Hi Dave, Brain, Ron, Floyd, Marty, Noel and Vic

You had to wait a couple of days, but then... here are my replies to your lovely words/comments/posts or whatever you want to call them. As long as you know I still am very pleased with their content!

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Hi Hans,
Like I said over on YT, love your vocal!
And I like the song arrangement too, very effective when you kick things up a notch at 1:10.
Nice!

Hi Dave, few words, huge compliments. Thanks!

Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
I like the combination of your lyrics and your singing, Hans.
They are both sad and intense.
The text resonates with me because, due to certain events that would take too long to explain here, I decided early on in my life never to let go of this inner child. This may sometimes annoy other people (just ask my wife smile ), but it is a great source of inspiration and allows me to do things that a "grown-up" person would never imagine to do.

Hi Brain, because of all thinks in my life, I discovered I forgot that child... You don't have to consult my wife, I knew it myself. But yes, caring for your 'own child' is quite a challenge. But it also gives an inner dimension, one you know you need. But now my wife would interfere; it's her I need to care...
What a life we, sensitive guys, have. Don't you agree?

Originally Posted by DC Ron
Super song, Hans. Beautiful sentiment and equally beautiful arrangement. Love your vocals and the strategic vocal layering. Super mix, too.
Like the lyrics, the music has a lot going on beneath the surface, but it comes off as quite listener-friendly. At least I know THIS listener loved it. smile

Hi Ron, you hit the nail on the head; there's a lot going on beneath the surface. And I'm really pleased with the twist you came with after that. This reader loves how you put it into words!

Originally Posted by floyd jane
Hans,
Good re-do.
Interesting lyrics and interesting use of BIAB.
fj

Hi Floyd, I'm so glad you listened to it and liked it! You're still the master of great lyrics and songs. That's why I'm so happy. Thanks!

Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Love this song, Hans. Such a good write, and I really enjoy the feeling the music conveys. In it there are various moments of music that you deviate so well with the perfect touch of dynamics, and they seem to corelate with the various rolls of the dice in one's life. Speaking of choices, excellent choices of bandmates. Vocals are superb and the mix is spendid.

Hi Marty, what a nice way to say you're proud of me! (Or am I mistaken?) I got a message from you the other day: "So what's next after 'The Dice'??? I'm still working on that, Marty, but your encouragement means a lot to me! Thanks so much, my friend!

Originally Posted by Noel96
Hi Hans.
For me, this song was a very creative musical exploration of "the meaning of life". It's easy to hear that a great deal of effort has gone into the lyrics and melody, the arrangement and its production. I seriously congratulate you. Your singing was a perfect match for the nature of the song's existential theme. It was definitely worth revisiting and re-investing time in this song smile
--Noel

Hi Noel, you're absolutely right. The lyrics were the most difficult part, combined with the kind of music I wanted to create. In my first draft, I used two pianos, and here, halfway through, a full band was added. That took some getting used to, but I felt it was necessary. Because it made the heavy song lighter, without compromising the story. Thank you for seeing this all and of course your complimentson it!

Originally Posted by vicarn
Hullo Hans.
I don't think remember hearing the previous version, but this is a very interesting one in it's chord structure
and arrangement.
I am a fan of natural sounds, so not keen on vocal layering but that's just my own preference.
Overall, I like this. Well done.
Vic

Hi Vic, it doesn't matter if you've heard the previous version or not. You've heard it now. And I appreciate that!
I do have a question; you wrote that you're not a big fan of vocal layering, and I was wondering what that means for my vocals.
Did I use vocal layering? How, where? I always record my vocals in one take; the whole song at once.
Then I double my vocals for some extra volume. That's all (except for the reverb and delay). Do you call that "layering"? Feel free to explain. I'm really curious!

Thank you all and have a very nice day,
Hans

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