Had Enough

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:34 am

Hey guys, got a new one for you here. Looking for mix suggestions, and performance suggestions as well. Thanks

http://www.lowstring.com/download/releases/canvas_within/had_enough.mp3

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:26 am

Dynamics.

Start off softer in the beginning. Not just the drums, but the guitars and vocals, too. It will make a nice contrast when you get 2/3 of the way through.

Kurt Cobain on meds + The Cranberries band = this

Good stuff.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:29 pm

PissedKitty3K is right on point. Dynamics. Other than that, I like this track. Here's what I like:

1 - Good harmonizing (congrats - harder than most assume)
2 - Good musical form and structure
3 - Despite the vocal strain, pitch is good. The strain (I feel) appears more as effect than necessary and it works for this track. If I had to endure it for an entire album....not sure. Again - it's in the "like" column b/c it works.
4 - Catchy beat (not Britney catchy - that would be an insult. More like...hanging on a street corner hiding a dime bag from the cops and tapping your foot catchy.)

What I don't like (not much)-

1 - There's not a pronounced hook in the song. I'm not saying it has to be there. In fact, the song works fine without it. There's still enough repetitiveness that even a dullard could follow it. However, if you want it to be commercially viable, it needs a little work in that department.

2 - It's a little flat (dynamics wise). I didn't inspect it visually and I only listened on my (pretty decent) computer speakers, but I was waiting for the part where something more happened. The best way to do that sometimes is to give a little less at first and let the "average" be the "something more."

Overall though - nice stuff! Vocals are mixed PERFECTLY. Your choice of equipment suited the main voice well. I don't hear much EQ other than a slight roll off in the low end (no boominess or chestiness) and *maybe* a slight boost at 7kHz (perhaps a trait of the mic or preamp).

I'd buy the album.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:31 pm

On third listen...
I want to hear that high-hat in the right speaker crescendo to a slightly tighter and bigger kit when it finally comes in. Perhaps an 8 bar paced crescendo right to the point of absurd and then back to a good Forte on the drums.

Good intelligibility on the vocals too. Seriously- I'd buy the album. When it's for sale, let me know!

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:54 pm

Cucco wrote:

PissedKitty3K is right on point. Dynamics. Other than that, I like this track. Here's what I like:

1 - Good harmonizing (congrats - harder than most assume)
2 - Good musical form and structure
3 - Despite the vocal strain, pitch is good. The strain (I feel) appears more as effect than necessary and it works for this track. If I had to endure it for an entire album....not sure. Again - it's in the "like" column b/c it works.
4 - Catchy beat (not Britney catchy - that would be an insult. More like...hanging on a street corner hiding a dime bag from the cops and tapping your foot catchy.)

What I don't like (not much)-

1 - There's not a pronounced hook in the song. I'm not saying it has to be there. In fact, the song works fine without it. There's still enough repetitiveness that even a dullard could follow it. However, if you want it to be commercially viable, it needs a little work in that department.

2 - It's a little flat (dynamics wise). I didn't inspect it visually and I only listened on my (pretty decent) computer speakers, but I was waiting for the part where something more happened. The best way to do that sometimes is to give a little less at first and let the "average" be the "something more."

Overall though - nice stuff! Vocals are mixed PERFECTLY. Your choice of equipment suited the main voice well. I don't hear much EQ other than a slight roll off in the low end (no boominess or chestiness) and *maybe* a slight boost at 7kHz (perhaps a trait of the mic or preamp).

I'd buy the album.

Thanks for the great replies guys! Cucco you are dead on, the "strain" on the vocals was done more for an effect, than anything. I don't normally sing in that range, I am usually higher and smoother lol.

I like the idea of building the song to help break it up. I played all the instruments on this track (I am a guitar player, not a drummer!) , but I think I could play with the drums on this, as it is pretty simple drumwise.

The album should be done by the end of the summer, so I will keep everyone here up to date. This forum has helped me a lot mixing wise, however I am still debating on whether I should take these songs (once complete) to a professional (I am doing everything in my bedroom now!) and re-record them, then have them mastered before I release it.

Once again, thanks for the replies!

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 12:30 am

I'm fairly new to all of this recording stuff, so I don't have any suggestions for the mix, but I just thought I'd let you know that I really liked the song. I agree with the others that a build up could make it better, but other than that, well done!

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:02 am

When I listen to a mix first thing I listen to is imaging. In the begining I was not liking the 2 heavy panned clean gtr's, but as the mix progressed. That panning made perfect sense. I found the drum to sound like they were mono drums. But it worked. I think you did a fantastic job, its sound killer. I'd buy the album for sure. And the clarity is amazing.

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:15 am

Excellent. I'd take most "criticizm" as subjective. Nice to hear something with subtlety to it. Just my opinion...

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 12:50 pm

Your music is really good. I'm throwing out a link to your pure vloume website. This is Gold.

http://www.purevolume.com/canvaswithin

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:05 pm

Halifaxsoundguy wrote:

Your music is really good. I'm throwing out a link to your pure vloume website. This is Gold.

http://www.purevolume.com/canvaswithin

Wow thanks alot guys! Glad to see people enjoy what I am doing!

This topic sponsored by: