A couple of my songs from a demo studio

[HogTime]

I'm an old geezer. Been pickin' and singing (with my "jam session" voice) since High School. Many years ago I started writing "rootsy" songs and recording them in my home studio on a 16 track hard disc recorder. Released my own CD with 11 originals and 3 covers over 10 years ago.

For the last few years I've thought about having a demo studio record some of my songs. A bit over a year ago I pulled the trigger and had one done with a full band and vocalists. It turned out great, but was a bit pricey. So, for the second demo song I used a good backing track I had for my version of the song. Another winner! Also, it was easier on my wallet, since it only cost about 1/3 the first demo.

Below are the 2 studio versions I've had done so far. I really like them and plan to do a couple of more. Any comments are welcome.

"Man I"m Gonna Miss Montana" is the latest, using my own backing track. Listen here.

"Get Your Act Together" is the first one I had done and has a studio band and vocals: Listen here.

Note: Soundclick.com only has a few of my songs. All are on my Taxi.com page in my signature.

Thanks for listening,
Ralph

[scandalousday]

The piano is played extremely well, and I appreciate the composition. I get the impression that the piano was recorded distantly since it has a bit ominous tone and a lot of "room" soundsnake io. As previously indicated, the acoustic guitar has a very tight and near sound, followed by the mandolin, which has the brightest and most forward sound. If it were my track, I would try to acquire a more laid-back guitar performance, then adjust the tones and reverbs so that the instruments feel more like they are in the same room playing together.

[Casey H]

HogTime
Before listening, a question. What is your goal for these songs? Songs for artists? Film/TV? Your own releases? If you're looking for feedback, it's best to know what the target is. Unless, since you posted this in "Shameless Self Promotion", you just wanted to share stuff you are proud of and aren't concerned with feedback.

Best,
Casey

[funsongs]

Below are the 2 studio versions I've had done so far. I really like them and plan to do a couple of more. Any comments are welcome.

"Man I"m Gonna Miss Montana" is the latest, using my own backing track. Listen here.

"Get Your Act Together" is the first one I had done and has a studio band and vocals: Listen here.

Thanks for listening,
Ralph

A few pennies from an old-guy ears' opinion in The Peanut Gallery... liking your material.

1) The voice & vocals are your strength and 'the ticket in the door'; and the songs have a solid pace and vibe: good stuff.

2) Though the instruments are played by pros, as you state, the mixes could use some help - with the levels.
I think I'm 'noticing' the lack of drums in "Get Your Act Together" - which isn't necessarily a bad thing...
but without them, it's hard to imagine this song coming from a pumping juke box, for example.

Also - I agree/share Casey's questions: what's your goal for these/your songs?

HTH, Ralph - keep'm comin'!

[HogTime]

I usually check the forum each day and was surprised to see comments on my post. Had forgotten I'd made it.

I appreciate any comments, pro or con. I'm an old geezer, so I don't have enough time left to reach a commercial goal. I just wanted to see how songs I had written sounded when sung and played by pros. I'm very happy with both songs. I admit the backing track for "Montana" could use some tweaks, but it is fine for my personal enjoyment.

Wasn't in the studio when "Act" was recorded or mixed. so no control over that. However, it sounds great to me. I didn't ask for drums on that song, since I was going for a "light weight" bluegrass feel.

BTW, have a studio now working on #3, "All Around Texas", which will be vocals added to my backing track. Will post this in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for the input!

Ralph

[funsongs]

I usually check the forum each day and was surprised to see comments on my post. Had forgotten I'd made it.

I appreciate any comments, pro or con. I'm an old geezer, so I don't have enough time left to reach a commercial goal. I just wanted to see how songs I had written sounded when sung and played by pros. I'm very happy with both songs. I admit the backing track for "Montana" could use some tweaks, but it is fine for my personal enjoyment.

Wasn't in the studio when "Act" was recorded or mixed. so no control over that. However, it sounds great to me. I didn't ask for drums on that song, since I was going for a "light weight" bluegrass feel.

BTW, have a studio now working on #3, "All Around Texas", which will be vocals added to my backing track. Will post this in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for the input!

Ralph

Are you geared up and able to do your own mixes? Just curious.
Would have liked to have heard that pedal-steel track, especially the solo, sit better (and louder) in the mix -
being of the old-school Classic Country - gotsta have a steel guitar and fiddle if you're gonna call it 'Country'.

[HogTime]

I do have a home studio, although haven't used it much lately. Will try a mix tweak to give the pedal steel the spotlight it deserves! Thanks for the idea!