My piece is titled Mars – Cody’s Planet Suite Movement IV. Unlike most submissions, my piece follows a structure that goes from a single verse that builds up to a finale in the form of a single chorus. Afterwards, there is a dark ambient outro, inspired by the NASA Voyager recordings of the planets. The structure goes as follows: ABC (A – Verse, B – Chorus, C – Bridge/Outro). 
The main riff was originally created on guitar. I liked the simple yet melancholic and heavy feel of the melody. I adapted it for piano, which is an instrument I find more familiar and easier to play. 

The melody lasted for almost a minute, almost like a Max Richter piece, which created a challenge. I wanted to create a 3-4-minute piece that does not feel like it could be more developed if it was not for its short length. I am not sure if I succeeded at doing so, for my piece just ends up feeling like an interlude to me, which is something that I can accept.

To add to the heavy feeling of the song, I added tons of low and atmospheric sounds that felt good with the piano melody. I wanted to create a deep, depressive atmosphere to represent the desolate environment of the planet Mars. 

The finale was tricky to create. It was an interesting challenge to create something that feels both subtle yet impactful. I added an extra layer of piano that plays the same keys from the main riff but with the tempo doubled, while the other instruments remain in the same tempo. I also added a dark and slow drum beat to give the finale a punchier feeling. 

I always meant to end the piece in a creepy ambient way, to add even more darkness. For my live audio, I recorded myself saying actual thoughts that I had when I lost my cousin Dan Toker to a smoking addiction. The most fitting part that I could use that talking track was at the very end of the piece. I hoped to create something that represents the shock from losing someone while that person is still young. 

Soundtrap felt very intuitive and I really liked their sounds. I enjoyed experimenting with these sounds to create something that appealed to my liking. I still feel that my song would sound better with live instruments and better ambient sounds that can be found on other synthesizers. Regardless, this piece was fun to make and I feel quite proud of it.

Cody Beinert - Mars - Cody's Planets Suite Movement IV

Mentor College

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