New Song Feat. Keiko Takamura Any Feedback Welcomed! Options

[Monica Gheorghev...]

Ive brought they keyboards more forward in the mix and given the drums a gated snare for an 80s phil collins vibe. Let me know if you think this is heading the right direction

Yes, it is going in the right direction. I definitely like more this mix. It has more power and gives a really good energy.

I can hear the synth very well but now it’s a little too loud. Just lower a bit the synth with 1 db. We need to find the best proportion.
Also I think can be a good addition if you will make the toms drums sound a little more punchy and clear. At this moment are some spots where are a little too blended in the mix (as an example 3:07 - 3:10).

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[klasaine]

Definitely better.

If I'm being picky, I'd say a little less modulation on the wall of guitars and de-synthify the bass a bit (fatten it up).

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[Todd Simpson]

Suer thanks for the feedback I probably went to far pushing the keys up. Need to back off a pinch. Ill try to thicken up the toms as well Thanks again!!

Yes, it is going in the right direction. I definitely like more this mix. It has more power and gives a really good energy.

I can hear the synth very well but now it’s a little too loud. Just lower a bit the synth with 1 db. We need to find the best proportion.
Also I think can be a good addition if you will make the toms drums sound a little more punchy and clear. At this moment are some spots where are a little too blended in the mix (as an example 3:07 - 3:10).

good ear as always! Will get on it.

Definitely better.

If I'm being picky, I'd say a little less modulation on the wall of guitars and de-synthify the bass a bit (fatten it up).

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[Todd Simpson]

I really appreciate you guys putting your ears on this! I've heard it so many times I think I'm going deaf to what is actually happening in the mix. I put you guys suggestions in and this is the latest version.

Reduced modulation effects on guitar and bass
pulled back on keys just a bit
reduced distortion effect on bass and beefed it up on the low end a bit.
also increased clarity overall in the high range. I hope I didn't take it too far.

Yes, it is going in the right direction. I definitely like more this mix. It has more power and gives a really good energy.

I can hear the synth very well but now it’s a little too loud. Just lower a bit the synth with 1 db. We need to find the best proportion.
Also I think can be a good addition if you will make the toms drums sound a little more punchy and clear. At this moment are some spots where are a little too blended in the mix (as an example 3:07 - 3:10).

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 24 2021, 06:29 PM

[Monica Gheorghev...]

I really appreciate you guys putting your ears on this! I've heard it so many times I think I'm going deaf to what is actually happening in the mix. I put you guys suggestions in and this is the latest version.

Reduced modulation effects on guitar and bass
pulled back on keys just a bit
reduced distortion effect on bass and beefed it up on the low end a bit.
also increased clarity overall in the high range. I hope I didn't take it too far.

This started sounds really cool. Reducing the modulation effect made the guitar and bass shine. I love it. Ken's advice was awesome!

I like how the drums sound now, are more clear and the toms became audible (that's a really good thing).

The synth has now a good level and it fit great in the song. I have some doubts about one thing. You have the synth panned on the right side and on my main monitors it sounds ok.
When I went in the other room and I listened the song on my second type of monitors, this right panning it wasn't so pleasant. It was not enough and I wished to hear this different.
You have tried to let the synth coming from both sides? Just an idea.

I listen on different types of monitors and headphones because from my point of view a good mix should sound good on any device.

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This post has been edited by Monica Gheorghevici: Nov 24 2021, 07:13 PM

[klasaine]

Much nicer!
Find the right vocalist.

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[Todd Simpson]

Our very own POSTERBOY did a vocal recording for the song!! Here is the current version with his vocals what do you guys think?

POSTERBOY Singing!! LATEST MIX

Much nicer!
Find the right vocalist.

more great feedback! I agree. I had the synth parts panned as I was copying the original which did something similar but it always bothered me a bit. Going to fix it
\

This started sounds really cool. Reducing the modulation effect made the guitar and bass shine. I love it. Ken's advice was awesome!
.

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 25 2021, 06:56 PM

[Monica Gheorghev...]

Our very own POSTERBOY did a vocal recording for the song!! Here is the current version with his vocals what do you guys think?

POSTERBOY Singing!! LATEST MIX





more great feedback! I agree. I had the synth parts panned as I was copying the original which did something similar but it always bothered me a bit. Going to fix it
\

That girl (Keiko Takamura) should take some singing lessons from Matt (Posterboy).
His voice fit with the track (mostly on the chorus part). I like that we listen the vocal part with a good timing and phrasing.

I have just two little things.
- at 1:56 - 2:11 the voice went a little too loud.
- also I have an idea. I don't know if you guys will like this but I thought it worth to tell you what I have in mind. I think would be cool, if on chorus parts when Matt say "one day" and "over there" to add a strong reverb. But only on that terminations, to let that words have "tail".

"Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day?
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away?
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side?
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care?"

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[PosterBoy]

Thanks for the kind words Monica.

I only put an Ezmix preset on the vocals and didn't do any tweaking which is why there's some vocal imbalances. I've sent Todd the stems so he can do any post production to them as he feels is needed.

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[Todd Simpson]

Didn't he do an amazing job? Nailed the 80s vibe that the song really needed and his sense of staccato timing is great. It works so well. I like your idea Monica! I'll give it a shot in mix down!!

Shared current version on NIK KERSHAWS facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialNikKershaw

That girl (Keiko Takamura) should take some singing lessons from Matt (Posterboy).
His voice fit with the track (mostly on the chorus part). I like that we listen the vocal part with a good timing and phrasing.

I have just two little things.
- at 1:56 - 2:11 the voice went a little too loud.
- also I have an idea. I don't know if you guys will like this but I thought it worth to tell you what I have in mind. I think would be cool, if on chorus parts when Matt say "one day" and "over there" to add a strong reverb. But only on that terminations, to let that words have "tail".

"Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day?
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away?
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side?
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care?"

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 25 2021, 10:08 PM

[klasaine]

That's sounding very good.

How about try adding Keiko's vocals in on the choruses, especially her harmonies.

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[Todd Simpson]

Good idea!! You guys have some great ideas.

That's sounding very good.

How about try adding Keiko's vocals in on the choruses, especially her harmonies.

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[Todd Simpson]

Per Kens suggestion, i've added keiko Takamura in the chorus section and im digging it. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!! Thanks a LOT you guys for all of the feedback!!


*also cleaned up that guitar noise happening at the start.
*added keyboard parts from co producer. Hope you guys like them

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 26 2021, 05:44 AM

[Storm Linnebjerg]

I would lower Keiko's vocals in the chorus and have Matt's vocal still be the lead there, just have Keiko sort of in the background to "beef it up". It's very hard to hear Matt's vocals in the chorus now

I think it's all going in the right direction now

On second listen to the Matt version I hear some issues with the volume on the vocals too - maybe some compression etc. can help level it out a bit. There are parts where the vocals drop a bit much in volume compared to other sections where they are louder I do prefer Matt's vocals on this by FAR

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This post has been edited by Caelumamittendum: Nov 26 2021, 07:43 AM

[Monica Gheorghev...]

Todd, I listened the track but I will be honest as usual and I will say that I have mixed feelings.
Ken's idea is good and with a good backing vocal this would work great.

When the backing vocal sing along side the lead (as we have now), both must sing the same words at the same time (same length for each word). That girl doesn't have the same type of phrasing as Matt and for me this thing create something too blurry. Are spots where the voices are offset (1:15 - 1:24; 3:13- 3:19) and gives a kind of chaos effect.
I don't know if this thing can be fixed even if you will cut each word said by the girl and put it in the right place (maybe it will work but not for the entire chorus part).
Matt sang with a perfect timing and phrasing.

Of course this is only my honest opinion. Unfortunately my main quality and defect in the same time is the fact that I can't lie. But please keep in mind that all of us we have different tastes. Take from each opinion only what you think it's good for you and fit with your preferences. If you like something, just keep it.

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[Storm Linnebjerg]

Todd, I listened the track but I will be honest as usual and I will say that I have mixed feelings.
Ken's idea is good and with a good backing vocal this would work great.

When the backing vocal sing along side the lead (as we have now), both must sing the same words at the same time (same length for each word). That girl doesn't have the same type of phrasing as Matt and for me this thing create something too blurry. Are spots where the voices are offset (1:15 - 1:24; 3:13- 3:19) and gives a kind of chaos effect.
I don't know if this thing can be fixed even if you will cut each word said by the girl and put it in the right place (maybe it will work but not for the entire chorus part).
Matt sang with a perfect timing and phrasing.

Of course this is only my honest opinion. Unfortunately my main quality and defect in the same time is the fact that I can't lie. But please keep in mind that all of us we have different tastes. Take from each opinion only what you think it's good for you and fit with your preferences. If you like something, just keep it.

I agree, Monica - if the female vocal part is at the same volume or higher, I think it doesn't work because of the timing differences. See my comment above. If Keiko's vocals are more in the background I think Todd will be able to "get away" the timing issues between Keiko and Matt. It will be less noticable that way.

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[Monica Gheorghev...]

I agree, Monica - if the female vocal part is at the same volume or higher, I think it doesn't work because of the timing differences. See my comment above. If Keiko's vocals are more in the background I think Todd will be able to "get away" the timing issues between Keiko and Matt. It will be less noticable that way.

You have right, in this way the timing issues will be less noticeable but.....not enough from my point of view. A lot of people will still hear this difference.
I think that "blurry" effect between their voices will not disappear. Not even if you will let the backing vocal at the level of a whisper. BUT....it definitely worth an experiment.

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[Storm Linnebjerg]

You have right, in this way the timing issues will be less noticeable but.....not enough from my point of view. A lot of people will still hear this difference.
I think that "blurry" effect between their voices will not disappear. Not even if you will let the backing vocal at the level of a whisper. BUT....it definitely worth an experiment.

I completely agree. I think it will be best if they are in sync, of course, but if it's not possible to do a re-take or if cutting/moving/stretching causes issues, then it's worth a try at least

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[PosterBoy]

It's great to wake up and see the comments and the latest version. I have to say even with the timing issues I always prefer a different voice doing harmonies it adds more interest and texture.

I keep waiting for the solo to come in everytime I listen, Todd will you be adding a solo? of your own composition or keeping to the original???

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[Todd Simpson]

Super thanks for the feedback guys!! I'm going to lower keikos vocals and see if I can get them to blend a bit better. I get what you are saying about her timing being completely different. I'm planning on lowering her to make it more of a texture. We shall see if it works

I'm still waiting on the rest of they keyboard tracks from my producing partner John Wardlaw. however, I think you have a great point and I think I'll put a guitar solo or maybe two in there After all, the entire point of this was to make a more "ROCK" version of this track which started as a very very synth heavy track!

EDIT: I just had the thought of maybe tryin to do a duet with keiko and the kid? Switching back and forth for main vocal. Of course, i can't use the pitchy parts of keikos vocal. just a thought
More to follow!!

Todd

It's great to wake up and see the comments and the latest version. I have to say even with the timing issues I always prefer a different voice doing harmonies it adds more interest and texture.

I keep waiting for the solo to come in everytime I listen, Todd will you be adding a solo? of your own composition or keeping to the original???

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 26 2021, 09:33 PM