Critique Needed....

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Member Since: Sep 24, 2002

i posted two songs on No Where Radio . com and i was wondering... if u guys would take a listen and give me suggestions ... as far as mixing mastering recording...anything Pick the songs apart if would like... all i want is to get better as a tech...and the only way to learn is experience and learning and the learning comes from talking to others and thats why i like talking to all you guys so much so here is the link check it out thankx....

www.nowhereradio.com/arti...434&alid=-1

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Member
Since: Sep 24, 2002


Feb 03, 2003 10:03 pm

i appologize in advanced if this stuff sux...

Maniacal Genius
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Feb 03, 2003 10:03 pm

hey man,

First, let me say nice songs. Songwriting is very nice and the guitar playing is very tasteful.

Production wise, one thing jumps out at me with both tracks. The vocals seem to be sitting too much "on top" of the mix. I think that both songs could use a little reverb on the vocals just to let them "settle" into the rest of the mix a bit nicer.

The drums on "Locked Door" seem a little bit lost in the mix. Maybe work them up a bit. On the other hand, on "Gone", the kick drum is a little low and the cymbals seem too high.

Well, there's my thoughts. Again, nice song writing and performances. Recording quality sounds good too. Just a few minor adjustments and you'll be sitting pretty.

Member
Since: Sep 24, 2002


Feb 03, 2003 10:45 pm

thanks a lot blueninjastar. Yeah... i think all of those suggestions make a lot of sense to me... i have typically been a live sound man for the last 6 years... so the studio work i have just piddled with for the last 2 years... and so this year has been the first year were i had good equipment to do anything even remotly decent... thankx for the tips... anyone else got any more suggestions ?

Member
Since: Feb 01, 2003


Feb 04, 2003 02:14 am

"Locked Door": Nice guitar. Vocals do need something to add depth to them. They sound kind of flat and seperated from the track. Instrumentally, this track is pretty solid. Drums are a little hidden which they are need to add spice to the second half of the song. One thing that really sticks out in my ears is the obvious splicing of vocals. It just sounds uneven. Harmony part could be turned down a tad too. I'd add some extra reverb on the harmony vocal and hide it more to add a more ethereal approach which sounds like what you're going for.

"Gone": The drums really lack here and give this track a jumbled feel. Turn down the cymbals. Nice guitar solo...bring it out a little more. This track is very busy...maybe it's the piano. Maybe try doing some chords instead of playing a melody. My overall feel is that this song lacks the sonic quality of the previous. Tune it up and let us hear it again.

The fat one always watches us.
Member
Since: Nov 08, 2002


Feb 04, 2003 08:34 am

I listend to both. Good stuff, i wrote a review on nowhere. I really liked the music on both songs, the locked door tune- id say thicken the vocal and dont push so much- and the drums are a bit jumbled on gone, but i dug the piano parts. Youre one of those guys that can play with BOTH hands on a piano huh? that amazes me.......
keep messing with the knobs!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 04, 2003 04:44 pm

I will agree on the vocal part. You should back it up in the mix a bit, as they said by using some reverb. The harmony's are very well done, and fit the tune's well. The drum's are a bit jagged as Tony stated but they don't sit to bad in the mix, possibly a bit of compression and reverb to sttle them into the mix as well. The bass could also stand for some evening out with a bit of compression as well.

Otherwise beutifully writen song's. I am a sucker for nice easy listening tune's. I will be putting that into a play list for sure.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Feb 05, 2003 11:36 pm

Ok, so I'm wierd. But I come by it honestly!

I like to vocals out front and think that they (harmony) need to be highlighted in the song. My aproach would be acoustic. I am hearing an ovation 12string miked no effects. I also hear a hollow body "beatle" bass with flat wounds set mellow and resonant. I like the keyboards. The drums are a little strong in the setting that is in my mind. Not necessarly in your mix.

Run away vocals are a little up front, even for me, however they are very good. That's your strong suit, don't bury it so far down that you loose that edge.

Humble opinion. Remember, I just love true sound accustic instrumentation. I am biased! Oops almost forgot; A little room ambiance in the form of reverb would be nice.

Member
Since: Sep 24, 2002


Feb 05, 2003 11:54 pm

walt if u wanna hear the stripped down versions of the songs... go to www.mp3.com/jeremyallen i recorded all the songs with jsut an acoustic ... i like both versions i wanted to see what it would sound like with instruments... so i sat down with a friend and colaborated over christmas... on what we wanted.... then we brought in a friend to play piano and a friend to play drums... the drums didnt turn out at all like i wanted to .. the piano is about what i wanted.... i am a ben folds/ beatles/ james taylor kinda guy so i like stripped down and am not big on a lot going on...but i wanted to try to add some stuff for the heck of it... just to give the song a differnt feel and to grow as a writer and tech...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Feb 06, 2003 12:25 am

Will take a listen monyana. Mine eyes are closing on me, beddy by time. I thought I heard those influences in your songs. Funny how that works. I am going to ask a friend of mine to take a listen to your track. If you are interested, and if he is interested, he is a good drummer for the stlye your are working with. Not an offer yet, both ends will have to show interest. Let me know your feelings.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Feb 06, 2003 01:10 pm

Ok, got a brouder picture now. You are doing some nice work here. I need to back down a little. I like the stuff enough that I am starting to produce it in my head. That's a complement, just not a good place for me to go. hehehehe

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