Hi Scott, Ray, Marty, Mario and Misha,

I'm happy you listened and commented this river. All in his own way (no 'her' around here now) and very pleasantly written. Thanks for that in the first place. What I liked most in all the comments you gave was that I got the feeling my mixings are gettig better, so I am on the right track on this issue. And that is something because all of you are at least experts, but mostly veterans. So, there you go!
And the nice part is I listen to you all. But not always follow wise advise...
I react to all of you individually in this post.

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Very very cool Hans. Love the groove in this song. Kick drum really drives the song. Super vocal and lyric. Piano was excellent. Well done. Guitar solo was excellent as well.


Scott, I'm very happy you are so positive on the song, even on the guitar solo. I expected you would offer your services on that part to get decent solo's instead of these tries.


Originally Posted By: rayc
That baritone, (I think) sounds almost like a clavinet which is cool and matches the funky almost reggae feel.
Strong vocals again...could be time to reduce some of the FX that surround it. COOL one.


Ray, I don't use much fx. With recordings of the vocals I use a mike amplifier with some plate voltage and a high/low leveler. After the recording I use some eq, a compressor and a reverb from Native Instruments. No programs like Nectar 3. In this song I used Vocalign for outligning of the bg vocals with the leadvocal, instead of Melodyne. The use of reverb is far less than I did before.
I even did a song without reverb, but that became dull.
What kind of fx you think I'm using? I am very curious on this issue. But thanks a lot for the nice words.


Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Yes, you are the perfect match for the Badman Style. What a great band, and, yes, I'm familiar a bit with ska. This is a very catchy song, and so well delivered, Hans. The is so much emotion in that river, and you flood it to the banks. A really good write.


Marty, I was mistaken with that Bad Man style. I thought it was Batman (the one from Gotham city). So I liked the idea using his style. Later on I saw I was wrong, because Bluage mentioned it in his post to me. I still have to answer him, but he tought I had a message for you all. Of course I have, but a bit differently. I fantasize a lot in my lyrics....
And that river IS emotion ;-)


Originally Posted By: MarioD
Hans, this is your best to date IMHO. Fantastic vocal! Great instrumentation and mix.
I loved this one.


Mario, it feels good to read your post. Short, to the point and fiited in one big compliment. Like that, thanks!


Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Hans,
Two spins later. Composition is one of your best for sure. I would put it in upper 5 tunes I have heard by you. Excellent groove / brakes and phrasing on this. Very mature tune. However, while I like vocals on it (the way you sing) I think they are a bit "under". I have a very neutral AKG headphones, they do not enhance bass and usually your vocals are on higher EQ spectrum, except for the previous tune I have heard that you recorded, which had very a balanced mix. I think fuzz guitar and kick drum is fighting with your vocals. Maybe somebody with better ears can explain better. I any case, VERY enjoyable listen. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.


Misha, it's good to hear from you after that little break of yours (by the way, a good song you made there!). As I am used from you, you listen very intense on the vocals. I was thinking what you said about the battle between the vocals, guitar and kick on the hertz-es.
I think you are right on that, although I don't hear it. I only hear the vocals could be mixed a bit brighter, but I still don't no how. And... I use the same headphones as you with mixing. Thanks for your documented cue and compliments!


I hope I answered your comments correctly, otherwise let me know.
Have a nice day,
Hans

Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130