New to the forum. A buddy of mine (Blooby) is a regular and has been encouraging me to join and post up some things. I've been playing music since early teen years, but just recently really got involved in setting up a home studio and recording some of my original ideas. I'm mostly a guitar player, but I can find my way around other instruments enough that I am able to record whole songs with multiple instrument parts. Used a mandolin on this one (never really played one before this) that belongs to Blooby (thanks again for letting me raid the equipment room), Wish my vocals were better, but I'll keep at it.
This is one of about 10 songs I'm working on for a self-released album. Would appreciate any constructive criticism.
Blooby was right.
That was one heck of a first post. Nice job on the mandolin and there is absolutely nothing wrong with your vocals.
Great post.
Ditto Kenneth.
constructive criticism : don't beat yourself up over your voice, you have a distinctive voice and it's yours and it connected with this auld bugger over here in Scotland.
welcome aboard guid sur and a great song.
What a great post. Very well recorded and mixed and your vocals are great. Full of character. I wouldn't mind being able to sing that well! ;)
Tell us how you recorded it - I'm always interested in all the nuts and bolts stuff.
Paul
You connected with this other old bugger over here in Yorkshire too .. "nowt wrong wi thee Voice" as they say in these parts ... keep em coming !!
Didn't you promise a Mahavishnu Orchestra tune for your first post? Can't believe you finally joined and starting with a toe-tapped to boot. Great background vocals and production (I'm not sure where your concerns were as this is produced very well). Great mandolin break. You may raid the gear closet (house?) whenever you want.
I have a feeling you and Fenderbender will get along famously.
Blooby
Welcome EWC. This sounds great for your first post. You have a good set of instruments all mixed really well to my ear. I believe I'm hearing an accordion sound at times faintly in the background. Nice song and good production.
Mach
Welcome to the site from Finland, EWC! Really nice first post!
Well sung and played! Cathcy country rock song!
I'm curious, which gear are you using on your recordings? Fine job, sounds very professional!
Incredible first post - You're a fantastic songwriter! Love the trot to this, great snare sound you have achieved and I think the vocals are spot on with those smooth southern harmonies.
You know how to make an entrance!
See you around,
Mark
Just as a heads up, EWC was the other guitarist on the early electric band posts I used to do. That would've been the original Museum of Oddities when I had jams at the house.
Blooby
Wow, didn't expect so many responses so quickly, and such positive encouragement from all over the world. ;D Thanks to all who replied--it does an Old Hack good to hear these things, especially about my vocals, which are somewhat a point of insecurity for me.
So, at the risk of being verbose, I will answer a few questions (was gonna include some of this in the OP but did not know how much information would be needed or desired) and respond to a few comments.
Equipment: I'm recording through a Windows-based DAW using Studio One 3 Producer (can't say enough good things about the S-1 software--really smooth and intuitive workflow). I have a Focusrite Scarlet interface, and have just started using a Presonus Studio Channel as a mic pre/channel strip, which has really helped with getting consistent vocal and acoustic guitar tracks as the unit contains both a hardware compressor and EQ. All other plug-ins are stock S-1 plug-ins.
Instruments and Process: I typically record, starting with an acoustic guitar scratch track played and recorded (using a large diaphragm condenser mic), against a steady rhythm loop. I then reprogram drums (using Addictive Drums and a midi interface and/or the piano roll) once the song begins to develop. For electric guitars, I use a Line 6 modeling unit (POD XT) direct to the interface. Bass is recorded direct to the interface (I usually add a couple of plugins to fatten up the tone once I'm satisfied with my bass lines). All other instruments (with the exception of the mandolin, in this song) are the product of my midi keyboard interface and some sort of VST instrument. In this case (yes, Mach) there is an accordion part, created with the stock Presence synth, which comes with S-1. I play just enough keyboard to make this arrangement work, and I can usually figure out any instrument that has strings to an extent that I can get something decent to produce.
Songwriting: This is a slow process for me. I typically write using an acoustic guitar, so as I begin to post more stuff, everyone may notice a proclivity for "acoustically inspired" materai (sorry, Blooby, you're not likely to get that Mahavishnu Orchestra piece anytime soon). I have not been a very prolific songwriter, although I suspect my increased interest in the recording process may spur that a bit. My immediate goal is to get 10 decent tunes recorded for a self-produced digital release. I've got 7-8 somewhat close to being finished (in various stages of mixing and arranging), with a couple of more just needing enough attention to get tracks laid down so that arrangement and mixing can commence.
Once again, honest criticism is both expected and encouraged. I will try to do the same for everyone in return.
Very good production, love the mandolin sound, congrats!
Nothing wrong with the voice. Sounds good to me and suits the style of music. I find it strange to listen to my own voice too.
Great song, really enjoyed it, nice and simple and complete sounding. Great stuff!
Mike
Great first post EWC! Excellent harmonies to back up your good voice. The mando was a cool surprise to hear plus you played it well for the first time out.....I wish Blooby lived close so I could pop over and borrow some of his instruments, lol. Better than well done!
Farrell
Great first post EWC , and a warm welcome from Snowy Scotland,
Just love this number, so well written and performed,
Well done.....
Alex
A fantastic first post, mate. Great songwriting & superb performances on all fronts. Excellent pro-sounding production too. Bravo!
Well done, sounds good on all fronts. Your voice sounds great, a touch of Elvis in there...never a bad thing. Welcome from Tampa.
Rock on!
Welcome to the site,a breath of fresh air my friend,it's good to see people come on here and grow.
Your fear regarding your vocals are unfounded,you have a great voice,a nice individual tone.
The music is great and recorded very well.
Bravo to you or as we say here in Scotland ,,,,,,Braw
Excellent - I couldn't fault it, and welcome :D
Im back for another listen to this little cracker....
Must be time for another,
Alex
Nice bump!