All of these songs WOULD NOT OF BEEN POSSIBLE without Home Recording.com

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mshea

mshea

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Yes. I got tech specs, buying information, how to, set up advice, technical advice, etc. HERE!!! In order to create these. As a BIG THANKS to any and all involved in this process, knowingly and or unknowingly through your posts and replies.

Here you go. Enjoy.

MayaShea

I am STILL LEARNING how to do all of this stuff. Your comments and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

ENJOY and once again.

THANK YOU!

My favorite. "Creep Like You". Listen to it FIRST!!!:D
 
You actually learned something here? From US?

Imagine that! :D

Okay, all kidding aside, here's a few brief comments.

The Recordings....

The guitar spiked a bit too much on "Set Your Site On Me" during the lead-fills and the instrumental break, and there was a few flubbed notes that stood out during the solo. The drums sounded kinda lifeless and dull, as do most drum machines and loops.
The very first note you sang when you started singing was flat and slightly harsh, but the rest of the singing was really good... no lie!

"Bad Man" had a muddy bass guitar, and once again, the drum machine/drum loop thing also sounds dull and is taking away from the dynamics of the recording. There was also some unexpected "thumps" during both of these songs. What happened there?

"Creep Like You" has a much better sounding drum track... crisp and appropriate for the sound of the song... but the snare was a bit over the top and the cymbal sounds are too buried.
Once again, the bass is muddy and needs more punch and clarity.
The vocal is also too buried... bring it UP! There's a really cool sounding vocal there, but softly-sung vocal tracks have to be prominent enough to be heard clearly and distinctly.
Just listen to anything by Lisa Loeb and you'll hear what I'm talking about.

Lastly, and most importantly, for all three songs... you need a better vocal mic!!! I'm sure you probably know it, but a good vocal mic and preamp can make a world of difference.

Could you list some of the equipment you used to record the songs?

____________________________________________________________

As for the songs themselves, here's my take on the tunes...
(I'm a lifelong songwriter, so I hope you don't mind the commentary ;) )

You're right about "Creep Like You" being the favorite... it was mine, too... out of all 3 songs. It has the strongest "commercial" potential of the three.
I would put the song in the Alternative section, though.
It reminded me of the style of Betty Serveert (a band name... there's not a real singer named Betty Serveert) or kind of like Julianna Hatfield (former bassist forThe Lemonheads).
I think the song would do really well with some promotion... seriously!

"Bad Man" sounded too much like the song "Bad Girls" by Donna Summer when you sing the title of the song. The melody is almost a carbon-copy on that line, and that kind of turned me off to the rest of the song... sorry. I know that's unfair, but I'm just being honest here.

"Set Your Site On Me" was a really good tune.
Despite being an old Rock n' Roller, I love smooth jazz type stuff and R & B. I listen to WNUA alot... and I would guess that you do, too. Here's another song with commercial potential... if it were recorded with a real drummer and mixed and edited properly.

You've got a really good voice, Maya... and you're certainly a good-looking gal... which helps alot in this business.
With this being your first efforts, I would say you're off to a really good start.
I'm also in Chicago. If there's anything I can help you with, just e-mail me or send a private message. I'd be glad to help.

Buck
 
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Thank You!!! Just what I needed!

Hello. Thank you so much for listening and the information.

The WORST thing happened!!! Unfortunately, "Bad Man", "Creep Like You" and "Set Your Sight on Me". We're VICTIMS of a massive computer crash and the work files ARE GONE!!! All I had left to show for my work were/are what you hear. They were already in MP3 format and had been burned to disk. I don't know where to begin to re-record them.

I'm VERY self conscious about my vocals. I always wished I could have a powerful voice like some of the Diva's out there, but I don't. I work within a limited range and with very little power. I had to compress a few parts quite a bit. However. I believe the relatively 'low level' vocals are a product of my lack of faith in my voice. I don't like hearing myself, therefore I try to HIDE my vocals behind the music.

I'm WAITING for MP3.com to replace Bad Man with another BadMan file I sent...I realized once I heard it that I had uploaded one from the WRONG disc. Oops.

I WISH I could find 'someone' for Creep Like You and Set Your Sight on Me.

You are correct. I TOTALLY stole Bad Man. But you know as a songwriter how sometimes you have to get something out of your system. I just couldn't make it any other way. That was one of those. And well. It fit, and I feel better now. (jerk) No, not bitter, not bitter at all.

What I use to record with:

1. Gateway Computer 20Gig Hard Drive nothing special or top of the line.
2. Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 w/ break out box
3. Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 (now using Sonar)
4. Alesis QS 7.1
5. Aaron Campbell (bass guitar)(now in L.A. :( )
6. Jason Whilming (guitar) (Playing with a Blues Band in St. Louis now.) (:( )

Used GENERIC drum loops/tracks with the occassional add-on fills from my Synth sound kit for the drums. I agree. They are 'dead'. A real drummer would've been keen, but he wouldn't fit in my living room. HA HA!!!

OH! And don't laugh. Yes. My Mic sucks. We borrowed a 'good' mic from a friend to record these songs. But I guess it wasn't as 'good' as we thought. With that returned I now record using...Oh God! This is SO embarassing to admit. A $30.00 Audio Teqnique...however you spell that. I know...I know. I've spent over a YEAR and a half purchasing studio equipment and always hoped/prayed I'd get 'discovered' and didn't worry too much about that final piece. Man...$500 bucs and up. I'm terrified I'll drop it!!! Ya know?

But that's it. Jealous of your title of lifelong songwriter. My days would be complete if I could spend them making music. I don't have to be rich...just enough to pay the bills (I don't have too many) and I'd be OK! I'll keep on working.

My biggest problem is that BEFORE I went on this mission to record from home I was doing project work, you know. Singing a hook here, making cheezy background music for trying to be rappers, etc. And I just felt like I was being pimped for my lyrics and voice, and I NEVER got to do what I was feeling, or what was in my head. One day I said F that and came to this site. I HAVE NO TECHNICAL KNOW HOW other than what I've picked up along the way and it's REALLY frustrating because. I know how I want it TO SOUND!!! I totally AGREE with your comments...but I DON'T KNOW what knobs to tweak, filters to add, buttons to push, etc. to make it that way, and that's got to be the most FRUSTRATING THING!!! I always hoped that one day I would get to the point where I could write the songs, play the piano, sing...and then have some 'sound' wizard push the buttons and make the magic. Unfortunately that seems to be a pipe dream. So I'll continue fighting with this stuff and most importantly have fun doing it.
I would love to keep in touch.

Thanks!!! :p
 
I have a question. Do most folks consider all looped or sequenced drums in the same cheezy light? I like them. I love real drummers and drums too.

I ask this because about 8 months ago I picked up a Roland xp-80 keyboard and have generating most of my drum sounds from there. I gotta tell ya it kicks ass sonically. I used to use Alesis and Boss stuff before and was always bummed about the drum sound until this roland unit came along. I picked it up pretty cheap as well. I did get the drum and bass card that gives a ton more kits to choose from. Bass too but I prefer my fender precision over keyboard bass. Hope I don't sound snobby because "whatever works for you" is always my motto.

I'm not a keyboard player but have used the heck out of the xp-80 since it first came into the studio. I find this to be quick and painless way to get great drum sounds. The kick drum was the biggest improvement over the other drum machines. Also I think you can add a human feel or ..... even to sequencers.

I was just curious if anyone else is as happy with there "fake" drum tracks as I was. Or am I just tripping?? If you are happy, what do you use?

By the way I liked "Creep Like You". The hi-hat sounds like it only closes. Know what I mean? Like the stick isn't hitting it. I have to agree that you have a good voice, but I think without sounding crude, it could use some more power or .....please don't be mad..... balls. Yes women can sing with balls!!! I can't sing for crap but I am always moved when someone reaches deep inside for a performance. Where you believe absolutely everything that person is saying in the lyrics or the sadness/happiness in a wailing lead guitar. Balls. I'm always searching for it myself so don't think I have this down or anything. Far from it.
I figure if I tell enough people about what they probably know already, it will sink in with me!! Good work..


DaveC
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/39/david_caruso.html
 
Cheezy drums

I have NO Problems with synthesized drums. My issue is with my equipment and MY inability to give the drums some...soul. Some type of 'realism'. I have heard some studio wizzes who have the ablity to tweak and turn knobs and buttons and come up with some incredible, WARM, LIVE sounding beats.

But WHY can't I do that? Ya Know? I guess practice makes perfect.

Thanks for checking out the music and your comments.

As to the vocals...I agree with you. I just don't have a powerful voice. Seriously. I've tried all of the exercises I could get my hands on to 'beef it up'. I guess I just carry a tune. I WISH that I could 'sing with balls'. Unfortunately, god gave me the gift of being able to create music, but only blessed me with an itty bitty voice. NO PUSH. Ah well. I guess i can't have it all. lol!
 
I have no problem at all with synthesized drums. I love hearing syn drums on tracks by dido and moby.

I am really digging set your sight on me. Since the only thing I do live is vocals, I dont really hear problems with the playing. What I hear is a nice track with nice accompaniment.

On that song, the vox is at a very good level. You have a voice that is very nice. Reminds me of Dido's voice and I love Dido's voice. I think that you should let it go and hit some high notes. I have taken three semesters of voice, and my range has increased a bunch.

I agree that with a good mic your vocal track could really shine.
I would increase the level of the kick and snare in the track and maybe use some room verb on them.

I like what the piano is doing on the track.

I would say that the only problem I have with the tracks is that everything seems veiled. I suspect that this might be the soundcard and preamps, not the mixing or playing. I just compared against Dido, and its like a cloth veil covering your mix, with your mix wanting to shine through.
 
Hey, Maya... I just noticed it's your birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :)

Tell you what... since it's your birthday (and we're both in Chicago), I'll throw you this offer...

If you have those songs on disc without the vocals, how'd you like to re-work them a bit and put new vocal tracks on them? (For free, of course)

I've been telling my partner that I've been dying to do some jazz and R & B stuff, but all we get in my studio is rock, country, alternative, and blues bands. This would give us a chance to do something different. So, we'll both benefit.
If you don't have just the music for those tunes, maybe we can work on something new.

Anyway, here's a tiny sample of some of the demos I've recorded of various bands and singers.... (all of them are cover songs, except for "Yield")
http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/alternative/bucksjams/

I'll e-mail you about this.

Again... Happy Birthday! :D
Buck
 
Dave,

I love processed digital screwed up drums but at the same time a real good drummer playing something live cant be touched. Like it was posted somewhere in here that you get a mood or a certain feeling that machines cannot do.

Mshea, Ill check out your song tonight, at work right now.

JOhn
 
@Dave

Hey!!! I just cruised by your MP3.com home. I LOOOOOVE Celt Song. It kicks a$$. I really 'felt' it. So beautiful in it's simplicity. I liked the fact that I could 'hear' you playing as well as the tune. Man...you should knock out a whole album of stuff like that...slam it on WNUA!

Anyhoo. For everyone else...

NEW SONG!!!!

Took your advice brought up vocals and made sunshine or rain...it won't be approved for a few days. Will get back on that one. However...if you head back to:

MayaShea

Check out 'Subway Song.

My FIRST attempt at spoken word poetry with music...hmmm? It was quite fun!!!

Also. Buck!!! Thanks for the b-day greetings. Interested. Yes, email!!! :rolleyes:

And finally. Do y'all think I have my songs classified in the right genres??? I have no idea what to do with them. Every single one is DIFFERENT. Sometimes I wish I could stick to one 'type' of music but I can;t. Will be popping up some soundtracks in a few. Now THOSE are FUN!!!!
 
Tried to download the song creep like you and I got an error anyone else?
 
Try Streamin

Hello. It should be downloadable...I checked it and had no problems. Try streaming by pressing the LoFi, or HiFi buttons depending on 56k or cable and above. Thanks for trying though. Should work well.

MayaShea
 
Maya, thanks for the compliments about Celt Me. Isn't it funny how the simplest things in music are usually the most true. About a total of 10 minutes went into that. Those kinds of things always end up being worthwhile it seems.

Also thanks for not taking what I said about balls the wrong way. I meant it with the purist of intentions. I just don't have another good word. Someone might say soul, but heck it sounded to me like you had tons of that. Enough said. You know what I meant.

Again Good Work!

Dave C
 
Maya Shea,

I finally got to listen to your song. I have to say well done. I also have to say people "like you" make me sick. Not comfortable with my voice and not confident, they say......well I say your voice is great! and as you build confidence it will get better in time.

I struggle so hard with my vocals and the more I try the more they seem to suck. I have experimented a lot with mic placement, effects and eq on my vocals and finally have found some things that work, but I have realized that even if people dont the best voices, they still need to belt out whatever they can, because it'll sound better in the end, because people will pay more attention to the song, than to the singer being sheepish.

I have a couple of my rock songs posted on mp3.com/sondriven and they are where Im at in my vocal walk in life. Its funny I listen to my older recordings and to the ones posted and what a difference!

Wow, I dont think I have ever rambled on like this, but I jsut wanted to let you know that your voice rocks!

Now for the song: I think its mixed rather well, I can hear a shaker type effect for the verses, but thats just me. Very good arrangement. Keep up the good work. And sorry to hear about the computer failure thing, I was going to go all computer, but heard about those things happening and when external hard disk.

Great Job.
John
 
Thanks John

Hey! I'm amazed. Maybe my voice doesn't SUCK as much as I thought it did? Really making an effort not to hide behind. But still lack confidence.

And as far as going digital. It was ALL MY FAULT that I lost that Data...I should of backed it up. I do now. Once a week! If I would've done that from the get go I wouldn't of lost a thing. I just keep a rewritable CD around, overwrite and data. Doesn't take too long. So...if I have a FATAL crash again...I won't lose my info. Just a learning experience I guess. I mean...can't a reel get chewed up? I don't see too much of a bigger 'risk' of losing data going digital. It was a hassle to resurrect my system, but I'm back up. Although I must admit. I was down for 2 weeks!!! That stank.

I'm gonna go check out your stuff. This is fun. Can't wait for 'sunshine or rain' to be 'approved'. I'm proud of it...so far. Of course it'll sound TOTALLY different when I listen to it again. I tend to steer clear of my creations for a few weeks after I make them. Clear my head and come back to them for additional adjustments.

Take Care

MayaShea
 
Hey John!!! 'Everything' was WONDERFUL!

I don't know what you're talkin' about. Just took a listen to 'Everything' and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hear nothing wrong with your vocals. As a matter of fact, I can't believe I was actually nodding my head to Christian Rock. Your lyrics were wonderful...keep up the great work!!! You've got skillz.
 
Well

I HAVE NO IDEA what the heck it was that we recorded Creep Like You, Set Your Sights on Me and Bad Man was. My friend who plays the bass brought it in to record. We had borrowed it from another friend who owns a studio.


I currently record using a very bottom of the line $30 Audo Technica something or other. I'm really learry about putting the $$$ out for a 'nice' mic until I have 'dedicated' studio space. Living in a small apartment with a LARGE dog has many 'dangers' for such a sensitive and expensive piece. I'm terrified it will get knocked over or dropped. Although I have considered hanging it from the ceiling.
 
I hear what youre saying about space. Actually sometimes I wonder why I have bought some of the gear that I did.

I just finished a song, I think its my best to date, heaavy guitars, slamming beat, and my vocals I think are the best I have ever done!

Just excited about it. Anyone know the feeling? That sense of ..aahhh its done and sounds pretty good!

Later.

John
 
I'm happy in your happiness!!!

I'm jealous. Haven't had that feeling for a WHOLE WEEK. Been fightin' with the same 3 part harmony and STILL can't get the mid-range right...flat EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! So...I gave up and turned my 3 part into a 2 part and now feel very 'less than'. And then TURNED OFF THE COMPUTERS!!! I'm walking away...
 
Thats cool you can do two part even! Im flat across the board.
 
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