Mix Advice - American Idiot

[bigbluebarry]

I'm wanting to submit a couple songs to the following listing:POP-PUNK ARTISTS or PRODUCERS who can create a believable "band" sound in this genre are wanted by an Independent label with many releases under their belt. This label specializes in tribute albums, focusing on popular bands/artists in particular genres. For this one, they'll be looking for bands and/or producers for a covers project along the lines of Blink-182, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, etc. While the overall sound and abilities will be the primary focus here, it's recommended that you submit popular covers from one of the bands mentioned or another artist along the same lines. Original songs will be considered, however, as long as it's understood that this label is looking to hire acts to perform covers of popular Pop-Punk songs - not for an original release. Instrumentals or songs with vocals will be just fine. Be sure the demo recordings sound excellent and the performances are outstanding. Please submit 2-3 songs or instrumentals online or per CD, include bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than March 6, 2009. Here's my attempt at covering "American Idiot" by Green Day. It's an instrumental version. Any feedback as it relates to the mix would be appreciated. Here is my goal... to sound as close to the original as possible. I know that's a lofty goal, considering the original was mixed by my mixing hero, Chris Lord-Alge, and one that I haven't attained yet. Nonetheless, I want to be that good some day and I plan on putting in all the necessary work to get there.American Idiot - http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... eam=trueSo... how close am I?- Big Blueps - I just gave it a listen to it after being uploaded to the TAXI server... I know there is a little bit of guitar hiss during the sections in the verses where the kick drum is the only thing playing. I'll be cleaning that up. Also, I believe that the guitar during the 3rd verse and outro that's panned center will need to be brought up some as well.

[fusilierb]

Dude you rule,I'm not familiar with the song your covering, but every time I hear your rock stuff, I'm struck with how absurdly commercial and good it is. You're about to hammer this thing into the ground. Remember us, please...B

[k o star]

Major Salute to U Big Blue... I could've sworn that was Green Day without the vocals... Good god! U really got sweet realistic Kickass production skills man!K

[partyofone]

Yeah Blue I think this one is VERY close if not done... Guitars sound great and sell me more on guitar rig every mix Drums sound nice too and are programmed very well (if they're played by you then still take that as compliment ) I can't really see any obvious improvments. I'd ilke the drums a little bit more in the mix but I'm afraid it would upset the guitar-centric focus of your mix.

[heinsite]

hey blue--you've picked one of my fav "albums" in the last 10 friggin' years!!!but still can't open the links from you for some reason, but i am SURE, it's splendid...now that's faith bro! LOL..all the best,warren

[maceman]

BBB,Fantastic mix man.... great idea..... You can simply add some new lryrics and arrangement to this and it would fly for sure- sounds great!Maceman

[bigbluebarry]

thanks for the kind words everyone... Patrick... I was wondering if the drums needed to be brought up just a tad more myself. On the original version, the drums just pound you into submission. I tried to find the right balance between them and the guitars. By the way, those are programmed, Superior Drummer 2.0, and yep, Guitar Rig 3. Gotta love it! I actually started out using the Line6 POD Farm on this track. They have a song preset called "American Idiot" which sounded good, when listening to it without referencing the original track. The second I played it back to back with the original, POD Farm came off and Guitar Rig 3 went on. Warren... if you go to my profile page - http://www.taxi.com/barryfrench - you can hear it there, should be the first song that shows up. But I appreciate your faith I think my guitar tones are "close" to the original, but I feel like my EQ is just a little off from what they had. Of course, it could also have soemthing to do with the fact that they probably mic'd real amps and went through an analog SSL board, while I'm doing everything digital. - Big Blue- Big Blue

[orest]

I think it sounds wonderful! Great mix and balance, Maybe a little less volume on the crash, just my opinion though, if you want it to sound in your face it certainly does! Loved the guitars! Well played and the sound is great!

[heinsite]

thanx barry!yep, that sounds damned good my friend--i'd pump the drums just a bit IMHO--just the toms, think the cymbals are ok, though maybe just a tad eq-y...to my old ears anyway...nice work, my faith has been "covered"...LOL...ps: do hear a tad of "noise" in some of the breaks and at beginning and end...but you know that already,the best,warren

[rld]

Hey Barry,Check this out.IdiotYour version blended in and out with the real thing.The main thing I notice is yours lack a bit of low end power and your crash cymbals are a bit too loud.Other than that you've got about as close as you can!