109515-the-music-of-wildstar-anyone-else-feel-its-a-little-generic

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So, since people read just the first post (partially look at you, Mr. Kurtenacker ^^), I'm goinna reword my first post and include some of my responses.
 
Basically, what I was talking about is that all the music is of a similar flavor, has the same feel, all that. Every song in the game has the same instrumentation, minus a few, and follows the same basic pattern. I've yet to find a song that really stands out (minus a couple), where I can go, "Hey! That's Thayd!" or "Hey! That's Farside!"... it all just kind of blends into the background. I believe composition requires a bit more than a pretty sound, it requires music that tells a story, and invokes emotion or can make you think of certain things. Right now, the music is just generic orchestral sounds, and it isn't really all that unique, in the scheme of things. If you look at a song in any Nintendo game, you'll recognize it even if you haven't played the game in 10 years! In Wildstar, the music isn't very interesting, and doesn't really stand out at all - and will fade away almost as soon as you stop hearing it. I could hum every Zelda song in the game for you, every Mario song, so on, but I couldn't even tell you what's going to happen in Wildstar's music (and I've been playing for ~4 months). Now, don't get me wrong, the music in this game isn't bad, but I don't feel it's particularly good, either. Sweeping orchestral pieces are nice when they're relevant, but forcing that theme onto the whole game is just a bit... lazy. Music needs life, it needs personality, or it just falls on deaf ears. There's a reason most people in MMO's mute the game and just listen to their own music, you know. The only games that people really enjoy the music in are single-player games, like those by Nintendo's composers Koji Kondo and Toru Minegishi (both of whom are great inspiration to me), and the like. Jeff, I'm not saying your music is bad, but you need to expand your horizons a bit, and breathe some life into the music, rather than try to sound all fancy and orchestral like every other game out there.
 
So, I'll make a suggestion. Thayd, an abandoned Osun city, that the Exiles now call their home. Right now, the music is very tranquil, slow-paced, and isn't really noticeable. Lots of string instruments, a flute I can hear, and some other woodwinds. A drum occasionally, and a very infrequently used trumpet / brass section. Does that really fit the theme of a bunch of warmongering giants, a rag-tag band of people who are fighting for a new home, or a run-down, overgrown ancient city? Maybe the latter, but it could still use work to make it really pop out of the other sounds in the game, and to make the capitol city (a big deal, y'know) feel unique.
The Exiles have a heavy Western influence, so add the appropriate sounds - acoustic guitar, that twangy sound, and an up-beat rhythm.
Add subtle drums, more frequently than what we have (rarely), that gives the warmongering, violent sense of the Osun to the city.
The strings can stay, since they do suit an abandoned city, but give them a real melody, not just background noise.
One thing I have noticed about the music in Wildstar, a lot of it lacks melody. We have lots of rhythmic strings, background noise, and all that, but nothing that's really melodic. Sure, there are a few segments of each song that have some form of melody, but for 95% of the duration, it's just repetitive rhythm that has no substance to it.
 
Now, the music isn't all just carbon-copies of the same songs and all that by any means, but it is very generic and bland feeling.
 
Yes, we do have a few themes: Eldan, Osun, Celestion / Everstar, and so on. But, outside of those themes, nothing feels unique. It's kind of bland. :P (And even then, they use the same instruments and everything, and aren't all that unique from one another) Like I said earlier, in Nintendo games, each and every area has a totally unique sound that gives the place a personality all its own. Listen to some of the OST's for Zelda, Mario and so on. You'll see what I mean. Sure, I could tell you if you're in an Osun area, but which one? I donno. Same goes for the other themes.
 
That's what I'm asking for, music with personality. Orchestra is great, and I love it, but having the entirety of the game being the same orchestra with very minor differences gets a little old. : / Feels like elevator music. I feel like a lot of composers produce "dead" music, which is music that has no life or personality to it, and is just background noise. The really good music feels alive, and tells a story, even if it doesn't have words. I just don't really get that from the music in Wildstar, honestly.
 
And, I love the music, don't think I don't. I just want a bit more variety in the future. :3
 
Ok, sure, the songs are vaguely dissimilar. It still doesn't really account for the fact that none of them are unique. : / They're just variations of the same song, with maybe 5% difference.
 
This game doesn't really have music that sticks in your head. You won't be able to play the music in your head a year from now (unless you still play), and you won't remember it all that much. There are some games whose music I know by heart, and just hearing it brings back all kinds of memories. That's what I mean by music that's alive. The music fits, it feels like it belongs in the area, it's not just some general over-arching theme that is forced onto everything.
 
Celestion: Same, slow orchestral sound, but add in a flute (perhaps pan) and a few chimes.
 
Thayd: Same, slow orchestral sound, but now we have a trumpet instead of chimes, still have the flute too.
 
Galeras: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some wubs.
 
Strain: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some oomph parts, and make the rest quiet - oh and detune your instruments a bit. ^^
 
The music is all the same flavor, same everything, with very small differences. That's what I'm getting at. The sound might be different, but the feel is the same.
 
Now, let's compare to one of my favorite games, music-wise.
 
First, we have Castle Town. Notice the instrumentation, the beat, everything.
 
Next, we have The Lost Woods, again, pay attention to it all.
 
Next up, we have Kokiri Forest, which is the same theme as The Lost Woods, but notice the very big differences. Same up-beat rhythm, a lot of the same instruments, but notice the difference. (If you pay really close attention, they almost have the same melody, but you wouldn't know unless you were paying attention!)
 
Last, Hyrule Field. This is an adventure game, and this song definitely gives you that adventurous feel.
 
Now, do you see what I'm talking about? The music can have a theme, it can have lots of themes, but you have to mix it up. Using the same style of music for every zone gets a little old. A bit of variety is a good thing. But, again, I think I'm just not really feeling the Wildstar music. It's nice music, and I like it, but it just doesn't feel alive. It doesn't stick, I can't remember the songs, all that - and I'm a musician myself. It's just pretty sound, rather than something that invokes feeling or tells a story.
 
Maybe I'm just too picky. I donno.	
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			I love the music in the nursery and I think they're using a similiar piece in the next content drop. Besides that I rarely notice music in games (--> Most of the time I'm in TS anyways).	
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I haven't been to 50 yet, so I donno what the Nursery sounds like. :P Highest level so far is 38, but I've rolled a thousand and two alts and gotten to 30+, if that counts. xD
 
Edit: I listened to it on Youtube! But, while it is a nice song, that's what I'm getting at. Lots of violins, some harps, maybe a bit of flute, but what Wildstar song doesn't have that? There's no real discernible melody, it's just kind of background noise. :P I'm talking about adding music that has real personality to it, and is easily distinguishable!
 
For example,
 
Lost Woods vs. Kakariko Village vs. Castle Town vs. Kokiri Forest. I can tell you what song belongs to what area in a heartbeat. :P Each piece of music has its own flavor and identity, even though they use a lot of the same instruments. Don't get me wrong, I love orchestral pieces as much as the next guy, but a bit of flavor and individuality is necessary for each song.	
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			Yeah, I don't know what you're listening to, but I've had the soundtrack on a near-continual loop for close to a year now. I freaking love it.	
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Oh, I love the music, Tex, don't get me wrong. ^^
 
I'm just saying all the songs, minus a few, feel the same, or like a continuation of the same song. I couldn't listen to a song and immediately tell you where it's from, minus a few.	
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Oh, I love the music, Tex, don't get me wrong. ^^
 
I'm just saying all the songs, minus a few, feel the same, or like a continuation of the same song. I couldn't listen to a song and immediately tell you where it's from, minus a few.
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Some tracks bleed over into other areas, but I wouldn't say they're all "samey" or generic in the sense you can't tell where a track is from.
 
I can tell clearly the difference of when I'm in an Eldan centric area as opposed to an Osun themed spot. Not saying that some "generics" arent' there, but it's not enough that I'd say they're all generic.
 
The only places I can think of off hand are Illium and housing sharing 1 or 2 tracks. When I'm out in the world thosugh the music changes by zone and further by some spots. Deradune as example is never the same unless you stand in th emiddle of the map wher eit uses a general "barrens/savannah" type music. However you go to the west you get the Moodies theme, go north you get the Falkrin music, south you get the eldan music, and beleive a few spots it plays some "aurin" themed stuff...
 
Perhaps its more that you're not as...."explored" and that you're not hearing the full range of tracks available?	
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Oh, I love the music, Tex, don't get me wrong. ^^
 
I'm just saying all the songs, minus a few, feel the same, or like a continuation of the same song. I couldn't listen to a song and immediately tell you where it's from, minus a few.
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Ok, you guys aren't getting what I'm saying. :P
 
First: The music isn't a continuation of anything, it's just all the music created for Wildstar feels like one big piece. That's what I'm saying. ^^
 
Yes, we do have a few themes: Eldan, Osun, Celestion / Everstar, and so on. But, outside of those themes, nothing feels unique. It's kind of bland. :P (And even then, they use the same instruments and everything, and aren't all that unique from one another) Like I said earlier, in Nintendo games, each and every area has a totally unique sound that gives the place a personality all its own. Listen to some of the OST's for Zelda, Mario and so on. You'll see what I mean. Sure, I could tell you if you're in an Osun area, but which one? I donno. Same goes for the other themes.
 
That's what I'm asking for, music with personality. Orchestra is great, and I love it, but having the entirety of the game being the same orchestra with very minor differences gets a little old. : / Feels like elevator music. I feel like a lot of composers produce "dead" music, which is music that has no life to it. The really good music feels alive, and tells a story, even if it doesn't have words. I just don't really get that from the music in Wildstar, honestly.
 
And, I love the music, don't think I don't. I just want a bit more variety in the future. :3	
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Okay in that sense then I agree. thnk you for taking the time to clarify that for me :)
 
What you're asking for is that as an example Kel Voreth should have  different track than Kel Orgrith(i made this place up, but Osun cities all start with Kel) even though they're both Osun. To that extent then I'd say yes it's generic in that sense and would like to have more unique tracks for specific areas.	
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Ok, you guys aren't getting what I'm saying. :P
 
First: The music isn't a continuation of anything, it's just all the music created for Wildstar feels like one big piece. That's what I'm saying. ^^
 
 
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While not every song is what i'd call amazing, theres loads of unforgettable songs in the soundtrack. I don't think any of the songs are bad. Most are wonderful.
 
I think my favorites are "War Will Come", "Our Perception of Beauty", and "Bandits, Thieves, and Epic Loot"
 
Jeff has a nice soundcloud site where you can listen to the music without the actual distraction of the game.
 
https://soundcloud.com/inhisgroove/sets/wildstar-mmo-ost-cues	
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			I absolutely do not think the music is generic.	
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Nazryn, I call that lazy. It's not a good thing. : / You can have a theme without having nearly identical songs.
 
Kurona, yes, I know there are a few that stand out. But the majority of them all sound and feel the same.	
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			Lopp theme is de best. Lopp theme don't sound similar to other Wildstar themes. And it's de best. Any big-folk who disagree is no friend to Lopp. And that makes Lopp cry.	
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Okay in that sense then I agree. thnk you for taking the time to clarify that for me :)
 
What you're asking for is that as an example Kel Voreth should have  different track than Kel Orgrith(i made this place up, but Osun cities all start with Kel) even though they're both Osun. To that extent then I'd say yes it's generic in that sense and would like to have more unique tracks for specific areas.
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			The Simplicity of Home is another really good one.	
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Ok, sure, they're vaguely dissimilar. It still doesn't really account for the fact that none of them are unique. : / They're just variations of the same song, with maybe 5% difference.
 
This game doesn't really have music that sticks in your head. You won't be able to play the music in your head a year from now (unless you still play), and you won't remember it all that much. There are some games whose music I know by heart, and just hearing it brings back all kinds of memories. That's what I mean by music that's alive. The music fits, it feels like it belongs in the area, it's not just some general over-arching theme that is forced onto everything.
 
Celestion: Same, slow orchestral sound, but add in a flute (perhaps pan) and a few chimes.
 
Thayd: Same, slow orchestral sound, but now we have a trumpet instead of chimes, still have the pan flute too.
 
Galeras: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some wubs.
 
Strain: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some oomph parts, and make the rest quiet - oh and detune your instruments a bit. ^^
 
The music is all the same flavor, same everything, with very small differences. That's what I'm getting at. The sound might be different, but the feel is the same.
 
Now, let's compare to one of my favorite games, music-wise.
 
First, we have Castle Town. Notice the instrumentation, the beat, everything.
 
Next, we have The Lost Woods, again, pay attention to it all.
 
Next up, we have Kokiri Forest, which is the same theme as The Lost Woods, but notice the very big differences. Same up-beat rhythm, a lot of the same instruments, but notice the difference.
 
Last, Hyrule Field. This is an adventure game, and this song definitely gives you that adventurous feel.
 
Now, do you see what I'm talking about? The music can have a theme, it can have lots of themes, but you have to mix it up. Using the same style of music for every zone gets a little old. A bit of variety is a good thing. But, again, I think I'm just not really feeling the Wildstar music. It's nice music, and I like it, but it just doesn't feel alive. It doesn't stick, I can't remember the songs, all that - and I'm a musician myself. It's just pretty sound, rather than something that invokes feeling or tells a story.
 
Maybe I'm just too picky. I donno.	
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			I love the music (and I listen to the music/sound effects of the game).  I especially like the music in the Church of the Vigilant.  It's very pretty.	
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Ok, sure, they're vaguely dissimilar. It still doesn't really account for the fact that none of them are unique. : / They're just variations of the same song, with maybe 5% difference.
 
This game doesn't really have music that sticks in your head. You won't be able to play the music in your head a year from now (unless you still play), and you won't remember it all that much. There are some games whose music I know by heart, and just hearing it brings back all kinds of memories. That's what I mean by music that's alive. The music fits, it feels like it belongs in the area, it's not just some general over-arching theme that is forced onto everything.
 
Celestion: Same, slow orchestral sound, but add in a flute (perhaps pan) and a few chimes.
 
Thayd: Same, slow orchestral sound, but now we have a trumpet instead of chimes, still have the pan flute too.
 
Galeras: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some wubs.
 
Strain: Same, slow orchestral sound, add in some oomph parts, and make the rest quiet - oh and detune your instruments a bit. ^^
 
The music is all the same flavor, same everything, with very small differences. That's what I'm getting at. The sound might be different, but the feel is the same.
 
Now, let's compare to one of my favorite games, music-wise.
 
First, we have Castle Town. Notice the instrumentation, the beat, everything.
 
Next, we have The Lost Woods, again, pay attention to it all.
 
Next up, we have Kokiri Forest, which is the same theme as The Lost Woods, but notice the very big differences. Same up-beat rhythm, a lot of the same instruments, but notice the difference.
 
Last, Hyrule Field. This is an adventure game, and this song definitely gives you that adventurous feel.
 
Now, do you see what I'm talking about? The music can have a theme, it can have lots of themes, but you have to mix it up. Using the same style of music for every zone gets a little old. A bit of variety is a good thing. But, again, I think I'm just not really feeling the Wildstar music. It's nice music, and I like it, but it just doesn't feel alive. It doesn't stick, I can't remember the songs, all that - and I'm a musician myself. It's just pretty sound, rather than something that invokes feeling or tells a story.
 
Maybe I'm just too picky. I donno.
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No, I don't mind the tempo. What I do mind is that every zone is done in the same exact way, with very small changes. I linked those songs because they have very distinct sounds. You can easily pick them out from each other. Even Kokiri Forest vs. Lost Woods, which share the same theme and instruments, sound very distinct. All the music in Wildstar is very similar, and isn't all that distinct. Plus, all the new games coming out these days use an orchestra in the same fashion as Wildstar, so it's not all that unique compared to other games.
 
That's what I'm getting at. ^^	
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No, I don't mind the tempo. What I do mind is that every zone is done in the same exact way, with very small changes. I linked those songs because they have very distinct sounds. You can easily pick them out from each other. Even Kokiri Forest vs. Lost Woods, which share the same theme and instruments, sound very distinct. All the music in Wildstar is very similar, and isn't all that distinct. Plus, all the new games coming out these days use an orchestra in the same fashion as Wildstar, so it's not all that unique compared to other games.
 
That's what I'm getting at. ^^
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Love the music. Have the Protostar housing area music as my ringtone. Love it, love it, love it.
 
There are a few things that bug me about the game, but the music is not one of them.	
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			The music in this game is stellar. You make a point about similarity, but that is its strength. By playing with the theme, making nuanced alterations in texture, tempo and timbre, the music makes similarly subtle alterations in the player's response. You compare the music to Ocarina of Time, which also has brilliant music, but it's worth remembering that the average player of an MMO will hear any given piece of the game's music a great deal many more times than even an adventure game on the scale of OoT. If you make an MMO's music that bright, vivid and brash, you will have even more players reaching for the mute option than you already do.	
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I suppose you have a point, Manu. I donno, I can listen to Nintendo music all day every day. xD Though I'm a special case. I'd just like music that's a teeeny bit more interesting.
 
I feel like if you had really amazing music, then people would listen to it more. ^^ Have you seen the number of people doing covers for Zelda / Mario / etc.? And all the people who post Youtube videos and all that? xD
 
It's worth a try in at least a couple zones, I think, and see how people react. The Protostar theme and the Lopp / Skeech themes were great, if a little simplistic. :3	
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			Actually Wildstar has one of the best game soundtracks I've heard in awhile.  My particular favorites are most of the Exile settlement themes (reminds me of Wild Arms), that pulp sci-fi-ish sounding tune that plays in all the Eldan ruins, and Protostar's Sim City-esque themes.	
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			I *love* this game's soundtrack, actually. The music & voice acting are top-notch.	
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			Also you can't really compare an MMO's soundtrack to a single-player game.   Even early MMOs like Everquest were much bigger than Ocarina of Time, and it'd be prohibitively time-intensive to come up with unique music for every city, town, settlement, dungeon, ruin, or forest in the game.	
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Oh I'm well aware of that, Star. You could come up with a generic town theme, a theme for the capitols, and so on. Just a little more flavor than what we have currently. Right now, everything feels and sounds kind of the same, minus Protostar, Skeech (WotW) and Lopp themes. :P
 
I feel like each zone could have a specific theme too, as well as each dungeon. I mean, we have like four dungeons, and like 15 zones. Not too much.	
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Ooooooh! I get you.
 
Yeah, there are definitely a couple of songs obviously "inspired by" other music. I can't remember which one is was, but my wife heard it and remarked that it sounded familiar to her. Dang if I can remember what she said it was though.
 
I know one of the song reminded me of the old Spy Hunter video game.
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			Some of the music is good.. some of it is ok.. but its really a matter of taste.. i prefer the ambient soundtrack of the moon section in farside personally.. but for some reason it reminds me a bit of one of the batman themes...	
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I would have to disagree. some zone I love the music in, others I dont.
 
obviously by the same composer, but thats to be expected.
 
not sure what you mean by "generic"	
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There's an Explorer Path mission in Ellevar where you have to chase a Lopp around, and the music is very similar to Yakkity Sax. :D
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I disagree with your post.
 
All I have to say is... FARSIDE LOW GRAV MUSIC OMFG <3333
 
Honestly, that track actually moved me in a slightly emotional way. It's so sombre and peaceful with a touch of sadness...
 
I can easily pick out zone music, I think the music is absolutely fantastic in wildstar. One of the best soundtracks for an mmo imho,
 
But the Illium music grates on me a lil.	
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			Personally, I really enjoy the cohesiveness of the soundtrack. I tend to buy albums that are the same way. Of course, those same albums also have a lot of detractors who complain that "all the songs sound the same", a complaint which I can understand even if I don't share it. It all comes down to personal preference and your individual listening habits. I'm almost always doing something else while listening (especially when it comes to a gaming soundtrack!) and find it jarring and distracting when a new track sounds completely different from the old one.	
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			I want an addon like Finalfantasylization, so I can put my own music in, haha. xD Then I won't have to complain!	
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I want an addon like Finalfantasylization, so I can put my own music in, haha. xD Then I won't have to complain!
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You mean haven't? :P Yeah, I'm just a bit picky when it comes to music. I'm a big-time music lover and a musician, so I pay very close attention to it. :P
 
Honestly though, I'm not a fan of the slow, orchestral sound. I like the up-beat, varied music that has a lot of personality and life. ^^	
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Now, I know most people don't even listen to the game music, but some people do, so this post is for all you! ^^
 
But, I can't help but notice that the music is always kind of the same. We have big, sweeping orchestral pieces, but nothing that really feels unique. Nothing to make each zone stand out. I can't hear a song and be like, "Oh, that's Thayd!" It just doesn't work that way.
 
The only songs I -can- pick out are: Protostar (my favorite xD), Skeech / WotW, and Celestion (barely).
 
Now, don't get me wrong, the music in Wildstar isn't bad by any means... I just feel like it's all one flavor. All the music sounds pretty much the same, with slight variations in the instruments.
 
Again, I know it's not a big deal, but I'd like to hear the music have a bit more personality and flavor to it, not just orchestral sounds. ^^
 
Mr. Jeff, if you ever read the forums, might I suggest looking at Koji Kondo / Toru Minegishi for inspiration? :3
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			I think the music is one of the objectively best things in the game. In fact, I think the safest bet at this point is to just give Kurtenacker Lead status over all the other systems that are flops. Might get something accomplished.	
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Hi Sciela,
 
I understand that music is completely subjective. What tickles one person's fancy may not tickle another's ... and that's totally fine. That being said, I'm not sure how to respond to this. I can't agree with you because I don't think all the music from WildStar is the same song lacking personality. In fact, I think we did a great job of keeping all the music in the "WildStar tonal universe", but giving each zone a unique and fresh feel. Yes, we use orchestra a lot, but that doesn't mean it all sounds the same. Not all of Mozart's symphonies sound the same, though instrumentation may be similar. So while I understand you may not be in love with the entire soundtrack, I don't agree with your criticism of the score. It's not a cut-and-paste score from zone to zone with slight variations.
 
So again, I appreciate the feedback - even though I don't agree with it - I can appreciate the fact that you're listening and critically thinking about music in video games, and as a composer I think that's important no matter what the feedback is.
 
-jeff
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Mr. Kurtenacker, I hate to argue, but I would have to disagree. ^^
 
While your songs aren't cut-and-paste copies, they are very similar. Mozart isn't a good example, because classical music has no purpose, and often doesn't feel alive. Though, one could argue that all classical sounds the same, too.
 
Your music does have personality, but I just don't feel it matches with the environments in the game a lot of the time. Celestion / Everstar Grove work; they have slow, gentle music with chimes and a flute for some melody, befitting the tranquil nature of the Aurin and (most) of Celestion / Everstar Grove. So that works well, and it suits the environment. But, let's look at Thayd. A giant, abandoned Osun city, and we have the same soft strings in the background that you can hardly hear a lot of the time. I don't think that does the Osun, the Exiles or even the area they're in justice. You get a tranquil, calm feeling while looking at the giant Osun statues, and looking at the ramshackle buildings the Exiles put up while they fight for their lives on Nexus -- that doesn't fit with the area, if you ask me.
 
Look up some of the work done by Koji Kondo and Toru Minegishi. The music feels alive, vibrant, it has personality. It's not elevator music, it helps to set the mood and the stage, and helps draw you in. Outside of the Lopp theme, the Protostar theme, the Skeech theme, and ones like them, I haven't felt pulled into the game by the music. It's just kind of there, and is just ambient noise, rather than a tool to invoke emotion or thoughts.
 
So, I respectfully disagree with your disagreement. :3
 
Personally, Galeras feels no different than Algoroc which feels no different than Celestion, even though they are very, very different areas. You need to move away from the strings, and work in some real melodies, rather than background noise. ^^	
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Hi Sciela,
 
I understand that music is completely subjective. What tickles one person's fancy may not tickle another's ... and that's totally fine. That being said, I'm not sure how to respond to this. I can't agree with you because I don't think all the music from WildStar is the same song lacking personality. In fact, I think we did a great job of keeping all the music in the "WildStar tonal universe", but giving each zone a unique and fresh feel. Yes, we use orchestra a lot, but that doesn't mean it all sounds the same. Not all of Mozart's symphonies sound the same, though instrumentation may be similar. So while I understand you may not be in love with the entire soundtrack, I don't agree with your criticism of the score. It's not a cut-and-paste score from zone to zone with slight variations.
 
So again, I appreciate the feedback - even though I don't agree with it - I can appreciate the fact that you're listening and critically thinking about music in video games, and as a composer I think that's important no matter what the feedback is.
 
-jeff
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Love the music, Jeff, and I'm kind of glad you light up the forums every now and then.  I appreciate whenever you guys drop in.
 
For the record, though, I think the Eldan facility music is starting to give me hallucinations.
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That's definitely not a side effect of the secret Eldan tests being preformed on you while you sleep completely unrelated to the Game, Eldan, and/or any other product or service rendered (TM protostar) 
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Mr. Kurtenacker, I hate to argue, but I would have to disagree. ^^
 
While your songs aren't cut-and-paste copies, they are very similar. Mozart isn't a good example, because classical music has no purpose, and often doesn't feel alive. Though, one could argue that all classical sounds the same, too.
 
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Well, I meant a purpose as in a theme to match, or a story it's trying to tell. It does have a purpose; to entertain. It's a bit different from the purpose I have in mind. ^^ I like orchestral pieces, but for some reason, I don't like classical. I don't know why, but it just doesn't mesh well with me. Like, all the Nintendo games use an orchestra, and all those same instruments are in classical, but they just don't feel the same to me. Classical tends to feel a bit stiff and mechanical, I think, while a soundtrack song tends to be more vibrant and... fluent. I can't think of another word. It just kind of speaks to me. Other music can do that too, but none more so than video game soundtracks. :P
 
Hm, well I can see that. ^^ The Exiles just want to live on their own, and be free to make their own choices that may or may not line up with the Dominion. So, I guess the peaceful sounds do work, since the Exiles do ultimately want peace. Then you have the drums and brass that kind of work their way in (Dominion?), which are usually kind of aggressive feeling, and then a flute / a few other woodwinds come in to kind of work against that... So you're making music that really takes some thought to understand! I do applaud that. ^^ Maybe I'll have to take a harder look at the rest of the music too. :3 Could have been a bit too superficial in my reviews. :P
 
Well, I do notice the differences, but they're very ambiguous. Perhaps in future pieces, you could make that difference stand out just a teeny bit more? Like, maybe instead of strings for Algoroc (I'm not saying to change it, it's just my way of showing what I'm talking about), you could make the guitar feel more like a central theme of the music, rather than a complement to the strings. Because, right now, it's mostly strings, with a guitar every now and then. Maybe you could add just a little more guitar, maybe even make it carry the rhythm, and maybe some other "western" instruments, like the big string in a bucket, and the washboard thing. ^^ It's just, the differences don't stand out a whole lot. They're there, but kind of vague.
 
Yes, I know they all have common threads, but they're also very unique, in the way they were played. Kokiri Forest and The Lost Woods almost share the same melody / rhythm, but the way it was presented makes it sound like an entirely different song, unless you're really paying attention. I'm not asking for extreme differences, either. :P Just enough to really set the area apart. Like, I would have trouble picking some zones apart, as I said earlier, because they sound very similar. Thayd and Galeras, minus a few subtle parts, sound a lot alike - though that could even be intentional.
 
One of my favorite pieces is the Bandit theme though, with the guitar in it. ^^ That's an awesome song. Somewhat irrelevant, but that song carries a -lot- of personality in it. Maybe I'm just not a fan of strings being the main piece of the music, but that song really stands out to me.
 
Yes, music is entirely different from person to person, and I definitely don't expect everyone to have the same ideas as I do. :P I do like the Wildstar score, don't get me wrong. It's awesome music, and I do enjoy listening to it (I just wish it were a bit louder!). The Bandit theme, the battle song (I think I suggested to make that play when you fight multiples / primes / elites too, instead of just orange+ mobs, and got a like on that one. ^^), the Skeech theme (War of the Wilds), the Lopp theme, and my personal favorite, Protostar. I love all those songs. :P I do like the rest, but not as much as those ones. xD
 
And, after looking over what I said, I can understand why you may take it a bit personally. I'm sorry if I was rude or mean. : /
 
I do enjoy the music, and I'm definitely not saying it's bad. I'm just talking about the implementation, really. So, keep up the good work, Jeff! If you take just one thing out of this, try to use strings a tiny bit less. They're the main part of the music for a lot of songs. Space-Western could use a lot of guitar / keyboard sounds, for example. And a bit of an up-beat theme, rather than the relaxed feel I get in a lot of zones. Just a suggestion for you. :3
 
*high fives* ^^	
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Jeff Kurtenacker, you are wasting your time answering trolls man...
 
Why are you taking time to answer to people like that, who are buying justin bieber's albums... come on... wildstar music is GREAT, honestly, i love it, my gf love it (and we have a big difference age and listenning to a lot of different styles, even classical)
 
If you (any of you) think wildstar music is boring  / bland / sucks etc... you are the reason today's music are crap, and i still listen to music that are 10 years old, instead of thinking that the new popular song is great, cause they are not :/
 
Wildstar music is great, stop wasting your time man, those people are not worth it
 
PS : favorite theme i think is the buccaneer one :P i love being around those guys :P love the music there :P
 
PS 2 : yeah a lot of songs feels the same in a lot of genre, but, that doesn't make me enjoy them less... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I	
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Well, I meant a purpose as in a theme to match, or a story it's trying to tell. It does have a purpose; to entertain. It's a bit different from the purpose I have in mind. ^^ I like orchestral pieces, but for some reason, I don't like classical. I don't know why, but it just doesn't mesh well with me. Like, all the Nintendo games use an orchestra, and all those same instruments are in classical, but they just don't feel the same to me. Classical tends to feel a bit stiff and mechanical, I think, while a soundtrack song tends to be more vibrant and... fluent. I can't think of another word. It just kind of speaks to me. Other music can do that too, but none more so than video game soundtracks. :P
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Jeff Kurtenacker, you are wasting your time answering trolls man...
 
Why are you taking time to answer to people like that, who are buying justin bieber's albums... come on... wildstar music is GREAT, honestly, i love it, my gf love it (and we have a big difference age and listenning to a lot of different styles, even classical)
 
If you (any of you) think wildstar music is boring  / bland / sucks etc... you are the reason today's music are crap, and i still listen to music that are 10 years old, instead of thinking that the new popular song is great, cause they are not :/
 
Wildstar music is great, stop wasting your time man, those people are not worth it
 
PS : favorite theme i think is the buccaneer one :P i love being around those guys :P love the music there :P
 
PS 2 : yeah a lot of songs feels the same in a lot of genre, but, that doesn't make me enjoy them less... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I
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Mr. Kurtenacker, I hate to argue, but I would have to disagree. ^^
 
While your songs aren't cut-and-paste copies, they are very similar. Mozart isn't a good example, because classical music has no purpose, and often doesn't feel alive. Though, one could argue that all classical sounds the same, too.
 
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Well, I also have incredibly bad depression and all that fun stuff, so I come off a bit negative anyway. : / And hey, everyone is entitled to an opinion; there's no need to call me a troll because I don't necessarily agree with you.
 
And, I listen to music from the late 60s to mid 80s, and some newer stuff that still classifies as classic rock. I'm a musician (a real musician, not a lip-syncer), and play several instruments, so I think I know what music is, and I can comment on it. I compose myself too, though nothing that gets used for anything.
 
"The first step to wisdom is admitting you have something to learn." If someone critiques me, I welcome it! I may not agree with it, but I value it all the same. I'm sure that Jeff, as a professional, appreciates critique as well. There's no need to get rabid - I'm not attacking Jeff or his music (I love his work, don't get me wrong), I'm just giving some suggestions on what I think would help, and I in no way think that he should just do what I say or take anything I say to heart. If I was calling him a horrible musician and all that, then yes, your post would be justified. But as it is, you're just being silly.
 
Reconditioned, you're being a bit irrational. In an MMO / video game, music is designed to enhance the theme and the setting (usually visual). Music can also tell a story, so if I had music aaa and bbb, I would listen to it just the same, and I would enjoy / dislike it just the same. I'm talking about the music itself, by itself. Nothing else. Story + Music = Immersion. Adding in the setting is just the cherry on top. Music on its own is just music. Music with a story is just so much more.
 
Sure, it would still feel adventurous, but Kokiri Forest isn't one of the more adventurous pieces. I'm taking Hyrule Field, and the like. It wouldn't fit the Mario Golf though, because it's just meant for another setting, another story, all that.
 
Zarkis, you're all upset over my opinion. Again, everyone is entitled to their opinion, even me. I personally don't connect with classical music. It's just pretty sound. Sure, it can have a tone to it, but it doesn't tell a story. I'm sure I could write a paper on how it does, but to me, it just doesn't speak. It's like deciphering a poem almost. You really have to think about it. Video game sound tracks speak to me as clearly as a person does.	
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			Sorry for reacting like that but yeah, reading you is pretty upsetting to me man, my bad	
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Just to chime in: I LOVE Wildstar's music. The Eldan Lab theme in particular sucked me and immersed me like nothing else. There are several other key themes that are amazing music.
 
Honestly, I want to buy the soundtrack just on its own.	
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Oh I'm being irrational, yet you are the one who said classical music has no purpose. It's perfectly fine that you don't like the mood, setting or story classical composers convey in their pieces; but to call it no purpose is an insult. I was shocked to read that you're a musician.
 
I do love Zelda music, especially the orchestra version. But those music from OoT (cute as they may) you linked - could easily be in Tiki Tori. Kokiri Forest sounds exactly like generic background music to any of those Nintendo Wii "B" titles, played on a cheap 3 octaves Casio Keyboard. Nissin could have used the Lost Woods music in a ramen noodle commercial.
 
Trance is something I cannot stand listening to. (Sandstorm may be the only exception, but even then I want to turn it off after couple minutes.) They all sound the same to me. I should email Darude and tell him his music is generic and serves no purpose, while awaiting his patient explanation ala Kurtenacker. Though I'm sure his media handler would die laughing before the email even reaches Virtanen.	
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To challenge an amazing artist such as Mr. Kurtenacker in a means that you know better than him is quite arrogant though as if your tastes in music stand above the rest of the players.  Specially when the majority of players who have heard his music in game have commended him on an excellent job with Wildstar and how awesome it is to hear these beautiful, lively, and inspiring pieces in the game.
 
I for one enjoy the music he has composed and wouldn't ask an 'artist' to change a thing, now or later, for that would be rude and inconsiderate of his creativity.	
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Vellgar, that's because 99% of people these days haven't heard real music. Good composers are far and few between, and people are accustomed to utter crap, both electronic and non. So when someone hears halfway decent music, they treat the person like a god. EVERYONE has room for improvement. That's a fact. To say otherwise is ignorant, and arrogant beyond belief. Criticism isn't always nice, but do you think Beethoven just sat down and composed a masterpiece overnight? No. It took him MANY tries, with people shooting it down MANY times, until he got it right.  (I don't like Beethoven, it's an example though)
 
Reconditioned, I don't even know what you're talking about anymore. You clearly didn't understand what I said, and you're just spouting nonsense. : /	
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Okay, I replied to this thread before saying I disagree but as a musician myself I'd just like to applaud Jeff for being so absolutely respectful in reply of some of the things said in this thread. I know if I had read some of these comments about something I had composed, I would not have kept my temper. 
 
I'd like to say something, a taste in music is subjective. You say that "classical is just pretty sounds" but if you learnt anything about musical history, we would not have classic rock, or electronica unless we had those fantastic composers all throughout history creating inspiration for people today. Saying it's useless really means you don't really have a clue, you just like telling everyone how amazing a musician you are and to throw your opinion about as if it is fact. 
You have your own thoughts on what you think is good, which is fine, but damned if you are going to talk in a patronising tone to make me or others feel like an idiot for having a different opinion.I actually listen and enjoy every single piece of music thrown at me (even rap things I will listen to the drum beat instead of the stupid rapping).
 
And before you call me "not a real musician", I have played in a national orchestra (flautist), I've composed several pieces of production music and I play several instruments (if not very recent lol...). But that is a moot point, anyone can enjoy and have a positive opinion on music. A musician does not make you a better judge of compositions, just more attuned to listening to the bare bones of them and commenting on how they could be slightly different for more effect. I for one understand what you mean as in "generic", but I disagree with calling it so, I think Jeff did a fantastic job tying the whole world together with a good undertone that would point anyone to think if they heard it "Oh! that's a piece of music from wildstar". I don't think that makes it in any way generic, it just means it has a general undertone. Yet every area has a different ambience and sound. And as for not telling a story? Yet again I disagree. 
We could disagree all day. You have your tastes, and the wildstar music is not to yours, but how you could even say it is not well written, or it is "generic" is just insulting. It isn't, the score for wildstar is one of the main reasons I haven't turned the in-game music off (when I'm not streaming). I could listen to that farside music all day, I'm not sure why but it really stirs something up in my stomach and makes me feel emotional. 
 
And comparing this soundtrack repeatedly to zelda? For one I could think of plenty of other games with better soundtracks than Ocarina or any of the zelda games. (In fact, I find quite a few of the zelda tracks irritating, and "generic sounding" but I still enjoyed them, I wouldn't call them THE BEST GAME MOOSIK EVAR)
Zelda is the mozart of computer game music, without inspirations from games such as that, some of the more modern classics wouldn't have existed.
 
I'm all for criticism of musical scores and such, but you have spoken to Jeff with such utter disrespect for his dedication, work and obvious love and passion for his writing that it makes me sad. And using depression as an excuse is just not right :(	
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And using depression as an excuse is just not right :(
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(Kondo? I like the OCRemixes of his music, but the originals? Meh, too simplistic :P).
 
The OP is entitled to his opinion, and he brought his in a perfectly reasonable way. Stop attacking him for having a different taste in music than you. No need to behave like high school brats.	
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As someone who is rather hard of hearing, and generally hasn't paid attention to 'any' music in MMOs or games for the last 15 years of gaming that I've done. It wasn't until I've heard Mr. Kurtenacker's work in the Lightreach Mission that I started listening to what was available in the Wildstar and I've been extremely happy about it.
The only gripe I have is that I can't somehow play Lightreach's theme in my house. Though I do know music is coming to housing...not sure if that one is included.	
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			With all the things wrong with this game, the music is the absolute last thing I would imagine being complained about. It's lovely.	
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As someone who is rather hard of hearing, and generally hasn't paid attention to 'any' music in MMOs or games for the last 15 years of gaming that I've done. It wasn't until I've heard Mr. Kurtenacker's work in the Lightreach Mission that I started listening to what was available in the Wildstar and I've been extremely happy about it.
The only gripe I have is that I can't somehow play Lightreach's theme in my house. Though I do know music is coming to housing...not sure if that one is included.
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			The music is one of the best things about this game. Calling it generic is a grievous insult. 	
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Someone said I was negative all the time. That's why I bring up depression. I have it bad enough to get me put in a mental home if I wasn't so adamant about not killing myself.
 
Everyone is entitled to an opinion though. I personally don't feel like classical has much life to it, nor does a lot of music these days. It takes real talent to make music that does. If you're going to get all upset because I have an opinion that isn't the same as yours (and I think I'm more qualified to make such an opinion) then I'm done responding.
 
Dev's, if you'd like to lock up this thread, it might be a good idea, as it seems to be getting a bit hostile. : /	
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I have severe depression as well. For me, the music in Wildstar has been a wonderfully positive thing. Certain themes are incredibly soothing. There's one in particular that really helps to balance me when I'm feeling extra sad ("A Place to Call Home").
 
This is the thing though, everyone responds differently to different pieces of music, because we're not all the same. I respect Sciela's right to an opinion even if their tastes are not like mine.	
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I'm always shocked how many MMO players are depressed and/or smoke.
There really must be a common denominator in brain chemistry to these things.	
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			I think that while Sciela and I might differ in opinion as far as Jeff's music goes I think people are being a bit too harsh on them. Take a cue from Jeff's responses. and try to be classy about your reply. Don't just tear someone down because they have a differing opinion about something. Sciela's been very respectful in all of their responses. We should do so in kind. 	
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			Well, I have the extended playlist saved on my MP3 player, so pbbt. I was listening to it last weekend while I was scuba diving, and the Gambler's Ruin song was playing when I saw an octopus. It was pretty epic, because that one goes duh duh d-duh d-duh twang twang twaaaang-- you know what I mean.	
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"Again, even though we disagree, I applaud the fact that you are listening and that you are an obvious fan of certain game music. I respect your opinion on how you think I should have written more than nine hours of music for a massive MMO, but I'm not sure how you can hear Algoroc (western, guitar-driven music) the same as Celestion (lush, magical, orchestral). Yes they both have strings, but surely that doesn't make them the same piece of music. All that Zelda music you linked to earlier has very common threads from piece to piece… which is what gives it the Zelda personality… they are all unique, but still very much part of the same fabric. They are not so vastly and wildly different that you would be shocked to hear them in the same game. 
I think we agree to disagree, and we have very different viewpoints on what makes good music and a good melody. I stand by the entire WildStar score and I'm really proud of what I wrote for the game. From the melodies to the instrumentation I feel I was able to hit the emotional context of the areas of the game. I disagree that it's "background noise" or that it lacks in "real melodies". It's difficult not to take the criticism personally because all the music was born out of my creative spirit, but I respect the players and fans enough to hear out their opinions and feedback, and I definitely appreciate you giving me a moment to respond and air out my feedback to your posts. I intend no malice or personal attacks, so please take my comments as a respectful response to your criticism and concerns about the score, and hopefully we part ways with a high five and a strange desire to play some Ocarina of Time."
 
Just want to say, as a musician, hearing people discount your finished product makes you say how much you will disagree with the ones who stated their opinion. Being biased will not appease the people playing Wildstar. What would help, is if you were to be open, and try to expand on what you have, and try to make it better for all.
Not saying this to discount your work. I am saying this because honestly, you do need more music that actually draws you into the game. Not some lame noise that YOU think should describe the zone. 
The players need to experience what is happening. Huge battle scenes should make you FEEL you are in that battle, not some soft music in the back ground.
 
But, as a musician, that may be my opinion. It will most certainly differ from yours, as musicians tend to have different tastes. =)
 
Edit: Quote for some reason didn't work. o.o	
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			It's a mixed bag for me. Some music is amazing, and beautiful. Some gets me really pumped up. Some makes me want to mute the game... lol	
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 If you're going to get all upset because I have an opinion that isn't the same as yours (and I think I'm more qualified to make such an opinion) 
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Let me just say that the music in WildStar, both the thematic pieces as well as the ambient, are without a doubt the best I've ever come across in an MMO, or a video game. I'd compare it to any big-budget Hollywood movie score without batting an eye. 
 
I've also seen more accolades for Jeff's music here from people in the business that I really respect… composers in their own right.  It's creative, dynamic and varied. It contributed to the narrative as much as the words do.
 
So, music is one of those things that's obviously very subjective according to taste, but the WildStar soundtrack is… anything but generic. 	
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{| class="blockquote"
 
Just want to say, as a musician, hearing people discount your finished product makes you say how much you will disagree with the ones who stated their opinion. Being biased will not appease the people playing Wildstar. What would help, is if you were to be open, and try to expand on what you have, and try to make it better for all.
Not saying this to discount your work. I am saying this because honestly, you do need more music that actually draws you into the game. Not some lame noise that YOU think should describe the zone. 
The players need to experience what is happening. Huge battle scenes should make you FEEL you are in that battle, not some soft music in the back ground.
 
But, as a musician, that may be my opinion. It will most certainly differ from yours, as musicians tend to have different tastes. =)
 
Edit: Quote for some reason didn't work. o.o
 
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So, the overall feel I'm getting from these responses is that criticizing someone's art is bad, and potentially hurtful, and isn't helpful. While, yes, that is true, you have to remember this is art that is being used for a professional purpose. Regular art that is just thrown out there can be critiqued, but no one can tell you to change it. When you're working for a company though, you have to make the art work for them. Wildstar's art style has gone through several revisions and versions, and the music probably has as well. Business demands that you change and adapt, rather than just stubbornly hold on and call people with dissenting opinions crazy, asinine and so on.
 
Art for business != Art for pleasure, though they are similar.
 
As for Jeff getting all kinds of accolades, that's not totally surprising. He is a good composer, and I like his music, but the reason people praise him so much is because there are very few good composers out there. Most people are accustomed to hearing crap, so when they hear a good composer, they just can't believe their ears. Though, everyone has room for improvement, even Beethoven / Mozart / any other composer you can think of didn't just write one song and become instant celebrities. It took lots of tries, lots of revisions, and being shot down many times. Practice makes perfect. ^^ You can always improve and get better, but you have to be open to opinion and criticism. I mean my remarks in the nicest way possible, though the delivery may make it seem otherwise.
 
You want to know why I call the music generic though? Go listen to the soundtrack for Oblivion, Skyrim, the new Final Fantasy games, and so on. Could you easily pick Wildstar music out from that if you've never heard it before?
 
A few points.
 
I am in no way calling Jeff a bad musician. I'm merely suggesting he broaden his horizons a bit.
 
I am in no way saying the music in Wildstar is bad, I do enjoy it, but it feels too similar between zones, fails to deliver the appropriate feeling at times, and doesn't really stick to my mind, it's not recognizable.
 
I'm not saying I'm better than anyone, I'm just saying with my background in music, I'm a little more qualified to an opinion than someone with no background.	
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So, the overall feel I'm getting from these responses is that criticizing someone's art is bad, and potentially hurtful, and isn't helpful. While, yes, that is true, you have to remember this is art that is being used for a professional purpose. Regular art that is just thrown out there can be critiqued, but no one can tell you to change it. When you're working for a company though, you have to make the art work for them. Wildstar's art style has gone through several revisions and versions, and the music probably has as well. Business demands that you change and adapt, rather than just stubbornly hold on and call people with dissenting opinions crazy, asinine and so on.
 
Art for business != Art for pleasure, though they are similar.
 
As for Jeff getting all kinds of accolades, that's not totally surprising. He is a good composer, and I like his music, but the reason people praise him so much is because there are very few good composers out there. Most people are accustomed to hearing crap, so when they hear a good composer, they just can't believe their ears. Though, everyone has room for improvement, even Beethoven / Mozart / any other composer you can think of didn't just write one song and become instant celebrities. It took lots of tries, lots of revisions, and being shot down many times. Practice makes perfect. ^^ You can always improve and get better, but you have to be open to opinion and criticism. I mean my remarks in the nicest way possible, though the delivery may make it seem otherwise.
 
You want to know why I call the music generic though? Go listen to the soundtrack for Oblivion, Skyrim, the new Final Fantasy games, and so on. Could you easily pick Wildstar music out from that if you've never heard it before?
 
A few points.
 
I am in no way calling Jeff a bad musician. I'm merely suggesting he broaden his horizons a bit.
 
I am in no way saying the music in Wildstar is bad, I do enjoy it, but it feels too similar between zones, fails to deliver the appropriate feeling at times, and doesn't really stick to my mind, it's not recognizable.
 
I'm not saying I'm better than anyone, I'm just saying with my background in music, I'm a little more qualified to an opinion than someone with no background.
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{| class="blockquote"
So, the overall feel I'm getting from these responses is that criticizing someone's art is bad, and potentially hurtful, and isn't helpful. While, yes, that is true, you have to remember this is art that is being used for a professional purpose. Regular art that is just thrown out there can be critiqued, but no one can tell you to change it. When you're working for a company though, you have to make the art work for them. Wildstar's art style has gone through several revisions and versions, and the music probably has as well. Business demands that you change and adapt, rather than just stubbornly hold on and call people with dissenting opinions crazy, asinine and so on.
 
Art for business != Art for pleasure, though they are similar.
 
As for Jeff getting all kinds of accolades, that's not totally surprising. He is a good composer, and I like his music, but the reason people praise him so much is because there are very few good composers out there. Most people are accustomed to hearing crap, so when they hear a good composer, they just can't believe their ears. Though, everyone has room for improvement, even Beethoven / Mozart / any other composer you can think of didn't just write one song and become instant celebrities. It took lots of tries, lots of revisions, and being shot down many times. Practice makes perfect. ^^ You can always improve and get better, but you have to be open to opinion and criticism. I mean my remarks in the nicest way possible, though the delivery may make it seem otherwise.
 
You want to know why I call the music generic though? Go listen to the soundtrack for Oblivion, Skyrim, the new Final Fantasy games, and so on. Could you easily pick Wildstar music out from that if you've never heard it before?
 
A few points.
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			I dig the music. You find it too similar between zones. Okay.Opinions! Opinions everywhere! Why are we discussing this again?	
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{| class="blockquote"
I dig the music. You find it too similar between zones. Okay.
 
Opinions! Opinions everywhere! Why are we discussing this again?
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Yeah, I know I don't speak very nicely or politely, but then, I've never been very good at sharing my opinions without hurting other people, which is why I often don't. But, people also read between the lines and find things I'm saying that I never said or even implied, and then other people latch onto that, and it just turns ugly. So I'm not the only one at fault here.
 
Key word there, generic. What do you hear in those games? Lots of strings, a little bit of accompaniment (usually flutes / woodwinds), and so on. What do we hear in Wildstar? Lots of strings, a little bit of accompaniment (some flutes, little brass, woodwinds...), and so on. Now, either I'm insane, or there's a lot of similarity here. :P
 
Have I heard anything like Algoroc before? Well, look at the desert areas in SM64, the volcano, so on. Not the exact same, but still very close. If you take away the occasional guitar plucks, it sounds like any of the music from any other recent fantasy game. Just lots of soft strings, playing a slow, gentle song. I fail to see how that isn't generic. : /
 
The Eldan theme doesn't really make me feel anything. It feels kind of futuristic, but really? It's just noise, to me. The music in Wildstar doesn't really speak to me or make me feel anything, as I said earlier. It doesn't stick or stand out, it's just there.
 
Don't even get me started on combat in Wildstar though. :P I could write an essay about how simplistic and boringly easy it is, and how it takes close to no thought, and seems to appeal to all the FPS kiddies, and all that. How it seems lazy to design entire classes around something as simple as a slightly different resource (even though many of them behave the same, exact, way...)... but yeah, not the proper thread to rant about that. ^^	
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			Stop feeding this guy.	
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			No. I don't find the music generic at all.	
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I find it harder and harder to take you seriously with every post you make Sciela.
 
Arguing that this sounds "90%" similar to this or perhaps this. Metal Maw maybe? "The Rescue Mission"?
 
"They all have the same sounds."
 
 
....
 
I'll agree on so many issues for Wildstar, but one thing that most people seem to consistently agree on is that the music is phenomenal.
 
{| class="blockquote"
 Sure, I could tell you if you're in an Osun area, but which one? I donno. Same goes for the other themes.
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Interesting points made here but I LOVE AND LIVE the music of Wildstar im almost ALWAYS humming along to the tunes, even when I log out I still have the songs in my head. 
Themes like the Fields of Auroria, Eldan labs themes, The last room In KV where the last boss is AWESOME, Wilderrun where the Torvine are, the theme in GA,and datascape, and some drusera instances, Thayd is nice, WotW upbeat tune makes me want to SPRINT and roll and keep moving all the time, even the main theme is pretty nice if they released a soundtrack on itunes or something my response would be shut up and take my money	
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Interesting points made here but I LOVE AND LIVE the music of Wildstar im almost ALWAYS humming along to the tunes, even when I log out I still have the songs in my head.
Themes like the Fields of Auroria, Eldan labs themes, The last room In KV where the last boss is AWESOME, Wilderrun where the Torvine are, the theme in GA,and datascape, and some drusera instances, Thayd is nice, WotW upbeat tune makes me want to SPRINT and roll and keep moving all the time, even the main theme is pretty nice if they released a soundtrack on itunes or something my response would be shut up and take my money
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On Topic:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oArDFU_IESQ	
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Oh, I love the music, Tex, don't get me wrong. ^^
 
I'm just saying all the songs, minus a few, feel the same, or like a continuation of the same song. I couldn't listen to a song and immediately tell you where it's from, minus a few.
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This game doesn't really have music that sticks in your head. You won't be able to play the music in your head a year from now (unless you still play), and you won't remember it all that much. 
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If you're going to get all upset because I have an opinion that isn't the same as yours (and I think I'm more qualified to make such an opinion) then I'm done responding.
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Roxey, you can be very intelligent, and have done nothing, and you can also be a moron and have done a lot. How much you've done means nothing.
 
See, here's the difference between you and Jeff, Roxey. Where you're an arrogant *cupcake* with a stick jammed up somewhere it shouldn't be, (even when you're not even being talked about, go figure) Jeff is a professional, and while he might not like criticism, he accepts it, and doesn't try to ram his ideals down everyone else's throats.
 
I sure hope you never become a professional whose work could be scrutinized. You'd be fired faster than you could say you're sorry -- on second thought, maybe you need that to happen, so you can open your eyes and pull your head out.
 
I don't need to prove myself to you, so if you're going to be a presumptuous little ass, you just go ahead and continue on doing it. If I'm not a legitimate musician, then Beethoven / Mozart / all of them are just street performers.
 
It's also particularly humorous to see that you HAVE to love classical music and it has to be so deep and thoughtful and all that in your mind to be an accomplished anybody in music. Ha! Sorry, but most classical is just awful. Sure, it sounds nice, but the music isn't alive, and that doesn't qualify it as good music in my book. So go take your vain little sheepish ways and go somewhere else, alright? Go play the game, rather than troll the forums.	
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 If I'm not a legitimate musician, then Beethoven / Mozart / all of them are just street performers.
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Roxey, you can be very intelligent, and have done nothing, and you can also be a moron and have done a lot. How much you've done means nothing.
 
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While I can't really disagree with many of the objections to the OP voiced here, I do think we should keep it civil.
Not because I care about anyone's potentially hurt feelings, but because I suspect that every time a dev shows up and sees the thread he posted in degenerate into a flamewar, it makes future interaction with the community less likely.
We don't want that, do we? :)	
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Beware of emotional extremism. That's the most I can say in this thread.
 
I'm surprised at you Sciela. I don't understand where this attitude comes from, I'm quite depressed myself. I've attempted suicide more than once, but that never stopped me from valuing other people's opinions and ideas same as my own. Even if they are wrong it's not a fault you should berate them for but rather attempt to correct through kind words and intelligent arguments.
 
Under no circumstances should anger be directed at another human being, their moral or functional failures can be corrected or contained.
 
As for Roxey, I imagine he suffers from some sort of mental condition. In any case no one can say they are completely sane. Don't let it get to you, you're better than that! :P  	
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Ah, OK… now we are at the heart of the issue. To say "classical music has no purpose and often doesn't feel alive" is an incredibly narrow viewpoint. Classical music does have a purpose - otherwise it wouldn't still be around after hundreds of years. For example, I don't eat SPAM… never have, maybe someday I'll try it… but I haven't yet… but it still exists, and it's still being made, so it serves a purpose to someone… not to me specifically, but there is a market for it (that's a weird analogy, but hopefully you understand what I mean). And classical music does feel alive. Maybe not to you, but you can't deny a wide range of people (myself included) who get an immense sense of emotional context and life from classical music. And to be sure, the beloved Koji Kondo would not have written your favorite music of all time if it weren't for classical music influences. Guaranteed.
 
 
Your physical description of Thayd is accurate. But when writing music for a scene, there are multiple approaches. You are expecting the approach where the music is commentary on the surroundings, which can work fine (as you point out in Celestion). But I chose to do something different in Thayd. I wanted to comment on the Exiles themselves. They are huddled together preparing for war, but they are not the war machine that the Dominion is. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. There is an emotional undertone to that city that breathes life into who the Exiles are and what they are fighting for. Set that emotional context against the contrasting Osun ruins and it paints a picture of overcoming odds, pulling together, and standing up against giants who are threatening your way of life. I saw the beauty in what the Exiles were making a stand for at Thayd, and I wanted to convey that to the player. 
 
 
 
Again, even though we disagree, I applaud the fact that you are listening and that you are an obvious fan of certain game music. I respect your opinion on how you think I should have written more than nine hours of music for a massive MMO, but I'm not sure how you can hear Algoroc (western, guitar-driven music) the same as Celestion (lush, magical, orchestral). Yes they both have strings, but surely that doesn't make them the same piece of music. All that Zelda music you linked to earlier has very common threads from piece to piece… which is what gives it the Zelda personality… they are all unique, but still very much part of the same fabric. They are not so vastly and wildly different that you would be shocked to hear them in the same game. 
 
I think we agree to disagree, and we have very different viewpoints on what makes good music and a good melody. I stand by the entire WildStar score and I'm really proud of what I wrote for the game. From the melodies to the instrumentation I feel I was able to hit the emotional context of the areas of the game. I disagree that it's "background noise" or that it lacks in "real melodies". It's difficult not to take the criticism personally because all the music was born out of my creative spirit, but I respect the players and fans enough to hear out their opinions and feedback, and I definitely appreciate you giving me a moment to respond and air out my feedback to your posts. I intend no malice or personal attacks, so please take my comments as a respectful response to your criticism and concerns about the score, and hopefully we part ways with a high five and a strange desire to play some Ocarina of Time.
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I think that maybe some people are confusing the issue of "generic" music by how the music has been arranged in the game.  There are a few pieces of music that play at (mostly) appropriate times throughout the player's adventure through Nexus.  This is a little bit different when compared to other games and especially other MMOs such as World of Warcraft.  In WoW, there are certain zones that have their own musical profile that isn't shared with other (or very few zones).  There are a few zones that share music, but when they do, they are usually similar in some way (the Barrens and Westfall in WoW - both are prairie-like - some swamps/jungles share tunes).  In WildStar, the musical tunes are not necessarily tethered by location, but by atmosphere, or by race (the Lopp/Protostar themes).  I think that could lead to the illusion that the music is generic (it appears in more than one place) when that may still not be the case.
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Jeff, you rock good sir.  I love your music.  Thank you for making it available to me to listen to outside of the game.  I'd recommend selling it in iTunes, make some cash flow, and start making music for movies.  Hans Zimmer needs some help.  He's running dry. 
 
On a more serious note, this music evokes emotion in me, and for that I thank you, again.	
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Hey Detour, I see what you're saying, and I agree with you, which is why I just want to point out that every zone DOES indeed have it's own theme in WildStar. You will never hear the Northern Wilds theme anywhere else but Northern Wilds… or the Celestion forest music (not the aurin theme, but the music in the forests), or the Levian Bay music, etc anywhere else but in those zones … each zone has it's own music and it's own identity that does not get shared. Though when we come across encampments or settlements of Lopp, Protostar, Dominion, Exile, etc it's only natural to throw in their theme for their areas in the game, so "world group" themes will be all over the game, but zone themes are pretty much locked down to the zone. Hope that helps. :) As always, thanks for listening!!
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Just feel one: Great wilderness, the forest, wide landscapes... this is that what the music gaves into your mind.
Classic Music finally is, just my opinion, the best to transfer those impressions in to other minds. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzwbpMA1xVA&index=12&list=PL4Yt7jkWoyvmnOAUsOc9a0YWt6-7jqWHk
 
Just watch this close your eyes and think about the landscape that your mind create.
Finally great work. 
Edith talks to me: In the end it is not Mr. Soule, but it's quit realy realy realy good!	
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