Very nice piece, Dan.  I really enjoyed it, especially the breakout around 3:00.

dcumpian
 
I don't listen to anything in particular for inspiration. My tastes range from Peter Gabriel and Tori Amos to Rush, Trapt and Dead Sara. As much as I have always wanted to do tracks like these bands, I can't sing (trust me on this). So I've had to find a way to do instrumentals that are still interesting. It's funny, even the most simple pop song with a decent singer is easily more ear-catching than a good instrumental. I've found that it takes a lot to keep a listener interested without a vocal.
 
For the most part, since I am limited to instrumental music, my projects aren't inspired by what I listen to, though they are influenced by production values that I like. For instrumental influences, I'd pick Mars Lasar who did a couple of CD's back in the 90's that I enjoyed. Probably also stuff by Yanni and Andreas Vollenweider. Also, soundtracks by Hans Zimmer, Anthony Anderson, Trevor Morris, Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival.
 
Whew! How's that?
 
Regards,
Dan
 
 

 
Thanks, I was hoping for some listening suggestions, I'll check some of these out.
 

As much as I have always wanted to do tracks like these bands, I can't sing (trust me on this). So I've had to find a way to do instrumentals that are still interesting. It's funny, even the most simple pop song with a decent singer is easily more ear-catching than a good instrumental. I've found that it takes a lot to keep a listener interested without a vocal.

 
I'm in exactly the same position Dan, and I agree!

Cool composition. It reminded me of my childhood. I liked the changes and the different moods.

This sounds good on my Surface Pro 4 speakers so no complaint about the mix. Loved the way the synths interweaved with the guitar parts, great track.

Jesse Screed
I could see this being used in a stunt kite video.
 
There is always something tolearn when I listen to your comps.
 
attention to detail,
 
2:08, hold on to your knickers!
 
It is obvious you have some very high quality tools and you know how to use them.
 
@ 4:23, another flavor
 
Your style is so far removed from mine that it is laughable, but you push me to be better because you show what is possible for the home musician.
 
Then you bring it all together around 6:45.
 
epic, regal, as good as any hollywood magic boy.
 
Peace
 
Jesse Q. Screed

Hi Jesse! Thanks for the kind words. To be honest, 90% of what you hear in this comes from one VSTi: Omnisphere 2. I do have the Keyscape and Trilian modules as well, but Trilian wasn't absolutely required, and the only thing I used out of Keyscape is the JD-800. Drums and bass guitar are from Kontakt. So, if you don't have Omnisphere, and you like the sounds in this track, you should add that to your arsenal.
 
Regards,
Dan
 
 

dcumpian

Jesse Screed
I could see this being used in a stunt kite video.
 
There is always something tolearn when I listen to your comps.
 
attention to detail,
 
2:08, hold on to your knickers!
 
It is obvious you have some very high quality tools and you know how to use them.
 
@ 4:23, another flavor
 
Your style is so far removed from mine that it is laughable, but you push me to be better because you show what is possible for the home musician
Then you bring it all together around 6:45.
epic, regal, as good as any hollywood magic boy.
Peace
Jesse Q. Screed

Hi Jesse! Thanks for the kind words. To be honest, 90% of what you hear in this comes from one VSTi: Omnisphere 2. I do have the Keyscape and Trilian modules as well, but Trilian wasn't absolutely required, and the only thing I used out of Keyscape is the JD-800. Drums and bass guitar are from Kontakt. So, if you don't have Omnisphere, and you like the sounds in this track, you should add that to your arsenal.
Regards,
Dan

Thanks for the heads up on omnishere.  I have searched for it and noticed the price, dang.  But if it is all that and this too maybe I can save for it.
 
Jesse Q. Screed

I'm going to start coming into this forum if this is the sort of thing you get to hear. I really enjoyed listening to it, a real pleasure, well done Dan.

philz
Very nice piece, Dan.  I really enjoyed it, especially the breakout around 3:00.

Thank you Phil! I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed it!
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Chandler
Cool composition. It reminded me of my childhood. I liked the changes and the different moods.

Thank you Chandler! I appreciate the comments!
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Dan,
 
Very epic track.   Has a real Top Gun vibe, throw a Steve Steevens solo over the top and you are there:)  Mix is great too.
 
Regards