|
|
|
|
#599726 - 05/29/20 02:59 PM
[User Showcase]
Because I Dream
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Hi, all: Hope everyone is staying safe! This is a collaboration with Carroll Kiphen, who wrote the lyrics. I’ve tried to keep this fairly stripped and straightforward from a production perspective—trying to keep a live acoustic feel as much as possible—as that approach seemed to embody the song best. Hope it’s worth the listen and thanks as always for the feedback and suggestions. Cheers! Deej Here’s the song:BECAUSE I DREAM Here are the lyrics:
I’ve escaped inside of books; pictures that I’ve seen. I’ve lived an exciting life; seen all kind of things. I was born with wings because I can dream. I can fly anywhere, anywhere, anywhere because I can dream. I can glide over mountains; cross over oceans wide. I close my eyes, and I go there in my mind. I was born with wings because I can dream. I can fly anywhere, anywhere, anywhere because I dream. I can see beyond today; sunlight breaking through. I close my eyes and soar up in the blue. I was born with wings because I can dream. I can fly anywhere, anywhere, anywhere because I dream. No chains can hold me— they can’t keep me down. As long as I dream, I’m free of the ground. I can see beyond today; sunlight breaking through. I close my eyes, I close my eyes And every day is new. I was born with wings because I can dream. I can fly anywhere, anywhere, anywhere because I dream. And here’s the band:RealTracks 3497: Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaMountain16thsA Ev16 070 RealTracks 2914: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Folky16thsBrent Ev16 085 RealTracks 2932: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterAlternating8thsQuinn Ev 110 RealTracks 3202: Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist LaidBackBluesyBrent Ev 100 RealTracks 3278: Vocal Mmms, Rhythm RockNRollGospel12-8 4-part Sw 065 RealDrums: RockModernWaltz^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride Loop: Drums/Tambourine 2and4
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599760 - 05/29/20 05:23 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 06/28/06
Posts: 7111
Loc: Scottish Highlands
Veteran
Registered: 06/28/06
Posts: 7111
Loc: Scottish Highlands
|
Hi Deej, Love this song. Kept me hooked from start finish. If anything, I'd like a bit more bass in your voice, maybe use different reverb. LOVED the whole song, oozes quality
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599763 - 05/29/20 05:31 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 15051
Loc: Hamlin NY
Veteran
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 15051
Loc: Hamlin NY
|
You had me from the first line "I’ve escaped inside of books". I like to escape into books!
This is outstanding. Your vocal is really good and your backing tracks are perfect. But your lyrics took it over the top for me.
This is a super song!
_________________________
Seeing how some people wear their masks, I know understand how contraceptives fail!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB and RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software and some hardware.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599770 - 05/29/20 06:06 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1147
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1147
Loc: Maryland
|
I love the song and the vocal, just terrific. The vocal and the guitar sound apart from each other. Might just be me. Let's see what others say.
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599784 - 05/29/20 07:36 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 01/28/12
Posts: 3260
Loc: Murgon Queensland Australia
Veteran
Registered: 01/28/12
Posts: 3260
Loc: Murgon Queensland Australia
|
What a great "Dream".
Nicely done Deej. I enjoyed my listen.
Rob4580
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599786 - 05/29/20 07:41 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Furry, Mario, TuneMonger, and Rob:
Thanks much for the listen and comments. I jumped back in just a few minutes ago and played a bit more with the vocal mix--not sure it's better, but hopefully a bit. Per Furry, I added a bit more reverb and try to bring out the lower register a bit more. Still not sure it clicks with the guitar, but you be the judge. Really appreciated the thoughtful comments all!
Stay well, stay safe!
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599791 - 05/29/20 11:07 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1019
Loc: United Kingdom
Expert
Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1019
Loc: United Kingdom
|
Well!!! Wow :-) Let me breathe and jot down a few thoughts :-)
1. The lyrics are stunning.
2. You've captured just the right style, tempo, melody line, etc., to bring them out. This could really be an anthem for our generation, today's generation.
Dreaming and imagination is the most important thing, I think, for anyone to have - if only because it allows us to "see things in advance" (to give an example of what I mean: a person who can dream/imagine says "Oh, I see a fire ... I won't put my hand in it, my imagination says I might burn myself!"; whereas a person who cannot dream/imagine says "Oh, I see a fire ... let me put my hand in it and see if I burn myself!". The person who can dream/imagine can therefore avoid consequences of bad acts in advance, by imagining what might happen - the person who cannot dream/imagine needs to put their hand in the fire first, so to speak, and only then - in retrospect - realise that it does burn ... once their hand is already burnt. Hope this makes sense!). The ability and capability to dream/imagine is therefore a survival tool, but it also allows us (as the lyrics state) to enrich our lives (and souls) beyond measure.
You've nailed the song, once more. As I said: an anthem, one that - for me - ought to be blasted from the rooftops, in support of those of us that do dream :-) Well done!!!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599796 - 05/30/20 12:21 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2774
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2774
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
|
Yep,
the 1st line is a hook in its own right.
Good simple & effective arrangement.
Vocal performance is fab as usual.
AND as usual you know what I'd say about the "room".
Lovely stuff.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599832 - 05/30/20 06:31 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
James and rayc,
Thanks for the listen and feedback. Glad the song generally worked, although my first attempt at a fix on the vocal mix didn't quite work. Listening again this morning I think I actually made it worse. So I tried take three and updated the link. Not sure why I struggle as much as I do on this. But anyway, I'm leaving it as is for a while--maybe some distance will help if I revisit it. Thanks much!
Safe wishes to both of you!
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599840 - 05/30/20 06:55 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1019
Loc: United Kingdom
Expert
Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1019
Loc: United Kingdom
|
Wow - what a difference a change in mix makes. Even better than before - your voice is now so much clearer, the background humming comes through more ... I don't know what you've done, but, whatever it is, I agree with it :-)
Still ... mixing is all well and good, as I always say, but - to me - the actual process of songwriting is so important. You have both ... you know how to mix as well as (the main thing for me) songwrite. Good job.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599844 - 05/30/20 07:21 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7424
Veteran
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7424
|
I like books. They take you to places across time and universes.
Nice song and nice mix. Someone else mentioned the vocals.... so I'm thinking yeah, you sound like you're halfway across the room. Try getting up closer to the mic. If its a dynamic, get right up on it, if it's condenser, get closer as well...This song really needs a more intimate sounding vocal in it.
So far, so good. I'd consider doing another vocal take to get that vocal right.
_________________________
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. As the sword chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599850 - 05/30/20 07:52 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 9019
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 9019
Loc: Florida
|
Deej,
The backing tracks are really nice. Just what the song/lyric call for.
The opening guitar sounds great.
Your vocal is good. I think is has more high EQ than it should - which sets it apart from the backing guitar. There is a "warmth" to the guitar that is not reflected in the vocal processing. Your singing is clear and distinctive - so it can stand to have some high EQ rolled off (that is something that is not true of many other folks).
It is a nice song. I thought the tempo was a bit fast for the lyric message - a slower tempo would give more of a dream sense.
fj
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599855 - 05/30/20 08:08 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 09/09/17
Posts: 718
Loc: Virginia
Journeyman
Registered: 09/09/17
Posts: 718
Loc: Virginia
|
Beautitul lyrics written by Carroll Kiphen, I know him from the BMI songwriter site some years ago. He was always writing everyday and sometimes had a real winner! I really like the theme of these. Personally, I feel the more simple musical arrangements are in order when the lyrics are the shinning star. To me, it really puts the message in the spotlight.
Your vocals have an usual sound which are very interesting. I like your vocals a lot, so just offering a constructive suggestion as you are trying different takes. What if they were softer and more tender at times, varying the intensity? It's a beautiful song with a lot to say. Good collab with you two.
Edited by Belladonna (05/30/20 08:10 AM)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599888 - 05/30/20 03:15 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 2990
Veteran
Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 2990
|
Deej,
I enjoyed the feel you bring to the song- your vocal raises the intensity and makes it sound personal ( the lyrics have a kind of universal Jonathan Livingston Seagull positivity I like).
The paired guitars are a good choice.
Lots of advice already on how to capture more of an intimate vocal sound- that said you are clearly one of the best singers on this forum so I`ll keep listening!
Robert
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#599950 - 05/31/20 05:05 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 3628
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Veteran
Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 3628
Loc: Ontario, Canada
|
Excellent writing!
And excellent vocal too, you have such an expressive and unique voice.
As far as mix goes I read your comment about leaving it alone for a while. That is something I always do, I'll revisit a song with fresh ears after a month or so and hear stuff I missed the first time. It's pretty close already though IMHO.
Very good song, enjoyed!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#600322 - 06/03/20 04:50 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Guitarhacker]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Guitarhacker,
Great advice . . . and that's what I've done, hopefully more apparent in the updated version. You are spot on regarding the distance from the microphone. For some reason, I've been moving further and further away from it when recording (overly concerned about the sibilance among other things maybe).
I did a revised take real close to the mic recording at a lower volume. I probably still haven't nailed it, but I think it's made a difference here (and certainly on the next song I hope to post in the next day or so).
Thanks again!
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#600323 - 06/03/20 04:52 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: floyd jane]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Floyd,
See above message to Guitarhacker regarding the re-take on the vocals. I also dialed down the high end just a bit more--hopefully it works better for you.
I hear what you're suggesting on the tempo . . . . just a conscious decision on my part to keep the tune moving and closer to the 3 minute mark rather than 4--although it sits midway as is.
Thanks as always for the helpful feedback.
Cheers!
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#600325 - 06/03/20 04:55 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Belladonna]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Belladonna,
Thanks for the comments. This is actually my third collaboration with Carroll, who is prolific in terms of output. The nice thing about his lyrics is that when they resonate with me they almost always seem to be easy to put to a melody, which makes it convenient, as I tend to be a bit lazy sometimes, LOL!
Good suggestions about varying the vocal intensity. Not sure I'm up for another vocal retake on this one, but it's good advice to keep in mind generally.
Thanks.
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#600326 - 06/03/20 04:59 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: BlueAttitude]
|
|
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
Expert
Registered: 04/23/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Mill Valley, California USA
|
Dave,
Thanks for the kind words . . . Yeah, I think I need to be a bit more patient sometimes putting a song out there. But then again, I usually don't hear the flaws until someone points it out to me, LOL. But it's almost always a better song when I come back to it after a while. Problem is I'm usually so sick with a song by the time I'm done with it that I'm not always so eager to revisit it, LOL!
Thanks for you input and support.
Cheers!
Deej
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#600463 - 06/04/20 12:56 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Because I Dream
[Re: Deej56]
|
|
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9943
Loc: GA USA
Veteran
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9943
Loc: GA USA
|
The two of us haven't been w/o a current read since childhood.
Dreams and books ... what a wonderful lyric indeed.
We resisted the temptation to parse out our favorite lines.
It's all very strong.
We liked the stripped down sound. It's all that's needed
for the lyric and your heartfelt vocal (as Dave said a
" ... expressive and unique voice."
Much enjoyed!
J&B
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 für Windows® ist hier!
Wir waren fleißig und haben 80 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 202 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI-SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, Artist Performances, Bonus RealDrums "Singles", RealDrums Transkriptionen, MultiStyles PAK 1, Xtra Styles PAK 10 und vieles mehr!
Was ist neu? | Paket
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Windows - New Intro Options!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2021 there are additional options for generating an intro!
Within Band-in-a-Box, choose Song Form | Generate Intro to see all the different options available:
-All Instruments
-Drums only
-Bass and Drums
-NEW! Bass only
-NEW! Bass then Bass & Drums
-NEW! Drums then Bass & Drums
-NEW! Piano Only
-NEW! Guitar Only
-NEW! Strings Only
-NEW! Custom - you pick!
Band-in-a-Box® 2020 for Mac Update Available!
We've updated our Band-in-a-Box® 2020 for Mac to enhance Big Sur and M1 capabilities, improve the notation window, resolve AIFF rendering errors, as well as addressing a few other user-reported issues.
Using Band-in-a-Box® 2020 for Mac? Update for free today.
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2021!
Band-in-a-Box® Guitar Features!
Today* is Get Out Your Guitar Day!
Band-in-a-Box® has many features for guitarists, whether you're learning or on your way to being a pro, or you are a pro!
Are you using an UltraPAK+ or own the Songs & Lessons PAK? Lessons from our Master Solos Series can be accessed right in the Practice Window! (Alt Shift L)
Use the resizable Guitar Window to follow-along with the on-screen fretboard, which is customizable to displays alternate guitar tunings, notes are highlighted as the song plays, and includes many more useful features for to help you learn!
The Woodshedding feature is perfect to help you progress while learning a song along with Band-in-a-Box®! This feature speeds up the song every time the song loops to the beginning, and you can also choose to loop a highlighted section within the song to really focus on the you could use a little more practice with.
Most of our guitar RealTracks include RealCharts so that you can see the notation and tab, allowing you to see exactly what the pros are playing!
A Band-in-a-Box® 2021 UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition includes over 1,400 guitar RealTracks contributed by more than 50 different REAL musicians!
There are so many things a guitarist can do with Band-in-a-Box® - what's your favorite guitar feature? Do you have a "go-to" RealTracks Guitarist Artist you use for most of your songs?
*February 11, 2021
Big Sur & M1 Compatibility Added to Band-in-a-Box® 2020 for Mac!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Windows for Free!
Using Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Windows? Download the latest free update today!
With this latest update, notation display in Japanese has been enhanced, improvements have been applied to Bar and Song Settings, the MIDI volume change events will now be included in exported MIDI files, you can now import the lyrics with your MIDI files, export Utility Tracks notation as video, and we've resolved additional user-reported issues.
Make sure you download your latest Band-in-a-Box 2021 for Windows update today!
Tip: Head to Help | Check for Update... to put a checkmark beside "Automatically check for updates every..." and choose your day count to always stay up-to-date with your installation of Band-in-a-Box®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33960 Members
67 Forums
68331 Topics
585732 Posts
Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean