01:46 - 02:00 -> These backup vocals are outstanding.
I like the strings, those are some really good samples, would you tell me what you are using there please ? And I think you use them effectively, minimally. I like the real attempt at 'arranging'. I would not pan them about, that is easily abused.
When the instrumentation is sparse, when there isn't a lot going on ... this is the optimal time to let everything come to front dry as a bone.
The less that is happening in a mix, the more we are tempted to fill up that space with ... reverb , which is really just noise.
You have to 'justify' the mix. Give the listener a reason, why you are using reverb ... setting the stage ? ... enhancing a lyrical element ? ... defining the arrangement ? ... justify your use of effects ... ESPECIALLY when the mix is thin.
Pedullist hears it ...
This is a real piano isn't it ? If it is a real piano ... shame on your for covering it up with reverb ...
Dry up the entire mix, then ... select focus areas to appy verb, like the harmony vocals, and structure the use of effects to give the song ... breath ... and flow.
Create a landscape, the verse dry, like flying over a desert ... the choruses open up with lots of verb, like entering a dark cave ... and then popping out into a valley ...
Think about how that would sound.
This song is begging for this type of treatment.
I just came across a fella at
http://www.speermusic.com , and I"m hearing a bit of 'Seal' or even Dave Mathews in your voice, things are really going well with you and you seem to be very productive.
This fella Speer is in the same ballpark as you with respect to vocals.
I'm keeping my eye on this mix, becuase I'd like to put the real strings in there.
You've almost fooled me into believing these are real strings, maybe I just want them to be real !