acoustic/electronic mix with vocal
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- KVRian
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
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- KVRAF
- 8238 posts since 22 Sep, 2008 from Windsor. UK
Wierd and interesting piece.
Yes the vocal is too loud, but that's probably because everything else is loud too at the moment. I'd be tempted to effect the vocal quite heavily with EQ and some tape delay.
The synth parts and guitar work ok together at the moment but I think there's a fair bit of EQing and levelling to do.
The synth pad sounds could use some widening and reverb to sit them back in the mix a bit.
Kudos for muchos creativity.
Yes the vocal is too loud, but that's probably because everything else is loud too at the moment. I'd be tempted to effect the vocal quite heavily with EQ and some tape delay.
The synth parts and guitar work ok together at the moment but I think there's a fair bit of EQing and levelling to do.
The synth pad sounds could use some widening and reverb to sit them back in the mix a bit.
Kudos for muchos creativity.
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- KVRian
- 797 posts since 23 Apr, 2009
Yo wavephonic.
I would consider refining the lyrics a bit, as they sound a bit too literal for this kind of thing imo. Mix wise your vocals sit quite well, even if some of the other parts don't.
This tune has a really unique sound to it, and for me the highlight was the spanish style guitar melodies over the slightly off-centre synth work.
But yes, it sounds like you still have a bit of work to do. Something to spice up that synth at the start would be great (it's sounding a bit like a lead trying to do a pads job at the moment), and some more attention to bringing those percussion parts forward and give them more presence and punch.
Cheers for the beats.
I would consider refining the lyrics a bit, as they sound a bit too literal for this kind of thing imo. Mix wise your vocals sit quite well, even if some of the other parts don't.
This tune has a really unique sound to it, and for me the highlight was the spanish style guitar melodies over the slightly off-centre synth work.
But yes, it sounds like you still have a bit of work to do. Something to spice up that synth at the start would be great (it's sounding a bit like a lead trying to do a pads job at the moment), and some more attention to bringing those percussion parts forward and give them more presence and punch.
Cheers for the beats.
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- KVRist
- 70 posts since 1 Jun, 2003 from Alexandria, VA
I like it for the most part. I don't like the buzzing sounds you have in places and the overal volume is too high. I actually like the volume of the vocals (compared to the instruments). Vocals are not perfect (off the pitch here and there) but pretty good overall.
The guitars work well with the rest of the song.
Nice work.
The guitars work well with the rest of the song.
Nice work.
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
excellent reviews
tehlord-I'll backing off the overall level and see how the vocals sits then, and ya some eq'ing is in order and the synths need a bit of air, will do
TankEyes-ya the lyrics need tweaking I agree, I was pretty quick with that element, and for sure the percussion could use some clarity, thanks
Feda-I know theres a couple parts in the vocal performance, I will try and get it better, I hate singing, lol. I'll backoff on the buzzing part to
I'm glad everyones ok with my acoustic playing, I secretly thought it worked ok but it nice to get that other opinion
tehlord-I'll backing off the overall level and see how the vocals sits then, and ya some eq'ing is in order and the synths need a bit of air, will do
TankEyes-ya the lyrics need tweaking I agree, I was pretty quick with that element, and for sure the percussion could use some clarity, thanks
Feda-I know theres a couple parts in the vocal performance, I will try and get it better, I hate singing, lol. I'll backoff on the buzzing part to
I'm glad everyones ok with my acoustic playing, I secretly thought it worked ok but it nice to get that other opinion
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- KVRAF
- 1724 posts since 31 Dec, 2004 from betwixt
Vox might be too loud, but they are very clear and detailed. I struggle with this too in my music.
Section beginning at 1:06 to 1:25 or so does it for me, that's pretty delicious.
Reminds me of Zlatko Perika (spelling might be off) work with Tangerine Dream, the acoustic guitar over beats and synth.
I keep coming back to the vocals, somehow they do seem too loud, but how does one make them intelligible without making them loud? Especially in a busy mix?
Thanks for sharing it!
Section beginning at 1:06 to 1:25 or so does it for me, that's pretty delicious.
Reminds me of Zlatko Perika (spelling might be off) work with Tangerine Dream, the acoustic guitar over beats and synth.
I keep coming back to the vocals, somehow they do seem too loud, but how does one make them intelligible without making them loud? Especially in a busy mix?
Thanks for sharing it!
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- KVRian
- 1121 posts since 11 Sep, 2008 from UK
I think this has great potential Ed... it really captures an icy mood and I love it for that. It's original and inventive and there are some really beautiful moments. The spanish guitar is awesome. My advice (for what it's worth) would be to work on the vocal. Try and match it to the mood of the track - ie, cool it down, thin it out (heavy eq cuts), use spacey & eerie spot effects here and there..
You'll find (I think) that thinning out the vox will help it sit better in the mix without it needing to be too loud.
Once you're happy with the vocal, get to work on the little details. As others have pointed out, the levels need some attention. Also, the structure and transitions.
I look forward to hearing it finished!!
You'll find (I think) that thinning out the vox will help it sit better in the mix without it needing to be too loud.
Once you're happy with the vocal, get to work on the little details. As others have pointed out, the levels need some attention. Also, the structure and transitions.
I look forward to hearing it finished!!
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
you certainly nailed it, for years my music was all instrumental, I was getting bored with that and tried to inject some vocals for interest. I can't sing worth shit but I figured I'd try. for so long my vocal tracks were so low you could barely hear them, lol. everyone kept saying turn them up. I dunno, I'll just keep working on it and reduce the level by a db each mix. I think its easier to reduce the level rather than having to raise it and having it effect the rest of the track.AetherCoyl wrote:Vox might be too loud, but they are very clear and detailed. I struggle with this too in my music.
Section beginning at 1:06 to 1:25 or so does it for me, that's pretty delicious.
Reminds me of Zlatko Perika (spelling might be off) work with Tangerine Dream, the acoustic guitar over beats and synth.
I keep coming back to the vocals, somehow they do seem too loud, but how does one make them intelligible without making them loud? Especially in a busy mix?
Thanks for sharing it!
thanks for your thoughts.
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
hi sarah, good to see you. ya I've got to work on that vocal track. singing is not really my bag but I'll try and get it better now that I have an idea of how it all goes together. I like your idea of thining and working in some effects to get it more spacey. I will do that. tbh, I'd rather not sing at all and just make the music for someone else to sing but I know thats not realistic without having a partner. oh wellsazb30 wrote:I think this has great potential Ed... it really captures an icy mood and I love it for that. It's original and inventive and there are some really beautiful moments. The spanish guitar is awesome. My advice (for what it's worth) would be to work on the vocal. Try and match it to the mood of the track - ie, cool it down, thin it out (heavy eq cuts), use spacey & eerie spot effects here and there..
You'll find (I think) that thinning out the vox will help it sit better in the mix without it needing to be too loud.
Once you're happy with the vocal, get to work on the little details. As others have pointed out, the levels need some attention. Also, the structure and transitions.
I look forward to hearing it finished!!
its a wip progress and needs some things as you mention to get it to fit better overall.
thanks for coming by, I appreciate your thoughts
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- KVRAF
- 4798 posts since 14 Jun, 2004 from USA
There are some really cool spots in this track that work/gel really well, but there may be some work left to do in the beginning area. I like your vocals and they fit well in the mix (especially as the song unravels) But you have a real gift with creating atmosphere and it seems like everything else in this mix is getting that spacious treatment except the vocals. Also, the first minute or so just doesn't set the mood up well, imo, and seems the most awkward. If you can get this area to settle better, I think the rest of the track is fine.
As always, good work. I agree with Sarah, this track has huge potential.
As always, good work. I agree with Sarah, this track has huge potential.
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- KVRian
- 1119 posts since 29 Jun, 2004 from within you without you
This song has a great feel...reminds me in vibe to Fleetwood Mac's "Hypnotized" for some reason. (One of my favorite songs.)
Without nitpicking levels, eq, buzzy synths (which I personally like) and all that I can tell you the one area you need to work on is the vocal. Your lyrics and vocal melodies are very good. You need to believe that and spend a shitload of time if you have to getting these vocals confident and on pitch. Use Melodyne if you have to. No shame in that. Maybe even pretend you are someone (or some thing) else while you sing it...
Do that and this song will kick ass, regardless of levels etc. IMHO.
Without nitpicking levels, eq, buzzy synths (which I personally like) and all that I can tell you the one area you need to work on is the vocal. Your lyrics and vocal melodies are very good. You need to believe that and spend a shitload of time if you have to getting these vocals confident and on pitch. Use Melodyne if you have to. No shame in that. Maybe even pretend you are someone (or some thing) else while you sing it...
Do that and this song will kick ass, regardless of levels etc. IMHO.
Last edited by JeffSanders on Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
thanks jazzy, I always enjoy your take on my work, your instincts are usually bang on. the begining is very important and I've got to get that right.Jazzyspoon wrote:There are some really cool spots in this track that work/gel really well, but there may be some work left to do in the beginning area. I like your vocals and they fit well in the mix (especially as the song unravels) But you have a real gift with creating atmosphere and it seems like everything else in this mix is getting that spacious treatment except the vocals. Also, the first minute or so just doesn't set the mood up well, imo, and seems the most awkward. If you can get this area to settle better, I think the rest of the track is fine.
As always, good work. I agree with Sarah, this track has huge potential.
I need to let it sit for a couple days and think about how I can do that.
thanks man
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1278 posts since 11 Sep, 2006 from along the rivers edge in northern Ontario
thats actually excellent advice, without really being a vocalist I'm usually so worried about my shortcomings I forget to relax and try and be confident.JeffSanders wrote:Maybe even pretend you are someone (or some thing) else while you sing it...
thanks for that, glad you enjoyed