This Old House

[DM60]

Here is a song I wrote about 15 years ago. I rerecorded almost of the parts except vocals. (I like the original). I think it is done, but want to double check.

For the production, I am trying to make it close, but give space.

Any issues, please let me know.

 

[Papanate]

It’s a really cool retro 70s song to me - reminds me of the singer songwriter era - great job - the only thing I hear it is a little too quiet to me - and if you wanted to fix a couple of the vocal cues - maybe - there is a lot of charm in the delivery.

 

[R D Smith]

Good song. I live in my childhood home and there are a lot of memories. The only comment is I had a little trouble understanding some of the vocals.

 

[Mr Clean]

Really cool song Dave. I really enjoyed it. Nice harmonies.

Echoing the above, the vocals could use a little attention. I think mostly it is the shaker kinda drowning them out in the verses.

Thanks for the listen

 

[DM60]

Next go around, based on feedback, I will address the vocals. Feedback is very much appreciated.

 

[K-dub]

While at it, pull back the "stereo" effect on the vocal and get the singer focused center stage forward. It sounds like half the vocals are rear left of the stage and the other half are front forward right. It puts the main vocals in disparate time zones. Get it all cohesively in the middle and forward. Then mix around the vocal.

Nice tune over all - but the mix is still in progress.

 

[DM60]

While at it, pull back the "stereo" effect on the vocal and get the singer focused center stage forward. It sounds like half the vocals are rear left of the stage and the other half are front forward right. It puts the main vocals in disparate time zones. Get it all cohesively in the middle and forward. Then mix around the vocal.

Nice tune over all - but the mix is still in progress.

I have an ADT plug on that and I think your point is very valid. Rather easy fix. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[K-dub]

I have an ADT plug on that and I think your point is very valid. Rather easy fix. Thank you for the feedback.

I've come around to heavily effect VERY dry sounding vocals. I'm mixing these days, Dave - as if the singer is sounding like they are standing right in front of me in my speaker. I want the performances to be clear. I LOVE all the rest of the instrumentation, but time after time I am reminded - in grocery stores and the like, that the song is the thing, and the thing is/are the singers.

 

[DM60]

I've come around to heavily effect VERY dry sounding vocals. I'm mixing these days, Dave - as if the singer is sounding like they are standing right in front of me in my speaker. I want the performances to be clear. I LOVE all the rest of the instrumentation, but time after time I am reminded - in grocery stores and the like, that the song is the thing, and the thing is/are the singers.

Funny you should say that. I am trying to get better at vocal presence. I am mixed about "dry", and some of my stuff, as a production point, I want them wet. I really an not consistent in style. I am all over the place and it is intentional. But that creates a problem of a challenge every time I create, "how should it sound for the context?" But that also keeps me always exploring and learning. To me, they are one in the same. The thought I am focused on these days, "I am going from stupid, to ignorant" because you can't fix stupid, but ignorant is temporary. It keeps me humble and open minded.

Everything must serve the song IMO.

 

[Papanate]

I've come around to heavily effect VERY dry sounding vocals. I'm mixing these days, Dave - as if the singer is sounding like they are standing right in front of me in my speaker. I want the performances to be clear. I LOVE all the rest of the instrumentation, but time after time I am reminded - in grocery stores and the like, that the song is the thing, and the thing is/are the singers.

Dry Vocals were/are a thing - but its interesting because they aren’t really dry - but again not drenched in reverb.