Updated mix, per your comments

[deantaylor]

Here is a new mix updated per your comments. Please let us know if you still hear any issues or see room for improvement.

Also, another source said the piano licks could be better from 1:56 to the end. Do you agree? How would you make that piano better? Do you think it needs to be more busy or less busy?

https://on.soundcloud.com/DQHwX

Thanks!

[XrashGates]

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[Casey H]

Xrashgates: The most experienced folks with lots of placements still ask for feedback. We are always the worst and objectively evaluating our own work. I still do ask for feedback from peers and find it very valuable.

Dean: I don't think the song is strong like the others you and Marc have done. It has no chorus and the melody is very repetitive, not "going anywhere". It's nicely produced and performed. At this point, since it's done, you may as well pitch it our "go to" libraries and see what bites you get. Maybe from a Film/TV BG POV it works. As far as a la, it's got a retro sound, maybe Byrds, Eagles, Poco, Pure Prairie League. It actually took me back to the movie "Easy Rider" a bit, songs like The Byrds "Wasn't Born To Follow" only with more modern production.
Best of luck!
Casey

[Guitarhacker23]

Personally, I think the mix needs more work.

My observations: Guitar isn't as present as it could be, vox is heavy on the FX and should be lightened a bit, the kick is overly loud when it comes in.

These are just my personal opinions and observations. Others may or may not agree.

Hope this is helpful. The song itself is cool. Fix the mix and repost it.

[deantaylor]

Xrashgates: ditto what Casey said. I still learn from peer feedback.

Casey: Thanks. Good feedback. It's good to get some ala ideas. PPL rings true to me. I hadn't thought of that one. Yeah, no chorus, AAABA and like you say those first 3 verses may seem a bit repetitive. I think we had a little more subtle melody variation in earlier drafts and also greater production differences, but as we went on this seemed to work best overall. We might be able to get more 'hook' in the tag line at the end of each verse, but idk, like you say, at this point it might be best to make this mix it's best and pitch.

Guitarhacker23: Thanks! Personal opinions and observations are most welcome! Your ideas are very actionable, they are things that we can pretty easily try and see if we like it better. Will post a new mix if we keep any of those improvements.

[greggo]

First post since 2015, I believe. I'm back in the saddle baby!!!

For a more current ala, the singers voice reminds me of James Blunt.

I don't think it needs a super catchy sing songy chorus for a singer-songwiter cut. But the music production could use some more builds. It is a bit monotonous and that might break.it up. Some sort of call and response towards the end might be cool, either with an instrument or another vocal.

I like the vibe of it.

[deantaylor]

Here is a new mix updated per your comments. Please let us know if you still hear any issues or see room for improvement.

Also, another source said the piano licks could be better from 1:56 to the end. Do you agree? How would you make that piano better? Do you think it needs to be more busy or less busy?

https://on.soundcloud.com/DQHwX

Thanks!

[greggo]

After around 1:57 the piano becomes overkill for me and way too busy, imo. Especially underneath the vocals it competes. I'd maybe vary it up a little by using another synth or instrument. A more sparse glockenspiel might be nice underneath it, hitting random notes (in key of course )

[deantaylor]

After around 1:57 the piano becomes overkill for me and way too busy, imo. Especially underneath the vocals it competes. I'd maybe vary it up a little by using another synth or instrument. A more sparse glockenspiel might be nice underneath it, hitting random notes (in key of course )

Thanks Gregg. I didn't hear it before, but listening with fresh ears and your feedback in mind, I think you are right. The piano after 1:56 does seem too busy.

Does anyone else have an opinion about the piano licks from 1:56 to the end. How would you make that piano better? Do you think it needs to be more busy or less busy?

[Casey H]

I agree the piano at that point clashes with the vocal. No advice on how to change it. Could it be removed or would it sound too empty? Now that I listen again, I'm hearing some of that early in the song as well. Maybe it should only be in the instrumental break? Grain of salt there!

The song has a nice feel, I know we talked about it before, I could see it used where people are driving through the country in a convertible, on motorcycles, etc. Like "Easy Rider". It is rather repetitive. If you were starting from scratch, I'd say put a B section in at around 1 minute. I'm wondering if a breakdown section late in the song would work. Again, grain of salt as I know this is pretty much a finished work. And as is, I think it could work well for sync.

Good luck with it!
Casey