Need advice on mixing

[Max Mediocre]

I recorded this over the weekend with my friend Drew (he's lead vocals on this - I sing backup) for a demo CD we're putting together to give out to coffeehouses and stuff. It's three tracks, each recorded seperately, and I've never really done that before (I'm used to recording everything at once), and I have terrible monitors (old computer speakers I bought for a dollar) so I need advice on how it sounds. Any advice on EQ or stylistic changes or anything, really, would be appreciated. Also any feedback on my friend or my singing's would be useful.

The song is a cover of an unreleased song by a band called Neutral Milk Hotel, and it's called "engine":

thanks,
neil

 

[RawDepth]

It sounds pretty good for not having any monitors. The vocals could use slightly more low end but then that may make them sound louder so, watch the levels. I would use a little more reverb on the lead vocal but that’s a matter of personal taste.

It all sounds fine for a demo but of course, not up to par for a national release.

I think the backup vocals should have been harmonizing instead of singing the same notes. The singing sounds weak and mealy mouthed in a few spots. Sing out with some life and feeling behind it. Sing like you’ve got what it takes to be a star. But don’t overdo it or we’ll beat your ass.

Other than that, you’re good to go for hunting down local work.

Good luck.

 

[Max Mediocre]

Yeah - I kind of noticed the lack of low end on the lead vocals while listening through headphones. I'm not really sure where it went, 'cause the singer was pretty close to the mic and I didn't roll off the bass or anything. Oh well - I'll try boosting it a little around 120hz or so when I get home.

I played around with harmonizing the backup vocals and ultimately decided to just stick with unison, 'cause I thought the song and melody were pretty linear and simple and I didn't really want to detract from that. I'll try some more close harmonies to see if I can't get it to fit - I like the idea.

Which vocal track did you think was weak, the lead or the backup or both? I'm just wondering 'cause I can't exactly tell and I wanna know which one I ought to retrack (or both?).

thanks.