80s Song a la Madonna. Production advice needed!

[BrianCoyne]

Hey folks! I could use some production pointers on this track. I hired a female singer on Fiverr to sing it. It's in the style of Madonna 1980's. I'm wandering how I could make this song better. Is there too much repetition? Can the beat be improved? Is the bass line working? Are the vocal harmonies too pitchy? Any tips are welcome. Thanks! -Brian

https://soundcloud.com/brn_cyn/you-set-me-free

https://soundcloud.com/brn_cyn/you-set-me-free

[AlanHall]

I get a Debby Harry vibe more than Madonna, but 80s are 80s!
There are some instruments that are fighting the vocal for the frequencies of interest in the midrange. Maybe you could try mixing with vocals, drums and bass and then bringing other instruments up only after verifying the vocals are rock-solid on the rhythm section?

[TheShyPersistence]

Hey Brian,

Definitely getting early Madonna/New Wave feels from this track! I agree with Alan in that the different elements seem to be fighting each other instead of working together so start with the drums and vocals and make them your star and build up the other layers to support them.

In general I found the vocals to be sitting a little high in the mix and the backing vocals a little pitchy (altho works with the genre!)

Loved the rhythm guitar work tho and overall vibe of the song. Great work!

PS would be cool to hear an "after" when you finished with it