Secret Agent Man [cover], first song demo, looking for some criticism.

[Mikmojjo]

Hi all, this is the first time i've ever actually sung and whatnot for a demo song, and i'm looking for some criticism. I chose Secret Agent Man, by Johnny Rivers, as a good cover song, composing my own rendition for it. I'm not a comfortable singer at all (In fact, i really have no idea how to sing...), and am not very pleased with my own voice, so thats a major sticking point for me. The drums are placeholder MIDI type drum's, and all the guitar's are simply DI. I have very limited mixing knowledge, so the mix isn't exactly top quality. On the whole it was a hastily constructed demo, with an decent amount of mistakes.

I would love for some criticism, particularly on the vocal's, as well as some mixing tip's. Please be blunt and mercyless!


(I guess i'll also post some gear info...For some reason. )

Guitar's: JB Player Stratocopy. Fender Squier Bass.
Drum's/Perc: Just MIDI placeholder's.
Audio Interface: Tascam US-800.
Mic's: Just an SM-58.
Reaper is my DAW of choice.

 

[chandlerhimself]

The bass sounds like it's panned off o one side slightly, but maybe it's just me. It's not as bad as you described it, but it does need work. The drums sound like cheap midi, but if you're going to replace them then there isn't much to say about that. The guitars aren't too bad. I noticed a few points were you bent a note out of tune, but it wasn't too bad. When you get real drums I'd raise them in volume. Also don't be afraid to polish something more. If you mess up a guitar lick, bass line, vocal harmony, etc, don't be afraid to punch in and fix it.

The vocals had rhythm and pitch problems although I did like the delivery. You really put some personality into it. It sounds like you double tracked it, or used a short delay on them and although double tracking is good I wouldn't do it for the whole song. There were a few points where the vocals weren't in perfect time, which IMO kills any song. It maybe that you are getting nervous which causes you to speed up unconsciously, but try not too. During some parts the vocals were also off pitch which was exacerbated by the doubling of the vocals. I'd try nailing the vocals more roboticaly then try to add some feel to them after getting that down. As they are now they're too loose. Your feel is good, but your vocal technique isn't. I'd say just practice more and don't be afraid to go to a singing coach. Although what do I know, I'm not a singer. Good luck.

 

[miroslav]

I haven't heard that song in a millions years!

The vocals...well, yeah, I think you know you have some more work to do, but don't shy away from singing. It takes some time before you realize that you can sing and at least stay in key. I think most people can, they just need to practice. After that, it all depends what kind of voice you have...not every one is gifted, but most people should be able to sing at least decently with some work.

The guitar I think needs more balls since it is the signature riff of the song. It's too thin/fizzy, and that might be the DI approach.

 

[Atom Bomb]

My advice for you for singing, as you seem to have the comprehension just not the confidence, is to gas up your vehicle of choice, grab two hours worth of your favorite songs and go for a drive in the country and belt it out. Just let it rip.

If this doesn't work for you then you may need lessons, but so far it hasn't failed the few people i have told to try it. Your not going ot sound like Pavarotti, but you will be passable enough to not warrant pitch correction software. !

Good luck. Great cover song too.

 

[TripleM]

I love that song.

As said, vocals need some work.

The bass performance sounded a bit "stilted" as well.

Lead guitar was excellent. Nailed the tone and there were some cool guitar licks too.

 

[Greg_L]

Dude, you can't sing. Your timing and pitch are all over the map. Don't get discouraged, but understand that some people just can't do it. Just like I'll never be an NFL quarterback or a famous painter. As much as I'd like to, I can't do those things, and you can't sing. Cool song to try though.

The mix, well, it's not very good either, but at least you can work on that. The guitars and bass don't sound too bad for being direct. The drums are what they are, but having them off to one side is kind of distracting. It's not 1964 anymore. Lol. I'd say move the drums to the middle, move the bass somewhere near the middle, keep the guitars panned, but drop them down a little.