Composition Project Video: https://youtu.be/q6csr5kvDCk

Visual Code:

Sound Code:

Code – Part 1.

Code – Part 2.

I found this composition project particularly challenging, especially since we had to create a sound piece that evolves like a song while simultaneously developing visuals. Visuals, in particular, have always been a struggle for me. I think I got a bit blindsided by my motivation to create something that looked cool rather than ensuring it aligned with the overall vibe and tone of my sound.

In terms of the sound, the process was incredibly draining. I had structured the first section as the initial verse and the second section as the buildup, intending to include a transition between the two and then a beat drop after the buildup. However, I hit a wall—I was completely burnt out and couldn’t figure out a smooth way to transition between them. Eventually, I decided to make the second section the beat drop instead. That still left me struggling to find the right transition, though, because while the first and second sections felt similar in some ways, I also found them to be vastly different. I would just stare at my screen for hours, unsure of how to bridge them. Lines I initially planned to use for the transition ended up working better as supplementary elements for either section. In the end, I found that gradually fading out sounds one by one and then reintegrating and layering them into the second section was the best solution.

I knew that sound was my stronger suit, so I definitely put more time and effort into it. Looking back, I wish I had managed my time better so I could have balanced both the sound and visuals more equally. I also think the transition could still be improved—right now, when all the sounds in the second part are introduced, the superhoover sound is too overpowering, which diminishes the effect of a transition. Despite the challenges, I always find coding music really fun. That said, with all the midterm assignments piling up, I’m glad we’re getting a break from coding this week!