Born Free - RichardShekari

Thank you so much, James. I honestly have no idea how the LM follow rules work either. Sometimes when I refresh the track section, I see some recent or featured tracks from people I follow, but beyond that I really don't know what it means or what advantages it offers. I just follow people and hope for the best, haha.

I still haven't had the chance to record that song, even though it's written and ready to go. One reason is, as I told you, we're expecting our baby literally any day now. The other is that I'm trying to switch from Adobe Audition 1.5 to the 2025 version, so I've been spending a lot of time watching YouTube tutorials and figuring out the new workflow.

To make matters even more interesting, the Mrs. had an unexpected hormonal moment a few days ago and accused me of spending all my time recording music and watching YouTube tutorials instead of giving her enough attention. She even refused to talk to me for two days! So for now, I'm trying to be a good boy, keep her happy, and make sure she gets all the attention she deserves.

I'm just waiting for her mood to change from black to pink. Once that happens, I'll switch on the mic and finally get that song recorded. Happy wife, happy life, right? Haha.

Thanks so much, RSR. Stay blessed

My dear brother, thank you. Your words are deeply humbling.
A few years ago, I worked at an IDP camp in Maiduguri, Borno State in the north eastern part of Nigeria during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. Every morning when I arrived, the children would rush to the entrance to welcome me. They barely let me make it to the small room that served as my office. This went on for months because we made sure to spend time playing together, and every Friday I always brought enough sweets and biscuits for everyone. I think the candy made them want me around all the time haha, amazing kids they were.
The truth is, those children gave me courage and joy. Even though it was a very dangerous environment at the time, their laughter, smiles and resilience taught me far more about life than I could ever have taught them. That is why I chose to open the song with childrens laughter, to remind us of the innocence, hope and joy we should cherish for as long as we can.
Thank you as well for your unwavering encouragement and for seeing the heart behind the songs. If there is one thing I pray never changes, it is that every song continues to point people back to our Lord.
I am honoured to call you both a friend and a colleague. Your support has encouraged me more than you probably realise. Thank you, brother, and may God continue to bless you richly.
Also, I apologise for the late reply. My wife and I are expecting our second baby any day now, so I have been busy doing daddy duties, hospital visits and running around getting all the baby essentials. It is such an exciting time, but I would be lying if I said it is not a little stressful too. I have even taken my one-month annual leave from my 9 to 5 so I can be home full time and be there for my family.
How are you coping with the back pain? I pray the Lord restores your health and strengthens you. Please know I keep you in my thoughts and prayers here as well.
Lets continue to keep each other in prayer, brother.

Thank you so much, Mark! That genuinely means a lot to me. I still feel like I'm just experimenting, so hearing that it all came together is really encouraging. Credit to Nameless for such an inspiring loop, and all glory to the Lord for giving me the heart to write and sing. I truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and constant encouragement.

Glad you enjoyed it, bro. I really appreciate it. Hopefully, you'll bless us with something new soon!

Thank you so much for this thoughtful feedback. I genuinely appreciate both the encouragement and the guidance.

As for the mix, you've given me plenty to think about. As I mentioned to CF21, I'll revisit it with fresh ears and see how I can improve the vocal placement and strengthen the low end. Thanks as well for recommending Nectar. I actually have it...I just need to watch a few tutorials, haha! I'll definitely spend some time learning how to get the most out of it.

Your willingness to share your knowledge means a great deal to me, and I'm truly grateful for your continued support.

Peace

Anthony, thank you kindly!

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, and I'm even happier that you noticed those subtle bass tones, haha. Truth be told, I just loaded the guitar loop, and to my ears it already sounded rich and complete. I simply added what I felt it needed...my vocals.

Your words about the heartfelt delivery really encourage me. Thanks for taking the time to listen and leave such a thoughtful comment. I truly appreciate your support.

Oh yeah, my brother! Thanks for the applause, haha. Stay blessed!

I really appreciate the kind words, Maestro. It's been an honour to have my work listened to and appreciated by someone like you. I'm truly grateful.

Hello, CF21.

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and for the detailed feedback. I really appreciate it, and I definitely won't take your advice for granted.

I'm actually very new to working with loops, so this has been a learning experience for me. As for the vocals, I recorded them with a Shure SM7dB routed through a Focusrite interface, and I track my vocals in Adobe Audition 1.5. Of course, that's not an excuse for how the recording came across to you. If it sounded muffled, then that's something I clearly need to work on.

It could be my recording settings or the way I mix. One of the reasons I enjoy my journey on Looperman is that I get to meet people like you. I've also come across other great folks here who have helped shape my understanding of the craft and deepen my appreciation for the art.

I never claim to be a professional. I simply love making music and keep learning with every song I create. Your comments about adding bass, creating more variation, and introducing more movement with fills, effects, and background textures are all noted, and I'll definitely keep them in mind for future projects.

Thanks again for the constructive criticism and the encouragement. It genuinely helps me improve.