Good for you man. AS long as people listen to and like the sound of your music, there will always be some willing to pay for it. I know I've heard free tracks that I would happily pay for before.

Hey, this way you can now upload higher quality songs without sacrificing file size by lowering bit-rates!

Also, you should start a music business (symphony of spectors?/ dreamer dens?)

I've always felt a lot of sympathy for composers in the casual gaming scene. I can see the sense in some people thinking there shouldn't be a licensing fee for music that the composer just decided to make. But music created *for* the game should definitely yield some profit. And that's even the developers/artists a lot of the time. The fans.. Jesus.. they think Flash games and animations just flop out of an author when they're bored one night.

Anyhow, I wish you the best. And shit, I just realized you live in Toronto too. Fancy that! Toronto is the city with the most NG tankies :P

I didn't think people tried to profit of NG, I thought people had day jobs or what ever and NG was a hobby. If music is your career then thats cool, I didn't know you were doing this for profit, I thought you did your job, and thought of shit in your free time and then uploaded it here for free. I don't know anything about music making as a business but are Ziddu and Uploading your only profit sources?

I knew things were sponsered, but I was unaware there was significant if any money involved with sponsorship. I am not much on the flash scene, I know about ad revs and that stuff, I know Armor Games has employees and they get paid but I didn't know some of the more famous collabs here that say they are sponsored by NG got money.

Got any kind of paypal account or something? I don't like third parties.

Welcome to the cruel, harsh world of buisness, bro. Nowadays, people can hardly give to the community for free without filing bankrupcy altogether. And all the other guys sacrifice quality for quantity, just so they can earn a quick buck. It's either you give up or sell out. I understand your choices and I wish you the best of work.

P.S. When you begin working for big-wig video game companies and movie directors, don't forget how good ol' NEWGROUNDS helped you get started! PLEASE, don't forget where your fans are!

We are in this for the moolah, but I dunno how much since PO3 is ads only.
It's a beautiful ride at least.

Damn, major downer eh? More for you than the listener I assume though. I'll make sure to download all your stuff to keep some form of money coming in hah.

As suggested above, you should link a paypal account

I will download those links. Because you are a brilliant musician, Maestro, and your hardships make me sad.

Best of luck, hopefully a big game company will want you to make make music for them ^>^. YOULL BE SWIMMIN DOUGH HEAR ME? SWIMMIN!

Downloaded. It makes me doubtful if a career in music will benefit me if awesome musicians such as yourself are almost pleading for money. Good luck, I'll check back here as often as I can to help you out.

Don't get me wrong you're still my favorite composer on this site, but I barely have any room on my computer to keep that much new stuff :(

Meh, I wouldn't buy your music.

that's rough

I'll download just because I want to help such awesome classical music master.
I love your musics man ;)

I remember you... You did the music for that game I played...
You're not getting any money though, everyone else has money problems too >_>

hey man I feel you. Have you ever considered releasing download-able albums?

I purchased a few that I've liked and would definitely do the same for you.

I'll be happy with that as long as you keep all of the songs you already have here up. A person with talent and skill like yours deserves to be payed for his efforts.
Out of curiosity, will you still make custom tracks for people's games and such?

looks like its gone now

I'm sad now. =P

We love you Maestro! XD

wake me up before you go go

Take care, man, and good luck with the new work! God knows NG will be here when you come back! I just missed being able to download your tracks, so I'll have to get them from a friend.

Take care, Rage!
-Engine

NOOOOOO come on man, you're like my favorite artist of all time on newgrounds. god dammit, you could have at least left the tracks here :'( I only got a chance to download rage of the champions. goodbye man, I wish you best of luck.

Jesus... I'm gonna download everything you got, then sample everything and post it back up on here just to make sure people don't forget about you.

Well, i won't make a lenghty post (i'm tired, too). I can only wish the best of luck for you, my friend.

No this cannot be!!!

I wish you the best of luck in your new job, but I didnt get to download all of your music :(

But, to kickstart your new job, could you send me all of your songs in a zip to me and I will give you £20 over paypal xD (PLEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!)

For the last two weeks I have been listening to your music everyday, all day while I have been working, its the only thing that has kept me alive xD

Good luck! I can't wait for your return, you don't have msn or skype do you? I'd love to keep in contact :)

NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
WHY?! eh o well, i guess i'll live. but still, why must you get a real job? you are only 22.

the four things of Newgrounds.

Animation
Programming
Voice Acting
Music

the four things that keep it alive...and advertisement lol

you my friend, are one of the top in the music department.

but seriously...
Good luck!

l8s

You are by far my favorite artist on Newgrounds. It would appear that I missed the window to download all of your existing tracks, and the few I have are what I salvaged from my old broken HDD. If your music becomes available elsewhere I would like to know even if it is for a fair fare. Best of luck.

Heh... I just went over to the audio portal to listen to some of your music, to find that you've already taken it down. I didn't think it would happen so quickly.

Although I deeply mourn the loss of your music, I wish you good luck in the outside world.

Maestro,

I remember a long time ago reviewing on one of your songs, telling you the music was too good to be put on newgrounds.

And I am glad you finally made the choice to remove it all. Please keep us in touch, or everything you have done on newgrounds was worthless.

Good luck in your job, im sure you'll do great.

OH NOES I MISS YOU :'[

Good luck in life man. Glad you took that decent job that involves music and you couldn't refuse, sounds important.

I must admit that I actually thought you pulled off another John Shore joke when I read it on the forums. This however completely took me by surprise.

Congratulations buddy, you really deserve it! Any detailed information about the business you're going to work in? =)

All the best for your future career!

Congrats to the job buddy!!! Best of luck with it!!!

I really do hope you'll get back to submitting here again some day though...

C U around! ^_______________^

newgrounds just semi-lost one of its best, lol you used to make me mad cause your music was so much better than mine :P, i tired to remix your songs once but it failed lol. good luck with the new job though, hope to hear some cool songs in future games composed by you .

Wow, I got a real shock when I wanted to check if there is anything new out from you as I do every few days :(
You've been my favorite composer on this site, the only profile that I've bookmarked, and I'm sad to see all submissions gone :(
Anyhow, I wish you all the best in your job, and I hope that you can fulfill your dreams :)

A shame really. You had some of the most distinct, quality audio I've seen, not just on a flash site. It really nailed the epic, cinematic feel that some games were lacking without your work.

Even though I must say this was a big kick in the balls, I know music of the caliber you guys put out will definitely have a market.

Out of curiosity, will Mandi be part of your group?

Would you still post free music for inspiration though? I understand a crap ton of your NG reviewers relied on your work to help them write and draw.

It's rather ironic....we were looking for a soundtrack for a zombie community movie, I drop by here because I particularly liked your tunes, and BAM, this news.

What rights does the user and yourself have for music that you took down but was downloaded before you did?

I know you probably aren't gonna read this but still, I have the slightest glimmer of hope that one day oyu shall.

Man, I loved your music. I really did, fuck had I come to NG more often I'd have fucking downloaded everything you did just to remember how epic you are. I swear, I'm on the verge of tears mate, I remember when I used to write those stories to go with the tracks. Hah, ah well. Fuck, guess it's my fault for only poping to NG on a rare basis now.

Well, I do hope that you go well man, if you could compile all your tracks and put 'em up somewhere that would be epic but I don't expect you to do that.

Still man, grats to you. I'll miss you and shall await the day you return with joy unlike any other day.

Well, Im gunna miss ya I'll say that. Man, ALL THE FREE STUFF? hmm must be a good job at least. Well, best of luck(eh?) So at some point you will be back on Newgrounds and a-posting? cuz that'd be great. Best of luck, Have fun with the job, and farewell for now.

I just joined Newgrounds for few months and checked out your stuff, they were very good. Do not let your wills down, the journey is just beginning, being a film composer isn't easy.

Life is moving on, there isn't enough time to enjoy. Hey mate, I feel very happy when meet another Torontonian (my new word) like you :), like Howard Shore!!
"Don't worry, be happy...".

But we need you!

Ah, I see.......

Well, good luck with all you have in the future. In fact, we might even come to you for said zombie movie.

In fact, going along with your earlier points, two of the script writers are in Toronto as well.

I'll miss coming home. THat was one of my fav songs on ng. Now it's gone... FOREVER! :(

kittens :(

Wow, this blows. I'm gonna miss all your music. It really was something spectacular.

Luckily for me, I have a lot of it saved onto my computer already ;D

Wow. I'm sad to see you go , but in at thease times it's so hard to survive anymore , well ... I wish you the best of luck and hope you do come back to NG one day (P.S. I would pay for your music but sadly all the money I make anymore goes to paying bills so I hope you find some way to make it and still post stuff here.Best wishes for you and your music. (P.S. 0 bommers suck lol)

You deserve making money for the art you produce. I love the style of your tracks.

Where did you end up getting a job?A videogame,film,record buisness,etc...? I think you would/should do really well in videogames or film. I wish I could hire you but I have no job or company. Maybe in the future when I'm done High School :P

Very nice. I completely understand what you're into. It would be great to have that fatty paycheck stretched out over the year so you can concentrate completely on the music; but like me, I still have that day job funding my lifestyle between the music work.

We still have personal contact methods, so if we both get some time, I suggest working on something together. It was always a thought, but we've been so busy.

Anyway, keep in touch, bro. And good luck with the music work.

All I can say is good luck man, you have great things ahead of you I can tell. Till you return Peace&Love!

Good luck dude, I always enjoyed your pieces. Well, not all of them. I'll be hounost, the way you'd want it. I think..
I noticed you uploading less lately, am I right? I mean, I didn't get as many e-mails from Symphony of Spectors as I used to. >:'(
Sucks ass your leaving Newgrounds, but! It's time to get real fucking big for you, and make some big ass bucks (i hope) and share some with me (optional).
Please come back to Newgrounds, the ''classical'' portal will never be the same without you. Know that.

WILL THERE BE A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF YOU? IF SO.. HOW!? Maybe someone asked but im not gonna read every comment (I HOPE YOU DO THOUGH!) haha :p Sorry if this is already asked 40 times.

Man i love you music and can't live without, im really glad you bought me some time to download every single piece.

I will miss you, and if I may speak for Newgrounds; We'll miss you :)

Ka-POW!
{LDL}

MaestroRage,

You are one of the people who inspired me to pick up composing: you showed me that anyone can do what the wished, given time. To do something that, in ages past, only a privleged few had the possibility to do. While your leaving saddens me, and many others, so to do I empathize with your personal needs. Farewell.

I hope to see your music again Maestro, it is truely amazing

Words can't say what you've been to NG. Once I get all my music production stuff on my new comp maybe I'll make a tribute ;).

Well I hope you have a good time then, later!

You don't know what you've got till it's gone.

Well my friend it has been fun and I've enjoyed your music over the years. I've seen you go through classical to love to game music. I have supported you all the way through and I am truthfully going to miss your name on Newgrounds. May you live on as a legend to those who have listened to your work. Be good and in health and may you enjoy your job.

A favorable fan,
Umburns

Goodbye MaestroRage! We will never forget the awesome tracks you made!

I wish you the best of luck in your new career :D But honestly I'll miss the music, as will many others. But that just goes to show you'll do all the better :D congrats ^^

Also since I spoke without reading other comments, I'll pitch in and state some facts:
By doing all you have done for NG, you have helped provide beginner and experienced animators the music they need to create beautiful (some exciting/scary/ the rest) movies. Now that i'm starting to animate, I'm looking everywhere for audio, but they price some 2 second sounds at 2$ each. You were a blessing while it lasted, you deserve a break from working so hard with only a thanks :] Maybe i might just find an album sometime in stores with your name on it ;D and sorry for stating the obvious. Now I'm truly done.

RSoperation~

I jumped into my favs to here some ng music and I was trying to figure out why I couldn't play your songs. After reading this I found out why. Sad to see one of my top fav artists go.

Good luck on your job, you and your epic music will be missed.

%u2665 P.S. I l%u2665ve you. %u2665

P.P.S. I love you.
P.P.P.S. I'm not sure what happened to the P.S.

Hey, you've got to do what you've got to do, and finding a job is worth whatever sacrifices you have to make.
You're still the most talented musician Newgrounds has in my opinion, you have been for years and most likely always will be.
Do what's necessary, just don't leave us.
or we'll be very sad. and you won't get anything from us at Christmas.

Your the greatest musician ever and now you should be able to upload higher qualitys songs without worrying about the lower bit-rates!

this probably won't be read but i wish you the best with your new job Ive always appreciated you works

Way to turn your back on all your loyal fans, you fucking sell-out prick. I actually liked your music, you know.

Don't ever darken the front step of the Audio Portal again. Fuck you.

I'm so glad you have the spine to actually pull through and make for a career out of your passion. I think a lot of people make distinct differences between work and hobby. I'd like to say that I'm in the same boat as you, in that I'm pursuing a living from my hobbies and passions. You're a damn magnificent composer, Chuck, and don't ever forget it!

Don't use that cop-out argument on me. What kind of stupid company or publisher or whatever the hell it is makes you take down your FREE work when it's been up for months/years at a time? What good does it do?

But of course, you bend right over and do it. That isn't "doing business with your craft." That, my music-mongering friend, is selling out.

Wait, what, WHAT!?

Arg, god dammit, I totally didn't see that one comming, just go to see what music you had up, since I did not check for a long time and, surprise, our great maestro rage does not have any music to its active! I go to see an piece that i had to my fav, thinking of browsing throug your submition in the panel to find out that apparently your songs need an music portal moderator to evaluate it, WTF is that, how could anyone be best suited to be an moderator of the music portal than our Maestro? And then I see that, crap... Seriously, i never realy took time to download my favorite pieces (witch is prety mutch everything) since I dont even think I would have enough space!

Please mercifull god, please, Ô great maestro, tell me it is not to late to download a few for free, im way to poor to afford to buy stuff (That and the fact that I dont have any credit card to buy things online).

Gah... You know, I am happy for you, great, you have a job that you like, I was the first to say that you should play prefessionnaly, gettin' paid for your work and I was to the first to know that somthing like what is just happening here would happen one day...

...But...

I know that this is Selfish if myself but, I realy did not hope it would happen, you will be a great lost to the community and it seams that we will never be able to make games the same with you gone, for me at least, with you that goes away, it is a loot of the atractiveness of newgrounds that follows you, seriously, im almost cryng now, gah...

Any hope we can see your work soon? Or a location that we can follow you? I swear, I'm going to clic on those adds!

I never had a newgrounds account until now, but I've been listening to your tracks ever since you posted them at the RRR forums. You definitely have a huge talent for creating music Selcuk and I wish you luck with your current situation. If Mandi is in it too I wish her luck as well.

Thank you for sharing your music with everyone online and keeping it free for so long. At RRR a lot of users use to comment about how they're all so amazing. Your music tunes really are a masterpiece. So I hope your new career is a success. :)

it's sad to see you go. You make awesome music! but i hope your new career in music will help you out and make you famous.

What 0 bombers? I think you're stuff is fucking amazing! Hope to have you back soon enough.

I intend to look forward. You leaving is terrible, but I look forward to a future when you return. I found your music late, I wasn't along for the whole ride but I intend to still listen to your music and purchase the new songs.

I am very happy for you that you could get a job to support yourself for the time being. All that I can hope is that when you return, that it will be spectacular.

In the mean time, I will be looking around. There are *tons* of composers that write songs similar to yours, and many of them are on NG. This is such a great genre and can really put you into a mood.

All of this being said, you must tell us when you release music. Drop a link somewhere so we can follow and make you moneyz. :D

The greatest of luck,
SatiricalGod

After playing Dark Cut II, I joined Newgrounds just so I could follow your work. I fell off the interwebs for a while, and lo and behold... when I came back, your lovely music had disappeared! ;-; I was deeply saddened, because your music has brought me a great deal of happiness through some very difficult times recently.

Still, I understand why it had to be done, but I still hope you come back soon. My best friend and I are huge fans of your work, and we're both rooting for you, Maestro! May the sun be at your back, and may those that love you, love you. And as for those that don't, may their ankles be turned so that you'll know them by their limping.

I'm telling you, you need to get a record deal and release CD's.
You could bring good music back to the people.