Challenge: Publish an example of your work in a month!

[gypsy101]

Well, I'm just waiting for my next door neighbor to shut up with his hammering and renovations so I can lay the vocals down - last track!!

if you hear my hound barking in the background don't worry,it's a prison blues song anyway.

[Rambler40]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum here and this thread caught my eye because I'm just finishing up a new song. I created it with Mixcraft 6.1 using my Cort M-520 guitar and a small Korg keyboard. I'm running everything through a Presonus Audiobox interface. The synth VST is called "Messiah" with the "Ambience" plugin to give it that soaring effect. The guitar is running through the Shred 1.6 amp simulator with some tremolo. Programming the drums took the most amount of time because I wanted them to sound as real as possible. I used Acoustica's Studio Drums VST and the piano roll feature to build the drum track and 4Front Bass VST for the Bass line.

The only thing that's missing is some vocals and I'm working on that, but singing isn't really my forte. Anyone here want to take a stab at it? Anyway, here's my contribution:

https://soundcloud.com/rambler40/freezing-tonight

[Mark Bliss]

Welcome! And let me tell you I think thats a nice peice of work!
Very nice use of the Messiah, I have to work on getting sounds like that!
One suggestion if I may? (It may be a matter of taste, or just my never ending desire to experiment), but this idea popped into my head while listening. Maybe you want to try it.
Blend in a second copy of the guitar track, without any of the effects but the distortion, and a different EQ approach. Try to get the level to where it just subtly "fills in" the guitar sound a bit. Maybe mess with panning the two a touch for a little hint of separation.
Nice work though! And I can appreciate how much work the drum sequencing was, I have obsessed over a few myself!
Now I have to go listen again, on the headphones........

[TrevsAudio]

First up, welcome to the forum!

I really think that is a sterling effort and obviously a lot of time went into the project. Well done!

I have the same problem with vocals but have decided to go ahead with them anyway - I'm too old to be a superstar anyway

[Mark Bliss]

Quit typing while I am writing Trevor!

Singing doesnt need to be pretty, its just gotta have soul and emotion. Feel it! Does Seasick Steve have a singing voice? Listen to John Hyatt. Crunchy and emotional, its real life. Just belt out some meaningful lyrics like you are letting the pain flow out of you.
We aint looking for a career in the opera here!

Now if I could just capture my singing on the commute home from work in the seclusion of my car...........

[TrevsAudio]

Wise words Mark - it's just that when I let the pain out, it's inflicted on my fellow forumists

[Mark Bliss]

They say practice makes you get better, but I am not seeing much improvement yet and I am getting old. Old enough to have lost ground in range and pitch anyway I guess. But I am not trying out for America's got talent either.
I just look at my "projects" as fun little demos anyway. Still learning and enjoying.

[TrevsAudio]

Good philosophy - this game should never become tedious.

[Rambler40]

Thanks a lot guys, it's always nice to hear positive remarks when you put something out there for consideration. Sharing is such a part of the creative process. Thank you for the advice Mbliss. When I was mixing the song I tried double tracking the guitar part and panning hard each way but what I ended up with didn't sound so great. It kind of introduced an ugly harmonic distortion which I am assuming is from the oscillations of the tremolo effect being doubled. I'll try it again with your advice to remove the tremolo from the one track and maybe not panning them so much left and right. Really appreciate the comments so far!

[SoundSquire]

Rambler40 - Freezing Tonight is awesome! Great atmospheric intro. The tune kinda reminds me of Alan Parsons Project and has that sort of groove to it. Nice mix too. Sounds very well balanced on my monitors. Very tight overall.

If I haven't already said it...I am loving this thread. Thanks again to Trevlyns for getting this ball rolling.

[benhal9]

ok... primary recording done, so I am on track... so much left to do though!

[Rambler40]

SoundSquire - Thank you very much, glad you like it!

[benhal9]

DONE! Recording with your kids is like herding cats...
http://youtu.be/bKsCDp6jTQg

***this will be replaced soon with a remaster*** 3/27/13

[TrevsAudio]

Well done benhal9 - a nice punchy, lively cover! Good instruments and vocals.

May I offer my purely objective comments? You're welcome to tear my effort to pieces when I publish.

On my system, the keys and lead guitar (solo bits) when both playing together, seem to overpower the rest of the mix - including vocals sometimes. Also the electronic-type toms (fills and solo) sound slightly out of context with the main drum kit in that they're a bit louder.

Overall, a grand effort and thanks for your contribution.

Ps. Glad you beat the deadline - hope I will

[Peter G]

Rambler - Good job! really like it, well mixed and a nice balance.
I agree with SoundSquire, reminds me of Alan Parsons. (btw - i'm off to an AP concert this saturday in Holland )

Benhal - this recording sounds like a live take! Very good vocals.

Still working on my "release"..