Mass Effect 3 Fan Music

Before it was announced that Clint Mansell (composer for the films Black Swan, Moon, and Smokin' Aces) would be scoring the upcoming video game Mass Effect 3, it was assumed that Wall of Sound (the collaborative composing group spearheaded by Video Games Live conductor Jack Wall) would be scoring the final installment of the Mass Effect trilogy. Sam Hulick had even created a tentative thematic piece, which would more than likely have been used at the start of the game:



While the choice of Clint Mansell is a bit surprising, I am interested to hear what he brings to the table. Nevertheless, I am a bit saddened that Wall of Sound must go its own way at this time. They are all very talented, and the team will be missed, I am sure.

I had previously created a piece meant to be a speculative work as to what the Wall of Sound Mass Effect 3 would sound like. You can listen and comment below.

Mass Effect 3 Earth Under Siege (Fan Music) by Isaac Vail

New Website Up!

Hello, my friends. Got some quick news here- I've totally revamped my website and given it a more professional air. It's less homemade-ish.

It was certainly an interesting experience with HTML and CSS, and uh... self-discovery? No, I guess not- though I did have to write a little bit about myself, that's always interesting.

In any case, hopefully I've worked out the kinks and the website is 100% functional. If any of you have any issues viewing the website, let me know.

Also, this is the website.

Ceremonious Blog Post

Well, I finally got my Master Certificate in the mail. What, don't believe me?

Have at you!




To commemorate this, have some video game arrangements I did. The first is the Koopa Samba (I think it's samba, at least), an arrangement of the boss battle music from Super Mario World.



The second tune is an arrangement of "The Muse's Song," from God of War III. I haven't played the game myself, but I watched an entire walkthrough of it! Does that count? In truth, the music is one of the reasons why I like God of War in the first place.



Enjoy the tunes! If you comment, I might share a download link. Or two. If I like you.

Various Updates

Good evening. It's been a while since I updated here, but I suppose enough developments have transpired to warrant another posting.

First up on the docket, a song to share, with a sampled instrument courtesy of one Dave Graham. This piece uses several instruments, including percussion, strings, guitar, synthesizer, and more. However, it is Graham's sampled prepared piano instrument that offers a unique percussion texture. Take a listen!



Next on the docket is a happy development in the job world- I have finally gotten a job as an independent contractor for WeGame.com. This has thus far occupied my time for the last two weeks, as I get up at the crack o' dawn to post all news related to video games for the humble site. I am very glad to contribute, the site has a lot of potential and I truly hope WeGame succeeds.

Lastly, a monumental celebration of sorts. I am officially half-over with my final quarter at Berklee. Despite some gripes I have had in the past with it, I really can't complain. It's been a phenomenal educational experience and I am forever grateful to those who made this opportunity possible, and those who have furthered my education.

That said, may the rest of you have a happy evening.

Winter Term

So. I've just begun my new term with Berkleemusic. Well, actually, I'm three weeks in. I'm taking an Orchestration class, a Game Audio (sort of like Audio Engineering for video games) class, "Recording and Producing in the Home Studio," and "Songwriting Workshop: Writing Hit Songs." Out of the aforementioned, the one I'm enjoying most is Orchestration. My instructor, Ben Newhouse, is a very encouraging and particularly wise individual. I feel like I'm unlocking the potential of EastWest's Symphonic Orchestra. Which is fantastic.

My other classes are so-so. I am most definitely not enjoying Songwriting Workshop. I am a terrible lyric writer, and I don't have a knack for verse. So without having any previous lyric writing instruction, I'm more or less stabbing in the dark for that. On top of that, I have to sing my own lyrics (so far). And let me tell you, I am no vocalist. At all. Game Audio isn't too bad, some of the scripting stuff goes over my head, but I'm sure it will all make sense to me soon. I'm just glad I can get some insight into game audio implementation and architecture.

In other news, I worked for Grassroots Campaigns for all of three days. I discovered it wasn't my thing.

But hey, I'm $150 richer- if only to be used for subsistence.