Kenshi Audio Updates

[KoleHicks]

Happy 2014! Back with another update to the blog. This is all relatively new stuff, so it'll probably be released in future updates… http://kolemusician.com/blog/?p=167

So I didn't really play since the audio update, but started a new game just now. At first I just got a buddy and we wandered into the desert with no real aim, and the music was just amazing. Really conjured up a feeling of insecurity and mystery. Even when we started hauling goods between towns the audio really gave a weight to the experience of travelling that just made the whole journey more exciting. Maybe some months ago I thought the guitar sounded odd, but it is awesome when it kicks in. Well done on a fantastic job on the music!

Thanks for the kind words I'm glad you felt those emotions as you wandered the desert.

[Vharc]

Howdy, I just noticed a new blue name and thought I would say hi.
The link at the bottom "The Team" seems to not list everyone.
Anywho... I did have a question a bit back and did not know there was someone handling the sound/music now. Maybe you would know...

I was playing a week or two ago and thought I heard an excerpt from a Depeche Mode song... strangely I have not heard it since. Maybe it was just in my head... but it was a very familiar beat/chording.

I have to agree, by the way, I skipped playing a few updates myself over the last few months because I got roped into Skyrim again... and I come back to a much more robust and beautiful sound library. Much of it is very fitting to the shadows and lighting of a setting sun playing across the desert canyon walls.
<3

[KoleHicks]

Howdy, I just noticed a new blue name and thought I would say hi.
The link at the bottom "The Team" seems to not list everyone.
Anywho... I did have a question a bit back and did not know there was someone handling the sound/music now. Maybe you would know...

I was playing a week or two ago and thought I heard an excerpt from a Depeche Mode song... strangely I have not heard it since. Maybe it was just in my head... but it was a very familiar beat/chording.

I have to agree, by the way, I skipped playing a few updates myself over the last few months because I got roped into Skyrim again... and I come back to a much more robust and beautiful sound library. Much of it is very fitting to the shadows and lighting of a setting sun playing across the desert canyon walls.
<3

Hmm… can't say I've run into anything that sounds like an excerpt from a Depeche Mode song. Although, admittedly, I haven't really listened to their music. However, the way the music system is set up, it might be possible that a short segment could randomly sound similar to something else… perhaps a one in a million (I don't actually know the odds) chance.

Thanks for the kind words, glad you think the Soundscape fits the environment

[PnzrNorm]

A long time ago in a Kenshi world far, far away, I used my Pandora station as BGM during play sessions, which, I'm glad to say, telepathically transferred into Kenshi itself.

If I may post several youtube links to tracks that influence my Kenshi play the most, simply for others to enjoy and/or musical inspiration for future works KoleHicks may produce in his career.
I warn you there is a lot of folk metal in here, for what is more metal that holding a piece of metal with the intent to embed it into as many skulls as possible before dying gloriously. Nothing is the answer, except maybe Valhalla.

To start, Korpiklaani is a Finnish folk metal group, formerly known as Shaman. I enjoy the different combinations of instruments in each album.

• Ievan Polkka by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhZpmFORHBA
  
  Running With The Wolves by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDhxupfd57Y
  
  Happy Little Boozer by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFZoSKDzCPE

Arkona is a Russian pagan metal band with a female lead vocalist that also sings death growl exceptionally well.

• Kupalets by Arkona (sounds wonderful when looped)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BEDlwTRchQ
  
  Na Moey Zemle by Arkona (15 min. track)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzgqKXPpd2g

And a fun one for the whole family to sing-along.

• Drunken Sailor by Blaggards
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI_l7U-nUmg

There are many, many more I could add to this, but I thought it'd be better to start short.

Speaking of all this folk music, the Norse apocalypse is happening tomorrow. Y'know, the one when Ragnarok falls and Loki's wolf-son Fenrir comes down to the mortal world and devours every one and thing, leaving the two strongest to re-populate.

[Hatsune_Neko]

Speaking of all this folk music, the Norse apocalypse is happening tomorrow. Y'know, the one when Ragnarok falls and Loki's wolf-son Fenrir comes down to the mortal world and devours every one and thing, leaving the two strongest to re-populate.

Nice selection of music.

Kittah eats the wolf-son Fenrir
Burps.
pads around on the floor then jumps up onto the back of the sofa and takes a nap.
sorry, no apocalypse for you.

=(^.^)=

[PnzrNorm]

Kittah eats the wolf-son Fenrir
Burps.
pads around on the floor then jumps up onto the back of the sofa and takes a nap.
sorry, no apocalypse for you.

=(^.^)=

My pack will not give up so easily.
;D

[Santaissick]

Korpiklaani perkele!

Great band and I listen a lot of other folk metal as well.

I hadn't heard about Arkona before but it sounds real good and I'll definitely look more into it.

Ever heard about Skálmöld? They are from Iceland. Their lyrics and stories behind the lyrics seem pretty similar to some of the Arkonas you linked. I haven't heard much their newer stuff but I happen to have their first album (Yes. Actually the physical thing. And no. It doesn't fit into an Ipod) and it's awesome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPjJkBWclpA


PS. Ragnarok ain't bullshit. When the next ice age comes, the Norse will be the only ones to withstand the cold. We will rise again! TO VALHALLA!!!

[KoleHicks]

To start, Korpiklaani is a Finnish folk metal group, formerly known as Shaman. I enjoy the different combinations of instruments in each album.

• Ievan Polkka by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhZpmFORHBA
  
  Running With The Wolves by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDhxupfd57Y
  
  Happy Little Boozer by Korpiklaani
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFZoSKDzCPE

Arkona is a Russian pagan metal band with a female lead vocalist that also sings death growl exceptionally well.

• Kupalets by Arkona (sounds wonderful when looped)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BEDlwTRchQ
  
  Na Moey Zemle by Arkona (15 min. track)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzgqKXPpd2g

And a fun one for the whole family to sing-along.

• Drunken Sailor by Blaggards
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI_l7U-nUmg

This is great! "Drunken Sailor" is a staple of the Ren Faire down here in Southern California; always fun to sing along with that tune. Can't say I was familiar with the other 2 bands, but the instrumentation is really cool… might have to keep that in mind for future biomes. Thanks for sharing

[PnzrNorm]

If I may also present the Scottish Pirate-Metal group Alestorm (the lead vocals also plays keytar).
Wenches and Mead by Alestorm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ef6i9P7y3Y

Without knowing any other biomes (aside from the swamp), I can't help but imagine how cool it would be to cross frigid mountain passes with a driving rhythm of tribal drums and a lone fiddle playing a melody in the background or singing sea shanties with a concertina, or other accordion, along the tropical coast.

Then again, sampling environmental sounds and mapping them onto objects in the world can add subtle, yet dramatic effects. Even something as simple as leaves rustling in the jungle canopy above your char(s) would give the world so much more.

P.s. I heard there was a request for a didgeridoo player ;D

[KoleHicks]

If I may also present the Scottish Pirate-Metal group Alestorm (the lead vocals also plays keytar).
Wenches and Mead by Alestorm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ef6i9P7y3Y

Without knowing any other biomes (aside from the swamp), I can't help but imagine how cool it would be to cross frigid mountain passes with a driving rhythm of tribal drums and a lone fiddle playing a melody in the background or singing sea shanties with a concertina, or other accordion, along the tropical coast.

Then again, sampling environmental sounds and mapping them onto objects in the world can add subtle, yet dramatic effects. Even something as simple as leaves rustling in the jungle canopy above your char(s) would give the world so much more.

P.s. I heard there was a request for a didgeridoo player ;D

Ha that's a great tune! Definitely would be fun while crossing a snowy mountain pass. Can't say I've looked into didgeridoo yet, but that might be interesting to look into for some biomes.

New Blog update on what I've been working on! http://kolemusician.com/blog/?p=173

[KoleHicks]

Wow it's been a little while since I last updated this thread, but hopefully it won't disappoint!

I've started a new video series documenting the entire process as I write music for games & of course Kenshi is featured In the 1st video we dive into the music of the Swamplands!

http://youtu.be/a421lSIkE_M

Hope you enjoy!

[Butta]

You are doing a great job Kole, keep it up!
I'm looking forward to hear more masterpieces from you.

Also I have a small question.. Is there any chance of getting the Main Theme as a download?
Otherwise I have to find a way to extract the .bnk's and convert the .wem's to .mp3

[Lo Ki]

First off, I'd like to say that I enjoy the generally ambient feel that you've got going on, & I'm definitely feeling the instrumentation. Now, onto my question and/or suggestion. Is there going to be battle music? I was just thinking how cool some RZA-like Afro Samurai music would be for battling. As most of the music (thus far) is more atmospheric, I was thinking a change to a nice thudding kick and cracking snare over a koto (or any other number of ethnic instruments) would reflect the change in action and add to the tension (and general anxiety) of the scenario. I'm probably gonna get crucified for my suggestion after reading the rest of the thread, as my tastes seem to be a bit disparate in this case, but let me have it.

[KoleHicks]

You are doing a great job Kole, keep it up!
I'm looking forward to hear more masterpieces from you.

Also I have a small question.. Is there any chance of getting the Main Theme as a download?
Otherwise I have to find a way to extract the .bnk's and convert the .wem's to .mp3

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you're liking it so far

As for the Main Theme, yes eventually I'll make it available for download when I release the entire OST. However, until then I'll do another 'Revealing the Score' video & this time I may talk about the Main Theme. Patrons to that vlog series will get the ability to DL a rough mix of the MT; as the piece still needs a little more work before I'd consider it finished!

First off, I'd like to say that I enjoy the generally ambient feel that you've got going on, & I'm definitely feeling the instrumentation. Now, onto my question and/or suggestion. Is there going to be battle music? I was just thinking how cool some RZA-like Afro Samurai music would be for battling. As most of the music (thus far) is more atmospheric, I was thinking a change to a nice thudding kick and cracking snare over a koto (or any other number of ethnic instruments) would reflect the change in action and add to the tension (and general anxiety) of the scenario. I'm probably gonna get crucified for my suggestion after reading the rest of the thread, as my tastes seem to be a bit disparate in this case, but let me have it.

Thanks; glad you like the overall Ambient feel! As for your question… there won't ever be Combat music in Kenshi, as the music is representative of the World & the World doesn't care if you live or die… it just does its thing However, that's not to say all the music you hear in Kenshi will be atmospheric… we have some ideas I'd eventually like to implement that'll make the aural palette a bit more exciting.

[Lo Ki]

Thanks; glad you like the overall Ambient feel! As for your question… there won't ever be Combat music in Kenshi, as the music is representative of the World & the World doesn't care if you live or die… it just does its thing However, that's not to say all the music you hear in Kenshi will be atmospheric… we have some ideas I'd eventually like to implement that'll make the aural palette a bit more exciting.

Very cool. I'm a music producer, myself, so if there's any help I can offer, feel free to ask! I'm looking forward to hearing more, for sure.

[Clawdius Talonious]

Looking forward to the next Revealing the Score video Kole, and I'll be interested to see the work you do for Pixel Pirates as well.

[KoleHicks]

Looking forward to the next Revealing the Score video Kole, and I'll be interested to see the work you do for Pixel Pirates as well.

Thanks very much It just so happens that I'm back with the next Revealing the Score video! This time, since I had people request it, I made this video all about the Main Title.

http://youtu.be/TB9T0gLI5g0

I know some people were asking about the M.T. as a Mp3 & I won't be releasing the final version until the official soundtrack comes out; however some Patrons (since this video series is supported via Patreon) will get to download a High Quality Mp3 rough mix of the M.T. http://www.patreon.com/Kole

As a side note; Pixel Piracy was a lot of fun to work on & quite different than Kenshi! The game just released & the OST is 50% off at the moment https://koleaudiosolutions.bandcamp.com

[Hatsune_Neko]

awesome as allways.

[RighteousSinner]

Thanks very much It just so happens that I'm back with the next Revealing the Score video! This time, since I had people request it, I made this video all about the Main Title.

http://youtu.be/TB9T0gLI5g0

That second example sounds like your fighting cannibals or bandits, the third one sounds like you're in a town.

[Butta]

Unfortunately I don't have any possibility to give you some money on Patreon.
Nevertheless, keep up the nice work! I have no idea about music but your videos are still very interesting.