I'm not really here to promote my track but I would like a critique and some advice. This is the first track that I've tried and I know it's going to have technical errors, but I don't have a musical background so I'm not even sure what terminology I'd need to use to research any issues putting this together so any guidance is greatly appreciated.
Summary: I'm just a office worker who wants to make music and I hope you like the track.
This is a progressive trance remix of Soul For Real's cover of Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
This is a really good effort! commented on your cloud man. You claim to not have a musical background, but you definitely have an ear for it. One of the most immediate things that would do your music wonders is to start utilizing risers and other effects. Try to reverse some cymbal samples for a start, then hop on youtube to learn how to create some or snag some sample packs from somewhere. And if you simply decided to not include them in your track, then my apologies.
FSV
Thanks for the listen and the advice Th3Reindeer, I seriously appreciate it! I've started another track, but I'll use it to practice the effects you mentioned (just for the tutorials for them).
Trancelover03591
There are mixing problems in this track. Some of the instrument and sample choices are not great. I am listening on cheap speakers but the kick doesn't sound like a fit and too muffled. That is a diving off point.
Don't get discouraged, just keep listening to good tracks, comparing your music to them sound wise. You have some good elements that just need to be brought to the next level.
FSV
Hi Trancelover03591,
Thanks for the input! I noticed that I'm having issues with the mixing when I tried to increase the volume of the track without clipping. There's a notable difference in the general volume of the track when I compare it to others but I'm not sure how to fix it.
I'm really hoping to get tips and techniques so I can keep improving. I've started a new project, but I'll be sure to keep your suggestions in mind and keep at it.
Cheers,
FSV
Trancelover03591
quote:
Originally posted by FSV
Hi Trancelover03591,
Thanks for the input! I noticed that I'm having issues with the mixing when I tried to increase the volume of the track without clipping. There's a notable difference in the general volume of the track when I compare it to others but I'm not sure how to fix it.
I'm really hoping to get tips and techniques so I can keep improving. I've started a new project, but I'll be sure to keep your suggestions in mind and keep at it.
Cheers,
FSV
The best advice I can give on mixing probably sounds like a dodge, but it has been what has helped ME more than anything else.
What has helped me the most in learning how to mix, which is still an ongoing process is listening to the restraint of really well mixed songs. Eric Prydz has been the one I have been listening to lately. I used to turn up the bass more and more and more but realised the power of the song is not from the volume of the instruments but how the are all balanced. Challenge yourself to make the song softer than you want it to be. Also, take time to work on every instruments volume. Maybe the kick is too soft, maybe the lead is too loud, maybe the bass is too loud. Listening to well mixed songs helps to give those of us (like myself) who can't just 'do what feels right' a reference point.
In the pre-mastering phase (and you shouldn't worry about mastering as a beginning producer) the final result should peak at its loudest point -2 dB at the most. But I have heard mastering engineers say -9 dB peak is good to shoot for. That means at the loudest moment in the song will be at or below -9 dB. There are free vst's which can easily track the absolute peak of your song so you don't have to stare at the meter (which wouldn't be as acurate anyway)
If the song is well balanced, a mastering engineer will make the volume right.
EddieZilker
The vocals sound really thin and, overall, the highs seem a little too filtered out. The mix is also a little muddy yielding a lack of clarity and detail on all of the instruments that results in it sounding cloudy and crowded. Musically, while I like the piano touches, it seems like the soul has been completely ironed out. By the second break, I was already finding it sparse and repetitive.
I realize that probably sounds a little harsh. I guess I should say the effort is commendable enough for someone starting out to earn some form of kudo. Still, I'm a huge Bill Withers fan and have been wanting to do a vocal rework of the original, myself. I'm thereby judging it against the original Bill Withers version. It's one of the many, actually classic songs that qualify as untouchable (unless one is capable of doing a phenomenal job with it), so far as remixing goes.
This version (the original) does more in two minutes than yours could do in ten. What's more is that, even though it's a YouTube, it doesn't suffer from the same compression and filtering issues yours does. To make matters a little worse, Mr. Withers was "just starting out" when he made it, using less technology, and doing more - both musically and sonically. (Albeit with a talented engineer.)
Above is a remix that I'd qualify as worthy of a Withers' original. It even has flaws but it's still good. While I don't want to diminish your accomplishment with your version, I think you should be aware that you're walking on hallowed ground where music is concerned. Kudos for a technically accomplished version, but there's still a lot to learn.
One more thing regarding remix etiquette: Even though the original artist(s) involved in this work aren't Bill Withers, you still need to credit them on your Soundcloud version.
Julz
Hi,
For your first track this is really cool, great idea for a remix.
Cut all the 150-200hz and below off all sounds that arnt the kick or bass, especially the mid bass and lower the mid bass volume. Clap sounds like a weak noise bust.
Work on trying to get a kick and bass complimenting each other, these is what drive your track, soo you want it to sound as good as possible. Kick sound really dull, try look for something with more click.
Look forward to what else you share with us :]
FSV
@Trancelover03591:
Thanks for the additional tips! I wasn't looking at balancing the sound by individual instruments but I'll do that going forward and I'll be sure to check out Eric Prydz tracks.
@EddieZilker:
Thanks for the critique and advice. I don't mind if the analysis is harsh since I know where my skill level is at and I wouldn't improve without honest feedback. One of my struggles when putting this together was trying to figure out a way to keep it sounding more like trance and less of a house feel. The Soundcloud track text is now updated with the source artist and I'll keep working on the learning!
@Julz:
Thanks Julz! It's been a learning experience and I enjoyed throwing it together. I think your suggestions line up with Trancelover03591's so I'll work on tuning the individual instruments more. If you have suggestions on good source material for kick and bass combos that I can reference, I'd love to hear them.
