First Try

[joro]

Hi,
I posted this link on another songwriting UBB.
MP3 streaming at 128Kbps
They sent me here to learn.
There are a lot of problems with the recording and the mix but,
I thought I would post it so that you could get an idea of where I am coming from.
I have EXTREMELY limited gear.
I am in the process of reading past posts to try and figure out what to buy for gear.
There are so many different options.
I guess you just have to bite the bullet and try something.
Also, I am very new to songwriting and will probably ask a lot of stupid questions so please bear with me.

[DavidK]

Hi, this wont work with my 56k modem.

[joro]

Here is the Lo-Fi Real Player version
but, it is going to sound worse (tinny ya know?)

Here is the page link

[silverhammer]

Man, I like it ! What do you think about some vocals ? Production aside for a second, I like the overall sound and feel of the song. One thing I would suggest, and this is due to my own experience, is instead of the violin patch, try a cello patch, or a string patch with a slow attack. No matter what I try, I cannot get my synth violin patches to sound convincing. They just stick out like a sore thumb. What are you using gearwise ? I just have to say it again, it has a great feel to it. Better than anything I've managed to scratch into stone so far. Peace, Silver

[CyanJaguar]

not bad at all for a first try. I agree with silverhammer about the violin patch.

I would like to hear everything play in time, to give it more proffesional tightness. The tone you got is very good. I might back off the mids a little.


great try.

[joro]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice on the synth.
I gotta tell you that this is not my first try at recording.
The tune is called First Try.
It is the first melody that I wrote but, it is my latest recording.
You can link to some of my other stuff here

I started writing about a year ago.
I started recording about 5 months ago.

I use a desktop recording software called TC8.
It is pretty limited.

I have a real old mic
A Casio CTK-550 Synth (K-Mart special)
and I used a 1968 Martin 000-18 Flattop for a guitar.

I am going to re-record it and someone else is going to do the Synth and vocals (I have yet to see the lyrics.)
These synth tracks are a first for me though.

The timing is the hardest part for me.
I just can't seem to get it squared away.
Can software help with the timing?

Thanks again

[Buck62]

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

Real Player always screws up my computer... it just never works properly. Put it somewhere else and I'd be glad to give your stuff a listen!

Buck

[joro]

In which format would you prefer?
Are you Hi-speed or Modem?
Want me to E-mail it to you?
Let me know....OK?
Thanks for the interest,

[Buck62]

Okay... I got it now from your original post (duh! on my part)

First of all, the recording is a bit noisy, and there's a bit too much midrange (as was previously suggested by CJ), but overall, it's a nice job for a first try!

On the playing itself....
You seemed hesitant on some of the chord changes, and you lost your timing at a few points... and I'm not referring to the tempo changes when you went to the strumming parts.

I'm not trying to discourage you in any way... really!
I think there's a really good song going on here. Kind of like an old Allman Brothers tune or something.

The thing is, once you record it, it's there FOREVER, so it has to be done well.

Have you thought about using a click track to help out with the timing? It might do the trick for you.

Overall though, I liked the mood and chord progression in this song. Keep on working at it... it'll only get better!

Buck

[joro]

Hi,
Thanks for your input.
Yeah, I need to re-record.
I laid down the first track of the new recording yetserday.
I have read the advice on the Boards about waiting to mix
until you are rested and your ears are working again.
I am going to take it slow.
I am in no hurry......still waiting for the lyrics to be written.
Thanks again for you're input.