Hot AC/Rock/PopSong -- Update 1jan09

[southpaw]

I had mentioned in another thread posting a song using the Guage ECM 87 mic.So here you go folks, it is the sole microphone i used for this song. Simply put, I think it sounds pretty darn good for 87 bux! Very simple signal chain, ECM87 --> apogee convertors/onboard pres --> logic pro"To Be a Better Man"http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default ... tent=music This is a new song that i have been working on, for longer than usual... This song started out as a personal kinda song ya know, "the therapeutic - thank god i have music otherwise i would go crazy kind" Well, i eventually changed the somewhat darker song and tried to turn it into more of an inspirational vibe telling a story thats analagous to the original song idea but tried to keep it relatable..The meaning of the song is whatever it means to you of course, but for me it is about the stupid things i did and the hard consequences i had to pay for them when i was growing up, which at times, fight with the positive way i see things now. Anyway, i have some minor mix-related issues i will iron out and i plan on tweakin some of the 2nd verse, and bridge melody/lyrics after trying a few more ideas. In general though im done with most of the 'heavy lifting', and got the idea out. In particular id be grateful to hear what you guys think in terms of strength of the song/production, and the Chorus melody/lyrics... Id also like to hear how the song struck you, and the vibe you got from it.. if any. Im considering submitting it to a couple of the pop listings. Does this fit for or no?:"MODERN POP/HOT AC ARTISTS/WRITERS"and "CURRENT MODERN POP/ROCK SONGS AND INSTRUMENTALS"Their for publishing company, and film/tv listings.They say in the range of goo goo dolls, rob thomas, coldplay, natasha bedingfield, sara barellis, five for fighting, to name a few of themThanks again folks.Jamie

[ernstinen]

Jamie,First off, THAT is a first-class recording! We may have talked about the Guage mic, and it does sound fantastic for most things. Some sibliance on the lead vocal once in awhile, but when it blends in with the beautiful 'verb guitars, it's magic!I've been recording, writing, producing, and doing sound engineering for a long time, and love rock & pop, although I am now writing orchestral music, because I can't find the "blend" that I'm looking for in an artist. But YOU got, it my friend!If you ever want to talk about any aspects about adding anything I know about arranging rock or orchestral parts, please PM me because 'I' know you are a special talent.Ern

[wta]

I agree this is a good production, nice build throughout. The vocals lead me in a more alt country kinda sorta ish. The vocals are well done, though I'd like to hear more than one octave used but the tone and feel of the vocals pulls it right out of the rock department for me, mmm, I guess sorta pop but more countryish. There is a southern twang to the music every so often as well. This one is tough for me cause its not an instant "modern rock" that hits me. I totally dig this tune mate, but I'd rethink where its going to fit. I limit myself when in comes to writing and producing to rock and acoustic/singer/songwriter stuff just to give you a point of reference as to where my ears are coming from... HTH wta

[feaker]

leftyThis is dang good man.Ok, so how long is "longer than usual"? A month?This has a very exciting unusual sound.good luckPaul

[ideascapes]

Thanks for posting Jamie. First, love the voice--very distinctive and pleasing. I'm typing as I'm listening and the beginning of the 2nd verse sounded like a totally different singer to me! Nice to have that versatility, but maybe not in the same song! Might just be my ears, though.The mic does sounds great and I'm not hearing any harshness that you usually get from a cheap condenser.Echoing the others, I'm not sure that you nailed the fit for this listing. I'm hearing a little John Mayer, but not as bluesy; same for Rob Thomas. Not HOT AC/MODERN POP/MODERN ROCK either.I think I'm hearing the same things that Ern and William are talking around. The production here is very good, but I got a little bit of an up/down feeling instead of powerful builds and climaxes (some of the "pop" noises, seemed a little "random," for example). Going higher in the vocal melody at some point would probably help. Does your range allow that?My advice would be to develop as an artist--you have the talent. Work on the production and submit directly to film/TV listings instead of the libraries.Great job overall and hope to hear more!Vince

[partyofone]

Hi Jamie,Wow, nice song! The vibe and sonics grabbed me and as said above everything is impeccably recorded and sits nicely in the mix. I like the way you've compressed the snare and get that nice snap out of it and the acoustic guitar sounds great! (What kind of guitar/mic are you using and is that running through the Apogee as well?) I hear the kinda John Mayer sound as someone said above and it seems like a fit to the genres above although I'm not as familiar as what constitutes Hot AC. The vocal sounds great as well and you make me wish I'd bought one at that price (I came so close but after listening to the A/B example I thought I heard a little more sizzle than I liked).As Vince said I'd like to hear some more contrast and lift in the chorus. Also IMHO I think a little less distortion on that guitar would be cool. It sounds great as is but I think those 2 things would take it OVER THE TOP! Congrats!

[southpaw]

Hey guys thanks for the listen and comments. It sure is great to hear some valuable feedbackon the song as opposed to "thats cool," or "i like it," from friends and family. Ernstinen, thanks for the compliments. I have always wanted to add 'convincingly real', string and horn arrangements into my songs.. I will likely PM you in the near future for collab of some sort, i appreciate the offer! WTA, I think you are right, it felt a bit 'countryish' to me too. Which is weird because i have never done a song with such a country style texture before. So it having a country feel to it im not very familiar with the distinctions between country styles... Would it be more alt country or what genre would you put it in if you had to? About vocals, I will work on that octave raise on the chorus. I can hear it when i listen to it now, im just not as comfortable with my voice when i go real high and have to sing real hard.. In addition i have an untreated room to record in and the louder i get the less control i have. Thanks again.Feaker, cool sir, glad you liked it!I usually have a sketch done in 2 days, then to continue to refine lyrics/melodys/progression/arrangement and orchestration until im pleased with it is usually about 2 weeks. This project took a little more than 3 weeks. I changed the chord progressions and bass parts several times and the lyrics im STILL refining.. Ideascapes, thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. I plan to recut the second verse and bridge again, maybe it will sound more similar once i try to get the melody's closer to each other.. In regards to style of the song, im getting the consensus that its not modern rock. The "up and down" point is a great point, i hadnt even thought about that but i can see what you are talking about when building to the climax. I can hit the next octave although i get somewhat insecure of how it sounds when im really pushing, the bigger problem is the room, which i plan to work on in january. Patrick, thanks for the listen, and also the compliments! I used the Sonalksis sv-315 mk2 compressor on the snare, its a Hohner acoustic, with the Guage mic, and it is indeed going through the apogee. I'll note the suggestions for when i get back to the song. (i like to give it a couple days to just air out and step away from 'er for a minute) Thanks again. CheersJamie

[marcblack30]

Jamie, I'm lovin' this song! You have a great voice, very warm, clean and very in tune, it's great! it's sounds very familiar too but i can put my finger on it.When i hear this it doesn't remind me of country in any way, it sounds like acoustic rock, ala's i would say is Mat Kearney, Shane Nicholson, Josh Kelley, Matt Nathenson & John Mayer.I listened to a couple of your other tunes and they sound great too. nice work.The mic sounds really nice, makes me want to take my chinese Superlux" mic and smash it against the wall!i won't, but would like to.anyway, nice work.marc

[southpaw]

Hey marc, thanks alot. It's reassuring to hear compliments on the vocals, their are so many amazing voices out their i sometimes wonder if my vocals allow me to really consider myself a 'singer' or just someone who sings, as i have no real training of any kind for voice. I've had quite a few compliments on my vocals, and while im no donny hathaway.. I guess its acceptable for my music. Those are some very humbing ala's, i've heard the john mayer comparison quite a few times... I've still got a little ways to go compare to his guitar mastery tho!

[geo]

Hi Jamie.... really good song!!! Production sounded first class.... those above covered the genre/lift thing .... I just wanted to give a left field suggestion for possible listings....Christian Contemporary A lot of times they are looking for stuff not overtly bang you over the head but more positive message stuff for cross over hits for artist... I dunno ... a couple of lines here and there stood out which could make it a fit.... a thought...Good job!!!Peace, Geo