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Hello fellow musicians, I thought it would be time for something different in these heavy times; a heavy topic!  https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/need_a_shoulderOn the other hand, it's a song with a nice melody (I think), so maybe you will like it. I made it like this, because the news that came to me over the last months had little entertainment value, I think that did it. But it was fun singing it! At first I made it with a lower tempo, but the more I sang it the higher the tempo knob was set. I hope you like it, but tell me what I can improve (if there is any...  ) Hans (Birchwood) ===================================================================== Technical information and lyrics The song: Style: MAUL.STY (Maul Mallets Folk Pop, tempo 105 RealTracks : ~~683:Bas, Bas2: 2612 RealTracks : 3673:Piano, Acoustic RealTracks : 2930:Guitar, Acoustic RealTracks : 3583:Guitar, Acoustic, cello: 3261 RealTracks : 2625:Guitar, Baritone RealTracks : 3643:Guitar, Electric RealDrums:MalletsFolkPop8ths, Drum2: LaPopJazzLaidBackev16 I used another drum and bassguitar and added a cello in the second part of the song. ---------------------------------------------- Lyrics: Need a shoulder HWBerkhout, (c) march 2021 I need some time to think and lots of time to mourn Until judgement day comes I will be torn There were days I slept swell I remember them well I offered people my shoulder One to lean on But it ain't you and it ain't me We couldn't make a world we need We were paralyzed by its decay or feel so anyway At these days I can't sleep I'd rather like to weep I couldn't offer my shoulder Not to lean on It ain't me and it ain't you We couldn't fight for what we need to Like global warming and other distress Against greed that worsens this mess... Bridge Can you still sleep well? Once you'd seen this hell Or do you need a shoulder One to lean on? Oh, it ain't me, and it ain't you We couldn't make the world we need to We still don't know what we must do No, we have no clue Since when are these problems in the air? Or were they always there? Maybe we do need a shoulder One to lean on solo Its so crazy to hear me say within some time all is away Now we really need a shoulder One to cry on Perhaps we still can change our situation? And act with a 'clever' regulation? But it ain't you and it ain't me We haven't the slightest idea We feel so helpless All life is defenseless But it needs you and it needs me to turn this misery...
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Hans,
The opening guitar and bass are really nice. Vocal sits with them nicely.
Good song. Nice message.
Good build to the tracks. Good mix. A good listen.
The vocal gets "just a bit 'hot'" in the second half (but only slightly).
Enjoyed.
fj
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I had a listen yesterday but didn't have time to comment.
As always I really like your vocal, there is a really nice quality to your voice.
Good song, enjoyed the listen.
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Cool tune Hans. Excellent vocal. Super back track
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Hi Hans,
Oh, this is a nice song. As always your vocal is shining... I really appreciate that you are sharing your inspiring tracks with us!
Will
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Hans
Very nice production, a pretty melody, very good vocal and a good band.
Nicely done.
Peter
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Hans,
The opening guitar and bass are really nice. Vocal sits with them nicely.
Good song. Nice message.
Good build to the tracks. Good mix. A good listen.
The vocal gets "just a bit 'hot'" in the second half (but only slightly).
Enjoyed.
fj Hi Floyd, thanks for your words. I am afraid this kind of song will not do much, because of the subject. But I liked it myself, so I posted it after all :-) Maybe I listened to it too much because I didn't notice my 'hot' singing. After your post I immediately adjusted part of the volume in the vocals. I think it is ok by now (?) Thanks for warning me. Hans
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I had a listen yesterday but didn't have time to comment.
As always I really like your vocal, there is a really nice quality to your voice.
Good song, enjoyed the listen.
Hi Dave, I'm glad you listened more quickly than to my earlier song ;-) No, what I really mean is thanks for your nice comment and especially what you say about my vocals. I still have to get used to them sometimes. They're getting older. So..., more dark songs? Hans
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Hi Hans
The news certainly doesn't have much entertainment value. You've channeled the heavy vibes into a good song, though.
Regards,
Leon
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Great up-beat groove to this, turning dark mainly in the chords (and, of course, the lyric). I'm a fan of your vocals and processing from first listen back when.
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I like the entire groove on this.
Got me swaying in my seat.
Good message, nice listen.
moto
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Good arrangement - I liked the changes in instruments. Good vocals as well. While not "entertaining", a good listen. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Very good lyrics on a timely subject, it really feels helpless not to be able to affect so many bad things going on in the world, but we can offer our shoulder to lean on - at least that we can do. The instrumentation is solid and the melody fits the groove of the band nicely. Another enjoyable vocal performance.
Janne
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Hans,
I enjoyed the groove of this ( you got the tempo right I think), its a little upbeat which keeps the mood from getting dark...and your return to the title theme is also positive.
Your vocals always hold my attention; you are as distinctive as ever here.
A good song!
Robert
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Cool tune Hans. Excellent vocal. Super back track Thanks Scott, what nice words, while I was hesitating a bit about the song Gives me spirit to continue... Hi Hans,
Oh, this is a nice song. As always your vocal is shining... I really appreciate that you are sharing your inspiring tracks with us!
Will Wow Will, that is very nice of you! But you know, All..., no most of my songs I share with you and I then hope to get these nice replies! Thank you both, Hans
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Hans, Dark tune with glimpse of hope. Good progression and instrumental arrangement except... Since I believe you not going to cry about, I think piano entering at 1:43 how to say it right...off beat syncopated? it has a certain pumping feel which distracts a little bit. Ohh yes, if you noticed, I have not said anything about vocals. I feel you trained your "mix" ears very well. Do not let it slip, it is a never ending learning process, break the mold of your own expectations - all you need is 'clever' regulation Thank you for sharing! Misha.
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Hi Birchwood,
Lyrics that invites us to think. I like this progression in the introduction of the different musical instruments. As Floyd Jane mentioned, lowering the volume of the new instruments slightly in the second part would be a good idea. The mix is well done. Pleasant composition. Well done.
Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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We were once told that an upbeat vibe can well deliver a
dark message if done right.
This is a great example of that and your passionate
vocal is very powerful.
We really like the band. The build is excellent as are the
later track additions. The lyric and melody are standout.
Really good!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Love that acoustic guitar in the intro! Very engaging chord progression. And I'm always a fan of a building and changing arrangement.
Well written and performed. Very creative!
(on my speakers the eq on the ride and cymbals is really bright and harsh and distracted my attention away from your wonderfully written song)
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Hi Peter, Leon, Tangmo and Captain Moto, Hans
Very nice production, a pretty melody, very good vocal and a good band.
Nicely done.
Peter Thanks a lot, Peter! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hi Hans
The news certainly doesn't have much entertainment value. You've channeled the heavy vibes into a good song, though.
Regards,
Leon Hello Leon, Thanks! And it's not only the news. But I'm glad the song did. Great up-beat groove to this, turning dark mainly in the chords (and, of course, the lyric). I'm a fan of your vocals and processing from first listen back when. Hi Tangmo, It gives me a nice feeling I have you as a fan on my vocals. Thanks for that and your nice comment! I like the entire groove on this.
Got me swaying in my seat.
Good message, nice listen.
moto Hello Captain, It's a nice thing to get you swaying around! It didn't work with me, though. I hoped it would do something. So I'm mighty proud what it did to you. Thanks! Thanks everyone for the nice words, Hans
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