Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
You need to be logged in to post
Options
Index
#694578 - 12/28/21 04:10 PM [User Showcase] Living in the Shadows
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Ezekiel's Storm Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Living in the Shadows

This song doesn't have much in the way of hooks. It's a bit of a throw-away song. I wrote it a couple years ago, but never could get it right--I changed the keys and tried different instrumentation. The style I am using doesn't parallel with the tone of the lyrics, but using a picked acoustic seemed hackneyed for this. I don't know if the vocal level is quite right.

The style is ICELAKE. I added a RT piano and harmonica, replaced the drums, and removed the pedal steel.

Band:
RealBass 1580 Bass, Electric
RealGuitar 3704 Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm 90sAcRockCool
RealStrings 1581 Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Folkie16ths
RT1690 Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPromise
RT685 Harmonica, Background Pop
Drums - We Sound Human: Acoustic Indie Pop

Lyrics are posted on SC.

Top
#694622 - 12/28/21 07:03 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
TuneMonger Offline
Veteran

Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
I liked the singing on this and I am a big fan of your vocals in general

The lyrics raised a lot of questions, which is usually a good thing in songwriting (creating some mystery), but I found myself scratching my head and wanting to know more.

No hooks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing

The harmonica was distracting to me. It was stepping on your vocal. If it had been spliced and made to call and respond with the vocal, I think then I would have liked it. Others may disagree.

The progression reminded me somewhat of "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, for what that's worth. A nice progression.
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak

Top
#694631 - 12/28/21 07:36 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5729
Loc: Sacramento, California
dcuny Online   content
Veteran

Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5729
Loc: Sacramento, California
I like it! smile

I could easily imagine this with a slower, darker arrangement. But I think this is a good setting.

No issues with the vocal level.

Like TuneMonger, I agree the lyrics raise more questions than they answer, and it's a good thing.
_________________________
-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

Top
#694668 - 12/29/21 02:57 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 1150
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
PROJECT M Offline
Expert

Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 1150
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
Hello Scott
Great song with a great sound
Your vocals are exceptionally good
Absolutely great job Scott
Das hast Du wirklich sehr sehr gut gemacht
Wünsche Dir alles Gute für 2022
und weiterhin so tolle Ideen ;-)
Thanks for sharing
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Top
#694678 - 12/29/21 03:18 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 01/03/14
Posts: 1164
vicarn Offline
Expert

Registered: 01/03/14
Posts: 1164
Hi Ezekiel.
You could try style "Save Me". Even 8 at around 85bpm.
I agree that the harmonica shouldn't be playing while you are singing.

Vic

Top
#694693 - 12/29/21 04:02 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 4745
Rustyspoon# Offline
Veteran

Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 4745
Scott,
Honestly I think you got it "right" this time smile Sounds very good. Arrangement, vocals, performance. Everything fits very nicely and listens very well. Actually I think vocals are one of your best. Also, I believe this is your vocal EQ sweet spot. They sit very comfortably in the mix. Curios if somebody else can comment who have heard your other songs. Thank you for sharing and Happy new year!
Misha.



P.S. Interestingly, right after your tune there was J&B tune in playlist. I consider Bud of of the most skillful people here for mixing acoustic songs. Transition from yours to theirs was very smooth on ears, to me it says a lot smile

Top
#694715 - 12/29/21 06:31 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 2621
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
BabuMusic Offline
Veteran

Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 2621
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
Another song by Ezekiel Storm is enough to get me hooked, Scott. I really like the harmonica, and of course your vocal is always the best. At first I agreed with the distraction factor of the harmonica, but then felt like this was more of a campfire song where we can imagine someone just pulling it out of their pocket to play along because they were inspired.
_________________________
Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

Babu Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDrsXTXfShgnGalQZ0ElQw
Me on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub

My website: http://martystraub.com/

using Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 10

Top
#694733 - 12/29/21 07:57 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 1215
Loc: Southeast USA
bloc-head Offline
Expert

Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 1215
Loc: Southeast USA
I'm getting a Neil Diamond vibe from your song, vocal recording/performance is very good...
_________________________
Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Windows10; BIAB-2023; Cakewalk;
Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Native Komplete




Top
#694809 - 12/29/21 02:17 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 12994
Loc: GA USA
Janice & Bud Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 12994
Loc: GA USA
We like it as is.

We agree with Marty re the campfire feel. Good musicians sitting around playing something they feel.

We also felt Misha gave an insightful and positive review that we also much agree with.
And not because he threw an appreciated shoutout to Bud smile

All meaning we don't agree with your paragraph of negatives!

J&B
_________________________
J&B Videos
J&B Soundcloud
J&B Website

Top
#694831 - 12/29/21 03:32 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 7009
Loc: North Carolina
David Snyder Offline
Veteran

Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 7009
Loc: North Carolina

Sounds good to me man!

Hey, I could hear many different versions of this, and I think you should experiment with many styles just for fun to see what happens. Ya never know.

It might be cool to hear a slightly slower piano up front version just for grins.

Top
#694870 - 12/29/21 08:59 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 1401
Loc: Illinois, USA
firesong Offline
Expert

Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 1401
Loc: Illinois, USA
I think the style is great...there's a bit of a tension between the style and the lyric content that I think is cool...your vocal is really great and the mix sounds fine to my ears...I love songs in this tempo range...and I do agree with others about the harmonica stepping into the vox's territory... enjoyed it very much...Dan
_________________________
www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2023, Steinberg Cubase Pro 12, Wavelab 11.1, SpetraLayers Pro 9, Audacity, UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.

Top
#694884 - 12/30/21 01:16 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
Crossroads Offline
Expert

Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
Hi Scott,

I had the honour of listening to the song a couple of weeks ago. I said then that I don't really get the lyrics - I'm relieved to see that also native speakers are irritaed ;-))).

Well, the song has improved soundwise a lot since that first version. I find it very balanced now, and I LOVE the harmonica fills.

Said iz more than once: I do like your voice and your singing!

Should I say, 'Not bad for a throw-away' song? Nah, it's anything but that - it's good.

Happy New Year - all the best to Tiffany and you.

Stefan

Top
#694927 - 12/30/21 07:18 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 1920
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
Birchwood Offline
Expert

Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 1920
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
Hi Ezekiel,

A very nice song and a good melody line, and of course very good vocals (and lyrics)!
So many compliments and all meant of course.

There is one thing that made me a bit restless; the beat on the guitar.
The lyrics and singing will have more support from it when the guitar is simpler in that. Maybe softer, maybe some fingerpicking, I don't know. But I read I am the only one with that issue, so don't bother at all.

A good 2022,
Hans
_________________________
Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130

Top
#695030 - 12/30/21 02:12 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
jptjptjpt Offline
Expert

Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
I think it's a cool song. Your vocals are outstanding The instrumentation works fine for me. The lyrics are interesting. I think it's a fine recording. Good one.
_________________________
My music can be heard at: The Cracks

Top
#695175 - 12/31/21 06:48 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10877
Loc: Florida
floyd jane Offline
Veteran

Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10877
Loc: Florida
A very balance sound.
Great job with the acoustic choices - and with their processing...they sound "just right".
And the drums are a GREAT compliment to the acoustics (is that an EZDrummer track??)

Very nice vocals - and beautifully mixed - they sit perfectly.

Nice.

fj

Top
#695266 - 12/31/21 02:37 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: dcuny]
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Ezekiel's Storm Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
I liked the singing on this and I am a big fan of your vocals in general

The lyrics raised a lot of questions, which is usually a good thing in songwriting (creating some mystery), but I found myself scratching my head and wanting to know more.

No hooks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing

The harmonica was distracting to me. It was stepping on your vocal. If it had been spliced and made to call and respond with the vocal, I think then I would have liked it. Others may disagree.

The progression reminded me somewhat of "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, for what that's worth. A nice progression.
Originally Posted By: dcuny
I like it! smile

I could easily imagine this with a slower, darker arrangement. But I think this is a good setting.

No issues with the vocal level.

Like TuneMonger, I agree the lyrics raise more questions than they answer, and it's a good thing.


Tunemonger and David: Thanks for the listen. I forgot to mention in my original post that the lyrics were a bit of an odd creative writing exercise on my part where the POV is that of a child who is no longer living. I hope that clears things up a bit.

Top
#695267 - 12/31/21 02:39 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: PROJECT M]
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Ezekiel's Storm Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Originally Posted By: PROJECT M
Hello Scott
Great song with a great sound
Your vocals are exceptionally good
Absolutely great job Scott
Das hast Du wirklich sehr sehr gut gemacht
Wünsche Dir alles Gute für 2022
und weiterhin so tolle Ideen ;-)
Thanks for sharing
Many greetings
Andi ;-)


Andi: Happy New to You too and vielen dank for the kind words.

Top
#695286 - 12/31/21 04:44 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
TuneMonger Offline
Veteran

Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 2144
Loc: Maryland
the lyrics were a bit of an odd creative writing exercise on my part where the POV is that of a child who is no longer living. I hope that clears things up a bit.


OHHHHH! That does throw a whole new light on the subject. I appreciate the clarity. What's great about online forums is we can actually ask the writer questions. In the old days of reading lyrics off of album covers, things remained a mystery. Later, when the Internet came along, we sometimes got answers, and they were often disappointing. I remember finally reading what Neil Young's Cowgirl in the Sand meant. It was just a girl he saw at the beach - nothing more than that.
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak

Top
#695467 - 01/01/22 03:47 PM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: BabuMusic]
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Ezekiel's Storm Offline
Veteran

Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 2233
Loc: Virginia USA
Originally Posted By: vicarn
Hi Ezekiel.
You could try style "Save Me". Even 8 at around 85bpm.
I agree that the harmonica shouldn't be playing while you are singing.

Vic


Thanks, Vic. I will check out that style. I tried and recorded many different ones.

Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Scott,
Honestly I think you got it "right" this time smile Sounds very good. Arrangement, vocals, performance. Everything fits very nicely and listens very well. Actually I think vocals are one of your best. Also, I believe this is your vocal EQ sweet spot. They sit very comfortably in the mix. Curios if somebody else can comment who have heard your other songs. Thank you for sharing and Happy new year!
Misha.



P.S. Interestingly, right after your tune there was J&B tune in playlist. I consider Bud of of the most skillful people here for mixing acoustic songs. Transition from yours to theirs was very smooth on ears, to me it says a lot smile


Misha, even though my ears can't hear what a lot of what you and others hear in the mixes, I am trying to improve in that department. Thanks!

Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Another song by Ezekiel Storm is enough to get me hooked, Scott. I really like the harmonica, and of course your vocal is always the best. At first I agreed with the distraction factor of the harmonica, but then felt like this was more of a campfire song where we can imagine someone just pulling it out of their pocket to play along because they were inspired.


Thanks, Marty. I appreciate your feedback, especially about the vocals---those I am always unsure of.

Top
#695625 - 01/02/22 10:15 AM [User Showcase] Re: Living in the Shadows [Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 7164
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Scott C Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 7164
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Boy glad you didn't shelve this song. Awesome vocal. Backtrack was very cool. Loved when the harp kicked in. Well done

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >


PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac - Time is Running Out!

Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK, but only if you place your order by 11:59 pm PDT on May 31, 2023!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac® we've added over 70 new features and an amazing collection of new content, including 222 new RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, Artist Performances, Playable RealTracks Set 2, Playable RealDrums Set 1, 2 new sets of RealDrums Stems, Xtra Styles PAK 14 & 15, and more!

We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some amazing Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2023 packages, but for more even more Add-ons (including 60 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade it to the 2023 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

Upgrade today for as little as $49! Check out our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Video - Band-in-a-Box® 2023: 75 of Your Problems Solved!

Watch our 75 of Your Problems Solved video to follow-along as we explain the "75 of Your Problems Solved" list for Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Windows or Mac.

Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac® - Sale Pricing & Bonus PAKs!


Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac is here, and it includes over 70 new features and an amazing collection of new content, including 222 RealTracks (20 more than we've released in previous versions), new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Song with Vocals" Artist Performances, Playable RealTracks Set 2, Playable RealDrums Set 1, 2 new sets of "RealDrums Stems," and more!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac, we've added 70+ new features, including 10 MAJOR features:

-Partial Regeneration... Always Different!
-RealTracks Stems!
-Playable RealDrums!
-Arpeggiator Sounds & Support!
-SynthMaster® Player Included!
-Master Track Volume Automation!
-EZ Config of RealTracks/Drums Folders!
-Intros using Song Chords!
-Auto-Save Song!
-Audio Input Monitoring!
-Undo - Track and Song Generation!
...and 60 more!

We're having a SALE on Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac Upgrade purchases until May 31, 2023 - save up to 50% when you purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac Upgrade!

We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some amazing Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2023 packages, but for more even more Add-ons (including 60 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade it to the 2023 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

Check out our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Customers Love Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac!

We have received a lot of feedback from Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac program users, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!

Here are some of the things Band-in-a-Box® 2023 users saying:

"The new content is great!"
"Everyday I am more excited about Band-in-a-Box.... I cannot get enough of this software!"
"I love the new RealTracks!"
"Rock solid."
"Oh the glorious UNDO command!"
"Love the new features in 2023! Started using Band-in-a-Box way back in the early nineties. This program has been to the moon and back
since then!"
"It's amazing to see how far you have taken this program!"
"Wow... the UNDO addition seems like a small thing, but it's a really BIG thing!"
"2023 is a true game changer, the biggest thing since the first RealTracks!"
"With what you all have done in the 2023 upgrade & program updates I am OVERLY IMPRESSED!"
"Band-in-a-Box 2023 is second to none!"
"Audio Input Monitoring is the star of the show! There is now no reason not to record audio in Band-in-a-Box!"
"This is a phenomenal update - really a game-changer!"
"The 2023 version has the most exciting features since the introduction of the RealTracks."
"Get ready to indulge your inner music geek with a feature set to guarantee that music making will be fun in 2023!"

Leave a comment here.

Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac® Boot Camp 2 Video

Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac includes over 70 new features and enhancements! In this video, we demonstrate how to work with many of these new features, including SynthMaster, Chord Tracks, and more!

Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac® Boot Camp Part 2: Working with SynthMaster, Chord Tracks, and More!

Special Offers Until May 31st!

We're offering Bonus PAKs and discounts of up-to 50% when you order a just-released Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac® Upgrade before May 31, 2023! www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm

SUPERCHARGE your Band-in-a-Box® for Mac Experience with an upgrade to version 2023 today!

Learn all about the 70 new features added with Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac®.

Our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are also on until May 31st!

XPro Styles PAKs 1-4 are on sale for $29 each (reg. $49 each)! Each PAK includes over 100 styles that will work with any Band-in-a-Box 2022 or higher package. Want the entire collection of 400 XPro Styles? Bundle all four PAKs together for just $116 (reg. $196)!
XPro Styles PAKs for Mac
XPro Styles PAKs for Windows

Xtra Styles PAKs Sets 1-15 are on sale for $29 each (reg. $49 each) too! The complete collection of Xtra Styles PAKs includes 2,400+ RealStyles for your Band-in-a-Box® library! Every RealStyle is professionally mixed spanning several genres like jazz, country, bluegrass, pop, singer/songwriter, and more! Purchase all 2,400+ RealStyles with the Xtra Styles PAK 1-15 Bundle, on sale for only $199 (reg. $349)!

Xtra Styles PAKs for Mac
Xtra Styles PAKs for Windows

Amp up your RealTracks and RealDrums library with XPro Styles PAKs & Xtra Styles PAKs!

Forum Stats
37525 Members
66 Forums
78343 Topics
697225 Posts

Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
Newest Members
Khaledzaw, MoePG, rbrooks, Happilycaged, Jesse Becker

37524 Registered Users
Top Posters (30 Days)
Al-David 127
rayc 123
AudioTrack 103
Janice & Bud 95
MarioD 94
rsdean 90
Planobilly 89
Matt Finley 87
MusicStudent 86
Rustyspoon# 80
Today's Birthdays
No Birthdays