GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Collab: All 'bout The Song
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 15 2021, 10:04 AM
First a little background...
...it all started with Cael sharing some amazing chords + progression https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=61907. It inspired me to record https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=61907&view=findpost&p=787273 over it. Then Ken turned into a https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=61907&view=findpost&p=787674 which inspired Gab to record a https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=61907&view=findpost&p=787581.
So it's safe to say we're all a little inspired 😁
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I have started recording some vocals over Ken's backing, and I would like to try a new collab concept - where we work more actively together to build a song.
Vocals: I really don’t need a statue I really don’t like the smell I feel like it’s going straight to hell
Now, try to think of what you could add to make this first verse sound better.
* maybe a super soft note played with a clean sound? * maybe that one bent bluesy note? * maybe a chord * some rhythm scratch / strum? * maybe a vocal harmony (using your guitar) * maybe clap your hands * maybe say/sing something? * maybe some noise from your room / guitar * a cool sound sample * some virtual instrument from your DAW
As you can see I don't have any specific arrangement in mind, instead I will try whatever you send me - and use whatever I think works best for the song. Hint: it will likely not be a fast solo, especially in the beginning of the tune.
When we have found something that works for this first part we will continue with another song section, and hopefully move forward towards a finished tune in the end 🤩
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For best results, be sure to send me a file without any reverb. However if you just want to share an idea, feel free to leave the reverb on.
Honestly don't know why but when I thought vocals for it the first thing came to me was sweet child in time "haa-huu" section (from 1.50) maybe something like that could be used for outro.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 15 2021, 11:05 AM
QUOTE (Mertay @ Apr 15 2021, 11:57 AM)
Honestly don't know why but when I thought vocals for it the first thing came to me was sweet child in time "haa-huu" section (from 1.50) maybe something like that could be used for outro.
Yeah! That might also work well in between something or as a harmony
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 15 2021, 05:43 PM
Having some fun with this backing and with Kris ideas! I hope that this gives you some inspiration!!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 16 2021, 09:03 AM
It seems like Gabriel worked on the full track from Ken in his videos. Can this be shared in the first post? Or do we have to work around your vocals in the 20 second audio clip?
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 16 2021, 10:14 AM
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 16 2021, 10:03 AM)
It seems like Gabriel worked on the full track from Ken in his videos. Can this be shared in the first post? Or do we have to work around your vocals in the 20 second audio clip?
Is it this one you are thinking of? (we are using Ken's backing from your thread) https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=61907&view=findpost&p=787542
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 16 2021, 10:40 AM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Apr 16 2021, 10:14 AM)
Is it this one you are thinking of? (we are using Ken's backing from your thread) https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=61907&view=findpost&p=787542
Yes, that one. The original track by Ken is longer than the one you posted, which is only your vocal part. I don't know if it would inspire people to do something over the non-vocal parts if the full track was uploaded in the first post of this topic?
EDIT: I just need to read the full post, heh. Sorry, I see what you mean now about working part by part
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 16 2021, 12:15 PM
Yes, if it turns out this idea does not generate any student takes - we can def do it as a normal collab (heck we could do that either way - if there’s interest for two collabs using the same backing)
Posted by: klasaine Apr 16 2021, 02:45 PM
My track was really just an idea or example. Most of you guys have way more editing skills than me. Please feel free to loop it, cut it up, re-arrange it, re-record it, add to it, etc.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2021, 03:48 PM
My files!! There is a lot of stuff here. Use only the parts that inspire you.
Am I going mad? Is there a D/L for the backing track? I tried to D/L Kens m4a file but it keeps opening another page that's full of code!!!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 17 2021, 05:39 PM
QUOTE (Sensible Jones @ Apr 17 2021, 05:21 PM)
Am I going mad? Is there a D/L for the backing track? I tried to D/L Kens m4a file but it keeps opening another page that's full of code!!!
Right click and "save as..." helps
Posted by: Sensible Jones Apr 18 2021, 02:13 PM
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 17 2021, 05:39 PM)
Right click and "save as..." helps
Will try that! Thanks Cael!!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 19 2021, 08:40 AM
I have also recorded some examples to show you what kind of short phrases can help build a song arrangement: all_bout_the_song_k_examples.mp3 ( 433.8K )
: 588
Yeah! That's such a classic tune from one of my all time fav instrumental albums.
If only I knew how to get his tone - it's really next to perfect here (if there is such a thing).
I also see some similarities arrangement wise - so I am sure this track can be an inspiration for us.
Posted by: Mertay Apr 20 2021, 08:29 AM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Apr 20 2021, 06:35 AM)
...
Ever since I heard Gab.s first jam can't get satch out of my mind since experimenting
Posted by: Phil66 Apr 20 2021, 08:48 AM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Apr 20 2021, 07:35 AM)
AWESOME!
I knew we would get some creative ideas! Please make this one downloadable so I can start experimenting with it!
Sorted buddy, I always forget that When I first recorded it, I was listening back and thought "Hmmmm, I can't really hear it" then I muted the guitar track and un muted and I could hear it, it's a strange one how it sits there in the background. It's just the wound strings being played on an open E chord whatever that makes it, I don't know
I liked that a lot, Ken. I can see that working later on in the track, for sure!
Posted by: klasaine Apr 22 2021, 12:20 AM
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 21 2021, 04:00 PM)
I liked that a lot, Ken. I can see that working later on in the track, for sure!
Yeah, it'll pretty much work anywhere. All of it or part of it. Forwards or backwards. The delay is gritty and grainy (Korg SDD-3000 plugin) but it is in time w/the track. I sent Kris and Gab raw Wav files via email. If any of you guys want raw files, just PM me.
Posted by: AK Rich Apr 22 2021, 07:09 AM
QUOTE (Sensible Jones @ Apr 17 2021, 07:21 AM)
Am I going mad? Is there a D/L for the backing track? I tried to D/L Kens m4a file but it keeps opening another page that's full of code!!!
I get that too when I try to listen to it on my phone. Edit: Nevermind! I downloaded it with a long press.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 22 2021, 09:11 AM
Very cool additional tracks Ken - I absolutely love the organic vibe!
I have recorded a longer version with more vocals. I have yet to add any more student takes, in order to give everybody the chance to participate. So if you get an idea which you think will make the song stronger - please give it a shot!
Yeah this one I also can come-up with a genre easily. It did remind me of vai's ballerina though (used to play this with my old digitech rp12 in the 90's, back then such technologically was a big deal for me ).
PS; Could you render+share tracks as .mp3 or any other compressed format in the future? reaper seems to have problems with that format.
Posted by: klasaine Apr 22 2021, 02:52 PM
QUOTE (Mertay @ Apr 22 2021, 01:48 AM)
PS; Could you render+share tracks as .mp3 or any other compressed format in the future? reaper seems to have problems with that format.
Sorry. Will do next time.
Posted by: Mertay Apr 22 2021, 03:04 PM
QUOTE (klasaine @ Apr 22 2021, 01:52 PM)
...
Thx
Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 23 2021, 03:18 AM
Just got to listening to this bit and wow nice!!
QUOTE (klasaine @ Apr 21 2021, 04:21 PM)
I added some ambient, synthy stuff - hard left and right. And an E-bow part - down the center.
Use what you want, or none of it. *This is on my original track, not Kris' vocal version.
Very cool additional tracks Ken - I absolutely love the organic vibe!
I have recorded a longer version with more vocals. I have yet to add any more student takes, in order to give everybody the chance to participate. So if you get an idea which you think will make the song stronger - please give it a shot!
Lyrics: I really don’t need a statue I really don’t like the smell
I feel like it’s going straight to hell
I look at the colors of me I feel like I missed a treaty
I feel like it’s going straight to hell
Verbal diarrhea Maternal xenophobia
Cool! A new GMC hit is coming...
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 26 2021, 10:34 AM
YES! 🤩 I'm getting great vibes from this one
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 26 2021, 11:11 AM
Sorry, Kris, time flew by, and I haven't had time to sit down properly with it yet. I will do so soon
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 27 2021, 05:58 PM
Cool Cael, can't wait to hear what you come up with!
I have done more tweaks on the mix but I am hoping to see some more contributions. Anybody? 🤗
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 27 2021, 05:59 PM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Apr 27 2021, 05:58 PM)
Cool Cael, can't wait to hear what you come up with!
I have done more tweaks on the mix but I am hoping to see some more contributions. Anybody? 🤗
Time keeps flying by so fast!
Just a random suggestion to the track. Would it be interesting to have sort of a slower break down with arpeggiated chords? Not necesarily close to what I originally was playing, but just something more related to what Ken did. I thought that could be cool.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 27 2021, 06:04 PM
Yeah! As Ken also suggested, this tune needs at least another section to become a fully fledged tune.
Some kind of arpeggiated break could def be cool!
Posted by: Sensible Jones Apr 27 2021, 08:26 PM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Apr 27 2021, 05:58 PM)
Cool Cael, can't wait to hear what you come up with!
I have done more tweaks on the mix but I am hoping to see some more contributions. Anybody? 🤗
Will try to get something done at the weekend!!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 28 2021, 04:40 AM
Me Too!!
QUOTE (Sensible Jones @ Apr 27 2021, 03:26 PM)
Will try to get something done at the weekend!!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 6 2021, 11:58 AM
Just a little update here - I have recorded another verse and included Phil's playing as fills (no pun intended 😁 ). ------ all_bout_the_song_v3.mp3 ( 3.26MB )
: 291
I really don’t need a statue I really don’t like the smell I feel like it’s going straight to hell
I look at the colors of me I feel like I missed a treaty I feel like it’s going straight to hell
Verbal diarrhea Maternal xenophobia
The morning I rise is Autumn The evening I fall is late I don’t know if I’m to seal my fate
I’m naive and bald and weary I haven’t seen the sun since many days I feel like my life is a blurry haze
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 6 2021, 08:04 PM
I keep overplaying this one. I need to work on my restaint it seems and this is a good way to do it. Not stepping on the vocal is a skill every player should have. "verbal diarhea" made me laugh
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 6 2021, 06:58 AM)
Just a little update here - I have recorded another verse and included Phil's playing as fills (no pun intended 😁 ). ------ all_bout_the_song_v3.mp3 ( 3.26MB )
: 291
I really don’t need a statue I really don’t like the smell I feel like it’s going straight to hell
I look at the colors of me I feel like I missed a treaty I feel like it’s going straight to hell
Verbal diarrhea Maternal xenophobia
The morning I rise is Autumn The evening I fall is late I don’t know if I’m to seal my fate
I’m naive and bald and weary I haven’t seen the sun since many days I feel like my life is a blurry haze
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 6 2021, 08:08 PM
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 6 2021, 09:04 PM)
I keep overplaying this one. I need to work on my restaint it seems and this is a good way to do it. Not stepping on the vocal is a skill every player should have. "verbal diarhea" made me laugh
If it makes you practice restraint its already a success 👌
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 6 2021, 10:52 PM
I tried to attach a concrete block to my hands to slow things down, but it didn't do the trick. It's gotta start from inside.
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 6 2021, 03:08 PM)
If it makes you practice restraint its already a success 👌
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 7 2021, 07:06 AM
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 6 2021, 11:52 PM)
I tried to attach a concrete block to my hands to slow things down, but it didn't do the trick. It's gotta start from inside.
Yes! Put the guitar down, and listen to the track - try "playing without the guitar". When you have got something in your head that you think works, pick the guitar up again and see if you can replicate the idea.
Posted by: klasaine May 7 2021, 11:04 PM
Here's a take with me playing some lead behind and opposite Kris' vox. I don't come in until the middle of the 1st verse (Phil's part is still there in the beginning). At some points I match K's vocals, sometimes I trade with him and sometimes I play against him. It may be a bit too much sometimes but you can always hear him. Mix wise I put my guitar to the right (with the delay on the left).
Nice! I dig the call and response vibe. I'm going to chain my hands together to slow them down a pinch and try to add something cool.
QUOTE (klasaine @ May 7 2021, 06:04 PM)
Here's a take with me playing some lead behind and opposite Kris' vox. I don't come in until the middle of the 1st verse (Phil's part is still there in the beginning). At some points I match K's vocals, sometimes I trade with him and sometimes I play against him. It may be a bit too much sometimes but you can always hear him. Mix wise I put my guitar to the right (with the delay on the left).
Amazing take there Ken, several of those phrases are exactly what the tune needs!! 😍👌👌
Posted by: klasaine May 8 2021, 04:39 PM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 8 2021, 01:11 AM)
Amazing take there Ken, several of those phrases are exactly what the tune needs!! 😍👌👌
Thanks Kris. I really dig the spoken word (radio or TV) dialogue you put in the background. Keep that! *I'll send you a wav file of just the guitar melodies.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 10 2021, 01:16 PM
Thanks Ken, those files are now in the project, I will experiment with them the coming days.
That spoken word you are hearing is probably the vocal transformer - which I have applied on the harmony/dub vocals.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 18 2021, 09:40 AM
Here is a new version where I have thrown things around a bit and included Ken's new lead.
There is def room for more takes if anybody wants to give it a shot!
You guys did a bang up job on this track. I was just cleaning the kitchen and doing the dishes and I had it on Loop and it really has a great Groove. Nice work everyone!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 20 2021, 07:51 AM
Agreed - it's starting to sound really good 🤩👌
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2021, 01:15 AM
Any chance of doing some vocal harmony to make a chorus bit stick out a bit more? I think I might try some guitar harmony
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 18 2021, 04:40 AM)
Here is a new version where I have thrown things around a bit and included Ken's new lead.
There is def room for more takes if anybody wants to give it a shot!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 21 2021, 07:26 AM
With chorus you mean the part that is between 01:45 - 02:00, right? I can try and see if I come up with something. But please do record a guitar harmony there!
I am think the second verse (01:11 - 01:45) might need something to spice it up, maybe a dub that is of slightly higher pitch.
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2021, 09:09 PM
Bingo!!! Will do
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 21 2021, 02:26 AM)
With chorus you mean the part that is between 01:45 - 02:00, right? I can try and see if I come up with something. But please do record a guitar harmony there!
I am think the second verse (01:11 - 01:45) might need something to spice it up, maybe a dub that is of slightly higher pitch.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 24 2021, 10:13 AM
Here is a new version where I have added some backing vocals, as well as some of Ken's psychedelic backing ideas he sent me earlier.
For fun, here is a version without the backing so you can hear more clearly what's going on: 5_Ken_Cael_collab_v5_nobacking.mp3 ( 3.2MB )
: 255
The mix might be a little too busy at times though!
Might be worth building the song up to be more busy and climatic, rather than add all the busy-ness right from the start.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 24 2021, 10:56 AM
To my ears it does get a lot busier towards the end (maybe too much though).
Anything specific you are thinking of? I could lower the dubs for the first verse for example - the problem is that dubs are also needed for the overall sound quality of the vocals, so it's not only an arrangement thing.
Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 24 2021, 11:03 AM
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 24 2021, 11:56 AM)
To my ears it does get a lot busier towards the end (maybe too much though).
Anything specific you are thinking of? I could lower the dubs for the first verse for example - the problem is that dubs are also needed for the overall sound quality of the vocals, so it's not only an arrangement thing.
I mean it does get busier, no denying that. I think it could start out less busy though, but I don't have any specific suggestions right now. Let me listen again
On second listen just now I don't think it's too busy actually. I was probably hearing it through tinted glasses (what? Glasses? Tinted hearing aids?) of you mentioning it might be too busy.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 24 2021, 11:21 AM
It might also appear busy when you listen to the file without backing, but hopefully it blends in
Posted by: klasaine May 24 2021, 03:40 PM
It's sounding good!
There is a lot of 'lead' in there though. Try taking it out from 0:31 to 0:33. Back in - 0:34 to 0:58 Out - 0:53 to 1:05 In - 1:06
In general, cut the 'lead' out when it's directly under the vox.
*Try bringing the psychedelia up about 2:02 and fading the main track(s) and then just have a loop of the psychedelic stuff that fades.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 25 2021, 02:02 PM
Very cool feedback Ken, I will do some experiments with it!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 31 2021, 10:12 AM
Here is a new version!
I think this one is close to making it to the GMC radio now. This is the last call for feedback / contributions!!! 😎
Very cool! I don't thing this one needs me at all. I've tried to record some bits but they all feel to busy to work with this. It's mainly about the vocals on this one. Solos would step all over it.
QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ May 31 2021, 05:12 AM)
Here is a new version!
I think this one is close to making it to the GMC radio now. This is the last call for feedback / contributions!!! 😎
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 1 2021, 02:32 PM
Ok Todd, would have been great to have you in this one. But I agree this is a different animal!
Fortunately for us, there will be many more collabs 🤩
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 1 2021, 03:20 PM
I have now published this one in the GMC radio player - can't stop listening to it!!
Extra thanks to Cael and Ken for sparking this idea. Hopefully I got all the credits and vocals right!
Posted by: klasaine Jun 1 2021, 07:52 PM
Great work Kris!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 1 2021, 10:37 PM
Vere original work!! Congrats!
Posted by: FreePizza Jun 2 2021, 03:24 AM
Loved the finished product, excellent work guys. 👍🤘
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 2 2021, 08:03 PM
Yeah! I'm now listening to this one at GMC Radio and I have to say that I love it! Great job guys. This one sounds very fresh and unique. Congrats!!
Posted by: FreePizza Jun 2 2021, 09:21 PM
That spacey ending really fits the tune perfectly. So cool.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 3 2021, 10:19 AM
QUOTE (FreePizza @ Jun 2 2021, 10:21 PM)
That spacey ending really fits the tune perfectly. So cool.