5 Tips for Making Video Game Melodies || Shady Cicada

[@joshuab3918]

Shady Cicada: "You're not going to be making these masterpieces overnight" Also Shady Cicada: *composes an entire soundtrack in 10 minutes*

[@Chronorust]

Keyword: YOU'RE. That includes us, bud :)

[@Chronorust]

@@gingersroc Naw, their called "examples".

[@beemilkfordinner]

Brylan Caldwell Well what’s wrong with them, Mr. Intelligent Musician? How about giving some critique so he can improve?

[@beemilkfordinner]

Brylan Caldwell First off, Ms. Ignorant Musician. Second off, I never said I had a problem with it, but you did. I think it’s more reasonable for you to explain yourself, since you’re the one complaining about his music. Going to add something: I find arrogance is more likely to lead to ignorance than amateurism. I suggest you take a good look at yourself before you go too far off the deep end, bud.

[@beemilkfordinner]

Brylan Caldwell I never said I wasn’t ignorant, but I can definitely say I am a woman. But hey, gender has nothing to do with my argument. Just because you wish to defend someone on the internet doesn’t mean you’re ignorant. We’re social beings, and most of us are willing to jump into an argument just to put our two scents in. We like to debate, hence why this is happening. And who are you to bitch about me commenting? I bet this is the highlight of your day! If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be responding to me right now. In conclusion, don’t complain about someone’s artistic abilities unless you want to critique and help them improve. I can tell you’re bitching about Cicada just to start an argument and have nothing constructive to say. Which is why I’m finished with this comment thread. Cheers.

[@CrafterDaemon]

Music is like a cake. Harmony is like another layer. Sometimes it makes the cake better. Other times it can be too much. You don't want a thin cake, but too thick is also bad. Hope this helps!

[@lukelcs8934]

So... music is a lie then. I lie to our ears, a deception that makes us feel things that aren't real. This would be a much better meme/philosophical discussion if we were talking about movies or games. (also, I legit just spelled philosophical correctly the first time with no need for auto correct, should I be impressed or is that normal?)

[@touffedaviau8370]

Crafter Daemon Also, there’s a time & place for for pancakes and a time & place for wedding cakes!

[@dynaheart]

@@lukelcs8934 It's pretty normal

[@mumbo4567]

But what if you are allergic to cake?

[@jlgamer3987]

What about onions? Onions have layers. H a r m o n y i s n ' t o n i o n s .

[@Fuzunga]

"I'm not a musical genius" says the guy who created a perfect song without listening to it.

[@xeno6416]

Mostly

[@illyrosen9772]

That guy always says he doesn't but it seems impossible and disturbing in a good way

[@gingersroc]

It's a sad day when people consider repetition a masterpiece. MAKE ORIGINAL MATERIAL

[@fizzicist7678]

sometimes ya just gotta FEEL the music (says the guy who can't drum for shit by 'feeling')

[@gingersroc]

@@fizzicist7678 I feel ya man

[@emeralddarkness]

Your "messier versions" 110% honestly sound like a climactic lead going into endgame where it's revisiting and remixing the original theme to reflect a chaotic final battle.

[@thebadmedic89]

I agree

[@frozenfury1634]

“Reel em in with that Solo” Top ten anime betrayals

[@nepunepu5894]

wait until "don't use wood wood" appeared

[@trackernivrig]

@@nepunepu5894 WAIT WHERE WAS THAT?

[@nepunepu5894]

@@trackernivrig in our most nightmare-ish dream

[@trackernivrig]

Nepu Nepu lol. Really though, was that in the video?

[@nepunepu5894]

@@trackernivrig no

[@moisturecookies3789]

And right when i’m having trouble making music Thank you

[@Medlek]

Where is your music? 🤔

[@moisturecookies3789]

Somewhere in the depths of soundcloud

[@tev5040]

@@moisturecookies3789 For me, the same week that i've scrapped like 20 songs just because the melodies were boring :)

[@moisturecookies3789]

I can’t even find a good start for what i’m going for. I partially blame the lack of instruments i have

[@Medlek]

I know crap about instruments, programs and libraries, I almost exclusively do chiptune lol

[@BlazertronGames]

The problem I have is my melodies just have this certain cringe to them. I can't explain why. Sometimes I'll write something and think it sounds great, then a day later, it gains this cheesy-ness.

[@Jenna_Talia]

I'm like that with a lot of things. I think it has something to do with you being in a different mood or in a different state that updates how you see the song. Any pride in making it has dissipated and you're left with what's actually good and bad about it. My advice is to think in detail, what's making this cringeworthy and if you don't know then you don't know. Probably a good time to brush up on theory. It's just a case of laying out a foundation, trial and error, smoothing over the bumps until you have yourself something you genuinely like.

[@Queer_Nerd_For_Human_Justice]

I learned in writing communities that one way to write is to maintain a mood, like don't go to bed, don't change the lights or your clothes, just bust out something shitty all in one go... Because once that mood is gone, you can no longer vibe instinctually with the original creative spark. You're now in editor mode. Editor mode is excellent for polishing up the piece, using a critical eye to remove what doesn't work. It's probably the same in music. The melody isn't bad, you're just out of the original mood and you're critiquing it. That's a good thing. Don't scrap it, but make it better.

[@grass324]

Always happens to me every tim

[@thereal_SEV]

I've been stuck with the same Melody for 8 years now, i have the opposite issue

[@senza4591]

Try to resolve it in a less predictable way? Idk

[@hypergoner2935]

This should be fun Edit: Just finished the video and I would like to say I absolutely loved it. I think it would definitely be helpful for someone starting music

[@retrorebootmusic]

So youtube is broken, I think. "This is awesome, especially for 3 square channels." That's the comment I see before clicking it. That's a comment I saw on a different video earlier today. Edit: okay so i went back to that video and now its a different comment asking something about famitracker. KZbin, wtf?

[@hypergoner2935]

@@retrorebootmusic um, I am so confused. Did you mean to reply to me or just comment on the video?

[@MesserXxomby]

Shit, dude, it's helpful for people who aren't new and just seemingly painted themselves into a corner.

[@imthecryptic]

​@@retrorebootmusic oh lol that happens to me too sometimes... usually when i have the youtube auto translated ^^ youtube has always been a pretty buggy mess, even typing this comment i just got a bug lmao

[@killysnowsw]

All jokes aside, your channel has really helped me make music. I've only been taking music seriously for maybe three of four months, but I'm proud of how much I've improved in that time, and I feel like part of that credit goes to you and similar content creators. I wouldn't of ever taken up music if nobody really inspired me to.

[@paloma111]

which audio interface do u use?

[@Tjejify]

Squigga

[@killysnowsw]

@@Tjejify squigga indeed

[@caviaporcellus7253]

@@killysnowsw am I a retard for using musescore

[@killysnowsw]

@@paloma111 late reply, but i use ableton

[@MechanicGopher]

Shady: let’s do it with Zelda. Here’s the normal theme. *electric guitar starts*

[@dhgocaink3311]

I think it sounds like what plays in the first Hyrule Warriors

[@mayravixx25]

"Don't toss your lesser ideas in the trash" I actually agree with this statement pretty well. I had made a custom song that unfortunately people didn't really like, there were a lot of issues with it, so I was going to basically leave it for dead because I had already been working on it for a week straight and just didn't want to bother with it anymore, and in the end I ended up stealing away bits and pieces of the custom song for other works, like using the drum pattern for a completely different song, and then taking the melody I had made and using it for another separate project. tl;dr if you're making a song and think it sounds like petrified ass, who knows, maybe someday in the future you can recycle parts of it to make something better.

[@angelus-senpai3469]

Megalovania - Super Smash Bros (Rock/Metal Cover) || Shady Cicada Coming soon...

[@xeno6416]

Yes

[@angelus-senpai3469]

@@xeno6416 Lol ^-^

[@Tr0lliPop]

oh my gosh i cant like i cant ruin the 69 likes nice

[@milleniam]

IM SCREAMING NZZNZMXMXMZMXMZ

[@suffermore66]

Yep

[@MesserXxomby]

"You're free to do anything in art as long as you enjoy it." This is such an important message that can be applied to so many aspects of life. When you stop caring so much about being good at something, and just try to enjoy yourself, everything just feels better. Also, as Cicada said, please never throw away "messy" or "bad" ideas. They can always be developed or recycled for later projects. (Another idea that can be applied to basically anything you do.)

[@monsterfckr]

nonono please don't let this be the last video of this series!! I just started making music via daw and your videos have inspired me like crazy. Thank you so much for this vid man!!

[@retridoti2506]

7:50 sounds like a super sonic final boss... could be called "the upper hand"

[@Tr0lliPop]

it is the "hero/good guy leitmotif" shady used in his final boss theme "before the world dies"

[@tripacesfellas7011]

I enjoy reading the little blips of text on the screen

[@ItsSudonim]

bold of you to assume i know how to read

[@nepunepu5894]

at least you can write

[@BonaparteBardithion]

@@nepunepu5894 Talk-to-Text.

[@YoungsterSkaymore]

Hsiabehzh siwj nsj t jwisn

[@nepunepu5894]

@@BonaparteBardithion at least he can talk

[@nepunepu5894]

@@YoungsterSkaymore at least you can access the internet

[@Vegas242]

I would definitely like more of these tutorial-ish music videos

[@jaqueline3959]

"You could just change the entire atmosphere and the style of it-" *Elevator music intensifies*

[@nebulatheowl]

"Take your time" "I'm not a music genius" Says the person who makes bangers in 10 minutes flat. Don't belittle yourself, your are an amazing musician, and are an inspiration to thousands of people! For proof, just look at the amount of comments on this video that say the same thing! Just keep being you, and never underestimate yourself! - Nebula, a common fan.

[@Tr0lliPop]

This shall get more likes! like your own comment if ya have to! THIS•COMMENT•SHALL•RISE•TO•THE•TOP

[@jonahthomas7631]

I've been waiting years for Shady to play "You Will Know Our Names". Shady please do a cover.... you once said you would. Your absolutely amazing and have improved so much!

[@akinolanubi]

The "change the entire atmosphere" part didn't prepare for what was coming 😂😂😂

[@TheRealAnsontp]

Finally, a person that doesn’t tell me to stack the layers! Rules so simple that I actually understand it! Time to have that bass boosted drum solo in the start of my song like almost every anime I’ve ever watched xD

[@chriscooper420]

As someone who loves a well-used messy melody, you're only giving me more power by teaching us how to "avoid" them 😈

[@philemonholmes2534]

I was wondering if you would ever do a review of some of your subscribers' music. I mean, you've been teaching us, so I think it's be cool if you heard what we made of it.

[@nerderonofficial]

I agree. Its always nice to see what the instructor has to say about the student's work.

[@MesserXxomby]

@@nerderonofficial I'm not sure if he feels comfortable thinking of himself as an instructor, though. More like another student a few years ahead who helps you with homework occasionally.

[@Medlek]

Soooo basically throw everything in the bg, got it.

[@mrmediocre1532]

7:07 the entire xenoblade soundtrack is the best thing ever made, fight me.

[@digitalrainstorm3546]

Best soundtrack for a videogame

[@friskycalibri2293]

*Bruh MGRR exists*

[@Ziess]

I will supply the weapons for this battle.

[@Ishigami10167_]

Chrom is sans from wood wood saga confirmed

[@TGVBT640]

blud said we won't be makin masterpieces overnight but he makes fire tracks in 10 minutes 💀

[@louises.p6833]

You should do a pirates theme of some sort! That sounds fun

[@johnworkman4571]

I nearly spit out my cereal when he changed it from rock to like soft elevator jazz

[@loib]

0:38 i'd argue with that

[@Ghostii_]

i wouldnt argue with that comment

[@RayannRose]

PLEASE NAKE MORE OF THESE, you are a musician who was capable of inspiring me to the point I tried digital music making and fell in love with it. You doing these and the way you did this one helped quite alot!!

[@trolmaso]

How's it going? Make anything good, haha?

[@Anrikemi]

thank you so much cicada san

[@Ott3rpup]

This man is a psychic. Right when I'm struggling, BAM new vid!

[@juv8028]

Hope you keep this series going, it's really helpful

[@tlowgh125]

I’ve been in a rut with my own compositions but your videos always get my brain running a few ideas. Thank you and keep up the good work, my dude. I would love to see more of your tips and tricks.

[@teclinsoro4523]

thanks for putting your equipment in the description. it’s really helpful for people like me who are trying to make music but don’t know where to start

[@kyupin1075]

10/10 would watch again

[@WhateverOsi]

This video genuinely makes me want to start writing music and I've never had any interest in doing so. All my work is visual, but this made me want to try new things, thanks Shady!

[@harakirikiss6128]

Hell yeahhhh. Been wanting to get better with chiptune and stuff.

[@NanaDoesArt]

Tfw almost all the samples sound really good 👀

[@samuelmyers3904]

I love this stile of video.

[@Cyrotech]

Thanks for the help!!!

[@Kavukamari]

the messy melody is the breakdown before the emotional climax/bridge of the song before the ending reprise of the main motif

[@AQWpaladan]

This actually might be one of my favorite videos of yours, oddly enough. Some pretty great tips and examples! Keep up the great work, man!

[@joeydon185]

This was great! I would love more videos like this. Because your style is fun, informative, and down to earth, it makes the music theory much more accessible and helpful.

[@frocco7125]

"I'm not a musical genius" Doubt (X)

[@averageperson4953]

X

[@Evilc]

X

[@kiyu3229]

X

[@naturalarcane]

Whether or not you’re a professional, you seem to know more about this stuff than I do, so thanks for these tips!

[@SnorkelBro]

Please make more of these. I love your videos and since they're both comically amazing and actually useful. Thank you. :)

[@Th3Name]

"You won't make a masterpiece overnight" -The same man who makes amazing songs in 10 minutes

[@Mizu2023]

Awfully sounds like "Money can't buy you happiness"

[@flameguy6778]

Make the Pokémon theme with wood wood I challenge you

[@wintermatter]

I love the video game composition style. Please, do more tutorials and tip videos like that

[@PresidentPixel]

Dude your channel really inspires my music I thank you for uploading!

[@crispypeepohole69]

2:00 I feel that messier/more chaotic melodies like this one are more suited to visuals, it's a great way to highlight the importance of what you're showing in video and show that that specific part of the video has more than meets the eye.

[@danielaccettola1292]

that bossa nova part was fire

[@kaargen]

Your videos have really been the bridge I needed to start realising how music works.

[@ashleycallari1892]

This was actually really helpful! Would love more!

[@Mizutamakun001]

7:07 I agree. Fight me!

[@portisthetortoise3239]

God, I love how you explain this! I've been struggling with making music even though i have so many ideas in my head and pieces i want to compose. Thanks!!! You're my favourite composer on youtube!

[@tylerhalpin2464]

Love your work. I get a goofy grin every time I hear the final results of every time challenge you do. Started trying this out myself because of you. Thank you for your passion

[@JohnnyBear]

im a beginner music maker and this helped me!

[@wenhui1020]

So true! After starting making game music everything in the video is what exactly I've been experiencing!!!!

[@VlinderLloyd]

This video is a relief! These Tips lead to a better understanding, even if I can´t immediately apply it. With a lot of videos I find myself watching steps that don´t add to my own comprehension

[@JacChoryniak]

You are the Bob Ross of music and ily

[@jankbunky4279]

I've been trying to make chiptune video game-y music for nearly a year now, and while I don't spend a lot of time doing it, and none of my tracks are really all that good, I think they are much less garbage because of you, so thanks!

[@dekushrublily]

This was awesome! Thanks for the tips! :3 If you have any more to share, I'm all ears. 👂

[@Alex-wo1bs]

THIS IS JUST EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDES please continue this serie, it could be so much helpfull to me and other people who wanna make music

[@frozenfury1634]

Your voice is sooo relaxing

[@sithikamedagedara3796]

Please make this a continuous thing, It’s so useful

[@guts2657]

More videos like this! I love seeing everyones different music making processes

[@Delecy]

7:06 Clearly he hasn't heard Here I Come or Lost in Time

[@Tr0lliPop]

uhh... he made them?

[@Delecy]

@@Tr0lliPop i don't think you understood the joke

[@Tr0lliPop]

@@Delecy nah im just continuing it, no need to whooosh me

[@ddrtv7237]

@@Tr0lliPop how was that continuing the joke when you didnt agree alomg with it

[@illyrosen9772]

I was always wondering when the magician will reveal his secrets

[@nuagor]

5:33 Composer legitimacy is over 9000!

[@ch3ckpo1nt31]

This video was super helpful! It’s so easy for me to get in my own head about how I should be writing music, just hearing someone offer some new suggestions on the process is super refreshing! Excellent job, thanks :)

[@wesleyc5713]

My 2022 new year resolutions is to make a game soundtrack for no reason. You've been a great help, thanks

[@anabsurdkitten623]

Honestly, I feel like Shady's use of examples has helped me understand these concepts better than most of the advice I've received about composition.

[@VeigarEUW]

Pllllsss more of this godlike stuff!

[@clarelim847]

I love this! Thank you!

[@VeigarEUW]

I'm really not someone who is good with other people but when I watch your videos I wish I had a friend that makes music like yours, whom I could make music together

[@TheXtremeBoltGuy]

I require more of this series. I'm making my own game and I need as many music tips as possible XD

[@killysnowsw]

now i can make SANS song

[@kigwil9495]

This video makes me think I’m gonna be struggling to make my games music for a long time Think part of my struggle is the software I’m using probably isn’t the best

[@skytiburon]

This is what I've been looking for this whole time!! WHY HASN'T KZbin RECOMMENDED IT SOONER!?

[@somedavidoguy_5629]

You say it doesn't happen in one night yet you make these in ten minutes

[@ShwappaJ]

1700s philosophers: uses poetry and rhyming to express their pain, sorrow, love, and desperation Modern philosophers: *DO THE THING*

[@dingoatemyyoutube7092]

This is really helpful, I’ve actually been working on a game, but the music wasn’t to good, thanks for he tips!

[@omnipresent_lightbulb]

Imagine going to a deserted mall to hum the super mario bros overworld theme and you hear napstablook humming back

[@RealKMDub]

Whether someone is new to music or has been making it for months, this video is very helpful! Thank you!

[@AllisterVinris]

Great vid, neat tips ! Thanks !

[@internetadventurer4570]

8:37 I would like to request an elevator for my home with this music

[@Doodlesdoo]

Honestly 🤧🤧

[@TrainerShyGuy]

I love this so much! I want to make my own game someday and I love video game music so I want it to have a good soundtrack. And if I end up deciding to try to make my own I'll definitely come back to this video a ton. (Also You Will Know Our Names is an amazing song I agree. Partially because Xenoblade is my favorite game.)

[@jmoney1319]

I'm so happy u made this video Shady! I've been wanting to make my own v g melodies for a while now and i can always count on your awesome vids!

[@dragonwitchjay3621]

My childhood is thoroughly attacked

[@rhythm0708]

i just needed this omg, thank you so much for making it! can you also make a video teaching us how to make drum beats?

[@ChaosPhoenix11]

Been subbed for a long time, and this is legitimately one of my favourite videos of yours. I think it's earnest and helpful, and entertaining to boot.

[@hugothecuban]

When you said to make the melody dance over the rythm... , something clicked. Chords are the rythm of course. Thank you man! Continue to make great music 🎶

[@WasabiNoise]

I´m vibing!

[@JurieSempai]

When you made a chill bossa version of the song in step 5, that temporarily transported me to a beach vacation where i can chill without getting sand everywhere. Thank you XD

[@anrikurisuto4432]

NICE! Was just making something. This helps!