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🎵 Listen to a New Paramaker Music Track
🕑 Added 2023-07-07 13:30:01 +0000 UTCWhat’s up everyone! Andrei here ready to bring music to your ears! 🎵
I feel like it’s been a while since we last did a music post! Last time, we talked about our musical direction for the build mode and showcased two of our tracks. As you guessed from watching the video above 🔼🎥 (where we feature one of our recent tracks “You Call That Dancing?”), this time we’re gonna describe the musical direction for the Paramaker; from how we came up with the style to how the tracks interact with the game and our progress so far with the overall music!
The Style of the Paramaker Music!
The biggest challenge of making the Paramaker music was making it feel distinct to the build mode’s but still sound like it's part of the same soundtrack. So while the build mode music is more spacious and zen, the Paramaker music should feel more intimate and groovy! All of this, while keeping in mind the cozy aspect we want and inspire players to be creative as they give identity to their Paras!
Just like with the build mode, it took a lot of experiments and demos to finally find something we truly liked and that fitted the Paramaker gameplay. The two demos we chose to define our musical direction were demo #13 “Inseparable” and #16 “Violet” both of which you can listen to in this patreon post. By combining the elements from both songs (such as the electric guitar of Inseparable and the acoustic lofi vibes of Violet) we ended up with pretty neat results! I also ended up adding texture elements of the very first demos I ever did for the game such as Home (from the chalet video) and Intertwined (from this patreon post). The end result were tracks such as “You Call That Dancing?”.
Side note: A soundtrack that was undoubtedly a very big source of inspiration for the Paramaker’s music was “TOEM” by Jamal Green & Launchable Socks. There’s just something about that music that immediately makes you feel inspired and cozy 😊
Here’s a screenshot of “You Call That Dancing?” in Logic Pro, the software I use to create the music for Paralives.
How the Music Will Be Integrated in the Paramaker!
In the Paramaker, the music will be divided in 6 groups of layers which will gradually fade out or stack up as the player zooms closer or further from their Para. In other words, when you zoom-in on the character, layers and instruments you will fade out, creating a pleasant effect where the music becomes more gentle as you get up close and personal with your Para. While we personally like this idea and have already tested it out, there’s a slight chance it might change in the future as we test and tweak it more!
The Progress on the Production of Paralives’ Soundtrack!
Paramaker tracks go through the same production process as build mode tracks. This means that we create 3 short music demos each time, from which we choose our favorite to develop into a fully fledged track (more about that process in the build mode music patreon post). For the past few months, we’ve been producing both build mode and Paramaker tracks at a steady pace meeting our previously set deadlines. The more we keep moving forward with the production, the more we know how to optimize our time and create new tracks more efficiently.
So that’s pretty much the direction we’re going for with the Paramaker! Personally, I love producing this type of songs and hearing them take life inside the game. I’d love to show you more tracks but that will have to wait 😌 What do you think of the Paramaker’s music style so far?
Thank you all for your continued support, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Buh byyyyyyyeeee!!
Andrei 🐐💣
Edit - October 5th, 2023: This post is now public, feel free to share it!
P.S. We were lucky to have a visit from Alice’ adorable dog Gomette at the office recently!
Comments
Lianna Babeli
I am so very excited for more music and sound design in the game to be revealed! Music is my favorite aspect of any multimedia and I can't wait to hear more! Keep up the amazing work. ^^ <3
mintyKHat
Thank you for linking to this post in your piano animation post, the first selection is a great cross between gently cute and the bouncy shopping Muzak of the 60s grocery y found in a certain classic life sim.
Hannah Moody-Goo
It feels very cozy and relaxing, I love it!
Jojo6716
Oh my god, I love it!! I got emotional and I don't know why, like starting up an old video when you were a kid and hear someone or see something you lost... its right up my alley, reminds me of sims 2, and just has a real powerful nostalgia to it...
Creative Jamie
I love this so much
Natan Peixoto
Amazing
Andrei Castanon
Hey Neovelli! Thanks a lot for the feedback! A lot of people pointed out the same thing so I'll definitely check that out! 😁
Andrei Castanon
Hey Und3rgr0und! Thanks for your feedback! As for your question, music in the live mode is considered but not confirmed! Would love to talk about that in another post! And I agree, dynamic music is the bomb! 🙌
h2o Queen
Have you considered chill epic music for paramaker? Both uplifting whilst remaining calm when designing. Love the music track and thank you.
Neovelli
I absolutely adore the music! I love how soothing and nostalgic it feels! I only have one slight criticism: the tic tic tic tic sound at 0:47 and 1:57 is a bit startling and takes away the feeling that I think the music is trying to convey. Instead, I would suggest instead of the "tictictictic" a "tic tic tictic". It sounds a bit softer and is less startling, but still serves the same purpose and fits the overall vibe of the music. Otherwise, I really love this and I'm definitely gonna listen to the soundtrack on loop all day! I can't wait to hear it in the game, Well done Andrei! 😊💞
Maxx
They need to have all the dev's pets in game 😭
Anna-Maria Kuru
Please make Gomette an adoptable pet in the game. ♥️😍
Nana-Osaki6
LOVE IT SO MUCH so chill and cuteeee <3
Maxx
i agree about the snare/drums, they sound sort of low quality (?) idk much about music production or beats, just my impression
Maxx
What I like most about Paralives soundtrack so far is the rhythm... idk if that makes sense but all the tracks i've heard so far had such a catchy rhythm to them that is really inspiring (so exactly what you guys wanted i suppose)
Gab (Paralives)
hi! thank you for the heads up, it should be working now :)
Thekwspl
last link in the post isn't working - its redirecting to blocked google docs
Luiz Andreolla
This is WONDERFUL, it seens like Sims 2 soundtrack but a lot better
amongusfurry
There are parts where i feel it could be slowed down a bit but other than that its great!
Francis McDonald
The music is so soothing. I love it
Kristen
Agree with OP about the dated pops and snares. They pop you out of the mellow mood.
Katherine Winn
So sweet of you to reply! I know you guys are doing everything and then some while trying to appease the masses. Thanks so much for the response, and keep on keeping on.
Und3rgr0und -
I really like how chill it feels! The only thing I dislike is the.. tic tic tic tic? that plays once in a while, like at 3:37 or 1:57. Really like the idea of layering the sounds depending on the zooming! Can't wait to see how the live mode will be. Are you guys planning something like hourly/time depended music or just a general soundtrack that changes with the weather or something? If y'all manage to make the layering thing work, then I think it would be great to have some objects that change the sound a little? In ''My Sims'' for the wii each house had a meter for different ''traits'' such as spooky, cute, nerdy, etc and the theme that played in the house depended on the dominant trait. I doubt that's doable for something like paralives but basically what I'm trying to say is dynamic music and sounds is cool af!! Gomette est vraiment cute! Continuez comme ça! <3
Fran Smith
I really like the music, and I think it fits the game well, with more variety and surprise than any game I've heard, but I have to admit, I agree with you with regards to the fake snare drums. I'm a singer, not a musician as such, but as someone who generally appreciates 'real' live music, they negatively popped out at me also...
Fran Smith
The music is really beautiful! It has enough unpredictability to make my ears wonder where it was going and surprise my ears whenever it went somewhere, enough theme to make me feel comfortable, but at the same time enough variation in that theme to keep me interested in listening for the next iteration. And it rewards careful listening. Wonderful! I never buy soundtracks to games, usually finding them very predictable and repetitive, and usually tiring of them very quickly, even if I initially liked them. But this one, I just might!! Well done!!
nemo
I love the direction this is taking! I'm SUPER intrigued by the idea of the layers of instruments with the different parts of the paramaker so I can't wait to see more on that concept
Margaret Ann
I love how chill this is! :D
Andrei Castanon
Hey Katherine! Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm honest when I say I appreciate how you express your expectations with no filter whatsoever. I'll note down all your points and will definitely check out Delicate Steve and Boards of Canada!
Andrei Castanon
It's something we've been considering but it'll have to wait until the soundtrack is done probably!
Andrei Castanon
Thank you so much Xavier! Your support honestly means a lot and its the reason why we can do this game. And on a personal level, its what motivates me to try to make something worthy of the project. I'm really looking forward to show you more music soon!
Becky
Beautiful music Andrei! 😧👏🏻 well done! This is amazing and fits so so well ♥️
Katherine Winn
I think this is a definite improvement from the last time we heard some music. Last time I commented on your build mode music, saying it was "Generic and dull." Someone replied to me saying that "it's build mode music it's supposed to be generic." Which to me sums up a lot of issues with today's gaming industry as a whole. I still think the fake snare/drums is dreadful and hate every second of it, I know it's really popular right now but I am telling you it is already dated and will not age well at all in this game (oh the lowfi hip-hop YouTube chillwave synthpop drums lol). I hope that doesn't sound too tough, overwhelmingly the majority of what you release/show I have been incredibly excited for and think is amazing. Just find someone on Craigslist viva la Europe that can actually play drums? It would vastly improve it. I still implore you to listen to someone like Delicate Steve or Boards of Canada, something that can be more synthetic but not sound like those *shudder* snare drums. Want to end on a positive note and say that this is a huge improvement to me from the last few songs, I really think it's almost there. Remember, we're going to spend absolutely hours, I mean well into the thousands if everything goes well, playing this game!
Xavier Zayas
I’m absolutely loving all the sounds in this game! It would be incredible if we could have a collector’s edition for Paralives that includes the amazing soundtrack. Owning a physical copy would be a nice addition to my collection. This game has already gained so much popularity, and I can confidently say it’s becoming one of my all-time favorites. I genuinely want Paralives to achieve tremendous success, and I’m genuinely rooting for all of you involved in its development. The music, build mode, PAM, language, and so much more are just outstanding. I can’t even contain my excitement! I’m really eager to play it—I can’t wait! Haha, if the soundtrack is available online for streaming or even for purchase, I have a feeling I’ll be listening to it on repeat countless times. Andrei, as a fellow composer, I must commend you for how seamlessly the music fits into the game. Your attention to detail and dedication to the soundtrack truly shine through. I’m overjoyed that Alex chose you to compose the music, and I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing more of your incredible work.
aza
Omg this is so wonderful. Is it weird it feels illegal to listen to this before the game comes out
Codi
TBD I’m just asking
BreakingGaia
Well I'll tell you what...I'm in Sims 4 CAS listening to this and I love it. Just the vibes to get creative, it's mellow and inspiring. I can't wait for this game to release and see and hear all the artwork and creativity you guys put into it all at once.
Ludivine
j'adore c'est relaxant et frais!
ladyteruki
Hi Andrei, long time no hear ! :) This is very nice, I can absolutely picture it in the PAM. I don't know why but I was even moved by the sequence that starts right before the 2:00 mark (something about the clapping ? I'm not sure I can pinpoint it). There's something positive and upbeat there, that I appreciate in combination of the other qualities you mentioned (cozy, intimate, zen...). I'm not sure how it is even possible to be both zen and upbeat but you've done it ! As usual, some constructive criticism (or at least what I intend as such), as there were a few high notes around 3:40, near the end of the transition, that I found a bit... disruptive ? It made me jump on my chair a bit for being a bit too high compared to the rest.
Bettina Dransfelt
Love the tracks. Like a game I can play without any stress. Unless of course I make my own stress lol. You all have a nice weekend.
Andrei Castanon
Hey Megan! It's not that complicated honestly. With most tracks I like to start with a main riff or "the heart" as I like to see it and branch out all the layers from there. In the case of this track it's the starting 2 electric guitars!
Luther Duncan
This is super soothing I LOVE !
Megan Santucci
PARALIVES OST WHEN??
Megan Santucci
Every time you share your work with us my mind is boggled by just how many rows? of stuff?? you have to combine to make a single music track. That's gotta take skill because I wouldn't even know where to start.
Megan Santucci
PUPPY!!
Codi
Please release the soundtrack on music platforms when the game comes out 💜🥰
pekeniax
Loved it!💚
Kyle Austen
I actually really love this and I feel like I'm gonna spend hours making Paras just to listen to it (and because I already spend hours on character creation in general lol)
Samari Prime
I actually like this! This will grow for sure. Really nice for paramaker. Relaxing yet lively
tey711
Beautiful music that just carries you away!! I'm loving it and I look forward to listening to all the beautiful melodies ingame!! 💕
Michael
It’s excellent, Andrei!
Veve
The melody is so beautiful and pleasant!! I could def see myself making paras to this and bobbing along haha, really digging this track :D 💗
Justin Barnett
This is amazing. The bass in this is very calming. I really love the art style and aesthetic of this game. The team is putting their heart and soul into this game and it really shows.
Romée Lutterop
I love it! I'm afraid you'll have to put it on on repeat while focussing on work sometimes to see if it still works after listening to it for hours, haha!
Danielle Ross
I am absolutely in love. This is amazing!
Madeline
I feel like, as much as I enjoy the vibe of these in isolation, the true test of these music tracks will be if they are unobtrusive enough for me to still like them after hearing them for several consecutive hours. 😂
Sara Rocha
Very relaxing, very beautiful. I can already imagine myself spending over an hour creating the perfect Para with this on the background 🎶
Cinderelabaiana
WOW is so calming and lovely :)
Julio Saliba
The music is very relaxing! As someone who is studying music at a university (music minor), I want to hear more music tracks from the master himself! 🎼
Gill Reid
Love the music!!! Thanks for all your hard work everyone 😃
