Pumped Up Kicks Cover - First Recording Attempt - Open to Any Suggestions

[csteinmetz1]

I am looking for any input whatsoever. I really am not happy with bass. I recorded it going DI into my ART Tube MP Studio then into my audio interface. Right now the cajon keeps time but I would like to replace that with a drum kit but as of now I don't have access to one. Again any suggestions and input are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Freya.G]

I'm no expert but to me the bass sounds a little dull and doesn't seem to go with the rest of the instrumental, however I wouldn't say it's the biggest problem.
The vocalist has a nice voice but when it comes to the chorus it sounds like he's struggling which is affecting the pitch quite a lot... maybe should have dropped the key.

 

[ericaop]

Yeah. I like everything except for the pitch problems of the vocalist during the chorus. The verses sound money. Unlike Freya, I like the way you've mixed the bass, drums and everything together. And maybe the vocals are a little too loud. And the whistling is definitely too loud when it comes in, so definitely turn that down a bit. Overall good job. Redo the vocals on the chorus parts though - Eric

Please review my song Hog Wild if you would be so kind.
Thanks and happy holidays.

 

[TripleM]

I really like that song. In general you replicated it fairly well. I liked that "low-fi-ish" acoustic guitar on the left.

I would pay attention to they rhythm. Things aren't always on beat. There are bass notes and guitar stabs here that are off tempo.

A couple of pitch problems here and there. Those could be easily fixed. A couple of pitch problems with the whistling too.

A couple of key things are missing if you want to get it closer to the original. On the original the vocals are heavily layered. There are probably 2-3 tracks of lead vocal. There are probably 3-4 tracks of harmony vocal. Which brings me to thing #2 - no harmony vocal. This tune thrives on the cool harmonies in the chorus.

I think you have a decent start, but there are definitely things you could do to improve it.

 

[projectmix101]

I like the kick and snare sound especially. I like the bass when it's mixed in. Are you going for a sound-alike cover of the original or a newer interpretation? Just wondering. It's cool as an interpretation if that's the case. I took a stab at this song...but redid the lyrics as my daughter had interpreted as a Christmas song. I'll post it in another thread.

Can you tell us your recording process for this song? What mics? Instrumentation?

Thanks!

Steve

 

[tciszar]

I agree with TripleM. That acoustic has a definite lo-fi quality that I really dig, however, the singer just can't hit those notes in the chorus, either kick him in the nuts before singing or drop it a half step or so. As for the bass it sounds like you recorded it with line in. It would be a lot better if you mic'd the amp. The vocals also could use a little compression. Some swells are just too loud and some are too quiet. Nothing criminal, just a little unsettling. Also, the solo seem a little off but could be redone relatively easily I imagine. If I'm not mistaken, it sounds like some of the instruments are a little off, tuning wise. It sounds really good for a first attempt but could definitely use another take. You've got something going though, please post it if you ever redo it.

 

[csteinmetz1]

First off thanks for all your feedback and it is really appreciated.

Can you tell us your recording process for this song? What mics? Instrumentation?

All instruments were recorded with through this path: 1002B Xenyx > UCA202 > MacBook Garageband '09 (I have been meaning to upgrade to a dedicated audio interface but this setup works fine for me)

Bass - DI into my ART Tube MP Studio
Electric Guitar - Fender FM212R with SM58 on center of the cone
Acoustic Guitar - Behringer C1 (I just upgraded to a AT4033a cannot wait to put it to use)
Vocals - Behringer C1
Cajon - Behringer C1 on the front and SM58 on the sound hole

I believe the guys were trying to go for their own interpretation and I definitely plan on getting them back to fix the song as this was really just a trial run.

As for the bass it sounds like you recorded it with line in. It would be a lot better if you mic'd the amp.

I had thought about recording the bassist's amp but I wasn't really sure if the SM58 would give me sound I was looking for. Right now my mic locker consists of: Behringer C1, AT4033a, 2 MXL 603s, and 2 SM58s.

I would pay attention to they rhythm. Things aren't always on beat. There are bass notes and guitar stabs here that are off tempo.

Yeah they have been practicing and the fact that the cajon was added in after the other instruments made it hard for them to keep time (I should have turned on the metronome).

I will definitely post my next mix for you guys to hear and I look forward to your input. Thanks!

 

[ido1957]

The vocalist is struggling with the range of this song. He does have a good voice/tone though. It sounds like you are the enginer/producer so I would get them to drop the key and redo it. The drums could use some punch/volume. The rest is okay for me I think you've done okay with your tools. Try moving the mic for the guitar to the middle/outside edge of the cone to reduce the treble a bit. Good for initial recordings...