Oh hey, great review. Just what I was hoping for. This is the kind of thing that makes me better with each song.
Let me explore the vocal presence issue with you a moment and get some more thoughts from you. I know the vocals are way out front, I suppose I do it out of fear. My thoughts go like this. I know the strengths I bring to the table are my ability to write, and my voice. I believe the weakest link is my reliance on software like BIAB. Don’t get me wrong it’s great stuff! But it does produce a very noticeable sonic signature if you’re not careful. I fight hard to overcome that signature then, I finish the process by bringing the voice way out front and hope nobody notices this is BIAB. I feel like I am trying to be sneaky. In addition, the publishing guru I read a great deal of tells me the modern music I am working on really wants that voice way out there. But . . . perhaps I have taken too far. I would love to hear you thoughts on my conundrum.
As for the EQ, you are obviously correct. Here the problem is honestly that I have reached my current level of incompetence at engineering, particularly pop engineering. I have yet to really understand how this genera of music gets a clean bottom end in a mix of nearly all bottom end. I continue to study and learn. I am sure I will get better in time, but I do hear the problem. Another problem I had here is the Drone note loop. It was the first loop I added to start the piece off with, and it was the wrong one. I found myself fighting it the rest of the production cycle and never really overcame it. I am sure you are hearing some of that struggle. The lesson here is more patience while I work. Get it right before I move on to the next phase.
On the positive side, there are a few saving graces. Yes I am submitting to publishing houses that are taking both male and female voices in this genera and style. Second, I am submitting to places that are asking for “high quality home studio recordings and production.” I think this meets that mark, but . . . . . . maybe not. It’s taken me about 6 years to get to this level and I can feel that I am right on the edge of crossing over. I know sending this in is jumping the gun just a little, but I need to start getting some professional feedback now to get a truer benchmark for just how close I am, or am not. Your critique helps a lot.