Neural DSP Contest
Originally posted April 12, 2020.
To celebrate the first birthday of my signature guitar plugin with Neural DSP, “Archetype: Plini”, I have devised a short backing track for a solo + remix contest.
You can either: (1) play a solo over the backing track, or (2) create a “remix” using the stems provided. For example: compose a new riff using the drums, turn some of the layers into a techno song - anything you can think of, as long as it isn’t longer than one minute!
People of all ages, skill levels and instruments are invited to participate.
I will be judging the entries on their creativity and inventiveness - characteristics which I believe are not limited by experience or equipment.
I will select a top ten and three prize winners for each category and announce them here and on instagram in the second week of May. The winners (six in total) will receive a free license for any Neural DSP plugin of their choosing.
Submissions are now closed - thank you!
Ok, wow. There were over 600 entries. That means we created 10+ hours of new music together! Thank you to everyone who took part in this for being absolutely wonderful & inspiring virtual collaborators. We will have to do it again sometime! I watched every single one (many I had to watch more than once) and narrowed it down to a selection of my favourite solos and remixes. You can check them all out on instagram by clicking the @names below.
10 FAVOURITE SOLOS
WINNERS
@AMYTURKHARP My tiny lil six-string brain can’t comprehend what is even happening but it sounds utterly BEAUTIFUL.
@ADWAIT_SUDERSAN 11/10 for inventiveness! A totally unique approach to crafting a guitar solo.
@FRANCOVITTORE Amazing phrasing, really interesting note choices, and builds perfectly.
OTHER FAVOURITES
@COEN_STR I think all instrumentalists should aspire to be able to coax such a variety of sounds from their instrument.
@JOHANNESPERSSONMUSIC Smooth as! I especially liked the little natural harmonics near the beginning.
@JOHNRCARDONA Delicious tone, just awesome playing!
@GUITARTYLER Awesome attention to rhythm and adventurous note choices!
@DANNYCAPPELLI The type of young player that makes me happy and terrified at the same time. Great playing!
@MARCELTINAW Beautiful tone & articulation. Could listen to this all day!
@SANTAIZEN The solo perfectly exemplifies the caption: “Music is beyond time or culture boundaries”
10 FAVOURITE REMIXES
WINNERS
@VEMMBAND Turning sad sci-fi prog into pure love & happiness! Send me the lasagna?
@MDAMIANO_MUSIC Thanks for making me briefly feel like the drummer in a sweet math/prog band!
@JSRAMIREZ98 Beautiful blend of two of my favourite things: tasteful guitar playing & creative modern production.
OTHER FAVOURITES
@J__HUSS I guess this is my ringtone now. Thank you.
@ADAM.WISSMAN Wild shirt, wild guitar, even wilder approach to the drum track!
@TAYLORJAMESNEAL You did the equivalent of turning junkyard scraps (my stems) into a beautiful sonic sculpture!
@SMORRMS I consider this a remix cos you added flowers. Great re-arrangement and great solo!
@NATHANIEL.LEMISCH Playing & production both just slick as fuck. I can swear because this is my website.
@THELEGENDOFLEO Beautiful lil song – I’m even more inspired to work with vocals now!
@11_GREEN Truly lovely re-work. Truly lovely hairstyles!