Power Pop track - Dreaming

[Shangsean]

This is a short power pop track that I created for the KVR May competition, though I stuffed up the dates and ended up being too late to submit. It's the first time I've ever released anything with clean vocals. I also haven't used my guitar in ages, but I decided to dust it off. The last track I released with guitar was done all with samples, but I played guitar, bass and did the vocals, including harmonies, on this. I'd love some feedback.

https://soundcloud.com/shangsean/dreaming

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/1il7lvjf9d/dreaming.mp3

[Frantz]

This is quite a change for you. The playing and vocals are quite good. The mix is good.

However, it doesn't feel very "pop" to me. The guitar sounds are pretty hard edged. I don't think power pop is a natural fit for you. I'm guessing most of your other guitar music was written in a heavier genre.

The lyrics could also use some work. It sounds like you needed some words to sing but didn't spend a lot of time thinking about what you wanted to say.

[seismic1]

Pretty good stuff. The guitar almost has a nu-metal sound and I liked the drum sound and playing, which contained some cool fills. The vox are well recorded and the harmonies work well. Nice solid bass too.

Good work

[Shangsean]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

The lyrics are simple and were done very quickly. As I said, it was for the KVR competition with the theme being "work song". The first part with the "Get up" and "Turn it off" lyrics was supposed to represent an alarm clock. The track is about being a teacher and going through the same thing every day and dreaming that the next day is going to better. I didn't have much time to work on it, but actually worked on it one day too long and missed the deadline. It's pop done my way I guess. I like heavy guitars mixed with harmonies, such as modern King's X and latter day Galactic Cowboys. I thought the guitars were fairly heavy, but I didn't think they were hard edged. If I didn't make it for the comp, there are probably some things I would change, but I'm happy with it for what it is.

I'm happy the vocals sound okay. I don't like to let my vocals be heard in public.

Thanks again.

[Frantz]

I'm happy the vocals sound okay. I don't like to let my vocals be heard in public.

The vocals sound good. There's no reason for you to be hesitant about doing more tracks with vocals if the mood strikes you.

The first part with the "Get up" and "Turn it off" lyrics was supposed to represent an alarm clock. The track is about being a teacher and going through the same thing every day and dreaming that the next day is going to better.

Thanks for the explanation. I thought you were saying "Turn it up." I didn't have any idea that was about an alarm clock. I also didn't catch any references specific to being a teacher.

[Shangsean]

I'm happy the vocals sound okay. I don't like to let my vocals be heard in public.

The vocals sound good. There's no reason for you to be hesitant about doing more tracks with vocals if the mood strikes you.

The first part with the "Get up" and "Turn it off" lyrics was supposed to represent an alarm clock. The track is about being a teacher and going through the same thing every day and dreaming that the next day is going to better.

Thanks for the explanation. I thought you were saying "Turn it up." I didn't have any idea that was about an alarm clock. I also didn't catch any references specific to being a teacher.

There is no specific reference. It's just what it's about.

Thanks for the comments about the vocals. I've never even let friends hear them before.