ReMix:EarthBound "Wishing on a Snowman" 5:25

Our first EarthBound ReMix of 2018 is our second featured ReMix from MasterGi (Giorgio Pomili), who follows his 2016 debut up with this laid back vintage soul/rock ballad:

"Hi! This track that I send to OC ReMix is a cover of one of my favourite video game song of all the times: "Snowman" from EarthBound. This cover is in a rock-indie style with some funk-soul elements; the title "Wishing on a Snowman" is inspired by the difficulties that I had working with this song. In fact, once I had the basic arrangement done, I really struggled trying to get a decent mix and mastering the song. It took me a really long time and a lot of efforts, but I persevered because I thought that this arrangement had a great potential even though it had a lot of technical problems I had to fix. So the title symbolizes the struggle but also the hope to do something good and overcome adversities! I hope that this arrangement will be accepted. Thanks for your attention!"

If you're gonna feature EP, it helps to have a good one; this is a good one, one which drips soul & offsets some of the thinness in the backing drums and acoustic guitar, which have a semi-motown mixing aesthetic that keeps them panned & a bit low. While I'd have preferred a bit more aggressive mastering, everything here has a lived-in, slightly smoky, slightly dusty quality to it which is exactly what you want & which lends atmosphere. That atmosphere is only enhanced by Giorgio's comfortable sense of timing and generally relaxed, smooth vibe on keys. Extensive use of effects sets the piece outdoors, though not necessarily in the snow - feels a bit more like a summer night, to me. Liontamer writes:

"This one's a melodically conservative but expansive piece with a subtle bounce to it thanks to the drums, backing guitar, and bass; very relaxing! 3:16 moved over into original comping that fit comfortably over the chord progression of the source in the background. The electric guitar sample from 4:04-4:52 was exposed and blocky-sounding but was expressive enough to get by, so ultimately no big deal there. There are only a few ReMixes on OCR that are structured by front-loading the source usage in the first half and then go original for the rest, but any formula is OK around these parts as long as the treatment of the source tune is interpretive and the source tune usage dominates the arrangement, so count it! If you like this one, give MasterGi's debut Wind Waker mix a listen as well!"

So while this is a mild & hospitable jam, that effect is achieved via some specific choices, pairing particularly laid-back playing with a copacetic palette of smoov textures. Romantic, mellow, chill, & a very welcoming blend of genres/textures from Giorgio; enjoy!