The Secret to Writing a Professor Layton Theme

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  • Опубліковано 28 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 170

  • @8bitMusicTheory
    @8bitMusicTheory  2 місяці тому +124

    OKAY OKAY Here's the full piece I wrote: ua-cam.com/video/jMFW43d-PKI/v-deo.html
    It was extremely fun to write and put together, and right when I was starting to record it my wife found someone selling a 'Pianorgan' secondhand in my city. It's played like a keyboard but it sounds just like an accordion, with a fan inside replacing the bellows on a regular accordion. So I could actually record the accordion parts myself without having to rely on bad MIDI accordion sounds!

    • @false_icons
      @false_icons 2 місяці тому +4

      I NEED a Pianorgan now

  • @YingwuUsagiri
    @YingwuUsagiri 2 місяці тому +311

    Now you've done both, it's time for 8-bit to listen to the Phoenix Wright vs Professor Layton soundtrack because it's an amazing perfect blend of both styles together with a slight sprinkle of "the timeframe" which is roughly the era of knights and magic.

    • @Ranzha_
      @Ranzha_ 2 місяці тому +9

      PLEASE

    • @Dominik-K
      @Dominik-K Місяць тому +5

      I love that OST so much, the blend is highly effective and sounds complex to my untrained ears in a fantastic way. Would love a video

    • @mei-chan1337
      @mei-chan1337 Місяць тому +4

      The Layton x Ace Attorney puzzle theme is god-tier

    • @ManrikiKusari
      @ManrikiKusari Місяць тому +6

      And then afterwards, an analysis of Great Ace Attorney themes because the music was created with the PLvAA music in mind

    • @timonotter2068
      @timonotter2068 Місяць тому

      PLvsAA is truly an amazing OST

  • @DarthSpiderMario
    @DarthSpiderMario Місяць тому +24

    The cool thing about the part at 17:36 for the Last Specter theme is that’s the same motif as the one used for summoning the titular “specter” in the game.

  • @diegoarmando5489
    @diegoarmando5489 2 місяці тому +10

    Fun fact:
    Jack Layton was a professor.
    But he was a Canadian (or a Québécois if we want to be pedantic) of English descent rather than a Briton.

  • @ole_pl
    @ole_pl 2 місяці тому +20

    PLEASE also make a video about Professor Layton Puzzle Themes, they're amazing!

  • @julienradke8653
    @julienradke8653 2 місяці тому +7

    I totally forgot how good the Layton main themes were. Definitley have to listen them on repeat for a while now. Thanks.

  • @AlphaOblivion7
    @AlphaOblivion7 Місяць тому +5

    This video is so good that it almost made me forget that the canon ending for the Professor and Luke (currently) is exclusively in the anime adaptation of 'Katrielle Layton's Mystery Detective Agency.'
    Yes, that show is canon, and it contains events that aren't in the game version

  • @JackieJKENVtuber
    @JackieJKENVtuber 2 місяці тому +12

    Fastest click of my life, immediately knew it was Layton when I got the discord notification

  • @thebestofbass
    @thebestofbass Місяць тому +1

    You’re videos are so good, they constantly inspire me to improve my music skills. Not only did I make 3 songs in 3 days because of your videos, I’ve decided to pursue game composition as a possible career path.

  • @bub777
    @bub777 2 місяці тому +4

    Tomohito Nishiura's style for me has been distinct since the Dark Cloud games.

  • @maria.garavaglia
    @maria.garavaglia Місяць тому +1

    I've never played any of the main Layton games, but I am in LOVE with these themes. Two other games come to mind:
    * Hollow Knight: A lot of the violin melodies in Layton have a very melancholy feeling to them, very reminiscent to the melodies in Hollow Knight (ex: Dirtmouth theme)
    * Steambot Chronicles: Perhaps my favorite game of all time. All of the music has a very similar vibe, particularly in the instrumentation (also featuring lots of violin and accordion) and in the latin-meets-jpop feel of the tracks.

  • @aleddichi7019
    @aleddichi7019 Місяць тому +4

    Everyone should check out the incredible Layton-inspired original composition by Mouafeng here on UA-cam, called "Puzzleman". It's the single best homage to Layton's soundtrack I have ever heard!

  • @robertork2505
    @robertork2505 2 місяці тому +5

    I've been watching you for years and this is my favourite game series (arguably the one that made me love music) and I never expected you to showcase it in your channel I swaer I've never been this excited.

  • @attisaurusplex
    @attisaurusplex Місяць тому

    I was hoping you would and am so happy you did get into the shreddings of unwound future and last spectre, they are the best pieces of music and I found myself just absolutely rocking out to those parts after all this time

  • @Gboysonic
    @Gboysonic 2 місяці тому +1

    The Layton music reminds of some the dark cloud ost on the ps2. Not fully but there is enough that the atmosphere for some of the songs feel similar

  • @zacharywong483
    @zacharywong483 Місяць тому +1

    Absolutely terrific analysis and video, as always!

  • @10freekie2
    @10freekie2 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you thank you!!! I loved layton so much! Listened to the themes a ton and so interesting how you explain this all!

  • @estbaabs
    @estbaabs 2 місяці тому +1

    I could listen to this for hours

  • @IvoryMadness.
    @IvoryMadness. 2 місяці тому +2

    This music are incredible! Great video!

  • @maluse227
    @maluse227 2 місяці тому +3

    God ive been waiting for you to pull this stunt for years, super talented man good job! and great video as always!

  • @melcobelc
    @melcobelc Місяць тому +1

    Omg, thank you so much!
    A bunch of the stuff I managed to figure out on my own (as these games are one of my biggest inspos), but you really helped me out in fully understanding!
    Thank you so so so much!

  • @DaShikuXI
    @DaShikuXI Місяць тому +1

    Would interesting to see if there is similar design consistency in the music playing when you solve puzzles.

  • @twixchexmix
    @twixchexmix Місяць тому +2

    holy shit the timing, i just finished playing through the original trilogy earlier this week

  • @douglasbradley7244
    @douglasbradley7244 Місяць тому +1

    Fantastic work!

  • @RickyRatte
    @RickyRatte Місяць тому

    My favourite Professor Layton theme is Route 10 from Pokemon Black and White

  • @des_ku_12
    @des_ku_12 Місяць тому

    Thank you! This video was so interesting

  • @memorymelodica
    @memorymelodica 2 місяці тому +1

    I love you 8 bit

  • @JeiShian
    @JeiShian Місяць тому

    The most gangsta intro ever

  • @ThePianoFortePlayer
    @ThePianoFortePlayer 2 місяці тому +1

    Awesome

  • @powerlucario
    @powerlucario Місяць тому

    I owe Professor Layton an apology, I wasn't really familiar with it's (music) game

  • @superbulletwill
    @superbulletwill 2 місяці тому +2

    It's funny cuz I was JUST listening to Layton music last night!

  • @ArisuBaskerville13
    @ArisuBaskerville13 Місяць тому

    FINALLY AHHH

  • @nilkilnilkil
    @nilkilnilkil Місяць тому

    Never played any of them ...

  • @Chelarino
    @Chelarino Місяць тому

    how do i sell my soul to you and where do i do it

  • @amnesiacapothecary
    @amnesiacapothecary 2 місяці тому +374

    I knew that wasn't an actual Layton song bc I've listened to the entire soundtrack obsessive compulsively lol
    Release the full song now king :)

    • @arran4285
      @arran4285 2 місяці тому +7

      I thought it was from one of the later games or the crossover

    • @AwesomizedArmadillo
      @AwesomizedArmadillo 2 місяці тому +11

      I'm in the same boat lol, not that it doesn't sound like Layton music

    • @idliketobeagummybear
      @idliketobeagummybear Місяць тому +6

      this is what happens when there’s no new game in 10 years lmao

    • @Gibberishusernamehere
      @Gibberishusernamehere День тому

      Second twist, this is from New World of Steam

  • @smexydeer1820
    @smexydeer1820 2 місяці тому +178

    Bro began the video with his own Layton plot twist

    • @Dominik-K
      @Dominik-K Місяць тому +7

      A gentleman always knows how to pleasantly surprise others

    • @stephaniejanong4146
      @stephaniejanong4146 Місяць тому +3

      THIS MADE ME CRACK UP

    • @aviserig
      @aviserig 25 днів тому

      AND THAT COMPOSER IS ME!

  • @loool72
    @loool72 Місяць тому +55

    "Do you know which game this if from? No, you don't, because I wrote it" is such a power-move, the fact you were able to compose a song so indistinguishably close to how the original artists REALLY drives home with how much love and attention to detail you approached this analysis!! thank you for providing such a helpful resource, i've learned so much from this channel 🖤

  • @AcidRayn24
    @AcidRayn24 2 місяці тому +97

    When you played the original composition at the beginning my first thought was that you somehow got an early copy of New World of Steam and this was some elaborate reveal video. Would have fooled me, nicely done!

  • @Infectedbybloo
    @Infectedbybloo 2 місяці тому +127

    RELEASE THE FULL ORIGINAL LAYTON PIECE PLS

    • @alelaera13
      @alelaera13 2 місяці тому +4

      yes 8bit are you crazy, ypu have to release it

  • @kennyholmes5196
    @kennyholmes5196 2 місяці тому +58

    Now that you've covered both Ace Attorney and Professor Layton, it's time to cover the crossover game.

  • @professorlink8202
    @professorlink8202 2 місяці тому +55

    You fool, I've listened to Professor Layton's themes too much not to have realized that the music at the beginning was totally original ! Otherwise, I'm so happy that you covered this subject ! :D Can't wait to listen to the New World of Steam theme !

    • @micahwest3566
      @micahwest3566 Місяць тому +6

      *Pulls off ridiculous mask and begins cackling*

  • @StonetheDestroyer42
    @StonetheDestroyer42 Місяць тому +29

    I had heard a lot of these soundtracks, but I've never played the games. I didn't realize until this video how good the game's *visual* aesthetic is. It's beautiful, and it's dripping with character and charm.

  • @thegreatbowald750
    @thegreatbowald750 2 місяці тому +51

    I remember when i was a kid playing Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle in Europe i think), and i loved the music from the game. When my dad got himself the first Professor Layton game on a DS, i instantly recognized the main theme, it sounded so much like the music from Dark Cloud. Tomohito Nishiura has a wonderully distinct sound, and I LOVE the accordian use!

    • @TKNinja37
      @TKNinja37 2 місяці тому +10

      I appreciate that you made the same connection I did. The similarities in the music are easy to hear.
      I felt the original piece hit a sort of "Xenoblade-Chronicles"-by-way-of-"Dark-Cloud" sound: very much leaning into the accordion sound, but a more high-energy tension than it usually produces.

  • @nappeywappey
    @nappeywappey Місяць тому +9

    I can't unhear the fact that Layton main themes are Jpop songs played with accordions and violins after this video lol

  • @pieterfaes6263
    @pieterfaes6263 2 місяці тому +22

    Me now noticing all the mechanical sounds in the original Professor Layton game theme:
    ...dammit, well played, game. Well played.

  • @ImNotGam
    @ImNotGam 2 місяці тому +24

    I almost screamed when Curious Village's theme played even though this is a Prof Layton video. That song is my childhood.

  • @yeth_half
    @yeth_half 2 місяці тому +48

    8-BIT, RELEASE TGE FULL LAYTON PIECE AND MY LIFE IS YOURS!

    • @OofMoment420
      @OofMoment420 Місяць тому +1

      i recommend vanvoxy's chip tunes if you wanna hear 8 bit covers of layton tracks!

  • @nintendorobin
    @nintendorobin 2 місяці тому +20

    The violin in the beginning reminds me of the Dirtmouth melody from Hollow Knight! Sounds very nice!

    • @Lishtenbird
      @Lishtenbird Місяць тому +1

      So I _wasn't_ crazy, someone else did hear this too!

    • @BATS2288
      @BATS2288 Місяць тому

      Got the same vibe too. If it was in the same key, it would have been unmistakable.

  • @BrendanVavra
    @BrendanVavra 2 місяці тому +10

    Fantastic breakdown! I've studied a lot of Layton music over the years and have reached similar conclusions on how the main themes are structurally related, so I'm glad to finally hear your take on the music from this fantastic series. ^^
    I've also noticed Nishiura uses that descending 5-#4-♮4 line in several other tracks throughout the OST to give that mysterious feel in all of the games, so I'm very happy you called that part out of the main theme.

  • @iliblock
    @iliblock 2 місяці тому +19

    OMGGG I've been waiting exactly 5 years for this video lol, I'm so happy to finally see Professor Layton's music in this channel 🌟

  • @lellymapommscymbillnos336
    @lellymapommscymbillnos336 Місяць тому +6

    The Azran Legacy theme breaks the trend of finishing on strong chords to instead eerily segue into the Azran theme ("Echoes of the Past") with those ominous low piano notes underneath...it feels like it says "this one isn't going to end like the other ones"...I remember hearing it in the Azran Legacy trailer and it had me SO hyped

  • @timothythomas1158
    @timothythomas1158 2 місяці тому +11

    As a Professor Layton connoisseur, I thoughorouly enjoyed this video. You give an excellent explanation to why Layton themes are so amazing and unique!

  • @picklesnathan
    @picklesnathan 2 місяці тому +12

    THIS IS SUCH A GIFT OF A VIDEO your channel has been instrumental (lul) to my ability to grasp music theory concepts outside a formal academic setting. It tracks so hard that you play Layton

  • @draak382
    @draak382 2 місяці тому +9

    Level-5 composers are among the best in the industry. Not only Layton, but also Yokai Watch, Dark Cloud and Inazuma Eleven have incredibile soundtrack with ton of identity.

  • @aidanthegamer5
    @aidanthegamer5 2 місяці тому +5

    It's not brought up in this video, but Katrielle's theme also fits into this format! It's slightly harder to pick up on, especially because it's overall longer than the traditional Layton theme, but I think that that's appropriate for a character (and a game) that's at least slightly different from what we're used to.

  • @Alexander-oh8ry
    @Alexander-oh8ry 2 місяці тому +11

    After watching, imma head straight out and start playing lost future

  • @TheBatmanMan1
    @TheBatmanMan1 2 місяці тому +11

    As someone who never played a professor Layton game, I hear this and think, “hey! Dark Cloud music!” (Specifically Dark Cloud 2).
    I was in a retro game store a few weeks back and they were playing Professor Layton sound tracks and I immediately like it and felt like I recognized it - thinking it was a Dark Cloud 2 song, (or some other Level-5 game song - Rogue Galaxy perhaps) but after a few seconds I was sure I’d never heard it before. I asked em what sound track it was, and that was my introduction to this series’ music.

  • @smexydeer1820
    @smexydeer1820 2 місяці тому +7

    A true gentleman is always accompanied by a banging theme song Luke

  • @Mouafeng-
    @Mouafeng- Місяць тому +6

    (⁠ノ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ノ⁠*⁠.⁠✧Tomohito Nishiura is one of my biggest influences in music composition. I have also thought this had strong Japanese pop/jrpg vibes, but thought I was the only one. 😅 Thanks for bringing attention to Layton music in the in depth way you do.

    • @aleddichi7019
      @aleddichi7019 Місяць тому

      OMG I love your Puzzleman composition so much! It did such a great job of capturing that Layton spirit.

    • @Mouafeng-
      @Mouafeng- Місяць тому

      @@aleddichi7019 Ah thanks! (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

    • @Mouafeng-
      @Mouafeng- Місяць тому

      ​@@aleddichi7019 Ah hello, thanks! How did you even find me here! 😂

  • @linkVIII
    @linkVIII 2 місяці тому +4

    How to make good music: add more accordion

  • @henrique88t
    @henrique88t 2 місяці тому +5

    I'm always in pure AWE by your transcribing skills.

  • @notcarbuncle1493
    @notcarbuncle1493 2 місяці тому +6

    Actually squealed when this popped up in mu recommended, love these osts so much

  • @mariogarciaurena1104
    @mariogarciaurena1104 Місяць тому +2

    These games are my childhood, but their music have been a constant throughout my life. Really excited for the new game, basically cuz of the OST. Amazing original composition and video. Very well done!!

  • @ImaginatorJoren
    @ImaginatorJoren 2 місяці тому +3

    Now I wonder what you’d do with analyzing the soundtrack to Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney.

  • @rocketpunchgo1
    @rocketpunchgo1 2 місяці тому +4

    Please do a video on Metal Gear Solid 2. Oh please do.

  • @mcfaucet
    @mcfaucet 2 місяці тому +3

    THIS IS ALL MY DDREAMS COME TO LIFE. IVE BEEN WAITING EVERY DAY FOR THIS

  • @Gammer5544
    @Gammer5544 2 місяці тому +3

    So I never comment but I realized something. The second theme you show from the miracle mask is the same kind of guitar line as chrono cross’s theme. Kind of wild. Same voicing and all

    • @Dominik-K
      @Dominik-K Місяць тому

      That's crazy but I can hear it now too

    • @Gammer5544
      @Gammer5544 Місяць тому

      @@Dominik-K Oh it's the exact same chords and notes just in a slightly different rhythm.

  • @RagingAsian06
    @RagingAsian06 2 місяці тому +2

    There are only a few games that captivated me as a child growing up with an original Nintendo DS when it came out in 2004. Pokémon, Professor Layton, Spectrobes, and Super Mario 64 DS. Don't know if you can cover Spectrobes because it was published by the 'Big Mouse Company' (previously Buena Vista Games).

  • @AngelDMunoz
    @AngelDMunoz 2 місяці тому +2

    Hey sorry to be that guy but I can't help it at least not today :)
    I know you already reviewed some of the Paper Mario: The Origami King music, however that was spoiler free so we didn't get to explore more from your point of view, would please review the "The Final Battle" piece from that soundtrack :)?
    I'm not a musician but I do enjoy your videos so much it helps me understand music on a different level. Thanks for another lovely video!

  • @blakery_writes
    @blakery_writes Місяць тому +2

    Im amazed at how many of these sound like they could be from Octopath Traveler

  • @4rn_
    @4rn_ 2 місяці тому +3

    dude i just stumbled upon pandoras box for ds last week when looking through old stuff...

  • @55sombreroman
    @55sombreroman 2 місяці тому +3

    Very Laytonian

  • @EmptyKingdoms
    @EmptyKingdoms Місяць тому +2

    This was the first time I cried with a video of yours. Well done!

  • @cerumen
    @cerumen Місяць тому +1

    I’d never heard the Prof Layton music before this, and, as a UK listener, it strikes me how jarring the inclusion of Spanish classical and flamenco guitar vibes feels.
    It’s a bit like if you had a Wild West game with Wild West music and every now and then someone adds in some Irish folk music.
    Like, yes, that music was probably played in that environment at some point, but it’s not characteristic or evocative of it.
    I suppose it’s about time we got some payback for all the Harmonic Minor Desert Middle East laziness, and Pan-Asian Kung fu hodgepodges.

  • @cfdj43
    @cfdj43 Місяць тому +2

    I can't believe you did this whole video without once mentioning Eternal Diva, the Professor Layton film which is literally about music
    (And had the only themes in the series with vocals?)

    • @abigaildiamante9096
      @abigaildiamante9096 Місяць тому

      Excluding curious village, all the layton games including katrielle's has a vocal end theme, they're just exclusive to the original Japanese versions

  • @WhataFruit
    @WhataFruit 2 місяці тому +12

    oh my god i thought the day would never come... finally a layton video from this channel...

  • @owlyus
    @owlyus 2 місяці тому +7

    Awesome video! Layton music always gave me generally continental European vibes with the heavy use of accordion and Grappellian violin, but it's cool to see the bones of it as more Jpop plus Latin. Thank you!

  • @robeldridge5668
    @robeldridge5668 Місяць тому +1

    Okay okay I don't know if you'll read this, but you have no idea how overjoyed I was when this video popped up in my notifications! I've watched your videos for years and learnt SO much from them, that seeing the first video game series I ever became obsessed with (this one, Professor Layton) being broken down in such great detail by you is so joyous!
    Your videos were my number one resource when I was doing my music A-Level, looking for wider listening and trying to understand more about music theory, and even now I've been experimenting with transcribing Super Maio Galaxy music for the theatre organ thanks to your breakdown and transcription of Gusty Garden Galaxy. I can't thank you enough for being such a great source of learning I'm sure not just for me, but for so many other musicians and video game fans out there! Thank you thank you thank you!

  • @damonkinell-cm3uu
    @damonkinell-cm3uu Місяць тому +1

    Layton's Mystery Journey (Katrielle Layton) main theme follows the same structure up until the breakdown section.. where it never really builds up until the very end of the piece, but it does so very gracefully with a heart wrenching resolution which I love so much. So no crazy solo section or anything.. no jabs. I still really love it and its refreshing to hear a change from status quo. Also just realised there is no "moody intro", the start of the piece immediately begins with melody and accompliment as an intro.

  • @michipeka9973
    @michipeka9973 2 місяці тому +3

    Congratulations for the very well made pastiche at the beginning, totally believable.

  • @leandronc
    @leandronc Місяць тому +1

    For anyone interested in music that makes you feel like a gentleman journeying the English countryside in very Layton-esque fashion, I highly recommend the band Big Big Train. Try the song "Summoned By Bells" for a start.

  • @idliketobeagummybear
    @idliketobeagummybear Місяць тому +1

    waiting for new world of steam has also made me into a compulsive layton theme transcriber (oh the things my musescore has seen…)
    thanks 8 bit, been waiting on this video for a while :))

  • @alphaenemyplus8376
    @alphaenemyplus8376 2 місяці тому +2

    Very left field video concept, but it sure did have some fantastic music.

  • @kevsperanza
    @kevsperanza Місяць тому +1

    I wonder how well ikimonogakari songs could be layton-ified. It's kind of eery how jpop the hooks sound.

  • @ElijahPletcher-xg2tp
    @ElijahPletcher-xg2tp Місяць тому +1

    It could just be me, but the purple bar that goes through the measure as music plays is ahead of when the actual note is heard. Like over half a beat ahead, but it's consistent with the delay, sometimes there is none or close to none.

  • @maximo.7240
    @maximo.7240 2 місяці тому +3

    I've been hoping for you to do a video like this for years! Putting together a composition with the techniques you talk about is awesome!

  • @jvaha1888
    @jvaha1888 2 місяці тому +2

    Bad news for me is that I have discovered this channel a week ago, but good news is that I have a lot to watch prior videos. I love every bit of your content, mostly because I want to learn music theory you present here. Looking forward to the next video, will support on Patreon for sure 😊

  • @Honeneko.
    @Honeneko. Місяць тому +3

    I win! I said none. From none of the games.

  • @greenthndr
    @greenthndr 2 місяці тому +4

    this video is really cool! when i consider learning to compose my own music i think Layton is a great example of a sound i love and want to be able to make

  • @EruRoraito040
    @EruRoraito040 2 місяці тому +3

    omg literally just listened for hours to prof laton after a long time while cooking. And you uploaded this! Thx ♥

  • @tychoderkommentator2989
    @tychoderkommentator2989 Місяць тому +1

    I knew that it wasn't a Layton songs, because in the real songs the violin goes an octave higher

  • @bjornk14
    @bjornk14 2 місяці тому +1

    I've watched 75% of this video and i still dont have any idea if this is a game or an anime...

  • @TheJH1015
    @TheJH1015 2 місяці тому +2

    thank you for covering my favourite video game franchise of all time

  • @storms002
    @storms002 2 місяці тому +2

    Aaaaah a video looking Layton themes, heck yeah!
    Also love the fact you made the song at the beginning!

  • @wesstephens5324
    @wesstephens5324 2 місяці тому +2

    So fun! Loved all the musical examples!

  • @Elephant-45
    @Elephant-45 2 місяці тому +1

    DUDE THIS ORIGINAL PIECE IS SO GOOD, PLEASE GIVE US THE FULL PIECE, EVEN FOR MONEY NEED BE.

  • @randyll13
    @randyll13 2 місяці тому +2

    Love the bait & switch haha, great job!

  • @HellfireComms
    @HellfireComms Місяць тому

    Damn, you hooked me right from the start with that plot twist! I love this series and the music is, as you mentioned, a huge part of its appeal. I'm so glad we're getting a new game soon!

  • @Soundole
    @Soundole Місяць тому +2

    Analysing and integrating stylistic features like this is a severely underrated compositional skill. These masterclasses of yours are always satisfyingly elucidating!

  • @karakht
    @karakht 2 місяці тому +2

    I had the challenge once to compose a song a bit in a layton smile, and I'm glad to see that some element I put into actually theoretically fit with PL's original ambiences (the seconds in the melodies are the most flagrant example).
    Thank you dude, your work makes me so glad and eager to learn