How's the Mix? Pop/Rock Track Seeks Self-Knowledge

[kaboomer]

Hey People:

I played this track for several music supervisors this weekend and got a bunch of divergent reactions. The fact that these people had such different takes on the song/mix is motivating me to look for a few more opinions (from people with no agenda). Which is where GS comes in! (I hope.)

I'd be super appreciative if anyone took the time to stream/download this track, check out the production, and drop a little feedback here (bonus points if anyone wants to opine on who we sound like).

drop.io radnolc

I have a few opinions of my own on the production, but I'll save them for later, as I don't want to influence anyone's first listen.

Thanks a lot!

[Sonic Julez]

Pretty interesting tune!
No big hit (yet), but good enough for radio time as is, imho.

The most important thing which seems 'wrong' with it, are the vocals. They seem to be too far back in the mix, but the quality of the voice wouldn't justify them being more up front either, which creates a bit of a paradox in the minds of those preoccupied with commercial viability. My advice would be to find a vocalist with a more expressive voice and create a remix with more emphasis on the vocals. (By the way, this is my impression after a two minute listen, I must admit I didn't even bother to listen to the meaning of the lyrics).

[kaboomer]

Hey SJ, thanks for the critique. I think you're correct about the level of the vocals relative to the rest of the track. I had trouble getting it more out front without sounding like it was pasted on.

[IsleBeatUDown]

Michael Brauer had some interesting things to say about vocal levels here during his residency. In a nutshell - picture the vox level as a cork floating on the surface of the music - a little above and a little below. Your level is more under than not. Sounds GREAT otherwise. Just ride the levels over and over until you get it. A bit boomy overall, as well. At like 150Hz....

BTW the singer's tone is great (forget about the first reply above). Reminds me of the Wallflowers and I WANT HEAR IT LOUDER.

-Rob

[Sonic Julez]

Originally Posted by IsleBeatUDown

BTW the singer's tone is great (forget about the first reply above). Reminds me of the Wallflowers and I WANT HEAR IT LOUDER.

With all respect, but why would he have to forget my comment about the vocalist? Isn't my (taste based) opinion just as valid as yours?
What I mean to say is that there is no right and wrong in these matters. But I admit my proposed solution maybe a bit radical

[IsleBeatUDown]

In the interests of being helpful, no, your opinion above does not have merit for the OP. People need encouragement, not "throw it away and start over advice." If the singer was out of tune, or just horrible (think a young Bob Dylan coming up today....), then your comment would be helpful, but that is not the case. Beyond whether we "like" his voice or not, it is a good voice - objectively. Good enough? might be another question, but he is certainly not in the "throw it away and start over bin."

There are a lot of songs posted here which need some really critical feedback - like a dose of reality - this is not one of them.

So my comment to "forget about" the earlier poster was meant as encouragement to the OP, not an insult to the other poster.

-R

[Sonic Julez]

Whatever man, I'm no ****** and know about positive feedback mechanisms,

But (firstly):
I don't necessarily agree with your assertion regarding my response. Read the original post again: in my opinion kaboomer was not just asking for our personal/professional feedback on his mix, but also - implicitly but clearly - for a possible explanation why he got such varying responses from his audience consisting out of several 'music supervisors'. When forging my original reply, I just tried to put myself in their shoes and point out what could have been regarded as possible weaknesses. That's where the merit lies.

Secondly, don't try to patronize me (just sarcasm, anyone is free to do so whenever they feel like it)

[kaboomer]

Hey IBD - thanks for listening, and thanks for the cork metaphor. Should be easy to remember when I'm mixing. I'll check on the 150hz as well.

Thanks to both you and SJ for taking the time to check out the track and make insightful comments: I'm finding professional feedback, including both encouragement and dispassionate assessment of the track's weaknesses, to be very useful - keep it coming!

[Dean Roddey]

On my small speakers in the bedroom the vocal is actually really about right, because these guys push the lower mids and the vocal has a lot of now end in it, so it's at a good level in this case, in a Hootie and the Blowfish sort of way.

I agree with it being a little lower mids heavy. The bass probably just needs a carefully selected cut somewhere down there. Maybe the vocal could use a little more low end roll off, and a little boost in the lower mids to make up for it?

But anyway, pretty cool tune and well done. I like it.

For the record, I don't much agree with the modern scheme of compressing the snot out of vocals and then riding it to perfection. It leaves no mystery to the lyric at all. Some of the best tunes of yore had the vocal pretty well woven into the music and sometimes it's not necessarily totally clear what's being said, in a good way, since it makes you listen.

[kaboomer]

Hey Dean - thanks for listening, and I really appreciate the specific advice on the mix. This one is probably going back to the lab for more tweaking and then a remaster, so everyone's comments are very helpful.