DOWNTEMPO/CHILL OUT

[vicky]

hey there.When I saw this listing, I thought it would be a great time for a new song and also try a new approach....any words of wisdom? it looks like with a listing like this I can add some unconventional samples for more flavour.... are the tracks professional sounding enough? thanks in advance for taking the time to listen....VickyNEW LISTING -- AMBIENT/DOWNTEMPO/CHILL OUT SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS a la Massive Attack, Tosca, Zero 7, Morcheeba, DJ Shadow, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Portishead, Thievery Corporation, etc. are wanted by an Austrian Production Co. for an upcoming CD compilation to be released in Europe via a Major Label. Their deal includes a 5 year non-exclusive license as well as mechanical royalties paid based on the number of CD units sold. Broadcast Quality needed [great-sounding home recording OK]. Please submit one to three songs per CD/online, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Feb. 20, 2008. TAXI # S080220ELhttp://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_id=95556&stream=1thanks again,Vicky

[davewalton]

Quote:Also the mix sounds like the bass player mixed it. Hmmm... would that be "Vicky The Bass Player" on the mixing board? I agree with Mazz that this has a lot of the elements for this kind of genre. I'd say that what I hear that's missing is "the beat". The percussion you have is interested (I like it a lot) but for any electronica genre you need that straight ahead beat to be the main thing and any percussion to be kind of an accompanyment to the main beat. This particular Zero 7 track I think serves as a good example of the downtempo/chill "sound"...http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSt ... =143441The main difference I hear is that the Zero 7 "beat" is unmistakable and very much in the forefront. The bass is different, maybe a little more processed (it's mellow but it takes up a lot of room) and I do hear a lot of that sound in other "downtempo" tracks.Different from the Zero 7 track, I've heard a lot of very jazz-styled "chill" tracks so your background I think will work really well with this as long as, if nothing else, you also make sure to capture the required genre "beat". HTH,Dave

[ibanez468]

Hey vickytbp,I don't know exactly. When you say keypad, what exactly are you refering to? What are you using? These aren't recorded tracks, huh? What are you using to generate the synth pad? A stereo expander tool, I think, will do the trick. But, if this wasn't the final piece, then you have time to fix the mix without question. So whatever's generating the synth pad, it needs to be spread out. If I think I know what you're talking about, you could possibly assign the synth to 2 keypads, and pan 1 to the left and the other to the right? You using a MIDI controller of some sort with keypads? Hard to say without knowing what you're using or the specifics involved. Fill me in. ibanez468

[vicky]

ibanez468.....I'm using audio tracks recorded from a keyboard...I was referring to the 'pads'...the sound itself....I guess I could use a stereo expander tool on that track?....also it's tricky to make loops with this soundQuote: If I think I know what you're talking about, you could possibly assign the synth to 2 keypads, and pan 1 to the left and the other to the right? You using a MIDI controller of some sort with keypads? Hard to say without knowing what you're using or the specifics involved. Fill me in I sort of know what you're talking about; I did record from a keyboard that seemed to be generating ...a bass part for example that forced me to play a certain part over the top of it....thanks....I'll post the newer version at some point....vicky

[ibanez468]

vickytbp,Me offended?? Naahhh. Takes more than that. Maybe I'm just not good at explaining. ibanez468

[geo]

Quote:Also the mix sounds like the bass player mixed it. Hey!!! Is that a slam on Bass Players, don't make me come over there . Just kidding, the link won't work for me, sorry. My advice, do whatever Mazz says..... Geo

[mazz]

Thanks Geo,No worries. My dog is much cuter than me (he's crashed out on my lap right now!). I'm just trying to help out. I've spent my life obsessively studying this stuff and it's nice to have people to talk about it with.My comment about the tune sounding like it was mixed by the bass player was meant to show how hard it is to step back and get a big picture view of the piece. It's only natural that Vicky hears things the way she does, being a bass player and all, and it's not wrong, it just might not be right for the style or the piece in question. And of course it's all based on my taste which isn't the last word (although it should be ).Cheers,Mazz

[geo]

No sweat Bro, I was looking for the chance to defend a fellow player while I take time out from my latest project:"While my bass gently pounds the groove into your head."on my up coming EP:"The Bass will Rock You!"being released on:"From the Bass to the Grave" Records. Seriously, I have my kick & bass so so hot in my mixes ballads sound like house music. I feel your pain VBP."Geo....do you have the bass playing anything other than the bass part....does that work for listings?also....when I mix my jazz stuff....i put it next to Dave Hollands' or Jacos' albums, and the bass sounds just like theirs...level-wise....when I listen to a guitarists' album, sometimes I can't even hear the bass....go figure..Vicky the BASSPLAYER"I have the same reaction when someone else mixes my stuff.OBTW like the capitals on BASSPLAYER, little passive aggressive? Just kidding, sorry I couldn't help... Geo

[geo]

That worked, thanks V, cool groove, I'm not familiar with the genre, but I'll take a stab.I have to agree with Mazz, actually half agree, during the verses when you are playing the lower notes the bass is a little too forward in the mix however during the higher parts (chorus I think?) when you are playing more melodically I think it's fine, bass player can take the lead sometimes .I don't like the percussion I'm sorry, doesn't fit the "chill out" groove too me, a little mechanical sounding. I would think about a more mainstream loop and maybe work some percussion off of it, I think this is where the groove might have gotten a little loose as Mazz was saying. How's this, maybe record around a loop, then take it out and add percussion over it. I'm hopeless with out a kick/snare keeping time and always used a click track over slow sections that I take out later. Don't know when 's due but would love..... actually I just looked, you got three weeks so I'm thinking you'll be tinkering, post any changes, I'd love to hear them.... Geo

[lc]

Hey Vicky,Nice cool and relaxed vibe I'm getting from this one.I think like mentioned already, you might want to redo or rethink the percussion. Sometimes it took me out of that nice relaxed frame of mind. Maybe also make the drums less organic sounding and more on the electronic side. Nothing too crazy, maybe something along the lines of "The Beautiful Ones" by Prince. (or the artist formally known as, or that symbol that I can't produce from my keyboard...whichever one he goes by now)I'm not too familiar with the genre, so I could be way off, but that is what MY ears seem to want to hear, so take it for what it's worth I guess.What Mazz said about being a bass player who composes and a composer who plays the bass is all too true! I started out on drums, then bass, then guitar. So when I write music that uses those instruments, you can imagine the mixing process that goes on! I have to try my best to listen objectively so not every little thing that I think NEEDS to be heard is in front in the mix Overall, I think it's a good piece. Looking forward to the next revision!