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Hi, all: Well, here’s my first song of 2024 . . . though it’s been a few years in the making. I wrote this song three or four years ago, and took my first stab at doing a BIAB version thereabouts. I created countless BIAB files with countless variations over the years, but could never get this song to “sing”. I’m still not sure I’ve gotten there . . . but for better or worse I’m putting it out there, if for no other reason than to get it off my darn desktop, LOL! A few production notes: I have to give a big shout out to Rayc on this one. Not only for laying down the bass track, but also for his advice and suggestions on a tune with which I struggled mightily. The original verse and chorus had a fairly similar chord progression, and my attempts to make it more lively (and less monotonous) failed miserably. Ray suggested beginning the chorus with a minor rather than major chord—trust me, it made a big difference. The second challenge was finding a more compelling way to work back from the chorus to the second verse and bridge. Ray suggested I consider an ascending chord progression that resolves back to the verse, and what you hear is what I wrote . . . but what I wouldn’t have but for Ray. Lastly, yes, I know the song is long, just a tad over five minutes (never my preference). But there’s little I’m choosing to edit and any measurable edits would impact the intro, which I’m happy with as is. So if long songs are not your preference . . . well, my apologies. Thanks all for the feedback and listens. Deej Here’s the song:STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Here are the lyrics: (Actually given the length of my post, I’ll simply defer to the lyrics posted on Soundcloud).And here’s the band:Bass: Ray Cochrane RealTracks 3230: Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldLowDarin RealTracks 635: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RootsRockDirty RealTracks 2540: Pedal Steel, Background ModernCountryDreamy RealTracks 2586: Guitar, Electric, Soloist PunkMurray RealDrums: RockThrashHalfTimeEv16^7
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Deej
I liked it, nice write, extremely well sung. Ray plays a strong bass and the U2 like guitars push the song along nicely.
Nice big sound.
Well done.
Peter
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Hi Deej,
Nothing wrong with a long song in my book, just so long as it holds the listeners attention, and yours does.
Good write, excellent vocal, and Ray is right in the pocket.
Excellent!
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You sing so well that every version will "sing," Deej. I've really been enjoying your Spotify channel. Man, inviting Ray was humble genius. I get a lot of cool ideas from him just reading his comments to others. His bass is supberb in here. From a brother bottom dweller I'd bring it up in the mix. But you know where to put that opinion. You're right, there is no way to shorten this masterpiece. In fact; it could be lengthened so I wouldn't have to keep pushing play.
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The usual top-notch quality, both writing and performance, that we are used to from you, Deej. The song is as long as it needs to be, in my view ... I never felt bored, waiting for it to end or anything like that, so no complaints on that, here. Also, yes; hats off to Ray, too, for his contribution - sometimes, one just needs someone to get feedback, advice, etc., from. It helps the end result, right?  That guitar in the background, with its 16th notes ... excellent stuff. Keeps it pulsating, as it were. For me, these lyrics are what took it "over the top": And now I’m ever found
In a place I never thought I’d be
Passing time in this small town
Tied to friends and family
The only moving I do now’s
Bouncing my son upon my knee
And if the world came crashing down
We’d be fine ‘cause we’d be three I really like this "rock side" to your creative output (I know you've written many songs in this genre). This genre is not my usual "go-to" ... but you've really made me enjoy it. Great, great job. A great way to open the New Year with.
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Great lyrics again Deej.
The production is excellent but I think the bass could be more prominent.
This is now a favourite of mine.
Vic
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I knew this one had potential when I 1st listened to it. You did a great job pulling the little rabbit from its hat. My role is less than advertised but it was enjoyable. THANKS!
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Peter, Dave, Marty, James, Vic and Ray:Thanks for the spin and comments. Maybe I might warm up to this one yet! And hey, you bottom dwellers (as Marty says . . . and, yeah, I'm including Vic in that package): I upped the volume on Ray's lovely bass and uploaded the revised version. Hopefully it better meets your low-dwelling expectations. Ray, you undersell yourself as to your contributions . . .truly . . . thanks so, so much! Deej
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Hey, that's a quick five minutes! Nice write, well performed and creatively arranged. GREAT vocals! That's a longish incubation period for a tune, but worth the effort in my view. Nicely done!
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Waterboys vocals with U2- and Floyd-like guitar and bass and way too long ... this is exactly the genre in which Ray can help you best.
I understand your concerns, but I think the result is REALLY good, even at 5:07 long it keeps my attention the whole time.
Great stuff from you 2 guys, I really enjoyed the listen.
A lot!
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D.J.
Man, do I ever love your tunes.
This is just pure rock n roll magic, as usual.
Love it.
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Deej,
WOW. Everything about the is HUGE.
Killer Tracks.
Ray's bass is sweeeet.
An inspired Production. WOW.
A Huge write. Great message, well executed.
As always, amazing vocals.
I thought the vocals sounded a bit "thin" (eq-wise, not vocalist-wise) and sort of "behind" the band. No one else has even mentioned that, so maybe it's just my speakers...
This is some Great Music.
fj
(so...."bottom dwellers" was a pun. A joke, though seeing it repeated all over the place, I see I will regret that....)
Last edited by floyd jane; 01/11/24 01:12 PM.
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This is an excellent song. Deej. Very cool collaboration. super vocal and back track. Rays bass lines were excellent well done.
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I like this. Length is not important as long as you are happy with the results.
Reading the OP, I think the advice Ray provided was good advice. This turned out nicely.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Deej, your vocals are always so good. Ray’s suggestions all worked. The bass sounds good. The length didn’t seem to matter much. I liked this effort a lot! Tom
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Production-wise, this sounds so cool. The guitar on my left, and the (cinema?) guitar on the right. Love the way they sound together. That's a darn good bassist you got there. Your voice is in top form. Good song.
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Deej, Rock and Roll at its best.
I agree with everything that has been said.
A supper collaboration.
Man you can really sing!
Ray did a great job on that bass.
Loved it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Strong story told with a creative touch. Powerful chorus and nice chord progression, Ray's suggestions work well.
Instruments are selected very wisely, everything works together with a big stadion rock sound. Ray's bass has a unique sound and it supports perfectly the airy arrangement.
I enjoyed the great vocals as with your every song.
Long, but not a second wasted, kind of the last song of an album, ending the pleasant listening experience with a satisfied smile like a well-fed child.
Janne
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Deej...I'm a huge fan and as a writer of l-o-n-g songs myself, I agree with Dave that as long as it holds the listeners attention you're fine (I loved American Pie, Layla and In a Gada Davida)...you're fine...so...the production is stellar...Ray killed the bass...I love the ride...and your vocals are Deej...it's a great write with a bare and truthful message...two are better than one...thus an Adam and Eve...way to start the year!!
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10 You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
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Deej,
Great song. Great production. Love the excellent vocal as always.
Bob
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