Hello Dave, Floyd, Laurent, Arri and David C,

Thanks for the feedback! I already knew this track would be a challenge with the strings. I had to listen to it a few times before deciding to release it with them in. They sound really good, but also a bit pushy. But they do add that extra tension I was looking for.
The piano also gave me food for thought. While composing the track, I had a different, more conventional piano in the track. But this "New Orleans" piano also gave me that extra feel I was looking for. That's how a song develops, as you - of course- know! Especially if you have the BiaB library at hand, and in my case, a bit of Logic Pro.

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Good one, Hans! Good write, orchestra works, and great vocal as always.
I watched the video 'cause I wanted to see you with the guitar wink And great job on the video too!

Hi Dave, I thought of you when I made this song because of the strings. You told me earlier that you have sensitive ears, so I was a little worried about your reaction. But it turned out that was really nice!
About that video: someone else made it and did something with my photo, my guitar, and A.I. So that "handsome" man you saw isn't as handsome as he is in real life ;-) . I told the creator you really liked it!

Originally Posted by floyd jane
Hans,
Nicely done, Hans.
I enjoyed your orchestra chops. And your message...
I like your vocals in this.
Cool video. What are using to create it?
fj

Hi Floyd, thanks for your kind comment. I'm so glad you liked the strings (and the message).
Regarding the video: please also read what I wrote to Dave (above). This one was made by someone else. I don't know what program she uses, but it's much better than the program I normally use for videos (Canva). I'll ask her and pass on your compliments, okay?

Originally Posted by laurent4114
It's an interesting work of art when you watch the video and listen to the song with its somewhat strange string arrangements. It makes you feel a little uneasy, but it's very well done.
Laurent

Hey Laurent, did the song make you feel uncomfortable, or both the song and the video? I already mentioned that the song isn't very accessible, so I understand it takes some getting used to what you hear and see. Other people said the same, but ultimately they liked it. And in a way, it's understandable that you feel uncomfortable, because of the lyrics and the world we live in now...
Thanks for the compliment!

Originally Posted by Brno
Very interesting song. I liked the idea of adding orchestral parts, but somehow it sounds a bit unfinished: too strong changes between parts and partly muddy vocals. Sometimes it's good to rest a while and then mix it again.

Hi Arri, I was wondering if you could tell me what unclear parts of the vocals you've heard. So far, you're the only one who's noticed this. And don't worry, I take my rest when needed.

Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Hans.
The orchestra can be hard to mix, but I think it works well with the song. It all sounds a bit jagged and off-balanced (instead of being some smooth ballad), which works especially well.
The instrumentation is also interesting, and your voice sounds excellent here.
Nice write, effective song. smile

Hi David, thanks! Yes, I tried not to make it a (too) smooth song, because the lyrics weren't exactly smooth either. You wouldn't believe how many different string instruments I listened to before making the final choice. Just like with the piano.
If you'd heard the first version, it was really—almost—sweet, with two fingerpicking guitars and all. Until I got tired of it!
As I've said in several comments, I wanted a song that was "a little bit special," both in terms of lyrics and instruments. Well, I think I succeeded ;-)

Well, thank you so much for your comments and feedback on the song. If you think my answers deserve a response, you know where to find me!
Hans

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