In R.E.M. -> Mix comments please (20Jan.)

[southpaw]

Hey folks. Heres a new one ive been working on. This one is a blend of a few different stylistic influences i try to weave into my music. I draw the groove influences from the more urban/hip hop area, vocally im am very much influenced by the soul genres i.e. stevie wonder, donny hathaway, to john legend etc. A professor of mine once called my music rock and soul, i think that explanation was cool and pretty accurate imo.Anyway the song is called 'In R.E.M'. Its a little left of center in terms of structure, and the chord progression eventually turned into a 'progressive' progression. (Thats a lot of progression!) v-i-v-iii-ii6-i6 is the first eight bars of the verse, and from there it moves quite a bit. I still need to cut the second verse, and adjust a few vocal sections, the mix might need minor taming... Anyhow, most of the grunt work is out of the way, and id be grateful to any hear feedback on the song, and how it the song felt through your speakershttp://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=797266In particular id like to hear comments/sugg's on a few areas from some 'fresh eared listeners' on: - Thoughts on the melodies?-Thoughts on the arrangement? -Would you consider this pop rock/hot ac/aaa? singersongwriter? something else?*The intro is longer than usual, i try to keep it under 8 bars..But i had the idea to add the extra 'jump start' section you hear. I will likely cut it down before/if i submit it to anything.You think this would fit for any of the pop/rock related listings?Any and all general feedback is appreciated. CheersJamie

[wta]

Jamie, nice production. Its upbeat with a full sound for sure. The whole time I was listening my mind was saying, "This is not a rock song" over and over. I'd say this is more on the easy listening but with a distant distorted guitar. The vocalist did a great performance but is just not a rock singer, more pop without question at least with this tune, in my peabrain anyway. The other thing that stuck out was that this seemed like a upbeat almost happy tune so the "asleep but not dead" seem to not fit with the overall feel of the song. For an easy listening tune this tune is great from an overall feeling and could be played imo on any radio station or the like looking for this feel... hth, wta

[ideascapes]

Jamie,I'd say pop, singer/songwriter for the genre; with a different production, it could even be contemporary country.To address your focus areas, the melodies are quite good; simple, but good. On the arrangment, intro too long and transitions too long.Only other note I had was the squeakiness of the acoustic guitar when exposed in the mix.Nice tune, overall. Very good vocal. Only weak spot I heard was the one mini guitar break--sounded a bit weak compared to the other instrumentation.Vince

[southpaw]

wta, thanks for the listen and commentsQuote:The vocalist did a great performance but is just not a rock singer, more pop without question at least with this tune,yea, im not a rock singer. I dont really have that edgy strength some singers have. I havent done much rock, i just always enjoyed listening to, certain kinds of it. Ive always been really focused on groove and weaving melodies that interact with it, if that makes sense to you..Unfortunately, im not really and R&B singer either... Points taken. Thanks. Quote:I'd say this is more on the easy listening but with a distant distorted guitar.I am not sure, youd really say easy listening..? I mean i always thought of michael bolton/similar, when i heard the term easy listening mentioned?. I've never been very good at placing genres though.Cheers, Jamie

[southpaw]

hey Ideascapes, thanks for the feedback. Points noted, appreciate it.yea, that bland section is more of a place holder right now for the sake of locking sections down. I will address the guitar sounds your hearing when i revisit the mix.Thanks again, Jamie

[wta]

Jamie, the easy listening bit was really referring to radio stations that play music that anyone can listen to such as what they play is doctors offices in the lobby and the like, the kind of sound that most people will like or at the least not "hate" if you know what I mean. Heavy Metal is truly hated buy certain folks as an exsample.

[southpaw]

I see what your saying. Thats one of the categories of music i was always a little unclear as how to define.

[cameron]

Hey Jamie,Wow, you've got some serious talent going here! Makes me want to erase all my recordings! You have a great voice, and it's a nice song and good production too. Is that your new Gauge mic? The vocal quality sounds excellent to me.Keep 'em comin'!Cam

[southpaw]

Thanks for the listen Cam. You are very kind. Im glad you enjoyed it. It is indeed my Gauge microphone!:-) In fact it is the only mic i have used for my last two projects. I love this little baby. It may not be a Neumann, but until i can afford something above the 'decent mic' threshold, i'll be using my bargain finds! Jamie

[cameron]

OK, now I gotta have one. I have an Audio Tecnica AT2020 which I've always thought was a real natural sounding mic, and a real good deal at $99, but when I compare your recordings to mine it's like night and day. Of course it doesn't hurt that you've got the pipes I don't, but the vox just sound crystal-clear in your recording.Cam