It feels like it's been forever since I've put out a proper Finn song! This one is about a recent relationship of mine which, while it didn't work out, was ultimately extremely positive and educational. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/753291

So close...

99% live recordings and real instruments, baby!

Having participated in this contest last year, I know that one thing that's often on competitors' minds is how to please the judges. The bottom line for me, at least, is just to make good music. I'm not partial to any genre, I just love good music! I'm not going to offer a secret route to getting in bed with me, so to speak, but what I will offer is full transparency with how I'll be judging your submissions. I've got 2 sections splits into 8 key categories which I will now describe:

Value Definitions - Production
Technical Mixing: How well the production elements of the track come together, both on individual instruments and on the track as a whole. All individual instruments and voices should be clear and satisfying to listen to, generally speaking.
Creative Mixing: How effectively the composer uses creative tools and effects to augment instruments and build the track. Includes delay, reverb, distortion, filters, etc. For tracks intentionally 'raw', or otherwise free of effects and such, this category will mostly be ignored.
Mastering: How effectively the track has been mastered. This includes both technical and creative elements: EQ, compression, maximizing, limiting, dithering, etc.

Value Definitions - Composition
Structure & Progression: How effectively the track is structured. How effectively are verses, choruses, bridges, solos, etc. arranged throughout the song? How are the dynamics of the track overall? How satisfying is the flow of the whole track from start to finish?
Melodic Elements: How emotionally pulling, effective, and memorable the melodies in the track are.
Harmony & Texture: The complexity of harmonies and the relationship between harmonic progressions throughout the track. Are harmonies used with variety and impact? Also covers the general texture of the track: where is it thin, where is it thick? Are those sections effective because of it?
Atmosphere & Emotion: The general feel of the track. How effectively does it make me cry / rock out / achieve nirvana / dance / achieve emotion? Does the message of the track come across effectively / does the track achieve its goal?
Originality: No matter how good the track is, has it been done before? Are there elements present that have never been heard before, or does the composer clearly attempt to make brand new sounds?

And that's it! If you'd ever like to receive more in-depth feedback on your track, feel free to PM me. Best of luck NGUAC-ers.

Things are heating up in the Finnspace. Stay tuned... #NGADM #Roundof64

Coming off of my nifty win last year, I'll be one of those mysterious figures judging this year's NGUAC. Link is below - get ya songwriting on and get participatin'!

http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1423801/1

I'm taking a couple weeks off work and going away. But I want your input on what to do in the future! More info in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw2ZUjdREW8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxHXJ1L7Fys

http://www.youtube.com/c/FinnMK/live

I'm going to be live streaming some piano jams this Saturday at 12pm noon Eastern Standard Time. More details in the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r3CAfwphYA

Quick post to answer a question I got - why so infrequent with the music posting?

The answer is that I'm still making originals (which get posted here) and doing tons of piano covers, but the covers aren't allowed to be posted to Newgrounds for legal reasons. If you want to check out all my material, then head over to my Youtube page where I post new music 2-3 times a week:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FinnMertinsKirkwood

Party on.