What do you guys think of this mix, and song?

[TheGreatBongChicken]

This guy writes some interesting stuff....

There are no real drums until the end. But anyway, I've never produced anything like this before, any thoughts on it? All input is appreciated.

 

[jeffmaher]

The recorded sounds are nice. I'm biting my tongue on the composition.

 

[TheGreatBongChicken]

Ha ha, thanks.

Well like I said, he has a very "interesting" sound. Some people love it, some people hate it... and some people just don't know what to think. For me, it's sort of grown on me.

Does anyone have any specific critiques on the mix?

 

[Greg_L]

That was awful. One of the worst songs I've ever heard in here. 5 minutes of the same nonsensical shit over and over.

The mix however was pretty damn good. Nice sounds.

 

[grimtraveller]

I actually like it. The voice is a little searing and I needed to get used to it. But yeah, likeable. Though they don't do much, I like the sound of the drums - a statement I would never have made 12 years ago, but I've obviously mellowed when it comes to electric drums.....
As far as the mix goes, it's nice and clear. The song sounds suitably creepy and I won't be playing it to the kids just before bedtime !
But what exactly is going on ?

 

[TheGreatBongChicken]

Thanks for the input, I am not suprised that many of you don't like it though... this guy has a very different sound and I kind of want to just represent him the best I can by supporting that sound. It's not exactly the pop/radio type sound, and many people aren't into it, but it's his art and I'm just the producer and engineer.

But either way, I did ask for your opinions on the song so that's fair enough. Does anyone think that the midi bass should be replaced by a real one? Also, one of you mentioned the voice being "searing", I have it totally flat right now... any eq suggestions?

And thanks for the compliments on the mix, I have recently purchased studio monitors and it has totally affected my mixing for the better... I don't know what I was thinking before... trying to mix with standard speakers.

 

[Greg_L]

The song and sounds aren't avant garde or strange or unique. It's just bad.

 

[TheGreatBongChicken]

Well, I can't say I didn't ask for your opinion on the matter.



I'm glad you like the mix though.

 

[Greg_L]

Your mix is good though. Kudos there.

 

[moresound]

Great mix !!!
The song is remnant of MTV video hay day of the late 80s not my cup of tea.

 

[TheGreatBongChicken]

I'm suprised so many of you like the mix... I don't consider myself to be the best mixer, I'm really still new at it. But this is one of the first mixes where everyone seems to like it... I did get a suggestion from a friend about bringing the mids up in the synth sounds, and bringing the highs down in the vocals. Also, the midi bass is probably going to be replaced by a real one today.

I guess though, it's encouraging to know that people like the mix who know what they're talking about.

 

[PoeticIntensity]

Yeah... I don't hate the song as much as others, but it definitely could use a bit more substance. I really like the guy's voice. Has a lot of emotion, and seems to be able to yell on key.

I didn't like the drums at all when it began, but the mix really seats them well, and I kind of forgot I didn't like them about half-way through the song.

Yeah... The bass has a cool phaser / chorus effect on it - I like it. Great sounding guitars / keys....

Great mix, man!

 

[joeym]

First off , mix sounds very good.
I didn't think the song was that bad, but it seems to me the singer's trying to sound very much like the guy from Muse, so I don't see him as being that original. But there's nothing wrong with that. Not my kind of thing, but not uninteresting.

Joey

 

[studioplayer]

Mix sounds great. Dig the bass. I like the guys voice. I would like to hear some more tunes. Kind of reminds me of 'The Muse' or something along those lines. I assume some of the other songs have a bit more melody and composition. This song could be a cool introduction into another song. Would have to hear what comes after this. Good stuff.

Dave

 

[beatlebum]

I like it. But it is a composition built on the concept of what I call the "build": Starting with a minimalist idea and adding a layer every 4 bars or whatever.

The problem with this type of composition is that by the time you have built up all the layers it is difficult to leave the pattern because it has become so important to the song.

In this instance, the song doesn't even try to leave the established chord sequence and therefore we get bored listening, in spite of good sounds and good vocals.

My view is that this song is unfinished. I think it needs a change in chords to create a chorus or bridge.

I like the bass riff and I like the sounds. The combo of vocals and instruments reminds me of Gary Newman, and that is no bad thing, and to successfully layer all those "lifts" with the consistent instruments and vocals is a compliment to your mixing.