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#694578 - 12/28/21 04:10 PM
[User Showcase]
Living in the Shadows
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Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
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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.
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#694622 - 12/28/21 07:03 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
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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
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#694631 - 12/28/21 07:36 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5119
Loc: Sacramento, California
Veteran
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5119
Loc: Sacramento, California
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I like it!  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.
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#694668 - 12/29/21 02:57 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 592
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
Journeyman
Registered: 10/21/21
Posts: 592
Loc: Versmold - GERMANY
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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 ;-)
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#694678 - 12/29/21 03:18 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 01/03/14
Posts: 606
Journeyman
Registered: 01/03/14
Posts: 606
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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
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#694693 - 12/29/21 04:02 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 3810
Veteran
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 3810
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Scott, Honestly I think you got it "right" this time 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
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#694715 - 12/29/21 06:31 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 1910
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
Expert
Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 1910
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
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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.
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#694733 - 12/29/21 07:57 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 1133
Loc: Southeast USA
Expert
Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 1133
Loc: Southeast USA
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I'm getting a Neil Diamond vibe from your song, vocal recording/performance is very good...
_________________________
Bandcamp Soundcloud Windows10; BIAB-2022; Cakewalk;
Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Native Komplete
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#694809 - 12/29/21 02:17 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 11773
Loc: GA USA
Veteran
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 11773
Loc: GA USA
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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 All meaning we don't agree with your paragraph of negatives! J&B
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#694831 - 12/29/21 03:32 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 6303
Loc: North Carolina
Veteran
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 6303
Loc: North Carolina
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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.
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#694870 - 12/29/21 08:59 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 770
Loc: Illinois, USA
Journeyman
Registered: 02/22/16
Posts: 770
Loc: Illinois, USA
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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/firesongBiaB 2022, Steinberg Cubase Pro 12, Wavelab 10, SpetraLayers Pro 8, Audacity, UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60, Windows 10 You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
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#694884 - 12/30/21 01:16 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
Expert
Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
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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
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#694927 - 12/30/21 07:18 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 1629
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
Expert
Registered: 09/30/16
Posts: 1629
Loc: Netherlands, Haarlem
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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
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#695030 - 12/30/21 02:12 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
Expert
Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
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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
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#695175 - 12/31/21 06:48 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10200
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10200
Loc: Florida
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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
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#695266 - 12/31/21 02:37 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: dcuny]
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Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
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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. I like it! 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.
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#695267 - 12/31/21 02:39 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: PROJECT M]
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Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
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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.
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#695286 - 12/31/21 04:44 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
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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
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#695467 - 01/01/22 03:47 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: BabuMusic]
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Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1787
Loc: Virginia USA
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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. Scott, Honestly I think you got it "right" this time 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 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! 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.
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#695625 - 01/02/22 10:15 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: Living in the Shadows
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
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Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6636
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Veteran
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6636
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
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Boy glad you didn't shelve this song. Awesome vocal. Backtrack was very cool. Loved when the harp kicked in. Well done
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