"I offer you a chord" - SONGWRITING COMPETITION 091

Important

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This article includes a few editorial suggestions from RemiEXS, purely intended to spark creative inspiration. These do not replace or reinterpret the official rules. All rights and materials belong to their original authors. No images or downloadable content from Mix Challenge are shared directly here unless explicitly licensed or replaced with royalty-free visuals.
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Overview

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#prodcomp #Song #MixChallenge

This month's SWC theme is a "Special Task Challenge" titled "I offer you a chord (progression)". Participants are provided with a 16-bar chord progression in the key of F Lydian, available in MIDI format, along with chord charts and Roman numeral analysis. The challenge is to create a song in any genre using this chord progression as the foundation.

Key points to consider

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• Composition Focus: The track must be original, built upon the provided chord progression.​
• Genre: There are no genre restrictions; feel free to explore any style that resonates with you.​
• Length & Format: Submissions should be between 1:30 and 10:00 minutes long.​
• Production Elements: While creativity is paramount, a well-mixed and balanced track is essential.​
• Allowed Tools: You can use any instruments, sounds, and processing tools at your disposal.

RemiEXS Tips for the March 2025 Songwriting Challenge in F Lydian

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The F Lydian mode is an expressive and ethereal scale that carries an uplifting yet dreamy atmosphere. Unlike standard major scales, the Lydian mode features a raised 4th degree, giving it an open, floating, and somewhat "otherworldly" feel. The chord progressions provided in this challenge are rich with harmonic movement, making them versatile for various styles.

Which Styles Fit Best?

• Ambient & Cinematic: The F Lydian mode is perfect for soundscapes, ambient music, and cinematic scoring. You can layer lush pads, airy reverbs, and evolving textures to enhance the floating sensation.
• Progressive House & Melodic Techno: If you’re into electronic music, Lydian’s uplifting tension can be leveraged for progressive house, melodic techno, or even trance. A pulsating arpeggio with subtle filter automation can make your track breathe.
• Jazz Fusion & Dream Pop: Since the mode has a dreamy, almost suspended tonality, it works beautifully for jazz fusion, neo-soul, and dream pop. Try complex chord voicings and shimmering guitar delays for an atmospheric effect.
• Drum & Bass (DnB): Can F Lydian work for DnB? Absolutely! But instead of dark, aggressive neurofunk, think liquid DnB or atmospheric jungle. A warm reese bass, rolling drum breaks, and ethereal synth leads can turn this progression into a soaring, euphoric journey.

Beats & Rhythms

• For electronic genres (House, Techno, Trance): A steady four-on-the-floor beat with evolving filter sweeps and rhythmic synths can work wonders.
• For DnB & Breakbeat: Consider using syncopated breaks, airy pads, and deep sub-basses to maintain groove while keeping the floating Lydian vibe.
• For cinematic & ambient: Go for no drums or a subtle pulsing rhythm with soft percussions to let the harmonic textures shine.

Pro Tip: Emphasize the Raised 4thIn the provided F Lydian chord progressions, the G Major (II) and D Major (VI) chords define the signature Lydian sound. Try highlighting this characteristic note (B natural) in your melodies and harmonies to reinforce the ethereal mood.

This March 2025 challenge is a great opportunity to push your composition into expansive, uplifting, and experimental territories. Whether you’re crafting lush ambient textures, intricate DnB grooves, or cinematic scores, the F Lydian mode is your gateway to an unearthly and immersive soundscape.

Mix & Mastering Tips for F Lydian Productions

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The F Lydian mode naturally creates spacious, uplifting, and atmospheric compositions, which means your mix should focus on clarity, depth, and balance to preserve its ethereal nature.

EQ & Space Management:

• The raised 4th degree (B natural) can sometimes introduce brightness in the upper midrange. Use gentle EQ shaping to keep it smooth, especially in synths or lead instruments.
• If you're layering pads and reverbs, use high-pass filtering to remove excessive low-end mud and keep the mix open.
• For percussion and drums, ensure they sit in their own space with subtle sidechain compression against pads and leads to maintain clarity.

Reverb & Delay Techniques:

• Lydian thrives in space! Use long tail reverbs and ping-pong delays on melodic elements to create a floating feel.
• If working with DnB or rhythmic electronic music, apply pre-delay on reverbs to keep transients punchy while still achieving an atmospheric sound.

Mastering Considerations:

• Since F Lydian often gives a light, airy tonality, you may need a gentle high-end lift (around 10kHz+) in mastering to enhance its shimmer.
• Be mindful of low-end clarity—if your basslines are deep (especially in DnB or cinematic tracks), ensure they don’t clash with kicks.
• Use light glue compression to unify the mix without squashing its natural dynamics.

A well-crafted mix and master will ensure your track retains its depth and harmonic richness, making the F Lydian magic shine through!

How to enter?

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To participate in the March 2025 Songwriting Competition:

1. Register on the Mix Challenge Forum (if you haven’t already).​
2. Download the provided chord progression and related materials from the competition thread.​
3. Compose and produce your track based on the given chord progression.​
4. Submit your entry before the deadline via the designated forum thread.

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