I need a critique of my recording!

[abeautifultomorrow]

I recorded this original song at home and had it professionally mastered at Audio Magic ( The Goo Goo Dolls recorded there) here in Buffalo New York. I would like to know if its performed, mixed and mastered and is professional enough to submit to Taxi listings? Song is at https://soundcloud.com/abeautifultomorrow-1/i-believe Thanks Marky

[bassman]

Hi there

First of all I don't work for Taxi so only speaking from my own personal experience.
My intention though is to add something that will help you along.

It's a nice song so well done on that front.

Here are a couple of areas you could look at:

- IMO the vocal could be quite a bit louder. The vocal is the lead instrument so really make sure you spend time getting it to sit right.
- The string/cello part could come down quite a bit. It's competing with the lead vocal.
- The crashes are too loud. Try less of them as well. You want to disguise that it's a drum machine.
- Less reverb on the vocal. Add some predelay.
- At 3:21 the timing is slightly off.


This is what I would say would be required to get the track in the right ballpark.

Here are a few pointers if you'd take it a bit further:

- Try adding compression to the acoustic guitar.
- Try playing the acoustic guitar a bit softer on the verse and then harder on chorus for dynamics.

As mentioned nice song.

Hope it's helpful.

Best

[eeoo]

I think Bassman has some good points. If you want to get an idea of where the bar is set go to the forwards section and have a listen to some members songs that are being forwarded.

eo

[Songwriter1]

hello abeautifultomorrow, i am a songwriter as you are. i'll start by saying that is a good song. but to answer your question if its mastered and is it good enough to submit to a listing. to me all songs have a place somewhere you just have to find the right listing. im not a pro at recording either but it doesn't sound mastered to me. i had two demos done in amarillo tx.(by pros) and the levels are all even. i would talk to your studio and see how far they went with it. but you know the listings sometimes ask for just plain stuff also, and if thats you doing the cover of greenday you may want to consider just recording your voice and guitar i thought you sounded pretty good