I really enjoyed it. It's one of those songs that helps me learn. The clarity of the sounds and the stereo effect are fantastic; when I close my eyes, I can visualize each instrument in a different place, occupying a distinct space in front of me. Congratulations!
Hi, it's me again (smiles). I think you've found a really excellent approach to music production. It's so important to stand by what you create. It's not about pleasing as many people as possible, what really matters is creating something authentic. Of course, that's not always easy when you work as a studio musician like Angelica and I. We depend on commissions and, naturally, have to deliver what the client envisions. But even in this industry, I've turned down projects more than once.
I really appreciate your attitude.
And yes, of course I know "V." He's been with me for many years and supports me with his vast experience, especially mentally. I've probably had my most intense conversations here with him, Mark, and you. I hope to see him again soon.
I spent a few days touring with Olaf's Big Band, another little musical love story. I uploaded one or two of those songs here back then. Maybe I'll do that again if Olaf agrees.
What I really wanted to say is: I move between very different musical worlds from folk to rock and blues to jazz. Many people don't know that and still associate me with the "naive little singer."
So, with a sweet girl's smile (smiles), I wish you a wonderful weekend. Manuela
Hello Again. I had a great weekend. My sister came up from the States, and I treated her to lunch at the Ripplecove Bistro in Magog, Quebec. It was a perfect temp 20c, and the next day I drove back in the snow. Quebec Weather ehh. I embrace all genres; a good song is a good song is a good song. I remember this Ian Van Dahl cheese trance song called "Castles in the sky," and then I heard this Scottish lad create his interpretation of the song, turning it into an emotional masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_3e-CHcXAY , A good song is a good song is a good song...
Hello Steven,
Your song is beautifully crafted, with plenty of intriguing moments packed into its three minutes. Achieving this while maintaining a sense of unity and an uninterrupted musical flow is no easy feat, yet you've done it wonderfully, creating a truly enjoyable listening experience. The sound quality is excellent as well. Great work.
Best wishes, Anthony
Hello mate long time no hear lol, mate this track is so cool did you use Magix because I heard a little bit at the end which sounded like a loop I have used. thanks man this was awesome.
Hello mate, I use Acid Pro as I have for the last 25 years. I have never used Magix per se, but I do know they bought Acid a few years back.. I use many loops that come from Music radars royalty free collection. Thanks for the listen and the comment, it's always appreciated, and I hope things are great for you these days!
Hello Steven,
many others have already pointed out the outstanding drums and bass and I agree. What stands out to me in addition is your creativity in choosing and combining instruments. In the past (a long time ago, smile) you had that too, but the overall tone felt darker. Now your sound seems brighter, friendlier, more relaxed - and I find that incredibly positive.
As Mark already said: youre at the beginning of something new. Im genuinely curious and excited to see where this path will take you.
Great work - excellent soundstage, very good mix and master.
Ahh, the chick smile ehh.
So you may be right, I just do and don't analyze very much the temperature of what I create. If you know Valvedriver on this site, we always had a dialogue about how underneath any music I produced was this sinister dark vibe that exists. Also, Static Nomad used to point that out as well. When I start a creative endeavour, I don't consciously say to myself, "I'm going to make a happy song, or I'm going to make a dark song. It just organically evolves based on my intuition of the instruments, melody, and sounds. The Journey to kme is as important as the end result. This particular tune, when i made it, I hated it. I needed a day to go back and re-mix the sounds and take away some elements until I was happy. Thanks so much for having such thoughtful insights. I realized a long time ago that I do not make music for everyone, I selfishly make music that I want to hear. The fact that others may like it is like Icing on a cake.
Thanks, Dan, I do try to create a frequency spectrum, so I push all of your speakers. ;-) I do try to listen to a variety of poor to supreme sound systems to make sure it's palatable on all before releasing it into the wild.
Steven! Maybe light on acid but heavy on drive. The instrument selection and placement speaks of where you are creatively. You have your own unique sound and style. What I'm picking up is you're expanding your sound and reaching for the new. The trajectory you're on, you'll soon be right where you envision. Keep creating, keep growing!
Thanks, Mark, In a weird way, I am going back to a sound I had from 2016 to 2020. Simplifying the VST3 effects and just using a core group of sounds and focusing on the arrangements and the mastering. Using a lot of old and new Music Radar samples as well as some of my own.
Yeah, mate, they have been a small influence on me these days. When you're shown the possible, play around with it. I decided to go back to a structure I used from 2017-2022. I felt that was my best production sound.
Yep, we like this one. Now I really want to go back in time and go to some of the shows and raves I attended years ago. There's a nostalgic quality here, very well done
Hi Steve,
It might not be my usual musical specialty, but it's truly beautiful. Great drive, wonderful harmonies all in all, a song of the usual high quality in terms of arrangement and production.
It really gets you moving, and that's always a good sign for me.
Warm regards and happy holidays, Manuela
Merci, yeah, I wanted the second tune back to have a groove, and be a danceable, yet disco BPM 120. Those days of 134bpm Trance are no longer relevant.
Thank you so much for the link and especially for your comment from March 19, 2016. That was almost exactly ten years ago.
I understand the connections you describe and the deep personal bond behind them. I can only imagine how great your love must be to bear all of that. I'm somehow at a loss for words to respond appropriately to the song and its lyrics I hope you understand what I mean.
You touched me deeply not only with this song, but also through your character, your kindness, and the conversations we've had over the years. They've shown me how important sensitivity is in our interactions. Thank you for that.
nice house music cru, its good to see you around, although i have not been about much myself lately lifes been busy, nice base sitting under the melody and tight percs and drums, good changes too,
I've just treated myself to a big upgrade midi-board FLKEY 61 Focusrite audio interface and a Shure SM58 mic, so looking to get back to music with a much more polished vocal now life has calmed down and i have more time, hope your well and the family are good
Hey mate, I do know it's been a long time, but I am so happy to see you just plainly getting better and showing such confidence. I really liked that last tune. Take a moment to see where you have come from, and understand how incredibly far you have come musically. You made me proud. One day soon, you will start showing me techniques. m I look forward to that. Family is good, clearing through the loss of both Parents, but realizing we move forward, while remembering. Peace Mate!
First of all, I would like to thank you very much for your kind compliment and ask you to also convey my warmest regards to your wife.
Regarding your question: In Germany, we say, "It was in her cradle." I'm not sure if this expression translates directly into English, and frankly, it would be too simplistic anyway. The fact is, there have been talented musicians in every generation of my family. But none of them ever made it beyond the confines of their parents' home or hometown.
My father was a gifted pianist, even though he was a civil servant. For me, the path was long. I became pregnant very young by a much older man, and that almost destroyed my family. But I had the child, and this wonderful girl ultimately helped to soften and heal my parents' feelings toward me, the baby, and even her father. A little over a year later, my second daughter was born, this time planned.
I separated from her father last year, a sensible decision that still hurts me from time to time. He struggled with my frequent absences due to music and his own work-related absences. For two years, I tried to change, but it was simply impossible.
You didn't ask about this, but it's important to understand what happened next. My parents are wealthy, and so was my husband, so I had both the financial and moral support to pursue classical vocal training, supplemented by solid instruction in piano and classical guitar. I completed all of this in my mid-twenties.
Around this time, Angelica, who is ten years younger, left the family under dramatic circumstances that I don't want to discuss publicly here. Five years later, she returned deeply hurt, and with the help of my parents, myself, and a few other important people, she fought her way back to life. Over time, she developed exceptional musical skills in composing and performing.
To make a long story short: We both worked as studio musicians, producing loops and vocals, working for well-known artists, realizing commercial productions, getting to know many musicians, and benefiting from their experience. We joined the group ManuS, and after the lead singer, Stephanie Burger, left in 2014, I took over her part. ManuS evolved into 2Sisters and eventually the True Sister Band.
Since last year, I've also been known as a solo artist under the name Nuela. My father would have been proud of me, but sadly, he didn't live to see these last few years; he passed away unexpectedly in 2015.
In short, it's been a long, 20-year journey that I was only able to embark on because I was fortunate enough to be born under a lucky star. Angelica and I are deeply grateful to our parents and my husband for making this path possible for us.
Thank you for letting me in a bit to understand you better. Now I understand the song How we fell apart, and regret making it such a disjointed remix, that was a personal song. So I owe you a personal song. https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/174110/
My wife suffers from Bipolarism, she has been hospitalized 3 times over the last 20 yrs. In 2016 she was in a state of catatonia for a week. I tried to capture that observation in a song. She is doing great now, but the disease stripped her of having a career in Opera, and also a choice for us not to have children. I am a Loyal person, though, and I would not abandon her as long as she continues treatment. It's not easy. At this time, my Parents had a decent Inheritance to give my sister and me. So I will be OK, not wealthy, but way better than most Canadians for their future. I also work in IT as a resource manager, specializing in SharePoint design. I make a pretty penny at that as well. I have my Sister to thank for steering me into this line of work. So Music is more of a hobby for me now. Thanks for your honesty. Sometimes the dark moments in our lives open up new opportunities for happiness. We just don't always see it when we're in the firestorm.
This is a great song. The drive, the bassline, and the drumming are superbly arranged, mixed, and mastered. It has exceptional intensity and clarity. The choice of instruments, the plugins, and the surprising, subtle saxophone entry towards the end, as well as the ending itself, speak volumes about your professionalism.
Thank you again, it feels good to flex those creative muscles once more. So I will ask you a question. How and when did you start to sing and realize you and your sister had such talent and could be great musicians?
I remember expressing my condolences to you months ago for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose your parents. I'm lucky enough to still have my mother, and since my father passed away, our relationship has become much deeper, closer, and more meaningful. And of course, I still have my sassy sister, who is also my best friend, and of course, my two precious children. I honestly don't know how I would cope if one of these dear people were no longer here. I'm sure I would struggle with it for a long time.
I also completely withdrew from Looperman for several months, deleted all my songs and even my profile, and only recently returned after much deliberation.
I read your message to Cosmo and was surprised how little we actually know about each other, despite all the years we've spent together here. It's nice to read about your experiences, even if they come from a time when I was probably just taking my first steps in music.
I've also completely withdrawn from Looperman for several months, deleted all my songs and even my profile, and only recently returned after much consideration. But your stories give me that warm, cozy feeling inside, just like when I was a child, sitting on the sofa with my father and listening to him tell stories. I really mean that. You have no idea what a precious treasure you share with us when you open up like this, even in such a short way as with Cosmo.
I hope that one day people will feel that same warmth when they hear my stories.
Hej Manuela! As you may have noticed in the past, I don't always respond right away to comments. The reason is I like to let the comments sink in so I can have a thoughtful reply. In this case, I was showing my wife tonight your lovely words. I am not exactly as ancient as you think I am, but sure, I could play a fatherly figure. My wife and I chose not to have kids for various reasons, but if you were my kid, I would be so proud of your talent and accomplishments. I needed a break, and I will be honest that the remake I made of you and your sisters' song sort of broke me. On one hand, I loved the dark twist; on the other, I was horrified that that was what creativity was coming out of me at that time, and as you know, I was dealing with some issues of the graven kind. So I put away the synths and the computer and focused on work, and dealing with all the aftermath of the loss of my parents. My father was a volunteer fireman for 70 years. The second longest lived in the department and was beloved by everyone there. I had a chance to have a cathartic moment with the people he influenced and mentored, trading stories in a sort of Cathartic Irish Wake moment. I gave a speech to the department as they held the funeral in the firehouse. The chaplain, who was older than my father as he was in his 90's, came up to me and said in the thirty years I have been giving speeches at funerals, no one ever captured or said the things in a way you did to understand the spirit of what it means to volunteer. After that, I bought a new car and turned the sun visor into a memorial of my father's medals and accolades. He always rides with me now, and that gives me some peace. So yes, I needed time and space, but I am glad to be back, and glad you are back. And if I ever had children, I would be proud to call you one of my own. Your parents were and are lucky to have you!
Hello Steven,
Long time no hear but glad I listened in, WOW!! you certainly have not lost your Midas Touch, this track is dare I say, Stunning! but then your work was always one to watch and always a fantastic listen, this is a plethora of amazing sounds that rejuvenate the senses no end. Much Enjoyed. Bravo! it's always a fave.
on Swirly by crucethus
on Healing by crucethus
on Swirly by crucethus
on Swirly by crucethus
I really appreciate your attitude.
And yes, of course I know "V." He's been with me for many years and supports me with his vast experience, especially mentally. I've probably had my most intense conversations here with him, Mark, and you. I hope to see him again soon.
I spent a few days touring with Olaf's Big Band, another little musical love story. I uploaded one or two of those songs here back then. Maybe I'll do that again if Olaf agrees.
What I really wanted to say is: I move between very different musical worlds from folk to rock and blues to jazz. Many people don't know that and still associate me with the "naive little singer."
So, with a sweet girl's smile (smiles), I wish you a wonderful weekend. Manuela
on Swirly by crucethus
Your song is beautifully crafted, with plenty of intriguing moments packed into its three minutes. Achieving this while maintaining a sense of unity and an uninterrupted musical flow is no easy feat, yet you've done it wonderfully, creating a truly enjoyable listening experience. The sound quality is excellent as well. Great work.
Best wishes, Anthony
on Swirly by crucethus
on Swirly by crucethus
many others have already pointed out the outstanding drums and bass and I agree. What stands out to me in addition is your creativity in choosing and combining instruments. In the past (a long time ago, smile) you had that too, but the overall tone felt darker. Now your sound seems brighter, friendlier, more relaxed - and I find that incredibly positive.
As Mark already said: youre at the beginning of something new. Im genuinely curious and excited to see where this path will take you.
Great work - excellent soundstage, very good mix and master.
Warm greetings,
Manuela, the chick smile
So you may be right, I just do and don't analyze very much the temperature of what I create. If you know Valvedriver on this site, we always had a dialogue about how underneath any music I produced was this sinister dark vibe that exists. Also, Static Nomad used to point that out as well. When I start a creative endeavour, I don't consciously say to myself, "I'm going to make a happy song, or I'm going to make a dark song. It just organically evolves based on my intuition of the instruments, melody, and sounds. The Journey to kme is as important as the end result. This particular tune, when i made it, I hated it. I needed a day to go back and re-mix the sounds and take away some elements until I was happy. Thanks so much for having such thoughtful insights. I realized a long time ago that I do not make music for everyone, I selfishly make music that I want to hear. The fact that others may like it is like Icing on a cake.
on Swirly by crucethus
on Swirly by crucethus
Great music, really interesting to listen.
I love it!
on Swirly by crucethus
on Swirly by crucethus
Mark
on Healing by crucethus
Sort of Miroder-like.
on Healing by crucethus
on Healing by crucethus
on Healing by crucethus
Mark
on Healing by crucethus
on Healing by crucethus
It might not be my usual musical specialty, but it's truly beautiful. Great drive, wonderful harmonies all in all, a song of the usual high quality in terms of arrangement and production.
It really gets you moving, and that's always a good sign for me.
Warm regards and happy holidays, Manuela
on Catatonia by crucethus
Thank you so much for the link and especially for your comment from March 19, 2016. That was almost exactly ten years ago.
I understand the connections you describe and the deep personal bond behind them. I can only imagine how great your love must be to bear all of that. I'm somehow at a loss for words to respond appropriately to the song and its lyrics I hope you understand what I mean.
You touched me deeply not only with this song, but also through your character, your kindness, and the conversations we've had over the years. They've shown me how important sensitivity is in our interactions. Thank you for that.
I'm truly moved. Warm regards, Manuela
on Healing by crucethus
I've just treated myself to a big upgrade midi-board FLKEY 61 Focusrite audio interface and a Shure SM58 mic, so looking to get back to music with a much more polished vocal now life has calmed down and i have more time, hope your well and the family are good
on Healing by crucethus
on Shouting at Ghosts by crucethus
First of all, I would like to thank you very much for your kind compliment and ask you to also convey my warmest regards to your wife.
Regarding your question: In Germany, we say, "It was in her cradle." I'm not sure if this expression translates directly into English, and frankly, it would be too simplistic anyway. The fact is, there have been talented musicians in every generation of my family. But none of them ever made it beyond the confines of their parents' home or hometown.
My father was a gifted pianist, even though he was a civil servant. For me, the path was long. I became pregnant very young by a much older man, and that almost destroyed my family. But I had the child, and this wonderful girl ultimately helped to soften and heal my parents' feelings toward me, the baby, and even her father. A little over a year later, my second daughter was born, this time planned.
I separated from her father last year, a sensible decision that still hurts me from time to time. He struggled with my frequent absences due to music and his own work-related absences. For two years, I tried to change, but it was simply impossible.
You didn't ask about this, but it's important to understand what happened next. My parents are wealthy, and so was my husband, so I had both the financial and moral support to pursue classical vocal training, supplemented by solid instruction in piano and classical guitar. I completed all of this in my mid-twenties.
Around this time, Angelica, who is ten years younger, left the family under dramatic circumstances that I don't want to discuss publicly here. Five years later, she returned deeply hurt, and with the help of my parents, myself, and a few other important people, she fought her way back to life. Over time, she developed exceptional musical skills in composing and performing.
To make a long story short: We both worked as studio musicians, producing loops and vocals, working for well-known artists, realizing commercial productions, getting to know many musicians, and benefiting from their experience. We joined the group ManuS, and after the lead singer, Stephanie Burger, left in 2014, I took over her part. ManuS evolved into 2Sisters and eventually the True Sister Band.
Since last year, I've also been known as a solo artist under the name Nuela. My father would have been proud of me, but sadly, he didn't live to see these last few years; he passed away unexpectedly in 2015.
In short, it's been a long, 20-year journey that I was only able to embark on because I was fortunate enough to be born under a lucky star. Angelica and I are deeply grateful to our parents and my husband for making this path possible for us.
Warm regards,
Manuela
My wife suffers from Bipolarism, she has been hospitalized 3 times over the last 20 yrs. In 2016 she was in a state of catatonia for a week. I tried to capture that observation in a song. She is doing great now, but the disease stripped her of having a career in Opera, and also a choice for us not to have children. I am a Loyal person, though, and I would not abandon her as long as she continues treatment. It's not easy. At this time, my Parents had a decent Inheritance to give my sister and me. So I will be OK, not wealthy, but way better than most Canadians for their future. I also work in IT as a resource manager, specializing in SharePoint design. I make a pretty penny at that as well. I have my Sister to thank for steering me into this line of work. So Music is more of a hobby for me now. Thanks for your honesty. Sometimes the dark moments in our lives open up new opportunities for happiness. We just don't always see it when we're in the firestorm.
on Shouting at Ghosts by crucethus
This is a great song. The drive, the bassline, and the drumming are superbly arranged, mixed, and mastered. It has exceptional intensity and clarity. The choice of instruments, the plugins, and the surprising, subtle saxophone entry towards the end, as well as the ending itself, speak volumes about your professionalism.
Again: a fantastic track. Best regards, Manuela
on Shouting at Ghosts by crucethus
I remember expressing my condolences to you months ago for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose your parents. I'm lucky enough to still have my mother, and since my father passed away, our relationship has become much deeper, closer, and more meaningful. And of course, I still have my sassy sister, who is also my best friend, and of course, my two precious children. I honestly don't know how I would cope if one of these dear people were no longer here. I'm sure I would struggle with it for a long time.
I also completely withdrew from Looperman for several months, deleted all my songs and even my profile, and only recently returned after much deliberation.
I read your message to Cosmo and was surprised how little we actually know about each other, despite all the years we've spent together here. It's nice to read about your experiences, even if they come from a time when I was probably just taking my first steps in music.
I've also completely withdrawn from Looperman for several months, deleted all my songs and even my profile, and only recently returned after much consideration. But your stories give me that warm, cozy feeling inside, just like when I was a child, sitting on the sofa with my father and listening to him tell stories. I really mean that. You have no idea what a precious treasure you share with us when you open up like this, even in such a short way as with Cosmo.
I hope that one day people will feel that same warmth when they hear my stories.
Warm regards,
Manuela
on Shouting at Ghosts by crucethus
Long time no hear but glad I listened in, WOW!! you certainly have not lost your Midas Touch, this track is dare I say, Stunning! but then your work was always one to watch and always a fantastic listen, this is a plethora of amazing sounds that rejuvenate the senses no end. Much Enjoyed. Bravo! it's always a fave.
on Shouting at Ghosts by crucethus