I'm looking for advice on how best to edit out or mask swearing in a song so that it is suitable for radio.

What tricks do you use?

Any help much appreciated.

Marvin...

Do a different vocal take, changing the words. Or more, easily, reverse the swear words on the explicit version. The latter technique is used in Hip Hop regularly.

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I'm All Ears.

Reversing the word is not working.... it sounds like something has gone wrong :-)..

Spot delay on the previous word, with the profane word muted, maybe? I've heard that used before — it still doesn't sound 'right', but it avoids the 'hole' you'd get in the vocal part if you simply muted the offending word...

Alternatively, mask it with the sound of a sheep going 'Baaa', or something.

Nothing wrong with the time-honoured 'bleep' ... though check with the radio producer, they may have a standard procedure for this.

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http://anotherfineday.bandcamp.com/ http://anotherfineday.co.uk http://apollomusic.co.uk

Quote Weekender:

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Reversing the word is not working.... it sounds like something has gone wrong :-)..

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Then just add some effect / sound or processing as Chris mentioned.

Really, you are creating a clean version and as long as it is labeled as such, should be clear to the listener.

Or re-track the offending lyric, replacing with something which rhymes or fits.

ken

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I'm All Ears.

Many thanks guys... will try all suggestions.

Quote Korff:

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Alternatively, mask it with the sound of a sheep going 'Baaa', or something.

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Are you pulling the 'push'? :-)

Shows with profanity on them can be de uck or de unt ed

This works v well and still makes sense

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I am the Walrus.

This amuses me - I'm not an old fuddy duddy but am continually amazed when people find their "hit" masterpiece is not radio friendly.

The professional solution is to write a f***ing song the b*****s are willing to play in the first f***ing place. Or at least try recording two versions.

Have a listen to the album version of The Beautiful South's big hit "Don't Marry Her Marry Me" to see what I'm on about.

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Dynamite with a laser beam...

I know that song from the album version and the radio version always felt very disappointing to me! But yes, it is amusing.. 'what do you mean it doesn't sound right with the offending word playing backwards!?!?'

Quote Steve Hill:

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This amuses me - I'm not an old fuddy duddy but am continually amazed when people find their "hit" masterpiece is not radio friendly.

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+1

I don't find profanities offensive, I simply find them laughable! It's like a kid trying to shock its parents. The words aren't musical, or even aggressive.

Simple answer - have an alternative lyric ready in the wings and make a mix of both versions - it could save a lot of time and money later.

Many times I've tried to explain to a band that it would be a good idea to record an alternative lyric while the vocalist is still standing there in front of the mic. Some will give me a long diatribe about their artistic neccessity - fine! Hey, I'm not going to force them to do it! Almost all regret it once they try to get the track played.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

Quote The Elf:

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Quote Steve Hill:

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This amuses me - I'm not an old fuddy duddy but am continually amazed when people find their "hit" masterpiece is not radio friendly.

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+1

I don't find profanities offensive, I simply find them laughable! It's like a kid trying to shock its parents. The words aren't musical, or even aggressive.

Simple answer - have an alternative lyric ready in the wings and make a mix of both versions - it could save a lot of time and money later.

Many times I've tried to explain to a band that it would be a good idea to record an alternative lyric while the vocalist is still standing there in front of the mic. Some will give me a long diatribe about their artistic neccessity - fine! Hey, I'm not going to force them to do it! Almost all regret it once they try to get the track played.

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Elfie, even dear old Satchmo profaned on record
His 49 Decca with Billie Holiday 'Sweet Hunk of Trash' contains an aside "Fxuck em Baby"
The label said it was 'How come Baby"
The producer redid the line himself, it sounded rubbish.
Both now available , I like V1.

Roger

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I am the Walrus.

Quote Korff:

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Alternatively, mask it with the sound of a sheep going 'Baaa', or something.

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Ahhh, the ovine mix. Yep, heard about that one.
Would break the charts in N.Zealand.

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Samplecraze
Stretch That Note

Quote ROLO46:

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Elfie, even dear old Satchmo profaned on record

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Makes no difference to me. As I said, I don't find it offensive, simply lyrically feeble.

All profanities add are syllables and the chance your songs won't get airplay - I don't see the point.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

the profanities game makes me laugh, +1 on the de uck or de unt though, works best imho

did anyone see/hear Rage Against the Machine's live session on the radio last Christmas?

what part of 'F*** you i wont do what you tell me' didnt the little radio people not understand - of course they were gonna swear!