How to mix Female Pop Vocals?

[Axuel]

Hey, I got a return for my Dance/Pop song Cause We Do It. I wanted to do a song ala Kesha.

This is what the critic says:
This one has a lot of potential! The vocal feels a little raw though so I would try doing some vocal effects, or mixing the track so it doesn't stick out as much. Nice work!

What effects do you think the vocals need? or mixing the track?

Thanks,
Best Regards,
Axel

http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.php?artist=axel

[andygabrys]

hey Axel,

I think its a good song, it has lots of candy in it. Like speed fades etc.

mix wise - I agree. it feels a little raw and "out front", very dry. Keep in mind that the genre has some of the tightest production you will ever hear and great mixes.

listen to the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOubzHCUt48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWX0hWCbng

etc.

Listen for how outfront and dry / wet all the elements are. Listen to the smooth high end. Listen to where the vocals sit compared to the track (in the doughnut hole). Listen to how much ambience and how big the "space" is on the vocals and the other elements. Listen for when the vocal has tempo synced delays (hint: choruses and bridges are prime suspects for 1/8th note and 1/4 note delays) - sometimes these are easier to hear with headphones. When listening on monitors - reach our and touch the 'front" of the mix. Can you reach the "back" of the soundstage / mix?

Now do the same thing with yours.

re: your mix
its an anthemic song, but it doesn't feel anthemic cause its really dry. I never feel how big things are, or could be with some ambience (not talking wet, just relatively in a space).
Sometimes a mix that has a lot of highs and 5khz can sound very close to the listener, and sometimes be a bit abrasive. Your synths are sounding really close - there is not much distance from me to the "front" of your mix.

HTH.

[Axuel]

Hey Andy,

I really have to thank you. Thats some great advice and I appreciate your effort. I`ll try to do those exercises.

Thanks,
Best Regards,
Axel