an 80s disco style and had to go through with a key signature transposition to get the result I wanted, a bit tricky but it went well.
The original has a nice groove I tried to stay close to, and the melodies are so easy to remember that they stay in your head long after the song has ended. I had so many ideas for this one, I just hope I chose one worthy and exciting!
As I mentioned I went towards an 80s disco style, I really got the vibes from a late friday night out with the boys, drunk on life (and alcohol) just dancing that last dance before an unknown after party emerges. And during the after party, this groove goes on until early morning. Maybe you hooked up with a pretty girl (or boy) lying on a grass hill, holding hands and watching the starry sky getting more and more illuminated by the first morning sunrays.
Cheers for a new day and for that old days we remember so dearly! And may there be peace once again.
/Neon X
#StreetFighter #Balrog #RemixDonkey Kong Country - Aquatic Ambience (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-03-01 | Remix of Aquatic Ambience from Donkey Kong Counry released on SNES
I have been really scared of remixing/covering this classic and timeless song. It's so easy to ruin it that any changes could be devastating. I'm still afraid I have broke it, but I hope not!
First of all the soundscape that the original has is so fragile, and by having that in mind I made sure to keep my sounds very close to that, but with much higher bitrate of course since it's SNES we're talking about. However, the sound quality in DKC is unbelievably high for a SNES game. I just took my standard synthesizer setup and started modify and tweak them to make all instruments sound quite close to the original. Except the piano, I changed it for a pluck sound from my Obsession synth.
About my composition of this. As you can hear I kept really close to the original to begin with, adding some small changes. For example, I added a "real" beat and all melodies are playing with my signature lead synth.
What was more interesting in composing this was how I could leave the original completely and take on another path. So I laborated with a splash sound to represent me diving from the original into my own composition, then immediately adding a bubbling underwater effect to continue with an introduction to a Mega Man-ish melody with the pluck synth.
Dashing into a double time beat and the Mega Man melody I hold the intensity steady and then release it into a psychedelic synthwave groove, a bit like the groove I use in the end of my Bloody Tears remix. If you listen more carefully I use the original arpeggio in the background (the first you hear in this song) in this last section but change it over the chord's harmony.
When I listen to this remix, I feel I can make so many more variations of it. Some day I might do an Aquatic Ambience suite or something.
Looking forward to hear what you think of this one!
/Neon X
#DKC #AquaticAmbience #RemixMario Kart 64 - Credits theme (Neon X remix | 2k subs special)Neon X Game Remixes2022-02-22 | Remix of Credits theme (Staff Roll) from Mario Kart 64 on Nintendo 64
This is my proper thanks to you all, my listeners, my fans, my fellow remixers and the rest of you who somehow have supported me to this very day when the subscriptions passed 2000. I chose this song since it already has much nostalgia and melancholy of a passed time in it, filled with memories and emotions brought forth by its harmonies and atmopsphere. Perhaps the reason for some of you is because you managed to complete Mario Kart 64 and got this wonderful music as a reward while watching the camera fly through tunnels and caves, over fields and hills, over railways and roads.
I get very nostalgic to this music, though I didn't hear this song that many times, it manage to drag some long gone memories from deep inside, making me really emotional. I hope you feel the same!
I wanted to keep relatively close to the original, only spicing it up a bit. It goes for two rounds with a bonus section at each end (which I think you will recognize from the Rainbow Road theme in Mario Kart 64) , and a middle section that kind of takes you down to a lower frequency adding more chords to get some extra feel.
The intro is very inspired by the typical 80s music and modern retrowave music, slowly building up with soft pads, topped by a high tuned pluck, and then accompanied by a gentle bass before the main sections kick in.
I just came to think of that I've only used Mario Kart remixes for my anniversaries, and that I unconsciously did it again. Ooops, I did it again, right. But nothing wrong with that I guess! However I think it will be a longer delay until my next anniversary arrives, since I've decided it will be whenever, or if I ever reach 5000 (!!) subscribers. By then I will have another poll with suggestions for the anniversary remix.
Well, the rest of this song's details I'll leave to you to discover for yourselves. There are plenty of small things happening!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING ME AND KEEP LISTENING TO MY REMIXES AND COVERS, it means the world to me! This is my absolute favourite thing to do while having a little time over after the rest of my family goes to sleep.
Hey, you very good! See you next time!
/Neon X
#MarioKart64 #Credits #RemixFinal Fantasy VII - Opening theme | Bombing Mission (Neon X remix)Neon X Game Remixes2022-02-15 | Remix of Opening and Bombing Mission theme from Final Fantasy VII on Playstation
Hello folks! I'm not sure why I started creating this remix, I just felt such an eager to focus some love on one of the best games ever made. And the intro is really something, I remebered the jaw dropping when I saw it the first time back in 1998. I had one good friend who owned a PS and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to be introduced to this masterpiece when it was somehow new.
I have to confess, this is the most difficult remix so far. Not only because of the grand composition by master Nobuo Uematsu, but also because of the original style is aligned to the orchestra/symphonic genre which is far away from my ordinary synthwave/retrowave. I tried to mix both styles in this one piece.
0:00 - Opening One of the best introductions to any video game in my opinion. The atmosphere and visual impression are spot on to what kind of place Mako City is. I wanted to modernize and absorb the theme into my synth style, and I hope I succeeded with that without too much loss of the original.
1:17 - Bombing Mission This theme is so cool, and so fitting to the intensity of the mission before you. I couldn't stray too far off the original's boundaries without losing too much brilliance from it (I tried a couple of variations) so I kept it as it is, mostly. I added some chords here and there, and of course a drum beat. The lead synths used here are multiple variations from my signature lead, tweaked to sound a bit more like brass which the original composition is all about.
I'm not sure why I keep transcribing everything by ear, it's really hard sometimes which showed clearly while writing this remix. All the things happening in this theme was hard to keep track of from time to time, and it took me forever to just finish the transcription xD I guess it's kind of more freedom to just transcribe any song you want, instead of searching for MIDI files or sheet music. But enough about that!
Thanks for listening!
See you soon.
/Neon X
#FinalFantasyVII #Opening #BombingMissionFinal Fantasy VII - Prelude (of Love) | Neon X remixNeon X Game Remixes2022-02-11 | Remix of Prelude theme from Final Fantasy VII on Playstation
First thing, I really can't describe how emotional it was to do this theme. I was brought to tears several times (as I've mentioned in my teaser post for this). And since I started doing it, I haven't got the will to stop listen to it. This is one of the most beautiful pieces ever made, video game or not. Nobuo Uematsu is pure genius and out-of-this-world musical. If I had only 1/1000th of his musical mind I would be famous long ago lol.
When I found this art of Cloud and Tifa kissing, I could barely watch while listening to this theme, not sure why but my emotions exploded. It almost hurt while my tears flooded. I think I was filled with so much love and nostalgia that I couldn't control it. Still, seeing Cloud and Tifa like this, it's so powerful, and the circumstances they have to deal with together in the story makes it even more powerful. I have a strong urge to play through this game as soon as possible.
She deserves so much attention for her art. I believe she's using the models from FFVII Remake to create the amazing and lovely scenes she does. Go give her some love if you like it, there is much more where this came from!
Now, at last, to my remix: By now you've probably heard this was very much like the original, only with the differences of my synthesizers, and some arrangement differences. I did not have heart to put a beat and a fitting bass line to this, I wanted it to be as soft as possible. I hope you can appreciate what I've done with it and bare to listen through the whole remix. There is so much love and emotion for each second, and the emotions I went through is inexplicable. I'm a real soft guy haha, cries in every movie and game I experience.
I used my latest alternate lead synth here, but had to set up the equalizer and soundwaves of it with multiple settings not to get it to sharp at high notes and to "bassy" at lower notes. Tricky, but worth the time.
I decided to call it Prelude of Love, since I felt an overwhelming amount of love and emotions when writing this. And also because Valentine's Day is near. This remix is kind of my contribution and gift to all of you on Valentine's Day.
I hope you don't mind my emotional descriptions, I just want you guys to know who's behind all these remixes and covers and that I actually feel a lot when doing them. I appreciate your support!