Piecing vowel and consonant sounds together sounds like it would take a long time. Especially if you’re then tuning those samples to make the melody. It really doesn’t sound artificial but rather like a woman actually singing so you seem to have got it right.
My only problem is with the small edits, pops or plosive sounds for which I have already given time references. I don’t know if you can go back and fix them to make them a bit smoother but I’m sure it would help just a bit, though I imagine some other listeners would not even notice those minor errors.
I had assumed the vocals were just others bought from sample packs, as with Veela’s vocals.
“the last parts are repeat but in those repeats are a lot of subtle sounds that are gradually added to build things to a climax.”
Yes, I noticed some variation from before but not a lot. I think you could maybe have the same parts but choose some different synth sounds (or just one) to make the section more interesting and new.
Good luck.
P.S. Just for fun, check out the track Down That Road by Shara Nelson from about 1993. My mum bought me the single of that when I was about 13 and it turned out to be pretty good.
I am gonna have another look at those plosive problems, I hear them but don't view them as a huge problem. On further listening there are a few things I am not happy about with this track, so I may view it as a learning process and move on rather than doing major surgery on it. Not sure which way I'll go yet......
...but tomorrow war is fine? Sorry, a little joke I couldn't resist.
Very first powerful, thundering note actually sounds pretty heavy and a little like metal.
Then wavering pad and time to bring in some bass 'n' beats etc. Some simple rising chords and the piano's getting busy at 0:59 on top of that skippy beat.
1:14 is gets trancier with that lead and then funkier with the bass movement. Lots of detailed work here though this isn't really my sort of genre. But people into this sort of dance music will really like it so a good few Looperman favourites coming your way soon.
2:18 with those vocals is where it gets better for me as they're fine vocals.
2:24 is there a slightly awkward edit, pop or plosive sound on the vocals? Also 2:27, 2:39.
4:45 and I really felt that you were just doing more of the same as before so nothing that new for me to comment on. But, if you're going to repeat sections, just as well that they're good sections.
Overall, this is uplifting, upbeat ambient sort of trance with some big, well balanced sounds and a touch of class coming from the vocals.
Congratulations as I can hear the detailed work you have put in here.
P.S I hope you're not confused about what to make of this review (like last time) as I've tried to be pretty clear about what I think.
Haha, no worries this time. I'm starting to understand you a little better, you speak your mind, I like that.
I'm glad you liked the vocal as a lot of work went into it. It has been made up using a really old Kontakt instrument, one of those vocal phrase type things. I took vowel and consonant sounds and pieced them together to create the phrasing I wanted, then tuned each individual sample to create the melody. As I said it took a lot of work and time but unlike Down that Road, I wanted a totally original melody.
Yes the last parts are repeat but in those repeats are a lot of subtle sounds that are gradually added to build things to a climax. I may have made them a little too subtle, so I may have another look at it.
Blood, sweat and tears? On a track? I can totally relate. lol... too bad not too many understand what that means when they hear our works but I can hear a lot of diversity in your track, from the smooth intro and how the string pans in and out in a flangus fashion to the sideshaining of the kicks when the beat comes in. Like the vocals. Well done.
So, the additional detail I promised, even though you didn't reply to my previous comment.
Swelling strings intro works well and then we're into a 4-part mix of bass, drums, strings and something like harp that sounds great.
Good snare sound and reverb on drums. I can't tell if it's a bass guitar. I'm thinking probably synth. Bass is nice and sparse at certain points, leaving space for other elements eg drum reverb to ring out
Then her fine, soaring vocals which are so classy there's probably not much else I need to say about them.
1:30 good reverse cymbal (something I often can't stand).
Drum removal breakdown a good choice at 1:42 and then you reverse back to the main harp theme.
Synth chiming solo after that at 2:26 that goes on longer than I expected though that's not a complaint.
Then return to Veela for a while and bring it all to a close with no new surprises.
Very consistent group of instruments and sounds you have here and I cannot criticise the mix (and I always try) as everything has its natural-sounding place.
Thanks for your detailed reply. I did not reply to the last one for two reasons, 1 you stated you would be giving a more detailed response which leads to number 2 I wasn't quite sure how to take your first review and thought it better to wait and see what you said next. (I used to be a Looperman moderator and I know how easy it is to taken in the wrong way)
First up, yes that is a bass guitar, it is the main instrument I play, although I do also use synth basses, where appropriate I always prefer top play it for real.
I am glad you liked the mix even though it is my job, I do not proclaim to know it all (not even close) and sometimes get it wrong.
Great track. I like the atmosphere and the space in this one. I also like the piano part even though it sounds a is it being played a bit of random if you know what i mean. In the end it is charming!
Wow Simon, this is fantastic! Great job building the track and use of the vocal samples, they sound perfect for each other. Sweet ending, nice guitar work. The mix is exceptional, I must compliment you for that. I miss you and some of the other "older" members being around and hearing your music. What else can I say that others haven't already, great track!
Thanks Wayne, I can't say I have the same time to devote to the site as I used to but I do intend to be spending some time here again.... I have missed the old place.
easy listening good work - respekt the harmonies fit...i would have problems to hear the proper key out of the pure acapella (always the trickiest part in my eyes).
thumbs up
Yeh sorry man but my record company owns the copyright on this one as it was released on my first album, so even I can't allow this to be downloaded, sorry!!
Very, Very Nice track.....
Some sweet chords and Melody, that are like a blanket for her voice...
That's a keyboard sounding like a guitar, harmonically it is sounding close
and blends with the track in a solid way...
At first it was a " Is it real or is it Memorx kinda moment "... :-)
Not heard anything from you for ages so i thought i'd drop in. Do you know what, i'm glad i did because this is really good. Dig what you've done with the vocals. That voice is beautiful. Nice beats and great haunting pads makes this everything a chill out track should be. Nicely in with the guitar soloing and all in all a very strong track. This was enjoyable to listen to.
FR
That was a very pleasant listen! The composition is beautifully done, and the guitar and bass parts are very enjoyable to hear! Very dynamic and expressive mix and master! I think most people are used to very loud mastering, but I don't know if it would suit a song like this. You've achieved a good balance. Very chill for sure! Nice work!
Greetings, Ensam. Lots of love for this track. That’s because it’s very good!
I became aware of Veela’s existence when listening to a track or two from a guy on here called DJSLT-UK. She is an amazing vocalist but those sample packs are definitely not for me. I just don’t want to be using the same vocals that I know many other people are using, even though they are good and even though I’m confident I’d produce a track sounding unlike anyone else’s using them. Who knows - maybe I'll change my mind.
Anway, this is fine big chiller and would be a good instrumental. I shall give more detail later, as I always do unless I don’t quite have the time for time-referencing analysis, as is the case now.
I really enjoy listening to this track of yours = ) I wanted to ask you if you knew any music school for producing music, I cant seem to have help from ppl I actually know lol
have you wrote lyrics to this track? Let me know plz =)
Glad you enjoyed the track. As to schools for music production, there are many, Berckley is one that comes to mind but a simple search on youtube will give you a wealth of information, a few I would recommend would be, The Recording Revolution.com, Into The Lair, Sadowick Production, Point Blank. There is a lot of info that is wrong, you just gotta get to know whats what. Hope that helps a bit.
The vocals in the track were taken from a sample pack so no I didn't write the lyrics but the rest of the track is all me.
Thanks man, I think that this is the most intense comments I've had on any of my tracks, thank you so much, I am really pleased you liked it.
The sample pack is called 'Siren' and it is released by 'Black Octopuss', you can find it on their site. I bought it from someone like Loopmasters at a reduced price. Sorry I can't be more specific but it was a couple of years ago and I can't remember who I bought it from but like I said there is a free stripped down demo pack available if you look around.
Thanks glad you enjoyed the track, I am really pleased how it came out.
Not sure what you mean about there being a 'master on it', if you mean, have I mastered the track, then the answer is, yes, but very lightly. I used some multiband compression and limiting on it but as I say very lightly as I didn't want to squash the life out of it just to make it as loud as possible.
Hi Ensam,
very good chill out Track love the ambience around and the guitar starting 2:10,Veela´s voice fit´s perfect make me dream a little,good Job ,keep on
DRO
Thanks, glad you liked the track. The singer is Veela, There is a sample pack that I bought with just her singing on it but there is also a cut down free version also just google Veela and you'll find it.
The rest of the track is all me. Glad you liked it
on Today We Need Peace by Ensam
Piecing vowel and consonant sounds together sounds like it would take a long time. Especially if you’re then tuning those samples to make the melody. It really doesn’t sound artificial but rather like a woman actually singing so you seem to have got it right.
My only problem is with the small edits, pops or plosive sounds for which I have already given time references. I don’t know if you can go back and fix them to make them a bit smoother but I’m sure it would help just a bit, though I imagine some other listeners would not even notice those minor errors.
I had assumed the vocals were just others bought from sample packs, as with Veela’s vocals.
“the last parts are repeat but in those repeats are a lot of subtle sounds that are gradually added to build things to a climax.”
Yes, I noticed some variation from before but not a lot. I think you could maybe have the same parts but choose some different synth sounds (or just one) to make the section more interesting and new.
Good luck.
P.S. Just for fun, check out the track Down That Road by Shara Nelson from about 1993. My mum bought me the single of that when I was about 13 and it turned out to be pretty good.
Thanks again
Simon
on Today We Need Peace by Ensam
Very first powerful, thundering note actually sounds pretty heavy and a little like metal.
Then wavering pad and time to bring in some bass 'n' beats etc. Some simple rising chords and the piano's getting busy at 0:59 on top of that skippy beat.
1:14 is gets trancier with that lead and then funkier with the bass movement. Lots of detailed work here though this isn't really my sort of genre. But people into this sort of dance music will really like it so a good few Looperman favourites coming your way soon.
2:18 with those vocals is where it gets better for me as they're fine vocals.
2:24 is there a slightly awkward edit, pop or plosive sound on the vocals? Also 2:27, 2:39.
4:45 and I really felt that you were just doing more of the same as before so nothing that new for me to comment on. But, if you're going to repeat sections, just as well that they're good sections.
Overall, this is uplifting, upbeat ambient sort of trance with some big, well balanced sounds and a touch of class coming from the vocals.
Congratulations as I can hear the detailed work you have put in here.
P.S I hope you're not confused about what to make of this review (like last time) as I've tried to be pretty clear about what I think.
I'm glad you liked the vocal as a lot of work went into it. It has been made up using a really old Kontakt instrument, one of those vocal phrase type things. I took vowel and consonant sounds and pieced them together to create the phrasing I wanted, then tuned each individual sample to create the melody. As I said it took a lot of work and time but unlike Down that Road, I wanted a totally original melody.
Yes the last parts are repeat but in those repeats are a lot of subtle sounds that are gradually added to build things to a climax. I may have made them a little too subtle, so I may have another look at it.
I appreciate your candid reviews.
Simon
on Today We Need Peace by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Swelling strings intro works well and then we're into a 4-part mix of bass, drums, strings and something like harp that sounds great.
Good snare sound and reverb on drums. I can't tell if it's a bass guitar. I'm thinking probably synth. Bass is nice and sparse at certain points, leaving space for other elements eg drum reverb to ring out
Then her fine, soaring vocals which are so classy there's probably not much else I need to say about them.
1:30 good reverse cymbal (something I often can't stand).
Drum removal breakdown a good choice at 1:42 and then you reverse back to the main harp theme.
Synth chiming solo after that at 2:26 that goes on longer than I expected though that's not a complaint.
Then return to Veela for a while and bring it all to a close with no new surprises.
Very consistent group of instruments and sounds you have here and I cannot criticise the mix (and I always try) as everything has its natural-sounding place.
Fine work to be proud of.
First up, yes that is a bass guitar, it is the main instrument I play, although I do also use synth basses, where appropriate I always prefer top play it for real.
I am glad you liked the mix even though it is my job, I do not proclaim to know it all (not even close) and sometimes get it wrong.
Thanks again for your detailed review.
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Great track. I like the atmosphere and the space in this one. I also like the piano part even though it sounds a is it being played a bit of random if you know what i mean. In the end it is charming!
Cheers,
Anders
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Yeh I am always up for new things get in touch if you have something you wanna collab on
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Wayne
Nice to see a friendly face again.... ;)
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
thumbs up
P@
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
on Down that Road by Ensam
on Voices by Ensam
Tjingeling!
on Down that Road by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Some sweet chords and Melody, that are like a blanket for her voice...
That's a keyboard sounding like a guitar, harmonically it is sounding close
and blends with the track in a solid way...
At first it was a " Is it real or is it Memorx kinda moment "... :-)
Peace...TG.
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
FR
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
I became aware of Veela’s existence when listening to a track or two from a guy on here called DJSLT-UK. She is an amazing vocalist but those sample packs are definitely not for me. I just don’t want to be using the same vocals that I know many other people are using, even though they are good and even though I’m confident I’d produce a track sounding unlike anyone else’s using them. Who knows - maybe I'll change my mind.
Anway, this is fine big chiller and would be a good instrumental. I shall give more detail later, as I always do unless I don’t quite have the time for time-referencing analysis, as is the case now.
Congratulations.
on Down that Road by Ensam
have you wrote lyrics to this track? Let me know plz =)
The vocals in the track were taken from a sample pack so no I didn't write the lyrics but the rest of the track is all me.
Thanks again and good luck
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Those VOCALS are sooo touching and soo good.The lyrics are good and awesome song name..!!
The intro is amazing.
The pads are superb.Those piano variation is soo melodious.The Guitar melody is just out of the world..!!
Beats are programmed well.Beat Breaks are awesome.The percussion is damn fine.
Track planning is good and beautiful atmosphere.
Mastering and mixing is perfect.
Thanks for sharing Veela pack information.Gonna download that.
OO GOD i sooo love this track...!!
Its gonna be on the listening list for many days..!!
SUPERB!!!
The sample pack is called 'Siren' and it is released by 'Black Octopuss', you can find it on their site. I bought it from someone like Loopmasters at a reduced price. Sorry I can't be more specific but it was a couple of years ago and I can't remember who I bought it from but like I said there is a free stripped down demo pack available if you look around.
Thanks again
Simon
on Miss You by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
on Down that Road by Ensam
Fantastic piece of artwork...your mix is incredible... everything is clean and beautiful...stupid question but is there a master on it?
Respect, Danke
Thanks glad you enjoyed the track, I am really pleased how it came out.
Not sure what you mean about there being a 'master on it', if you mean, have I mastered the track, then the answer is, yes, but very lightly. I used some multiband compression and limiting on it but as I say very lightly as I didn't want to squash the life out of it just to make it as loud as possible.
Thanks again
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
very good chill out Track love the ambience around and the guitar starting 2:10,Veela´s voice fit´s perfect make me dream a little,good Job ,keep on
DRO
Simon
on Down that Road by Ensam
The rest of the track is all me. Glad you liked it
Simon