this is my first time - give it to me good

[Mattman]

Hi, I'd love to get some comments on this. I played all the instruments including the drums. I'm not a drummer, so please be conscious of that. The first song 'I Own You' is the one I'd like the comments on. It was recorded exclusively with Digital Performer. Please don't hold back, tell me what you really think, - that I am enormously talented and should be a mega star. LOL.

http://www.myspace.com/soundburgerstudios

[Phil O]

Hi Matt. I usually don't respond to these unless I have something positive to say, but you asked for it so here goes.

I'll still say something positive though. I think overall it's good writing, the arrangement was well thought out, and I think the performances were good as well. There's that one note in the guitar intro that comes out of left field that I think is just perfect.

My biggest criticism would be on the mix. There are sections where I can hear what sounds like over compression or something similar (mostly on guitars). Perhaps you are using some ducking or automated faders? I'm not sure what is is but something's not quite right. Also there are sections where the vocal is kind of buried in the mix. I really couldn't make out all of the lyrics which I think are important here.

So there you have it. I think you've got something good here, but the mix still needs a little tweaking. I'll shut up now.

Keep up the good work.
Phil

[Mattman]

Phil,
thanks for the critique and the kind words. I'm sure you're right about the guitar sounds, - and the mix. I believe there is a heaviness in the lower register over all that I'm having a hard time pinpointing. The guitars do have auto fade running all throughout the song. I recorded all the guitars with a 3 mic set up ( a 57, a ribbon, and a U87 ) after reading suggestions in some music mag, but couldn't get it where there wasn't a phase problem, so I dropped one of the mics. The vocals I compressed at 2/1, maybe 3/1 and a slight output boost will help.
For some reason I can't post my lyrics with the song so I created a blog titled lyrics.
anyway thanks again,
Rock On!

Mattman
http://www.myspace.com/soundburgerstudios

[utility531]

Quite well done - great vocals - I thought this was your attitude at first and then realized you were making a political statement about the powers that be. Right now, until the political system changes to something more honest and accountable, those people who will literally sell their grandmother to get elected will be attracted like flies to kaka.

[James Steele]

Just popping in to make sure this wasn't a porn spammer thread.

[Mattman]

Quite well done - great vocals - I thought this was your attitude at first and then realized you were making a political statement about the powers that be. Right now, until the political system changes to something more honest and accountable, those people who will literally sell their grandmother to get elected will be attracted like flies to kaka.

Thanks. -
I appreciate your kind words, I'm glad you hit the link/blog - read my lyrics here - It is hard to believe that things could get this crazy.
Cheers,
Mattman

"I Own You"
http://www.myspace.com/soundburgerstudios

[danickstr]

dude, you have a nice tune there. you need help with mixing. you should take your comp to a mix house in town and just pay them a small amount to fix this thing. You will learn a lot.

For starters, your vocal is through a cheaper mic, so you have to add a lot more top end, but with a good EQ. Also take a bit of the compression off, it is a less quality one.

Good tools make for great records, but you have the hardest part, which is a decent old rock style song. Good luck.

[Mattman]

dude, you have a nice tune there. you need help with mixing. you should take your comp to a mix house in town and just pay them a small amount to fix this thing. You will learn a lot.

For starters, your vocal is through a cheaper mic, so you have to add a lot more top end, but with a good EQ. Also take a bit of the compression off, it is a less quality one.

Good tools make for great records, but you have the hardest part, which is a decent old rock style song. Good luck.

Dude, I'm glad you enjoyed my 'old rock style song'.

It sounds like you've got some good advice, - paying a small amount of money to a mix house to fix this thing. LOL

I love to learn. LOL

Most sound engineers would agree that a Nueman U87 isn't a cheaper mic, but I must say that there are more expensive mics. I also believe that Digital Performers' Master Works compressor, although it comes with the program, IS a quality compressor.

Once again, I'm glad you enjoyed the song.
Good Luck to you, Dude.
Mattman