Behind the Mask

[Mike_S]

More instrumental shenanigans...

This took ages... the main problem being playing solid lead for about 4 mins is not easy for me. But I was determined to make it a little project to improve my playing so I kept at it - wanted to do it in one take as well, again more as a challenge for myself... so took a while! I did in the end cut and paste one short section from a previous take in where I felt I was a bit hesitant in my playing but apart from that was happy enough.

So...

1 lead guitar (Mex Strat) put through a few effects in Garageband
1 rhythm - might be too loud!?
1 Bass (programmed in Garageband
1 Drum track - as above
1 Bongo track (or similar in Garageband)
1 Synth track - Garageband...

AND... a Male Choir Ensemble... again courtsey of Garageband!

Mix I tried... hope it's ok

[StephenM]

on my second listen...and I am up to 220 songs from SC for my off line listening.... which i love btw.... and I am always happy when a Mike S song pops up....because it is always quality and tends to rattle my teeth a bit which is mostly what I like....and the once in a while very laid back in between.... As your recording i understand... I prefer to try and get my lead all the way through... sometimes I like the duel leads too.... or even 3...lol.... but I am very much guitar oriented so I tend to really like music like that... but I would say I really like your lyrics and singing as well....

[Ray Brookes]

The mix sounds fine to my ears, Mike. That long delay/reverb on the lead guitar works well and you've played it nicely. The rhythm guitar doesn't sound too loud to me personally but as with all mixing & music everything is subjective. Sometimes I deliberate for hours and sometimes days over a mix, especially if I have a lot of tracks and rarely am I satisfied. I guess mixing is a bit of an art form and a bit of witchcraft. Anyhow, this is a fine instrumental and you've done a good job, Mike; well done.

[funkyaxe]

Some stellar guitar work Mike. I always do any lead work in one take ( but I tend to have a warts n all attitude sometimes as I think you know ) so I understand the challenge. This sounds very natural and flowing to me so it's very impressive. The backing mix balance also sounds good to these ears. Good work Mike.

[pjd1]

I am blown away by how good this sounds , the strat sounds fabulous , i had a mexican one a couple of years ago , and i am sorry i swapped it , yours sounds amazing dont give it away to anybody !! loved the vibe and the balance of the whole composition ,  rhythm was just perfect on my system , your lead  playing was very expressive and well controlled with an incredible sound , great stuff Mike its a cracker

Dunny

[kenny mac]

Thats some great guitar work my friend.
The strat sounds awesome.
The mix sounds good to me,everything is sitting at the right level it should be.
Magic.

[thetworegs]

Sounds great to my ear Mike perfect with tea & toast this morning

[Farrell Jackson]

Excellent use of the effects and some fine picking on the lead guitar Mike! The mix sounds good to me and the rhythm sits in there nicely. Well done!

Farrell

[TPB]

The long delays fit the music to a T and yes 4 min is a long time to crank on a lead  but you hit it in style
Tim

[chapperz66]

This is really cool instrumental, Mike.   Love the delay, and I'm impressed at the "one take".  I seldom manage to achieve much in a single take - unless I don't hit record of course.  I can play it brilliantly all the way through right up to the point that I hit the red button!

Great stuff this.

Paul