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#749207 01/15/23 12:00 AM
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Christmas Crackers - a theatre song

https://soundcloud.com/phil-sculthorpe/xmas-crackers-intro-song

It seems an age since I posted anything here. Tbh, I thought hard before posting this. There is such a lot of talent on this Forum and I really don't write 'proper' songs anymore. But, I guess, this does highlight how BIAB can be used for all sorts of musical endeavours.

These days I mostly act, rather than sing. But I have a a sideline in doing music, songs and sfx for small-scale theatre shows. Sometimes I'm lucky and there are real musicians to play the stuff, but often the shows are so small-scale they need pre-recorded tracks.

That's when I turn to BIAB. I'm often give the brief from the Director, 'I want something that sounds like xxxx artist/type of music' and - working ususally to very short timescales - I appreciate BIAB's big range of pre-made styles which generally give me a starting point. I envy other people's ability to slice and dice realtracks to create new 'bands'.

This is the Intro song to a show called 'Christmas Crackers' - a mad-cap comedy about the festive season. The Director wanted an 'anti-Christmas short song, that sets the mood for the silliness of the show'.

I used _KITCHEN.sty. With a few additions from various horns and squeaky things that I keep in the studio for SFX. I think there's a giggle toy in there too, that I borrowed off my granddaughter!

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Decidedly Eric Idlesque.
I enjoyed what I heard. I'll return tomorrow to listen with decent speakers.


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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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That was funny! I thought it was a great write and hits the mark on what was requested of you. The squeaks and things added a lot IMHO.

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A bit of 'skiffle' a bit of 'music hall' and pure theatre - it might be a little song but nonetheless very well done -

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Fun song - enjoyed it a lot! laugh


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
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Great effort on this. Lotsa fun. All the best. Rob4580

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There is a skit by the "Royal Canadien Mounties" done at the Concert for George; kind of a Monty Python thing. I'm going by memory but I think Tom Hanks was amoung them. Anyway, this took me back to that concert; very creative and a jolly, jolly listen.


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For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
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The mix and levels are exactly what a musical would require...a voice & text carried by an appropriate backing.
My only suggestion would be to add a little more bottom end across the mix as it lacks that.


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rayc
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Well done, Phil.

A quality write. Nice production. Well sung!

Always nice to see you drop in again...


fj

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I like it a lot, it definitely has a strong Monthy Python vibe.
I'd also prefer a bit more bottom end.

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Cheers!

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Thanks muchly!

Last edited by Phil Babylon; 01/16/23 08:43 AM.
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Thanks. A positive note from such good songwriter as yourself is very welcome. Let’s hope Thursday night’s first night audience like it too!

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Hi. You’re probably right about the bottom end. I can’t pretend it’s a deliberate mixing decision. However, last few years I’ve got so used to hearing my stuff played through clapped-out, muddy speakers (that the venues can’t afford to upgrade) that I’m sure I do unconsciously tone down the bottom end! Cheers for the note.

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from a london bloke.

this was a hoot mate.

loved it.

give my regards to blighty.

om


my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb)
(lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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