Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
#1016753 - 02/11/12 10:56 AM
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Any thoughts on this arrangement would be appreciated: http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.project?projectId=35307
I am relatively happy with the first half of the song, but feel it needs
something more to maintain interest. Maybe its a symptom of a weak song/arrangement ? It seems to me there are many commercial songs out there that plod along without
having the need to keep adding things, for example I have been listening to "Tempest"
Dylans new album and the title track is fifteen minutes long, at no point do I feel it
gets boring, yet there is very little variation through the track ? I think as
an amateur, its an easy trap to fall into thinking that adding things will maintain
interest, so what other things should I be looking to do to keep interest there ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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BJG145
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 2187
Loc: Norwich UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016760 - 02/11/12 11:48 AM
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Quote Scouser:
I think as an
amateur, its an easy trap to fall into thinking that adding things will maintain interest,
so what other things should I be looking to do to keep interest there ?
In general, variation, and passion.
Eg at 1.20, you could add interest by introducing another element like a string bed or
vocal harmony, change the guitar pick, or inject more feeling into the delivery. The tone
and pitching in the vocal is great but I'd like to hear you let go a bit. Dylan can be
brilliantly expressive.
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Dynamic Mike
Joined: 31/12/06
Posts: 1504
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016876 - 03/11/12 01:27 AM
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I think the arrangement is fine, but I'd have to suggest the vocal (or maybe the lyric)
appears devoid of any kind of sincerity. I think sometimes we get so hung up on pitch
& timing, we neglect to think about the lyrics themselves whilst performing. I think
in this genre emotion is critical, and people pick up on this pretty quickly & lose
interest in the outcome if it isn't there. I've realised with the lanes comping feature in
cubase 6, often the better I sound, the worse it is!
I really rated 'turn my
world around' when you posted that (and still do). Not much going on in that but it's
heartfelt & totally engaging. In fact I played it three times on the run, whilst
typing this response.
-------------------- Not much in life worth running for. Or from.
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Gone To Lunch
member
Joined: 11/06/04
Posts: 876
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016896 - 03/11/12 12:33 PM
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I really enjoyed the song and thought it well written, sung and played.
BUT,
just my 2p worth...
You could do more with the drums, which are a bit 'samey'
all the way through...
Things like subtle variations between verse and chorus,
typically if having a full back-beat on the chorus, use a side-stick on the verse etc, or
gentle hi-hats for verse and then ride for chorus etc etc.
Some of the power of
the chorus is lost because it does not vary dynamically that much from the verse, but
rather than overload the chorus, strip down verse.
To get the advantage of
going big for a chorus, you need to have a smaller verse in front of it !
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016908 - 03/11/12 02:04 PM
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Hey thanks so much guys for taking the time to listen and post  Quote:
I think the arrangement
is fine, but I'd have to suggest the vocal (or maybe the lyric) appears devoid of any kind
of sincerity.
Thats a fair
point, my own feeling is that the verses are sounding ok, vocally speaking, but the chorus
comes and your right, it lacks expression, makes me want to go to sleep. I did wonder
whether it even needs a chorus...
Quote:
You could do more with the drums, which are a bit 'samey' all the
way through..
Very true,
without sounding like im making excuses, I am somewhat limited by the parts I get as its a
collaboration, so it's my only means of getting live drums, its either that or my own
programmed drums, which are not very good..
The song is still evolving as im
still working on it, but the chorus is problematic, as I don't have the range to lift it
an octave higher vocally, which would probably help it no end..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016909 - 03/11/12 02:25 PM
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Has it been taken down? I went to listen and couldn't see any audio file to play on the
link you gave.
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Phil O
active member
Joined: 03/09/03
Posts: 1416
Loc: Scotland
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: The Elf]
#1016910 - 03/11/12 02:27 PM
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Click the 'tracks' tab Elf.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016911 - 03/11/12 02:28 PM
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If you still looking Elf its here : http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=225581&projectI
d=35307
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Dynamic Mike
Joined: 31/12/06
Posts: 1504
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016914 - 03/11/12 02:35 PM
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Don't lose the chorus! The arrangement is great & the pedal steel is gorgeous. What
about some backing vocals to lift it? Just something subtle to underpin it a bit &
differentiate it from the verse. But please not cliched girlie stuff though, it's way too
good for that!
-------------------- Not much in life worth running for. Or from.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016940 - 03/11/12 04:37 PM
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Quote:
I think as an amateur,
its an easy trap to fall into thinking that adding things will maintain interest
And thats what i've done Have
updated track here :
http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?_refresher=0.
1439256&trackId=225998&projectId=35307#
Hopefully it helps a little
?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Gone To Lunch
member
Joined: 11/06/04
Posts: 876
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016945 - 03/11/12 05:59 PM
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Actually, when I said 'you could do more with the drums' I should really have said
less....
What I meant was, vary them, not add parts or layers, and one often
effective variation is to REDUCE for the verse etc...
(Pardon me if I'm telling
you what you already know...)
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016955 - 03/11/12 07:42 PM
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Quote:
Actually, when I said
'you could do more with the drums' I should really have said less....
Was thinking the same actually maybe I
could edit the drum tracks I have in some way, reduce it a little here and there ? Nothing
lost in trying....
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016975 - 04/11/12 12:45 AM
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Guys all said good stuff above. One thing jumped out at me and I need to say it.
Third verse... drop everything but the guitar and build back up from there. The little
break from 1'46 is so lovely at that moment, and from "started out all over" you could
even do that line a cappella then bring a similar guitar line back in from line 2, then
kicks, then bass, then hats, then fill to chorus +octave and harmonies.
An
auxiliary comment: complete the "fix" by singing the first 2 lines of the first verse over
side-stick instead of full snare hits.
Then the arrangement would be perfect
to my ears ^__^
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1016985 - 04/11/12 10:52 AM
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Only just come back to this. Thanks to Phil O for helping me out with the link.
Another really nice song, Scouser. The others here have given much of the guidance I
might have supplied. The drums are a bit heavy in the verses - drop the snare back to a
rim and it should start to give the arrangement some shape. Also try dropping the drums as
a lead-in to the last chorus.
I have a thing about 'roomy' drums, and I find
that snare distracting. I'd want something much drier and brighter, but that's just my own
taste.
I was on the Isle of Wight two weeks back (stayed at that amazing
hotel with Ric and Maggie!). If I had had the presence of mind I really should have
stopped in to say hi!
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017182 - 05/11/12 04:17 PM
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Thanks so much for everyones input, keep em coming as I will be working on the song over
the next couple of weeks and will certainly be trying some of your ideas Quote:
I was on the Isle of
Wight two weeks back (stayed at that amazing hotel with Ric and Maggie!). If I had had the
presence of mind I really should have stopped in to say hi!
Anytime Elf, if you are ever in my neck of
the woods again, your more than welcome to drop by..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017635 - 07/11/12 09:59 PM
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Quote:
drop the snare back to a
rim and it should start to give the arrangement some shape
This is one of the things I wanted to try
out, putting a rim sample in is no problem, I can also hear how this would work quite
nicely.
The problem I have is that all the drum tracks have snare bleed on
them, especially the overhead and hi hat tracks. So it's not just a case of muting the
snare on each track as this results in poor sound with the hats sounding out of time.
Whats the best way to deal with this ?
Any ideas ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017647 - 07/11/12 10:44 PM
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You could try ducking the drum buss from a programmed, or triggered, rim sample. A little
suitable ambience on the rim sound will help to hide the join. A few dB of ducking may be
all that's required to get something fairly benign and transparent.
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017749 - 08/11/12 04:57 PM
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Thanks for that Elf, I think I can understand the concept, however I haven't ever used
ducking, so it looks like im going to need to learn how to use it. I'm
guessing that I need my rim sample in place and then insert a ducker on the drum bus,
which will be triggered by the rim sample ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017753 - 08/11/12 05:18 PM
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Correct, you'll trigger the compressor on the drums buss using the sidechain.
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017761 - 08/11/12 05:55 PM
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Thanks oggy, much appreciated, im much clearer now
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017775 - 08/11/12 09:27 PM
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I guess I must be doing something wrong as im not getting very desirable results ? Not sure how much the snare sound can be reduced by these means ? Just
to recap I have inserted compressor on tracks I want to effect ( Drum Group ) activated
side chain, selected rimshot and activated side chain in send to 100% Then
played around with the usual suspects - Threshold - Ratio - Attack and Release Threshold is having the biggest effect, but even when I pull it right down the snare is
still there, is that normal ? As I am trying to replace the snare with a soft rimshot the
snare cant afford to be heard ? Release seems also to be having and effect,
but ratio and attack don't seem to be doing much. It might be worth mentioning
that the drum group that i am trying to effect has 4 tracks BD & Hats are mono and
Toms & OH are stereo.. Any ideas..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Madman_Greg
Joined: 07/12/06
Posts: 709
Loc: The back of beyond
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017778 - 08/11/12 09:47 PM
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you might find some here for your specific DAW google search SOS
side chain compressor
-------------------- Madman_Greg
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017781 - 08/11/12 10:12 PM
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Before I tried the ducking I watched a couple of you tube vids and read the sos article
here http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb08/articles/cubasetech_0208.htmAll I can think is maybe because all files are not the same, ie some mono, some
stereo ? The above article mentioned side chain filtering, maybe thats a
possibilty (not sure how to go about that) Or maybe im doing something wrong..
Also meant to ask, how transparent can ducking in this situation be ? So I
know what to aim for..
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www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Madman_Greg
Joined: 07/12/06
Posts: 709
Loc: The back of beyond
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017787 - 08/11/12 10:39 PM
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This vid uses filtering as an example http://en.wikiaudio.org/Logic:_Side_chain_compression_(ducki... and you might find this worth a watch as well http://www.waves.com/content.aspx?id=11305
-------------------- Madman_Greg
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017872 - 09/11/12 01:40 PM
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Don't overthink the ducking. It might work - it might not.
Just let the rim
duck the whole stereo drum buss (assuming you've grouped your drums!) by 3-6dB and see if
you can get something that sounds fairly natural. If you can, trigger the rim from the
snare itself so you get tight timing. Add a bit of ambience to the rim so it sustains as
long as the snare.
All you're trying to do is mask the snare with the rim -
making the ear hear it over and above the snare. You won't get a perfect replacement, but
with any luck you should be able to get something relatively convincing. I've done this a
number of times, particularly with jazz and country mixes and it can work really well.
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017899 - 09/11/12 03:01 PM
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In that case it's not working.. Played about for hours, not a desirable
result.. So I guess im stuck with what I have unless there is another way of doing it ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Madman_Greg
Joined: 07/12/06
Posts: 709
Loc: The back of beyond
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017901 - 09/11/12 03:11 PM
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you can duck the whole snare using the rim shot as a trigger
and /
or filter certain snare freqs out using the rim shot as the trigger
have you
had a go at both approaches ?
-------------------- Madman_Greg
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017902 - 09/11/12 03:15 PM
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Yep, have tried... Just seeing what EQ can do ..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017907 - 09/11/12 03:31 PM
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EQ will just make it sound like a weedy version of the snare.
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017936 - 09/11/12 05:12 PM
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Well I would be interested to know what peoples thoughts here are, before I write it off..
This is my effort with ducking: http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=22713
3&projectId=35307Can still hear snare, but I think im expecting too
much? I don't think the ducking is too bad ? it's just that the rimshot doesn't seem to
belong to the kit ? Have added some ambient reverb, but still lacking. Original is here for comparing: http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=22599
8&projectId=35307Thoughts please..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017942 - 09/11/12 05:26 PM
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It's sort of getting there. That rim sample is too loud and too dry. It needs to be pushed
back to make it part of the kit. Try backing it off by at least -3dB and balance it up as
part of the kit. Also try a brighter reverb - a 0.5 second or so plate might work.
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1017961 - 09/11/12 08:01 PM
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Thanks Elf, will try that... Hopefully I can reduce rim without the snare taking over
again.
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018015 - 10/11/12 10:10 AM
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Oh, and make sure the signal you're sending from the rim to the compressor side-chain is
pre-fader - else when you move the level of the rim with the fader the side-chain signal
will reduce too, which is not helpful!
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018054 - 10/11/12 03:56 PM
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Thanks for that Elf, didn't know that, will update soon for opinions ...
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www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018057 - 10/11/12 04:29 PM
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Have adjusted as suggested, is it now a little too quiet or is it uneven or both ! http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=22729
7&projectId=35307Original rim for comparison: http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=227133&projectI
d=35307
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www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018065 - 10/11/12 05:29 PM
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Just noticed, the ducking is messing up my cymbals on the OH ? I suppose it's
an important lesson when collaborating, to get the right part to start with.. Also wondering whether end result will actually improve the song ? Was
hoping to strip drums right back in 3rd or 4th verse, but I just don't see how that's
possible with what I have ? Maybe if I mute all drum tracks and just have rimshot, I guess
that might be a way around it.
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018083 - 10/11/12 08:49 PM
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Nice job! It's not a free lunch, so yes, you're going to suffer the drop in the
overheads in order to duck the snare. There are more things you can do to mitigate this
(and one reason for adding the plate reverb to the rim as I suggested), but I don't think
it's at all bad. Be subtle with the ducking - 3dB-4dB is often enough. Keep the
compressor's release short. I can't say I'm mad about the rim sound you've
chosen - it 'tocks', rather than 'ticks'. Personally I'd look for something brighter and
still with a longer, brighter reverb tail. But I think you've done a good job and it does
work!  Don't hold the rim pattern going too long - go back to the snare on
"living in the moment...".
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: The Elf]
#1018152 - 11/11/12 08:23 PM
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Quote The Elf:
Nice job!
It's not a free lunch, so yes, you're going to suffer the drop in the overheads in order
to duck the snare. There are more things you can do to mitigate this (and one reason for
adding the plate reverb to the rim as I suggested), but I don't think it's at all bad. Be
subtle with the ducking - 3dB-4dB is often enough. Keep the compressor's release short.
I Agree Elf, it sounds like its
improving, especially listening after taking a break..
Quote:
I can't say I'm mad
about the rim sound you've chosen - it 'tocks', rather than 'ticks'. Personally I'd look
for something brighter and still with a longer, brighter reverb tail. But I think you've
done a good job and it does work! 
I know
exactly what you mean about it tocking, does this tick a bit more ?
http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=22753
5&projectId=35307
Quote:
Don't hold the rim pattern going too long - go back to the snare
on "living in the moment
It's sounding better now to my ears. Is the transition back into "living in the moment"
ok ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018156 - 11/11/12 09:11 PM
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By George, I think you've got it!
Maybe bring the rim back up dB or so (or just lift it a tad as you near the point where
the snare is going to return - just like a drummer beginning to hit harder as he gets
excited near the transition), now it sounds like part of the kit, but that's about it. I
think it works great!
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018240 - 12/11/12 01:48 PM
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Well im very glad it's sounding ok..  Do you think stripping back 3rd or 4th verse may also help with arrangement ? Or is this
likely to be too difficult with the drum files that I have ? Maybe the only
way to find out is to have a go ... It's just that there have been some great suggestions
on this posting that I would like to try..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018265 - 12/11/12 04:10 PM
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Quote Scouser:
Do you think
stripping back 3rd or 4th verse may also help with arrangement ? Or is this likely to be
too difficult with the drum files that I have ?
Maybe the only way to find out
is to have a go ...
As you say,
just give it a try.
Creating some light and shade is important in a song and
helps to maintain interest. The more brave you can be in dropping parts in some sections
then the more you can benefit from bringing those parts back in later. Be brave!
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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OneWorld
Joined: 07/04/09
Posts: 1596
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018283 - 12/11/12 06:23 PM
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I listen to almost all the songs that are put up here for evaluation and if I listen right
to the end, it does it for me, and it did. I do take the point about being so exercised by
pitch and timing we stifle the emotion, this song cries out for bit where the vocals soar,
maybe at the end of a phrase, easier said than sung of course and avoiding the X-Factor 1
tone up modulation. That being said, there are very few amongst us that can be gifted
singers and composers - I wish LOL
Well done.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: OneWorld]
#1018301 - 12/11/12 09:11 PM
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Quote OneWorld:
I listen to
almost all the songs that are put up here for evaluation and if I listen right to the end,
it does it for me, and it did. I do take the point about being so exercised by pitch and
timing we stifle the emotion, this song cries out for bit where the vocals soar, maybe at
the end of a phrase,
Well done.
Thanks Oneworld..
I think im going to have another go
at the chorus vocal, I may not be able to take it where I want to, pitch wise, but maybe I
can get some more expression in there. It's worth a try..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018323 - 13/11/12 01:20 AM
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Ha, nice! It's amazing what you can do really. Imho the side-stick sample could
be louder right from the start, as it sounds retiring compared to the kick.
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018585 - 14/11/12 03:15 PM
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Back again chaps, I have had a bash at a different chorus, to try and get a
bit more passion/dynamics into the vocal. A few people here thought it may improve
matters, so I thought it was worth a go. Nothing lost. I haven't done too much to it until
i decide which way to go with it, I feel it could be difficult to make it belong to the
rest of the track ? Don't know if it works ? Would really appreciate some feedback on
this.. http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=22796
6&projectId=35307Original chorus here http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=227976&projectI
d=35307
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www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Dynamic Mike
Joined: 31/12/06
Posts: 1504
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018654 - 15/11/12 12:31 AM
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Love it. It gives the song a kind of problem/solution structure. The chorus now offers
resolution to the sentiment of the verse. It's hard to explain, but for me it sort of
completes the loop. Also I think it will indirectly lessen the need you felt for the
instrumentation to lift the chorus. I'll admit it took a few listens though because I'd
become familiar with the original version, but in my opinion it's the way to go.
-------------------- Not much in life worth running for. Or from.
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018750 - 15/11/12 07:05 PM
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Good stuff on the chorus change, a real lift in texture. Now you just have a tonal change
in your voice to cover up. There's more proximity effect in the chorus vocal, and it's
louder and edgier. How does this relate to the new side-stick section?
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: oggyb]
#1018759 - 15/11/12 08:34 PM
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Quote oggyb:
Good stuff on the
chorus change, a real lift in texture. Now you just have a tonal change in your voice to
cover up. There's more proximity effect in the chorus vocal, and it's louder and
edgier.
For me, although I
like the idea of the new chorus, more dynamic, etc, I just cant see how it can be made to
blend in with the existing vocals, it sounds so different, like its been dropped in. So
how does one cover the tonal change ?
Quote:
How does this relate to the new side-stick
section?
I'm not sure I
understand the question oggy ? The chorus change itself doesn't bare any relation to the
side stick.. I have upped the overall level of side stick, but maybe still not enough..
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Madman_Greg
Joined: 07/12/06
Posts: 709
Loc: The back of beyond
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018773 - 15/11/12 09:53 PM
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Quote Scouser:
Quote oggyb:
Good stuff on the
chorus change, a real lift in texture. Now you just have a tonal change in your voice to
cover up. There's more proximity effect in the chorus vocal, and it's louder and
edgier.
For me, although I
like the idea of the new chorus, more dynamic, etc, I just cant see how it can be made to
blend in with the existing vocals, it sounds so different, like its been dropped in. So
how does one cover the tonal change ? .
I think most people that would have listened
would have assumed you lifted the new vox so we could hear it.
Suggest you
need to go back and mix it in keeping with the track
-------------------- Madman_Greg
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018785 - 15/11/12 11:02 PM
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I meant, where is this in relation to the sidestick moment. It's difficult to keep track
of the arrangement when you only post 30 seconds or so. Madman_Greg is right.
You just need to match the new vox with the old in terms of your mix goal.
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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RegressiveRock
Just half a pint of cherryade for me
Joined: 01/09/04
Posts: 5402
Loc: Knebworth, Herts
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018790 - 15/11/12 11:32 PM
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Quote Scouser:
Quote oggyb:
Good stuff on the
chorus change, a real lift in texture. Now you just have a tonal change in your voice to
cover up. There's more proximity effect in the chorus vocal, and it's louder and
edgier.
For me, although I
like the idea of the new chorus, more dynamic, etc, I just cant see how it can be made to
blend in with the existing vocals, it sounds so different, like its been dropped in. So
how does one cover the tonal change ?
If you are saying the comping is pretty obvious: it is.
Sometimes such things are used for effect and can work really well: here it does work
IMHO, the difference in use and position on the mike is too extreme.
Just
re-track the entire vocal to suit the new arrangement.
Reg
-------------------- Google less; read more!
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Dynamic Mike
Joined: 31/12/06
Posts: 1504
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018802 - 16/11/12 12:40 AM
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I think the change in tonality would be just as effective but less obvious if you
continued the double tracked vocal from 'today, today'. Maybe even an octave down and
fairly savagely pitch corrected but just subtly blended in? If I'm singing outside my
comfort zone sometimes I'll bluntly pitch correct a guide vocal in variaudio, monitor that
to pitch a complete take to, then delete it. Extreme changes in vocal tonality
never seemed to do the Travelling Wilburys any harm!
-------------------- Not much in life worth running for. Or from.
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018817 - 16/11/12 08:24 AM
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The difference in vocal sound is quite stark, and I'm not sure it sits comfortably. When
you hit the louder notes I can your recording room in the background and that sounds a bit
odd too.
I like the idea above about doubling the chorus vocal - that way the
difference in tone may sound more intentional. Or, as I usually describe it: "when in hot
water, decide you need a bath..."
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018834 - 16/11/12 10:07 AM
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Thanks again for taking the time to give me your feedback chaps, much appreciated as
ever.. I'm not sure that "I" can fix the new chorus with volume or anything
else. It seems to me that as Reg pointed out "Just re-track the entire vocal to suit the
new arrangement" Oggy, sorry about the short clips, I just assumed people may
not want or have the time to listen to whole arrangement each time i update, so I have
just uploaded clips of the parts im working on. Mike, just to clarify, when
you say, it may be just as effective to double track the chorus, do you mean the original
chorus or the new ?
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Dynamic Mike
Joined: 31/12/06
Posts: 1504
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018841 - 16/11/12 10:42 AM
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Sorry I realise now it wasn't clear. At the end of the original verse you already double
track the words 'today, today', I just thought continuing that into the new chorus would
lessen the effect of the tonal change, & blend the two sections better without
affecting the impact of the chorus.
-------------------- Not much in life worth running for. Or from.
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018952 - 16/11/12 09:19 PM
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Well, after a couple of days of trying lots of the ideas discussed, im beaten. It didn't
seem to matter what I tried, it refused to fit in. Well I guess it's not a total waste of
time as you sometimes have to try, before you know.. Think i will revert back
to original chorus.
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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oggyb
Joined: 09/02/08
Posts: 1448
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018954 - 16/11/12 09:44 PM
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Still makes sense to retrack the whole vocal with the changes if you have time.
-------------------- Composer;
www.ogonline.org
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RegressiveRock
Just half a pint of cherryade for me
Joined: 01/09/04
Posts: 5402
Loc: Knebworth, Herts
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1018956 - 16/11/12 10:33 PM
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Quote Scouser:
Well, after a
couple of days of trying lots of the ideas discussed, im beaten. It didn't seem to matter
what I tried, it refused to fit in. Well I guess it's not a total waste of time as you
sometimes have to try, before you know..
Think i will revert back to original
chorus.
Joe
If
you are struggling to mix a re-tracked vocal remember that you are still likely to have to
split the verse and the chorus out onto different tracks and apply different mix solutions
the cope with the different dynamics and different vocal spectrum of your voice when it is
singing hard.
Reg
-------------------- Google less; read more!
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The Elf
active member
Joined: 14/08/01
Posts: 8214
Loc: Sheffield, UK
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: RegressiveRock]
#1018959 - 16/11/12 11:05 PM
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Reg makes a good point.
Even in quite a short/simple song it's not unusual for
me to have 8 or more tracks covering the lead vocal, with levels, EQ and processing
dedicated to specific sections of the song. Doing it this way avoids some of the necessity
for automation, which can be a cumbersome way of achieving the same end. You can then
group all of the vocal tracks to give you simplified overall control for fine-tuning.
-------------------- An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.
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Madman_Greg
Joined: 07/12/06
Posts: 709
Loc: The back of beyond
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: RegressiveRock]
#1018966 - 16/11/12 11:48 PM
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Quote RegressiveRock:
Quote Scouser:
Well, after a
couple of days of trying lots of the ideas discussed, im beaten. It didn't seem to matter
what I tried, it refused to fit in. Well I guess it's not a total waste of time as you
sometimes have to try, before you know..
Think i will revert back to original
chorus.
Joe
If
you are struggling to mix a re-tracked vocal remember that you are still likely to have to
split the verse and the chorus out onto different tracks and apply different mix solutions
the cope with the different dynamics and different vocal spectrum of your voice when it is
singing hard.
Reg
I would go as far as saying in some situations they should be tracked separately, for
example doing the breathy / proximity thing for the verse, versus a more emotional chorus
section
-------------------- Madman_Greg
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1019008 - 17/11/12 11:57 AM
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Quote:
Joe
If you are
struggling to mix a re-tracked vocal remember that you are still likely to have to split
the verse and the chorus out onto different tracks and apply different mix solutions the
cope with the different dynamics and different vocal spectrum of your voice when it is
singing hard.
Reg
Quote:
Even in quite a
short/simple song it's not unusual for me to have 8 or more tracks covering the lead
vocal, with levels, EQ and processing dedicated to specific sections of the song. Doing it
this way avoids some of the necessity for automation, which can be a cumbersome way of
achieving the same end. You can then group all of the vocal tracks to give you simplified
overall control for fine-tuning
Elf
Good point, I actually have 7 tracks of vocals for this song.
The problem i'm having with the new chorus is that is sounds so different, I
haven't even tried to make it fit. My feeling is that it is not something that a
compresssor or eq etc etc can fix, and therefore my efforts would be in vain. Many of you
guys on here have a lot more talent than myself for this kind of thing, so I'm not saying
it can't be done.
Reg & Oggy have both suggested a re take of the whole
vocal, and I can understand why. This could make for a more consistent vocal. The main
reason for not doing so, is that I am really quite happy with what I have captured in the
verses and seriously doubt that I can reproduce it. I dont want to fix elements that are
not broken if I can help it.
Also i'm not sure I have the know how, to make
this idea work, ie soft to loud dynamics.. I'm guessing that for the intimate parts,
I have got the kind of sound I wanted by being close to the mic with next to no
compression, the new chorus would require very different processing, my thinking is that
maintaining mic distance and applying compression to compensate would be the way to go.
It seems to me that soft to loud vocals are common place in music production
and the transition between the two are very transparent.
My feeling is that if
all my tracking had been done at the same time, it may have had a more consistent sound to
it, however im not sure I would have known how to apply the correct processing..
So in essence I have come to a kind of stand still, with the track...
--------------------
www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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Scouser
Joined: 04/10/04
Posts: 478
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Re: Does my arrangement maintain interest ?
[Re: Scouser]
#1019953 - 23/11/12 03:04 PM
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Hi again, I've had a bit of a break from this latley and come back with fresh
ears, decided to just keep it simple, reverted back to original chorus.. Made
a few minor changes here and there and mixed a pre master version here: http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?_refresher=0.
83143985&_refresher=0.33349746&trackId=229411&projectId=35307#If anyone feels I have made a backwards step from previous mixes, or just have some
general comments please let me know.. Would be very interested to know how
much of an effect mastering has on a track, as my experience is very limited. I have had
one of my tracks mastered and wasn't that impressed, just seemed to my ears that it was
boosted in certain freq, rather than providing any glue and possibly balance, if that
makes sense.. All i have are a few plugins for mastering, can reasonable
results be had this was or is it very much a job for the pro's ?
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www.myspace.com/joekmurphy
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