Really well written and performed tune - I would try a couple of things though - First what mic are you using on the vocals? IMO You need a Mic with a bump in the upper mids and a very clear high end - Almost sounds like you are using a Dynamic? - second the drums are good - the kick is especially potent - everything else kinds of splashes out - maybe replace the snare and toms with samples - The drums need a bigger space and driving sound.
What's wrong with using a dynamic on vocals? I find they work well. I use a ribbon, and I love it because you can cut the lows aggressively and boost the highs aggressively to really pin point a sound. But dynamics are pretty awesome on vocals IME.
I actually use a really nice $3500 tube condenser mic (ADK Z67). My favorite producer uses it all the time and I love his recordings. Funny thing is it’s a very upper mid-forward mic with a ton of detail. I promise you the problem is my singing and processing! I cut a lot of the high end and upper mids in an attempt to smooth things out. I also tried that Waves Silk plugin that I think took too much edge off. In fact, I probably have way too much processing on trying to compensate for my voice!
I love old shure 545s. Maybe trade that mic for a good ribbon like an aea. Super smooth. And You can get super aggressive with eq without weirdness.
The ADk is an amazing mic, this is not a great example of what it does! I started with the unidyne but it’s was a little too harsh for this particular tune I think likely because I was run out through a Joe Meek with too much of the “enhance” dialed in, and you can’t get that out! The ADk was way more clear/intelligible, and smooth. It’s running through an Empirical Labs Mike-e channel strip compressed pretty hard. I apparently rolled too much top end and upper mids (overcompensated) off this time. I’ll run it more neutral and go from there. I could also re-record and go for better vocal takes.
Very cool track. Reminds me of Weezer meets Blink 182. No complains here. Would love to hear what it sounded like to drop out guitars (or pull everything way back) at the end, or after the 2:00 min mark and maybe bring it back again. dunno. cool track.
Ok, so I dug in a little more this evening. I EQ’d the snare to get a little more crack. I had to compensate by pulling some of the upper mid frequencies out of the overheads to keep the cymbals from getting too harsh. I also backed off a little on the snare compression. I think it helped a lot.
I think the Ribbon is darkening you vocals - maybe it’s in the style of music? - I just wanted clearer vocals on top of the mix.
I think you improved the mix quite a bit.
Awesome, thanks. That might be the first time anyone has ever said my voice has a pleasing tone! Haha!
What ever you did to mix the song differently I think you nailed it - and I agree with @Bulls Hit - your vocals are enticing and drawn the listener in.
