Hi everyone,

Once in a while I feel the need to write a song about one of my cats. Mostly the lyrics will explain it's about a cat when the song is half way, or in this case at the chorus. https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/looking-for-you

I didn't plan to make this kind of song, but one of my cats was missing for some hours (too much for me). At the same time I was doing some recordings and thought 'why not sing about my stress about the cat'?
In the first version of the lyrics I let him die, because he was so long away. A car might had run over him. That same evening he walks in as if nothing happened. Only expecting his food right away. So, all my stress was for nothing. In the lyrics I made him alive again :-)

The song got a higher tempo and I also tried to give the song a little reggae touch. That's why i used the reggae drums. Don't think everyone will notice that, though. But judge for yourself.

The lyrics are on SoundCloud, so I left them out here.
Of course I exaggerated terribly in the lyrics, but it could have happened, don't you agree?

Hope you will enjoy the song, even if you are no cat lover, but please let me know what you think of it,

Hans

===========================================================================
The info on the band and style:
Style is _ZEN_DAY.STY (Zen Day Songwriter Pop w Vocals), key A, tempo 90
(I changed many of the original instruments in this style)

RealTracks in song: 2612:Bas, Electric
RealTracks in song: 3080:Mandoline
RealTracks in song: 3058:Guitar, Acoustic
RealTracks in song:3052: Accordeon
RealTracks in song: 3351:Guitar, Bariton
RealTracks in song: 2364:Synth, ElectroFlutes
RealTracks in song: 3236:Guitar, Nylon
RealDrums [in Song:ReggaeTambo^1-a:Sidestick, Tamborin , b:Sidestick, Kick
Keyboard: Piano Colors (Native Instruments)

Wow, what a stressful time, Hans. Really glad it came to a happy ending. I like the hint of reggae. Vocal as always is top-notch. You also always create the most interesting chord changes. I like the urgency in the song, and can almost hear your relief when they found him. Great use of the RTs, everything seems perfectly selected to add the right touch at the right time.

This made me smile Hans! I have 4 myself and they are all treated like royalty! Glad the little guy came back! Love the song and you did an excellent job on it! The vocal exudes real emotion in it! The style of music suits this perfectly! Vocals are excellent as usual for you! Thanks, Torrey

Hans,

Good song! Glad that your cat returned! Happy ending...

Excellent BAND. Perfect music bed. The flutes were a good addition and gave the song a "lift" at the appropriate time...a bit Beatle-ish with the flutes (and the chorus sounded a bit John Lennon-ish the way you sang it)

Excellent vocal. One of your best.

Very good mix.

Music well done.

fj

wife and i love cats.
we were always owned by them. lol.
we had one once we called the "empress of siam" ..
she lasted 16 years and we spoiled her rotten lol.
very nice cat sentiments/lyrics hans.
best
om

Hans,
cool song but three things struck me:
There's something hyped and a bit too aggressive in your vocal treatment. I suspect that hearing fatigue would happen after a couple of end to end listens.

the kick drum is quite aggressive in tone and level..not much can be done in BIAB but a multi band compressor might let you treat it in a DAW.

and

Lyrics...
"I called you so many times
Wishing you would hear my sound
But that didn't happen
While I thought we had a bound"
I think the correct final word in that stanza may be "bond".

A lovely story, a good melody and structure.

Hans,

Loved this clever and well put together production. Great vocal!

Bob

Hi Ray,

I answer your post first, so probably the others will be angry in a while. But I had to!
You were complaining about 3 issues and while I like to disagree on each of them, I couldn't. You were right. Yes, it's there, right before you: You were right on 2 (at least)!



What I did after your post:

1. The lyrics: I normally check the use of proper English in my lyrics, but I did not on words I thought were right. So, I changed them.
2. Fatique singing: Because of the changing of the lyrics I had to do the singing again. You said fatique would happen if people listen to my song. I don't agree with you, of course, but I kept it in mind while singing again. My cat liked it.
I hope this new singing stands your fatique test. Let me know!
3. The drum volume: I wanted a snappy sound of reggaedrums and raised the volume a bit more than I normally do. But after your complains I altered the volume again. Not that I agree with you, but maybe someone else complains on it as well. So I engaged in risk-averse behavior (!)

And on SoundCloud I thanked you for your efforts making me a better musician. And in this post I also thank you for your compliments on the song.

Bye Ray, have a nice day,
Hans

Hans,
so much effort on my behalf.
The voice thing is due to something in your processing - often aural exciters like the BBE Maximizer - sound fabulous when 1st switched on. They enliven certain frequencies but SOMETIMES the boost of those frequencies causes aural fatigue: after a couple of listens. Re singing won't necessarily address this unless you avoid those frequencies when singing but checking the EQ before and after processing may point out those areas. If you were able to send me a copy of your vocal track before & after processing I'd probably be able to pin pint the area so you could avoid it in the future.
The drums...as I said it was a sound within a stereo mix...hard to deal with unless you have a very surgical parametric EQ (like ME's use).
The ONE word - well, it's not your 1st language and is easily done within a 1st language anyway. I pointed it out as it was noticeable - being at the end of a line etc.
Remember, I said it was a cool song - and it is.

Another very nice song Hans!! Got to hear two of yours today......a treat!! Take care. Greg

Hans,
This is probably the most romantic cat tune I have heard
Cool idea and lyrics! Very good composition with many interesting instrumental and vocal parts. (Don't you think we need more of similar flutes in BIAB?) While I think overall mix is good, I think vocals are a bit too loud. So it is not the whole mix, but the balance between instrumentals and vocals. Liked it! Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

P.S. Cats are the best!

Hans, this dog loving person liked your cat song; I am allergic to cats.

Very clever lyrics, I liked the way one would have thought it was about a women at the beginning. Excellent vocal. The backing tracks were perfect.

This is a winner.

Hi Hans,

A clever song, nicely put together.

Loved the hint of reggae in there - I was expecting a steel drum solo to appear.

It's great when someone posts something which is a bit different and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Glad it had a happy ending!

ROG.

Hi there Marty, Torrey, Floyd and Muso,

I am very pleased with your comments on this song about a cat. I wasn't expecting much reactions on it, since people more like dogs, or don't like songs on animals at all. As I wrote in my intro I write them once in a while. And because my cat act as if he was lost the song came sooner than expected. I was working on some Bluessong. That has to wait till august now.

Ray came with some serious comments on the used language. Especially the word 'bound'. While I tought I was in a save situation using it, because my brother in law (an Australian like Ray) helped me with some lyrics and used the word boud in the same way I was using it here. Now which Aussie was right. But I couldn't take the risk and chanced the lyrics on that and more. Took me all morning for the re writing and the rest of the day to do the singing and so on. A nice guy, Ray ;-)

But thanks for the comments. Below I answer them individually:



Marty, when I posted the song I wrote I was 'exaggerated terribly in the lyrics'. The disappearance of him was the cause for my fantasy on the topic. He came back severall hours later as if nothing has happened. But I like it when people act the same as I do. Thinking of all that could have happened and having some kind of stress for the time this went on. Terrible! And you heard it right. The relieve was there. But I liked the song as it was buil up and you did too. Thanks!



Torrey, I hope the smile was about the happy end! But I'm glad you treat your cats the same as I do. My wife always sighted when she sees what I am buying for them. And it's true; you are certainly not their boss, but their slave in every way!
Thanks what you wrote about the song and the vocals. I'm happy you liked it. That real emotion in my vocals sometimes gets in the way when I sing very sad songs, or about dead (the first version of this song). Then it breaks my voice and I have to start recording it all over. Silly me...



Floyd, you always took your time to say things very clear. I like that, but often forget to tell you. I am getting a bit curious about that guy 'Lennon'. If I can be compared with him, how come I am not that famous as he was? Sure, I have no Joko on my side, but that can't be it. No, I'm kidding a bit, Floyd. I think I'm famous too. Thanks to your well-founded criticism. I learn from that!



Muso (I shorten your name, but only because of my need to write efficiently). You and I are alike! See what I wrote to Torrey about the cats. I give them two slices of ham every morning and they expect me to do so. And they let me feel it if there is no ham (sometimes that happened because of Corona), but none of my cats were called an empress. They sure act they are!
Still I hope you also enjoyed the song or tell me what I did wrong in it, like the lyrics for instance. I don't melt from criticism, I learn from it!

So thanks all of you for your nice replies. Gives me the boost to make music!
Hans

Very enjoyable. I can imagine George Harrison singing this (and doing an awesome slide guitar solo.)

Really !!

Hi Hans,

we sure akre different: I prefer to write songs about the lady I love, you prefer to write love songs for cats...

But what the heck - it's a funny one with a very good backing track and, again, some unexpected chord progressions in the transitions.

Nice job, Hans.

All the best,

Stefan

It sounds like a lost cut from the Sgt. Pepper's sessions. Great band with the mando, flute and those reggae drums fit the groove perfectly.

Nice write and vocal and mix.

We can relate to the missing cat as our Border Collie has gone missing chasing deer.

So it all ended with a happy cat, a happy Hans and a happy song

Enjoyed it!

J&B

Your song made me smile.
Cat owners and lovers will relate.
Very creative use of the software.
Much enjoyed.

Hi Ray :



Don't take it for granted, Ray ;-)
But this time you were right...
Although, my brother in law suggested 'Bound' in another song and he is also an Australian. See, what enormous problems I face when writing songs in another language. In 'nUne riposte' you did very well on your French!

And the drums? I think i did it in my mix. I used severall drum tracks made out of the one in BiaB. Normally you would have loved the sound of it.

Hans

Hi Bob and Greg

Although it sounds a bit cliché, I'm happy with your compliments. But that sounds cliché too. Still I do appreciate your comments.
Below I respond to each of you.



Bob, thank you for this. I start to believe my vocals are really good, since I hear these compliments about them. And the cat sleeps on the couch now...



Greg, I tasted the word 'another'. Tasted very good. And you heard both my songs and still no sign of fatique about the vocals? I hope I don't become arrogant now. Thanks a lot!

I was planning to comment on more posts, but accidently pressed the send button. I could only edit this post.

I wish you both a very good day,
Hans

Hello Misha, Mario, Rog, Mark and Beatmaster,

that were some very nice comments on this Cat song! I liked them all. I think Beatmaster scored very high with a one word reply. Wonderful!
Down here I reply to all of you individually:



Misha, to start with your last sentence; Yes, that's what they are. Although they misuse me all the time when I'm supposed to be their master...
Thanks for your nice word. I agree we need more flutes and certainly more modern flutes in BiaB. This wasn't even a flute, but a synth.
I was hesitating on replacing them with flutes of my own library. But this flute sounded a bit happy and reminded me of butterflies swirling around the scene.

About the loudness of my vocals. I agree with you and so I adjusted them (and the background vocals) immediatly. I also lowered the volume of the drums some more. Where would I be without the ears of this forum! And you know by now, I don't mind how you write down these suggestions, as long as you give them. That is one of the reasons we have this forum, I hope.



Mario, I don't know why, but I am not surprised you are a dog lover. I hope your allergy to cats is just because of their fur, not what they are (other than their arrogance). I also like dogs. We had two German shepherds once, but cats are easier to handle (if they don't run away). And it is like you mentioned: I wrote the lyrics so it puts the listener on the wrong leg in the beginning. When 'the wrong food' comes in there will be some surprise when the subject seems to be different.
I was hesitating posting this song on the forum. I certainly didn't think it would be a winner, but if you say so that will be great then. Thanks!



Rog, thanks for your words. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't catch that reggae effect as I heard it in my head. And actually I really tried the steel drums! However they were very overpowering, especially on the flute. I am very glad you liked the song. I thought that 'animal lovesongs' wouldn't do a thing. But it looks I am wrong!



Mark, you made a nice comparison! Although I was also compared with John Lennon. So you need to come with someone more special...
And a slide guitar isn't my favorite, so probably I will misuse that intrument in a terrible way.



Beatmaster, I still wonder if I can take this as a compliment or not. That one word becomes a riddle to me! I bet you did that on purpose, don't you? Are you a cat lover as well?
In case it is meant as a compliment, I thank you for that!


Thanks for dropping by and commenting the song.
Have a nice day today
Hans

W

Interesting concept for a song! Glad it had a happy ending

I like the chord progression and always like your vocal.

Enjoyed!

'Maybe I gave you the wrong food, didn't play with you enough'. Those lines made me smile, Hans (as did the whole production). I had a cat once who went missing for two weeks. Sure was pleased when she turned up again.
Regards,
Leon

Hi Stefan, Janice and Bud, and mrs Sundance (Josie),

Your replies are so very kind, I enjoyed them. and all that for a cat that isn't missing anymore!
Below is my answer to all of you personally :-)




Stefan, I already have a wife that I love. I missed a cat!
And cats can make strange jumps, as you may know. That why those unexpected chord progressions were in. But thanks, man. Sent my love to Maha (don't forget!). She understands the meaning of this song...



Janice and Bud, I know you are doglovers. You told me so when I released another cat song some time ago. I do like dogs too. We had 2 German Shepherds and some cats, as well as a nasty donkey and an even nastier monkey. But that was once...
Have you found your Border Collie again? I do hope so! But you are right about the result of my song; 3x happyness! But what did Sergeant Pepper has to do with it? They had no cats in their sessions?



Josie, your reply made me smile too. You confirm what I heard yesterday about the size of this 'cat movement'. The even have Rap and hiphop songs about cats. But the other part of your comment is about my usage of BiaB. Well, it is a great piece of software that inspires me a lot.

Have a very nice day today,
Hans

Hi Dave and Leon,

Thanks for your replies on the song. Amazing what a cat song can do, don't you think?




Dave, you make me curious about that 'interesting concept'. If I fill it in, I think you mean the way the cat comes in the story. It starts as some kind of love story and it turns to be a cat. But maybe you have something else in your mind?
As a matter of fact, the cat now is gone again, but I will wait a bit longer before making songs on that issue again...
And thanks for the compliments, especially on the vocals. I hope to keep it that way, Dave!




Leon, it were these lines that made me smile too, when they came in my head. At first it was only the food, bacause I wanted little changes on the lyrics of chorusses, but then changed my mind and added that 'playing' part too. Thanks for your observation on that.
And you just told me you know what goes through every part of you when your cat is missing.


I will listen to your songs now!
Hans

I like cats, so good to hear another song about one of them Glad to hear that your cat came back, they are so independent and mysterious that you never know what's going to happen. I don't have a cat no cat owns me, but I'm considering now making a song about them

Very enjoyable rhythm created with the acoustic guitar and drums, the baritone guitar and the flute complement it perfectly. Also the use of the accordion is very creative choice. Very nice chord progression, especially in the intro and the chorus. Great vocals as always. Excellent work overall!

Janne

I love my cat so I know what you sing about. My cat demands to go out and if she's not back every few minutes I begin to freak out. Of course my hat is off to you for being able to put it in such a well crafted song. Great lyrics. Great vocals. The band sounds like the Beatles at times. Nice one.

Now, my good Hans !

What a superb tune, your best I presume
at least of them I´ve heard !
As it is I have had many cats myself !
at least two of them were black and white !
My last cat was a birma who lived till 20
and her name was Lady, she was a wonderful
cat indeed !

I am eased to know you found your
cat ! huh...must have been a gruesome
experience ! I think I lost two that
way !

I liked very much what I heard
and wish you and your cat all
the best in life !

Cheers
Dani

Cool lyric Hans. Loved the song. Where would we be without our fur babies. Excellent choice of instruments for your backtrack. Well done

Hi Janne, Jptjptjpt, Dani and Scott,

It was nice to read your comments on this cat song. I thik there are some real catlovers around here. Very nice to see!.
Thanks for your comments and I try to answer your posts individualy beneath:



Janne, the thing I hear the most is cats own servants and we have to obey / feed our cats.
At first i was worried a lot my cat didn't show up for some time, but after he returned, and meowed that everything is OK, he left again for some time. And then appears again (for his food). My two other cats do the same now. i think it's because of the nice weather. At this very moment I hear dogs barking and (my) cat(s) meowing. What to do? At least no more cat songs for the moment...
And thanks for your comments on the band. I had to do some puzzling on the chords.



JptJptJpt, i had to laugh about you freaking out when your cat is away for some minutes. You're worse than me at this!
And thank you for your nice words on my composition. Especially what you said about the Beatles. I think they would have been jealous!



Dani, As I said, cat lovers will recognize the song and feelings. Exactly as you wrote.
Today I saw with friends another black and white cat (a little fatter) like mine. So, very common cats. Nothing special.
Still they can steal your heart! I think your experience was more cruesome. You lost your cats (2) I retrieved mine. The other two stayed around all the time.

I hope you find the time to listen to more of my songs and tell me what is good or bad. Within a week I will come with a classic Blues with sax. Maybe you would like it even more than the cat song! Hope you have a nice time in Spain, Dani. All the best and lots of inspiration,
Hans



Scott, I thought you already reacted on the song as Spirit Level! Thanks for your comment and your remak=rk/guestio about the 'fur babies'. Sometimes I rather like to speak about the as 'furry' demanding egoists, but that is a lot of discussion...

As I said, it's very nice to get your kind reactions on this issue.
Maybe they all run away to let me make a new song on them...

Have a nice day everyone,
Hans

Hans...

Emotionally and musically, I think your song is a special event on this forum because, first, it's poignant:

"I called you so many times
Wishing you would end your roam
But that didn't happen
While I thought we shared a home"

Second, the drama is balanced with a little humor:

"Why you left me, I don't wanna know
Maybe I gave the wrong food"

And, third, your music blends just the right amount of melancholy caused by the temporary loss of the cat, with the hope of its recovery and the joy over it's eventual return.

I agree with the other forum members' comments about your use of the flutes. They added a lightness of tone that suggested a happy ending could be in store.

Anyone who believes that they need the presence of a domesticated animal in their lives will identify strongly with the truthful feelings you exposed in your song. It's a different kind of love story, and that makes it quite charming and memorable.

Hans,

I haven’t gotten around to doing a lot of listening lately, but I popped in a few days ago and saw the title of of you post. How could I not make sure I heard a song about a missing cat? As a happy owner of two little cat critters can totally relate.

The tune and production itself is definitely not missing. Catchy chorus and a great vocal. Like the electro flutes a lot. And who doesn’t love a happy ending! Great work!

All my best,

Deej

This is a great song! Love the passion in the vocals for that wandering feline.

Your instrument choices give the song additional flare. So cool!