The Sims 4: Musical Madness

Live, teach, and perform music in a smoky jazz-era city where talent, collaboration, and passion matter. 

Pack Type: Game Pack (maybe expansion--idk)

This pack is about:

• Learning music
• Playing together
• Teaching the next generation
• Expressing yourself through sound

Gameplay Features:

1. Band & Group System (Main Feature)

Band Types:

• Garage band (teens)
• Jazz Ensemble
• Orchestra Section
• Marching/School Band (kids/teens)
• Solo Artist Project

Band Mechanics:

Create a band like a club, but music focused

• Assign:
  • Leader
  • Instrument Roles
• Practice Together --> improves Band Cohesion
• Cohesion affects:
  • Performance quality
  • Earnings
  • Moodlets
• Band Drama:
  • Creative differences
  • Jealousy
  • Breakups or replacements

2. Instrument Families System

Instead of having tons of unrelated skills, instruments can be grouped into their Instrument Families:

• Woodwinds (Recorder, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone)
• Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba)
• Strings (Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Bass, Harp, + new strings)
• Percussion (Drums, auxiliary percussion)

How this can work:

Learning one instrument gives small boosts to the others in the same family. 

• Mastering a family unlocks:
  • Special performances
  • Teaching bonuses
  • Unique moodlets

World: Brasshaven

Style

• Old Chicago jazz district
• Heavy Black cultural inspiration (Harlem Renaissance--adjacent vibes)
• Brick buildings, neon signs, smoky clubs, narrow streets

World Size

Medium to Large (7--15 lots); this depends on pack type

Neighborhoods

1. The Velvet Row

• Jazz clubs
• Lounges
• Performance venues

2. Harmony Heights

• Apartments
• Music Schools
• Practice halls

Special Lot Types:

• Jazz Club
• Music School
• Performance Hall
• Recording Studio 

CAS & Build/Buy

CAS

• Flapper dresses (slim silhouettes, fringe, beadwork)
• Tuxedos, suspenders, waistcoats
• Fedoras, cloche hats
• Polished hairstyles (finger waves, slick backs)
• Cultural respect: textures, tailoring, accessories rooted in Black history & jazz culture

Build/Buy

Style:

• Art Deco
• Dark Woods
• Brass accents
• Velvet furniture
• Warm, low lighting

Objects:

• Stage lights
• Microphones (vintage)
• Sheet music stands
• Record players
• Posters & framed album covers
• Vinyl records
• LOTS of instruments -- both usable and in decor pieces

Aspirations, Traits & Careers

Aspirations

1. World of Music

• Master instruments across families
• Perform solo & in groups
• Teach or mentor others

2. Master Mentor

• Teach music lessons
• Train child prodigies
• Achieve excellence as a teacher

Traits

1. Music Lover

• LOVE music, being around it makes them happy
• Being without music for too long makes them tense/stressed/bored

2. Troubled Artist

• Inspired buffs are stronger
• Negative moodlets after performances 
• High-risk, high-reward trait
  • I imagine this to be similar to the Chased by Death trait from Life & Death

3. Child Prodigy (Hidden Trait)

• Faster skill gain
• Received by mastering certain musical skills as a child
• Unlocks scholarships/opportunities later in life

Careers

• Band teacher (Rabbit Hole)
• Lesson Teacher (Active)
  • Teach Sims of all ages
  • Evaluate students 
  • Recitals
• Freelance Musician (Expanded)
  • Solo gigs
  • Studio recordings
  • Band bookings
• Instrument Repair/Seller
  • Buy, sell, and fix instruments
  • Own your own store
    • Think something like the Vet Clinic in Cats & Dogs

Extra Features (idk where to fit these)

• Recitals & Concert Events
• Music Duals (jazz-style improvisation battles)
• Mentorship System
• Fame crossover support (Get Famous compatible)
• School Band Clubs for kids/teens

This is a very rough idea that I have for a band/instrument/music-focused pack for The Sims 4. I, personally, think that this pack would be AMAZING to have, especially if they do it right. I know some stuff is missing and isn't perfect, but I honestly don't care. Also, I was fighting for my life with this formatting, so sorry for the inconsistencies. If you have any extra ideas/stuff to add, PLEASE let me know! I am open to suggestions. I have been working on this idea for a while, and since an idea I shared like this before turned out to be added, I figured this wouldn't hurt!

Also, my main inspiration for this pack is the "Everybody Wants to be a Cat" from The Aristocats (yes, I know that took place in Paris, don't flame me.)