Feedback please: CALMING, WORLD FUSION INSTRUMENTALS (updated/remixed)

[mikehamm123]

Hi, would love some feedback: [this is updated and remixed!]

https://soundcloud.com/user-819745024/dreams-of-petra

This is the almost-final mix. Voice patch is Ceres by Celestial Voices.

Would love to hear thoughts on the mix, percussion, use of samples, composition, does the whole thing work?

Is the bass overpowering on the last third? Vocal level throughout?

Does it fit the listing? (the samples they provided didn't sound very 'calming' to me)

I loved it yesterday but today I can't really hear it (no objectivity, if you know what I mean).

Any comments welcome!

The listing:-----------

CALMING, WORLD FUSION INSTRUMENTALS (in a wide range of genres) are needed by a very well known, NON-Exclusive Music Library that gets a lot of placements in TV Shows, Films, and TV Commercials. They’re on the hunt for Full-Length Instrumentals (not Cues) that are in the general stylistic ballpark of the following references, and just about any other genres that would work well together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2m4YVFry9Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcFfWW--P9o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucBD2I3bkso

Note: This request is pretty wide-ranging, as they’re looking for a lot of material to grow this section of their catalog. Almost any fusion of world genres could potentially work, within reason. Middle Eastern Death Metal: probably not a great idea

Think: Ethnic, ambient, meditative, calming music that could be used as background in media or for sleep, studying, relaxing, meditation, hypnosis, or in spas/massage facilities, and you’ll be in the right ballpark.

Please send engaging, full-length Instrumentals that could quickly transport listeners to another place around the world or the heavens, for that matter. Your production can be anything from a small-to-mid-sized ensemble, all the way up to something with a fuller arrangement of instruments. Stick with one motif throughout the piece. You can add and subtract instrumentation to build it up and break it down, but avoid doing anything that would break a listener’s “trance.” If you’re using samples or Virtual Instruments to create your Instrumental, please be careful to avoid anything that sounds synthetic or obviously MIDI-driven. Overdubbing real instruments on top of your samples is a great way to make your material sound more authentic!

Quoting the Music Library: “Please do not submit anything that’s jarring… give us just really calm music that could be used for relaxation, meditation, massages, reiki, etc.”

Your Instrumentals should be at least 2 to 3 minutes in length, give or take. If they go to 4 or 5 minutes, that’s okay! Non-faded endings with a natural decay or ring out should work best for this pitch, but if you’ve got a great piece that ends with a fade, it’s probably fine. Do not copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as general guide for overall feel, texture and tone. Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).

[feaker66]

Hi This is not my type of song. It kept my interest (which is hard to do if there are no lyrics) ha ha Sound like a great piece for a movie scene. I was seeing images.
A bit mysterious and edgy. Ya know I shouldn't be doing this, because I'm not the mix guy. Just wanted to say a couple of things. Good luck with it

Sincerely

Paul

[mikehamm123]

It kept my interest (which is hard to do if there are no lyrics)

that's as much as I can hope for!

Thanks Paul.

[lesmac]

Hi Like, nearly there I reckon.

I think you need the stringed instrument to come in way earlier or a few more instruments to maintain interest through out. You know... don't go overboard but add a little Middle Eastern spice here and there.
My partner went to Petra last year and brought back some great photos.

The overall level of the track could come up as well.

Best o luck.

[mikehamm123]

I think you need the stringed instrument to come in way

Thanks.

I've raised the level and will add some candy to the front half.

Its been fun to work with the mode (Phyrgian dominant). Funny thing there is no chord that leads to a firm resolution.

I spent a week in Petra many years ago and its an amazing place.

[Len911]

Mike, just my 2 cents, I thought it seemed maybe a little too vocal-heavy, and the percussion seemed a little slow for the style, maybe not, maybe I'm thinking Natacha Atlas. I think it's in the vein of what they are looking for.

[mikehamm123]

I thought it seemed maybe a little too vocal-heavy, and the percussion seemed a little slow

Thanks Len. I made it slow for the 'chill' factor.

I'll drop the singer down a bit in the mix. Currently I'm trying to see if I made the bass to muddy.

Thanks for the listen!

[mrdtman]

+1 on dropping the vocal down . Maybe add some verb to it to give it a more 'dreamy' effect. I like it.

DT

[LamarPecorino]

I liked it! Thanks for sharing the info on the vocal. Good luck with it.

[mikehamm123]

Thanks guys. I'm having trouble adding 'verb in Logic as it gets this distorted ringy thing thing--probably overdoing it.

The vocal patch is pretty cool--a lot of what I am using here are the 'phrases' but also the portamento.