'deserty' pop rock ish

[spandexstallion]

any suggestions of any kind on the mix are appreciated. thanks

http://www.ryantruso.com/songs/papertown.mp3

[bcgood]

You need a better hook in the beginning. The guitar room sound doesn't sound very good to me, it needs to sound bigger. Also you should have some melodic element. I would try to find a way to get the first verse sooner because that actually sounds better. The first 15 seconds are really important to establish a good sound or people tune out. Also, please don't master yourself. You have limited the mix so much that I hear distortion and it is very unpleasant to listen to. Otherwise the songwriting and singing isn't that bad at all I hear some potential.

[spandexstallion]

thanks for the input. i've updated the link with a less limited version. . . I don't plan on mastering this myself, but have put a limiter on the 2 mix for referencing. what do you mean by the guitar needs to be bigger? as in more amience? More up front in the mix? different sonic balance? thanks

[spandexstallion]

I would love to hear some more input if anyone has the time.

[sleeps]

Originally Posted by bcgood

Also, please don't master yourself.

By all means, master yourself. It's always good to practice it and then if the band chooses to pay extra bucks for someone else to master it, that's good too. Send the non-limited stereo files!

I think this mix is one of the better ones I've heard on this portion of the forum. In my opinion, the vibe of the song calls for a small room type sound (similar to the sound Tory captured for The Cardigans "Super Extra Gravity" album).

Perhaps another instrument melody could start on the 9th bar to keep some interest in the beginning.

Try some verb/delay automation on the vocals in the pre-chorus, then close it up tight again for the "cuz when I'm tired of wasting time." That'll create some excitement when the chorus hits.

Also, the floor tom seems to resonate a bit too long in an unpleasant tone.

Overall, fantastic job!

[Elvis]

i think this is pretty damn good. really like the intro guitar parts and the chorus toward the end where you repeat "burn it down and start again" over and over. I think this repetition should be in the first chorus also. less of "when im tired of wasting time" part and more "burn it down".