Yes, you should definitely work on this track, Kirstin. I like where it is going. And, I think the drum part works great.
I do think I'm hearing a bit of a pattern in your tracks where piano and strings predominate in the instrumental backing. You do them both very well. But, I'd encourage you, as your work on this track, to swap them both out for different instruments so you get more variety and range in the tracks.
On my own tracks, most of which I never finish and definitely never post here or anyplace, I often start with keys (usually Keyscape) to work out the chord progressions. Sometimes I keep those parts with the electric or acoustic instruments, but I try to force myself to experiment with other plugins and I will often apply an LFO effects plugin (basically an automated filter) to add movement to what might otherwise just be a series of chords.
You use a lot of arpeggios, which has somewhat the same effect and works very nicely. I think your keyboard chops are much better than mine! :)
A really good track Kristin. Very good melody line. Has surprises in where it goes, which is really nice.
I think the instrumental backing is kind of busy, or perhaps it just needs to be mixed differently. I thought the vocal worked very well generally. There were a couple of places where you added a little touch that made it really special. That's what I'd like to hear more of, because it is clear that you can do it.
I feel that the mix is missing a bottom end. Your bass line is set up more in the middle of the frequency spectrum. I would experiment adding one or more layered bass parts to balance the sound more. You can use an EQ on each bass instrument, cutting the frequencies that you don't want from it, to focus each instrument on a specific range of the frequency spectrum so the whole thing doesn't get muddy. Route them all to a bass bus. If your DAW has a bass enhancing effects plugin, experiment with that as well. I often use Lowender, but there are others.
Generally, to my ears, the instrumental backing is working the same frequency range as your vocal. And because it has a lot going on, it is competing for attention. I'd look at adjusting the levels and probably automating gain changes on the vocals bus vs. the instruments buses.
If you aren't routing the individual tracks in your DAW to separate mix busses, I would recommend experimenting with that and applying compression and EQ on the busses.
You have a lot more to offer than vocals and lyrics. I'm impressed.
Another very good track, Kirstin. Excellent instrumental backing. I don't like the snare/rimshot sound though. I would replace it with something in somewhat lower frequency and a slower attack. Also, I think it's level is too hot in the mix. It's competing for attention sonically with your vocal.
Hi, Kirstin. I saw your post in response to the request for singers to join the collective. I've been checking out all the singers who responded. So hard to find good singers on Looperman. Anyway, was very pleasantly surprised to find that you were much more than a singer! This is a very good track. The instrumental backing arrangement is really good, with the piano and strings. Very nice work. You should be a valuable addition to the collective.
I generally try to provide substantive comments on tracks (don't comment on many, actually). So, here's my two cents worth. You've said that you have difficulty making beats and that $1800 drum machine is gathering dust. I'm a drummer and for some strange reason, I suck at making beats as well. There are two main aspects of this track that I'd re-do if I was producing it with you (not suggesting that).
First, the beat (drums) is repetitive and kind of boring. I don't think it varied at all throughout the entire track. I'd mute that track in the DAW and find something else that works better. I work with a variety of VST drum instruments and typically use several different ones on a track, often layering them up as the track progresses and builds.
Second, I'd want you to try a different vocal delivery. You've got a strong voice and you've opted for a medium level (i.e., volume) delivery, partly I suspect because you need that to ensure that the vocals stand out over the backing track, which has a lot going on. But, there's a really distinct character in your voice that I think would come through better if the delivery was more intimate and lower volume generally especially in this song. The melody and the lyrics I think lend themselves to this kind of vocal treatment.
You probably won't agree with these suggestions, but I think you should experiment particularly with the alternative take on the vocals. I think it would bring out and highlight the unique character of your voice.
Great work here. The vocals really stand out on this one. Everything sounds mixed down well and the instrumental is great. All in all, outstanding work. I look forward to hearing more of your work in the future.
Commented on A Bad Day by Kirstin
If you have a general idea for making music in mind
Making it easier for you
Commented on A Bad Day by Kirstin
Nice :)
Commented on Dont Say it by Kirstin
Yes, you should definitely work on this track, Kirstin. I like where it is going. And, I think the drum part works great.
I do think I'm hearing a bit of a pattern in your tracks where piano and strings predominate in the instrumental backing. You do them both very well. But, I'd encourage you, as your work on this track, to swap them both out for different instruments so you get more variety and range in the tracks.
On my own tracks, most of which I never finish and definitely never post here or anyplace, I often start with keys (usually Keyscape) to work out the chord progressions. Sometimes I keep those parts with the electric or acoustic instruments, but I try to force myself to experiment with other plugins and I will often apply an LFO effects plugin (basically an automated filter) to add movement to what might otherwise just be a series of chords.
You use a lot of arpeggios, which has somewhat the same effect and works very nicely. I think your keyboard chops are much better than mine! :)
Eric
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
A really good track Kristin. Very good melody line. Has surprises in where it goes, which is really nice.
I think the instrumental backing is kind of busy, or perhaps it just needs to be mixed differently. I thought the vocal worked very well generally. There were a couple of places where you added a little touch that made it really special. That's what I'd like to hear more of, because it is clear that you can do it.
I feel that the mix is missing a bottom end. Your bass line is set up more in the middle of the frequency spectrum. I would experiment adding one or more layered bass parts to balance the sound more. You can use an EQ on each bass instrument, cutting the frequencies that you don't want from it, to focus each instrument on a specific range of the frequency spectrum so the whole thing doesn't get muddy. Route them all to a bass bus. If your DAW has a bass enhancing effects plugin, experiment with that as well. I often use Lowender, but there are others.
Generally, to my ears, the instrumental backing is working the same frequency range as your vocal. And because it has a lot going on, it is competing for attention. I'd look at adjusting the levels and probably automating gain changes on the vocals bus vs. the instruments buses.
If you aren't routing the individual tracks in your DAW to separate mix busses, I would recommend experimenting with that and applying compression and EQ on the busses.
You have a lot more to offer than vocals and lyrics. I'm impressed.
Eric
Eric
Commented on Where Did You Go by Kirstin
Another very good track, Kirstin. Excellent instrumental backing. I don't like the snare/rimshot sound though. I would replace it with something in somewhat lower frequency and a slower attack. Also, I think it's level is too hot in the mix. It's competing for attention sonically with your vocal.
Eric
Commented on Times Falling Away by Kirstin
Hi, Kirstin. I saw your post in response to the request for singers to join the collective. I've been checking out all the singers who responded. So hard to find good singers on Looperman. Anyway, was very pleasantly surprised to find that you were much more than a singer! This is a very good track. The instrumental backing arrangement is really good, with the piano and strings. Very nice work. You should be a valuable addition to the collective.
I generally try to provide substantive comments on tracks (don't comment on many, actually). So, here's my two cents worth. You've said that you have difficulty making beats and that $1800 drum machine is gathering dust. I'm a drummer and for some strange reason, I suck at making beats as well. There are two main aspects of this track that I'd re-do if I was producing it with you (not suggesting that).
First, the beat (drums) is repetitive and kind of boring. I don't think it varied at all throughout the entire track. I'd mute that track in the DAW and find something else that works better. I work with a variety of VST drum instruments and typically use several different ones on a track, often layering them up as the track progresses and builds.
Second, I'd want you to try a different vocal delivery. You've got a strong voice and you've opted for a medium level (i.e., volume) delivery, partly I suspect because you need that to ensure that the vocals stand out over the backing track, which has a lot going on. But, there's a really distinct character in your voice that I think would come through better if the delivery was more intimate and lower volume generally especially in this song. The melody and the lyrics I think lend themselves to this kind of vocal treatment.
You probably won't agree with these suggestions, but I think you should experiment particularly with the alternative take on the vocals. I think it would bring out and highlight the unique character of your voice.
Eric
Commented on Dont Say it by Kirstin
You need to finish this ASAP!
-1trn
Commented on Where Did You Go by Kirstin
cool track!
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
Damn you have a good voice. If you are down, I would love to make a EDM/Trap remix if you sent me the vocals for this
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
Wow. Very soulful and powerful voice!
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
Wow, this is absolutely PRO on all levels. Great job.
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
Nice!
Commented on Theres a Void Where there should be Ecstasy by Kirstin
Great work here. The vocals really stand out on this one. Everything sounds mixed down well and the instrumental is great. All in all, outstanding work. I look forward to hearing more of your work in the future.