The Wagtunes Corner (Featuring My Best Yet)

[wagtunes]

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore - love the intro / beginning...works very well!

Once more you've got - simple / catchy / hooky melodies nailed above appropriate and well constructed harmonies.

I would've liked the vocals to be a little more forward in the mix maybe?

I'm glad you brought up the vocals and the arrangement. I could talk about this arrangement for days. In fact, it took me 19 days to do this song.

Listen to Dan Fogelberg's Netherlands album. His engineer wanted to bring the vocals up more. Dan said no. He wanted it to be more like a symphony where no one instrument was dominant. I think Dan made the right call on this one as Netherlands is one of my all time favorite albums.

If you listen to my arrangement, you'll notice that not even the screaming lead guitar is dominant in the mix. At times, you can just about hear it. The vocals, IMO, are clear enough to get all the words. That's all that mattered to me.

I'm partial to those type of arrangements. Some of my favorite songs have somewhat quiet lead vocals with a big arrangement in the background. But I get that it's not everybody's cup of tea.

Anyway, thanks for the listen and the feedback. I really enjoyed doing this one.

Yeah, mixing balance is often down to personal taste without a doubt and there was nothing at all 'wrong' with the balance here as such - agreed 100%!

I'm mildly obsessed with the 3D soundstage (probably comes from teaching the subject for too many years) and tend to get very precise about placement of sounds!

I'm curious. Do you own Vienna's MIR soundstage? I think it's quite realistic. If you don't have it, you might want to look into it.

MIR (I know Jan on KVR uses it a lot) - I demo' d it for 30 days some time ago now...massively impressed by the results, but...

I really needed the full version for my orchestral work and at $600 x 2 PCs it was far too much, especially when you add in the individual room packs etc.

It def works with all VSTs, but is very much tailored to Vienna products which I don't use at all.

I also tried:

SPAT - fantastic, but even more expensive and extremely complex!

Virtual Soundstage 2 - very good indeed, but has a weird issue with reverb that I could never sort to my satisfaction.

I've developed my own 3D soundstage template / approach that I use now...bit clunky as it needs serious tweaks for some projects, but I've got used to it overall.

Good call though...I'll have a 2nd look at MIR and the alternatives to see if they've changed / updated etc since I last looked!

Mark, thanks for the additional products for me to check out. Always looking for something functional.

FWIW, you're a breath of fresh air to have around this place. I know I could learn a lot from you but I couldn't afford your fees.

[ChameleonMusic]

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore - love the intro / beginning...works very well!

Once more you've got - simple / catchy / hooky melodies nailed above appropriate and well constructed harmonies.

I would've liked the vocals to be a little more forward in the mix maybe?

I'm glad you brought up the vocals and the arrangement. I could talk about this arrangement for days. In fact, it took me 19 days to do this song.

Listen to Dan Fogelberg's Netherlands album. His engineer wanted to bring the vocals up more. Dan said no. He wanted it to be more like a symphony where no one instrument was dominant. I think Dan made the right call on this one as Netherlands is one of my all time favorite albums.

If you listen to my arrangement, you'll notice that not even the screaming lead guitar is dominant in the mix. At times, you can just about hear it. The vocals, IMO, are clear enough to get all the words. That's all that mattered to me.

I'm partial to those type of arrangements. Some of my favorite songs have somewhat quiet lead vocals with a big arrangement in the background. But I get that it's not everybody's cup of tea.

Anyway, thanks for the listen and the feedback. I really enjoyed doing this one.

Yeah, mixing balance is often down to personal taste without a doubt and there was nothing at all 'wrong' with the balance here as such - agreed 100%!

I'm mildly obsessed with the 3D soundstage (probably comes from teaching the subject for too many years) and tend to get very precise about placement of sounds!

I'm curious. Do you own Vienna's MIR soundstage? I think it's quite realistic. If you don't have it, you might want to look into it.

MIR (I know Jan on KVR uses it a lot) - I demo' d it for 30 days some time ago now...massively impressed by the results, but...

I really needed the full version for my orchestral work and at $600 x 2 PCs it was far too much, especially when you add in the individual room packs etc.

It def works with all VSTs, but is very much tailored to Vienna products which I don't use at all.

I also tried:

SPAT - fantastic, but even more expensive and extremely complex!

Virtual Soundstage 2 - very good indeed, but has a weird issue with reverb that I could never sort to my satisfaction.

I've developed my own 3D soundstage template / approach that I use now...bit clunky as it needs serious tweaks for some projects, but I've got used to it overall.

Good call though...I'll have a 2nd look at MIR and the alternatives to see if they've changed / updated etc since I last looked!

Mark, thanks for the additional products for me to check out. Always looking for something functional.

FWIW, you're a breath of fresh air to have around this place. I know I could learn a lot from you but I couldn't afford your fees.

Steve, The learning ALWAYS goes in both directions...above all else the one core message your music reminds me to focus on - keeping my melodies relatively simple....to refine them...to cut them back and remove the 'dead' unnecessary notes....all to often I over complicate lines at first and editing is often a case of adding that crucial 'space' between notes.,,something that your musical lines often do very well indeed.

[wagtunes]

Steve, The learning ALWAYS goes in both directions...above all else the one core message your music reminds me to focus on - keeping my melodies relatively simple....to refine them...to cut them back and remove the 'dead' unnecessary notes....all to often I over complicate lines at first and editing is often a case of adding that crucial 'space' between notes.,,something that your musical lines often do very well indeed.

The sparseness of notes comes from listening to a lot of disposable pop music over the years. I wouldn't know how to do complex if I tried. My one symphony was a train wreck and I'll never do another one.

We do what we tend to do well. And there's nothing wrong with that.

[ChameleonMusic]

Steve, The learning ALWAYS goes in both directions...above all else the one core message your music reminds me to focus on - keeping my melodies relatively simple....to refine them...to cut them back and remove the 'dead' unnecessary notes....all to often I over complicate lines at first and editing is often a case of adding that crucial 'space' between notes.,,something that your musical lines often do very well indeed.

The sparseness of notes comes from listening to a lot of disposable pop music over the years. I wouldn't know how to do complex if I tried. My one symphony was a train wreck and I'll never do another one.

We do what we tend to do well. And there's nothing wrong with that.

I've had numerous attempts at a serious symphonic work over the years - never finished any of 'em! Maybe I will one day!? Maybe I won't!?

''We do what we tend to do well. And there's nothing wrong with that.'' true, without any doubt, but i do like to try new things from time to time and i also have a definite view that many melodies (across various genres) are all too often over-complicated and could do with a 'trim'!

[wagtunes]

12th and final track from my upcoming CD "Holidays"

FINALLY!!!

Am so happy to be done with this CD that took almost 5 whole months to do 12 songs. For me, that's ridiculous.

My feeble attempt at orchestration here, though I did keep it relatively simple. I used the MIR 24 soundstage for everything, including the vocals. Not totally happy with the mix but it's not terrible.

My next project will be "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

Enjoy!

It's The Last Holiday Of The Year

It's the last holiday of the year
Try not to be sad and have a cup of cheer
Before I end this song
A new one comes along
And we can start it all again my dear

It's the last holiday of the year
I know that you think it's something you should fear
But it's not so bad
So try not to be sad
When it's over all things will be clear

I know that you live for holidays
They make everything around so bright
But you also know it won't be long
Another one will come and make it right

It's the last holiday of the year
Let's just make the best of it while it is here
You won't be alone
Just call me on the phone
And I will come a running to be near
For that last holiday of the year

Instrumental Break

Repeat Bridge

Repeat Last Verse

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim ... f-the-year

[Bansaw]

Holiday. Liked the orchestral instrumentation , the brass, high strings. Great. Mixing was OK too; your vocal present and up front.

[wagtunes]

Holiday. Liked the orchestral instrumentation , the brass, high strings. Great. Mixing was OK too; your vocal present and up front.

The mixing was only OK because the whole thing was set on the Vienna MIR 24 soundstage to simulate a live recording. So it's only going to be so good. Maybe if I had chosen a different room it would have been better. Maybe one smaller. I might do a second recording with a different room setting and see how it sounds.

[wagtunes]

I started my new album, "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2" where I have people on Facebook supply me with lyrics. Vol 1 turned out okay so I thought I would try this again.

I have 2 songs completed for this 10 song album.

Here's the first one.

On The Surface by The Last Train

Black leather jacket, tight black jeans
Wanted to be a rock star since his teens
But fame is a bittersweet melody
Large crowds sing along at his concerts
His painted face on big screens and t-shirts
Spotlights don’t reveal he feels lonely

On the surface, things fell into place
Ran after his dream and won the race
On the surface, happiness in his face
But the magic’s gone without a trace
To bring it back, what else to chase?

White feather wings, blue sequin dress
She’s a dancer full of grace and finesse
But fame has some tough choreography
Touring the world from Rio to Glasgow
Adoring fans under her spell in every show
Spotlights don’t reveal she feels lonely

Repeat Chorus 1

In their hometown at a friend’s wedding
Feeling down ‘til he sees her dancing
It’s magnetic when their eyes meet
Under her spell, he hits the dance floor
First dance together, they both want more
Spotlights reveal they now feel complete

In their embrace, things fall into place
The missing piece filled the empty space
Two mugs in the sink, lipstick on his face
Each new morning, magic leaves a trace
In their embrace, nothing else to chase
In their embrace, nothing else to chase

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim/on-the-surface

[wagtunes]

2nd track from my upcoming CD "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

Magnify By Heion Wray

V1: Who could have known
That the girl who never noticed me
Would ever be mine
Never thought this was my destiny
Yet here we are together now two children deep
We both made some vows
That I promise I am gonna keep

So glad you're here in my arms
Going strong and everything is calm
I love you and you feel likewise
I finally won the prize

She's precious I gotta signify
And I feel like such a lucky guy
She's exciting yet dignified
This love I gotta magnify

V2: I remember when I used to see her on the bus
Daydreaming wishing that it was just the two of us
Now we're solid still dating like we only just met
Walking hand in hand these days I will never forget

Shes the one this ain't no b.s.
I feel fortunate ever so blessed
There I was ever so lonely
Now she is my 1 and only

Repeat Chorus

(BRIDGE)
That cute little smile has my manhood impressed
Body beautiful whether naked or dressed
Wrote you this song your love gotta be magnified
I really care well here it is so you decide
BREAK

Repeat Chorus

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim/magnify

[wagtunes]

3rd track from my upcoming CD "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

Lyrics:

It Can Happen To Anyone

I feel weary and lonely under the grip of poverty
Don’t look at me that way, life is a game we play
A game we play…

Anyone can lose, even the greatest boxer
Anyone can drown, even the best swimmer
Anyone can fail, even the hardest worker
It can happen to anyone…anyone

Night and day, scavenging for food is hard
Easy prey, I’m scared when it’s dark
They stole my guitar, they broke my arm
At daybreak, sleeping rough in the park

Repeat Chorus

On the street, the coldest place I’ve ever seen
To exist, I imagine a change of scene
Watch rugby with old friends on my TV screen
So be it, if company’s a memory or a dream

Repeat Chorus

No home no money, you’re nobody
Can’t believe this is happening to me
No don’t judge me, a bit of empathy
Would mean the world to me

Repeat Chorus

Outro

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim ... -to-anyone

[Bansaw]

"I love you and you feel likewise
I finally won the prize"
Love the chords and way you delivered this.
Did Heion Wray write the chords and the lyrics? Is it a cover?
------------
"Spotlights don’t reveal he feels lonely"
Again, loved the delivery of this.

How did you get people to contribute lyrics?
Thats the real bottleneck for me. I've got four songs in the oven, but they are on pause because I just can't come up with lyrics I'm happy with.

[wagtunes]

"I love you and you feel likewise
I finally won the prize"
Love the chords and way you delivered this.
Did Heion Wray write the chords and the lyrics? Is it a cover?
------------
"Spotlights don’t reveal he feels lonely"
Again, loved the delivery of this.

How did you get people to contribute lyrics?
Thats the real bottleneck for me. I've got four songs in the oven, but they are on pause because I just can't come up with lyrics I'm happy with.

Let's start with the specific song. The lyrics were written by Heion. I wrote all the music. These are lyricists who have never had music put to their lyrics so they were grateful that I offered to do this.

I posted on Facebook that I was looking for lyrics (songwriting group) and I did get a few submissions. Trust me, it's not easy. Most people were skeptical why I would do this and some were flat out hostile.

In the spite of the obstacles, I've enjoyed doing this CD. There will be 10 songs in all. I'll be lucky to get that many. I do have a couple of lyrics that were posted that are actually real songs that I'm going to write my own music to. Should be interesting.

[wagtunes]

4th track from my upcoming CD "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

Song title: The Season of Love

Lyrics By Chasing TheLastTrain

[VERSE 1]
Lying on emerald grass with my head on your lap
Reborn daffodils are greeted by dancing butterflies
While woodpeckers build new homes with a loud tap-tap-tap
And my heart beats like a drum when you look into my eyes

[VERSE 2]
Heatwave in a wild sea of burning forest trees
The soil is dry and thirsty, waiting for rain to fall
Your love is a haven cooled by a gentle breeze
Here serenity flows over me like a waterfall

[CHORUS]
The old seasons come, the old seasons go
A new season began four years ago
The Season of Love, the Season of Love
As infinite as the sky above
You changed my life, oh sweet Season of Love

[VERSE 3]
When bright sunlight is long gone, golden leaves fall
Flocks of birds fly South to seek a lush shelter
Evergreen love is here to stay, growing fast and tall
Your laughter is my shining sun in gray November

[VERSE 4]
Bare tree branches are covered with glittering snow
Under warm blankets, we cuddle by the fireplace
As lonely owls call for love and the cold winds blow
I feel so blessed to find what I need in your embrace

[CHORUS]
The old seasons come, the old seasons go
A new season began four years ago
The Season of Love, the Season of Love
As infinite as the sky above
You changed my life, oh sweet Season of Love

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim ... on-of-love

[wagtunes]

5th track from my upcoming CD "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

Long story short. These lyrics I got off of Facebook Original Lyrics group turned out to be not so original but the lyrics to an established song by Zack Tabudlo. Never heard of him.

Anyway, I did the song without listening to the original so I wouldn't be influenced by it. The lyrics were run on lyrics. I had the worst time trying to make a song out of them. At least in the conventional sense. After I was finished, I listened to the original. I am truly impressed with how he did this. I could have never thought of anything like what he did.

Here is his version.



Here is my version.

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim/as-you-are

As you can hear there is no chorus in his version. At least not in the traditional sense. At least I can't hear one, though I know where it's supposed to be according to the lyrics and the title. to me the song just runs on and on. Don't get me wrong. I think he did an amazing job on it. I guess this is a modern pop song.

Anyway, as you can hear, my version is a more 70s/80s pop song. Same lyrics, totally different feeling. And I turned the chorus into a traditional chorus and even managed to make a bridge out of that mess.

Notice the song does not rhyme at all.

Anyway, curious to hear what you think.

[wagtunes]

6th track from my upcoming CD "The Facebook Chronicles Vol 2"

My singing just doesn't do this song justice. That's why I normally avoid ballads.

Anyway, guy submitted lyrics without a title and photo-copied. I did what I could. Music is great. Singing, not so great.

https://soundcloud.com/steven-wagenheim ... ny-reasons