Originally Posted by Knee Wobbler
glad you went back to get this one finished. It opens with a lot of attitude and keeps building throughout. I particularly liked the drum pattern and the two guitars duelling it out for supremacy in the solo. I like the vocal contrast from the end of the verses and goes into the “no matter how” falsetto of the chorus, that’s a winning hook right there. Another good video also, now I know what you get up to in the Blue Mountains!!
K-dub-ya! How does ya? Drum pattern - I didn’t notice the drummer so s/he must’ve been doing okay. The guitar solos was a random idea - I cut two sections and plonked them together - one a little left and the other a little right, and … voila! Fluked it! I’m happy with the falsetto, given my initial apprehension when recording. Blue Mountains? We’ve only been once, and on the day we were there, our view of the rain filled dark clouds was occasionally obscured by the three sisters.

Originally Posted by John Walradt
Wow, Andrew, what a melody! The punk styled verses drew me right in and then the terrific surprise of the Beatle-esque orchestrated chorus. Great choice of guitars! I love it! You mentioned changing keys in writing the song. When I send a song to a vocalist, I often send it in three different keys and let the vocalist choose the most comfortable one. It's one of the beauties of Band in a Box. I'm playing this a third time I like it so well.
Thank you John! Yes, it does have a bit of ‘punk’ to it, doesn’t it? Regarding keys, because I sing my own yet have a fairly narrow range, unless I already have a melody in mind, I usually start with a chord or chord progression, then pick a starting note in the notation window - usually in the range of G to C on the treble clef - knowing that gives me room to go up or down but still within my range. My melody writing has been informed by two thoughts I heard in recent years: distinctive melodies have larger interval jumps, and one famous songwriter tended to use lines with single note melodies or melodies varying only by a semitone or tone as a means of tension and release to one with more movement.

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
I'm hearing the Bowie vibe happening too with this one, his early stuff.
Good changes, good guitars, good vocal. I especially like how you handled verse 4, very effective way to lead into the guitar solo.
Nicely done, enjoyed.
Thanks Dave! Verse 4 - I’m always conscious of creating variety in a song, but based on familiarity. I think the Bowie vibe comes from 1. The falsetto note 2. My sometimes Brit accent and 3. The band/style choice.

Originally Posted by MarioD
Andrew, this is a fantastic song
I agree this song has the British vibe
Great vocal, chord progression, and mix
One of your best for sure.
Thanks Mario! Over half the time when writing, I am starting with a chord progression, and if that sparks my interest, I’m off to a good songwriting start. Maybe I should get a tee-shirt “I have a British vibe” but be careful not to wear in certain locations e.g. Boston. smile

Originally Posted by floyd jane
Cool one, Andrew.
Good BAND. Nice use of the BIAB players.
Nice change up at 1:50... followed by some nice solos.
Good vocals.
Well mixed - vocals sit nicely, bass and drums sound good. Guitars, too.
Good listening.
Thanks Floyd! If it’s good to your ears, I know I’m on a winner. Seriously having to consider if I extend the guitar solo or bring it back later - but don’t want to spoil a good thing - ‘Leave them wanting more’.

Thank you to all for listening!

Andrew

Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes