See the post ‘Far Away’ film (below) for more information on the actual film itself, the plot and things like that. This post is about the main theme for this film, which is heard at the beginning as Alex (the main character) is setting off on his journey.

My intention with the main theme was to keep the motif simple and cool with the sweet melody on classical guitar, building up at the right moment to fit in with what’s happening on screen. (See ‘Far Away’ film here that will  be available for everyone to watch€¦ soon). I feel I have achieved the overall sound I was hoping for, which was to create a sad yet determined feeling to reflect Alex’s dedication to complete the journey. The melody is reflected many times throughout the film, hinted across different parts both at the front of the mix and also floating in the back, in different keys, instruments, and times (it is heard in the background played at half the speed at one point). When writing music for a film such as this the music has to be coherent throughout and hearing the motif melody enhances the emotional connection with the main character (I hope). Deep stuff!

Anyway, more pieces to be uploaded in a couple of weeks time! Enjoy!

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2015
Classical Guitar performed by William Knight

‘Far Away’ is a short film written, directed and produced by James Battrick of ‘A Stamp of Approval Pictures’, a film production company based in Cardiff.

‘Far Away’ is the story of Alex Beck, a young man who travels for three days across mountains, fields and forests in order to replicate a similar adventure his deceased mother had completed 20 years prior, where he goes to say his final goodbyes. On his journey he faces both physical and emotional challenges that will ultimately change who he is forever. (Alex Beck is played by James Battrick).

I composed the music soundtrack in January 2015 following the completion of the footage in late 2014. It was my first opportunity to write a full soundtrack to a short film and it was a great first project to work on because it allowed me the freedom to be creative with the resources I had available. With beautiful visual shots and clever camerawork of the mountains, fields and forests in the Brecon Beacons in West Wales and around Mountain Ash in Pontypridd, the music adds much needed sonic depth that captures emotions throughout the story. I really enjoyed working on this project and look forward to doing more in the future.

A collection of pictures taken on shoots can be seen on: Southway Film Fest – ‘Far Away’.

Film Awards:

– Best Sound – Oxford Brookes University Film Festival

– Best Editing – Oxford Brookes University Film Festival

– It is in the ‘Official Selection for the Iron Pointe Film Festival 2015’.

See full short film on the link below.

‘Far Away’ film

(soon to be available for everyone to watch)

List of pieces:

Main Theme

Flashback Scene

Lost with Map Scene

Almost There Scene

Final Scene into Credits

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2015
(Classical Guitar performed by William Knight)

Meet & Jam are a really good music platform for all musicians to set up their own online profiles. My profile can be found here: Oliver Daniel Nicholls meet & Jam profile. They are free to set up and feel very professional. Definitely worth it.

Here is the advert written by Meet and Jam for the Thursday 22nd October event:

The Meet & Jam Night touches down at The Cellar in Oxford as part of our 2015 ‘Road to The 100 Club’ campaign!

WHAT IS A MEET & JAM NIGHT?

At a Meet & Jam Night, local musicians come together to jam on a range of classic tunes. The incredible Meet & Jam House Band is on hand to fill the gaps and keep the night fast and flowing and we have 4 bottles of Jack Daniel€™s up for grabs for the 4 musicians displaying the best musicianship€¦

In addition, we carefully select 2 or 3 original acts that play in the middle of the evening directly to A&R scouts looking to sign some acts and have them perform at future events.

In the words of Louis Brown of Island Records: €œThere are no other nights like Meet & Jam€¦working with musicians on many levels, recruiting new artists, there€™s nothing quite like it. It€™s the new way to discover great music.€

Entry is only £5, which goes towards us being able to put on the nights. … →

I came up with this idea in around October 2014 with a quirky game character in mind. It would work well in a game setting because it is easy to listen to on a loop, and is not intrusive to the ear when it repeats. If anybody would like to use this music in their project please get in contact via email: [email protected].

The tonic to dominant bass line is one of my favourites and features in many of my compositions. The flute cuts through nicely. I did not want it to be too up front in the mix; instead I wanted it sitting nicely alongside the piano. If I was to improve the mix I would do more to increase the overall volume to get the energy pumping. However I am happy with this mix and loudness isn’t always everything. Overall this piece is a gentle, simple piece suitable for a character within a game. Enjoy!

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2014

This is another track written for the  2D Dungeon game Vagabond Legacy developed by Harrk. It  represents the grass scene within the game, which is like home and is safe from the monsters that lurk in the dungeons.

This track is calm with a melodic flute playing the melody that is backed with strings providing lush harmonies that ultimately blends the texture nicely. The music enhances the safeness of the scene with no threats from monsters. The user can relax and enjoy the scenery before carrying on with the quest.

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2014

This is another piece of music for Harrk’s game Vagabond Legacy, a 2D Dungeon game. I composed this piece at around the same time as Vagabond Legacy’s ‘Town Scene music’, so about June 2014 this one.

I feel the sounds in the Dungeon Scene music really emphasises the suspense and thrill required in the game. The music drives the scene forward. The character is running around trying to escape the dungeon but is constantly battling with monsters. I believe I get this message across successfully to enhance the feelings of the user.

Even more music for Vagabond Legacy to uploaded soon…

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2014

This was my first experience writing music to brief for a game. I composed it in about May 2014 for  Harrk’s game Vagabond Legacy, a 2D Dungeon game. This particular music has been written for the town scene. I really enjoyed composing and mixing this. The Tonic – Dominant bass line is easily listenable as the user will hear this music on repeat the whole time they are exploring the town. I do think though that in the future I will make the melody simpler as a couple of passages in the middle sound a little bit messy. Apart from that it all adds up to the experience and it is supposed to reflect a busy town scene!

More music to be uploaded soon from Vagabond Legacy…

All Music by Oliver Daniel Nicholls 2014