Where Do Game Developers Get Their Music Done??

[Jorin]

Hey, all. I wanted to ask this simple question because this is what I do now (independent composer), but I don't mean to turn this into an ad for my services or anything.

I just really want to know... well, basically, if there's a place I SHOULD be putting my 'ad.' Where do you as a developer get your music or sound effects? Do you hire someone for freelance, or for maybe a percentage of sale profits? Or do you just go out and buy the most basic Casio keyboard from Walmart and wing it?? (Thats a joke... )

Thanks for any help!

[Hollance]

You could try here: Indiegamer Developer Discussion Boards - Powered by vBulletin

[Guitarmonkey55]

Ill throw in a shameless plug here - I have a substantial professional music background and the knowledge, skills, and equipment to get some music made. If youre interested I am available for hire...send me a PM so we can talk further.

[adamk77]

How much do musicians usually charge? A ballpark figure.

[Jorin]

Originally Posted by adamk77

How much do musicians usually charge? A ballpark figure.

I'd be curious to know what others charge too...

I've only done music for short films, websites, and books at this point so I don't know if there's different pricing models for games. I think where it could get tricky is that games have potential for a lot of very small sounds/chimes in addition to any background music that might be going. I know what I would charge for a song, but I could see it getting tricky with lots of small clips.

Either way, I try to be reasonable (and competitive) in pricing so I'd definitely be open to some negotiating via PM as well...

...was that shameless?? I figured maybe being the OP entitles me to a plug or two... maybe...

[PlastickCouch]

I think most composers for games are around the $15-20/hr range.

At least that's how much our game designer (who is an amazing keyboard player) charges others.

[rocotilos]

For my first game I search around for royalty free music clips. They are available, but not much. However with the latest game update I removed all music altogether and just put effects in it. Some of it I record it by myself and edited it using Audacity (free sound editor).
Depending on game, I think you could do without a music at all.

For my second game (in the making now), I plan to learn GarageBand and create a music by myself.... Anyway, just sharing.

[lgehrig1]

Originally Posted by rocotilos

For my second game (in the making now), I plan to learn GarageBand and create a music by myself.... Anyway, just sharing.

Logic Express is also a good tool, and both GB and LE share various expansion upgrades. I've had good success with LE for both foley & background music in various vids.

Those apps and some old-timey sheet music (I'm partial to Irish folk) and you're ready to go!

[CalebFaithMusic]

Try Music and Sound - GameDev.net

I'm also a composer and here's my website Caleb Faith Music

[Xaron]

Incompetech

[moot1]

can u use garage band?