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Life has really been busy and I've had almost no time for music, so I've missed out on hearing all of the new posts. I hope to find some time this week to catch up with you all, I've been missing it. Since July 4th is American independence day, I decided to record one about American Me. I had a lot of frustration trying to mix it, so if you give it a listen I'd like to hear your comments. I hope to be listening to your stuff soon - Brad. American Me I fly the red, white and blue out in my front yard. I like to barbeque and drive a muscle car. I keep the dust off my bible and the dirt off my gun. I’m a hard-workin’ man, and I like to have fun. But I love my wife and my family and livin’ life here in the land of the free. You can call me old fashioned, but I believe a little more old fashioned’s what this country needs, but that’s American me. That’s just American me. I’m just a simple man, so what the heck is this stuff they call politically correct? Instead of vertically challenged or nutritionally enhanced, why not say, “Dude, it’s just short and fat.” Yeah, why not say what you really mean? ‘Cause that’s the way that I believe. Now politicians may not agree, but more honesty is what this country needs, but that’s American me. That’s just American me. I like honest pay for a hard days work, and then come Sunday to be here in church where I kneel and pray just the way I believe because a lot more of God is what this country needs, but that’s American me. That’s just American me. And we’ve got the right to speak our mind. Try to take that away, there’s gonna be a fight. No false prophet, no guru, so self-deceived saint would ever be able to take that away from American me. Not from American me. And I’m grateful for all those who fought and bled pursuing our freedom and justice. And I believe that what this country needs is more like them, but then, that’s American me. American me. That’s just American me. That’s what I believe because that’s American, that’s American me. That’s just American me. And the band is ... Drums: Bryan Fullen, _HKYTJON.STY Bass: Dow Tomlin, _HKYTJON.STY Acoustic Rhythm Gtr.: Jason Roller, _SUGAR.STY Electric Rhythm Gtr.: Darin Favorite, _HKYTJON.STY Piano: John Jarvis, _HKYTJON.STY I did the lead guitar using my Spirit tele model, and I did the vocals - So all the good stuff you hear is Biab.
Last edited by Brad Williams; 07/10/22 10:20 AM.
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Good band Brad.
Your vocals & guitar seem a little outside the mix...different room syndrome I suspect.
I reread the lyric a few times and can't work out why you've used "But" to start the fifth line...that implies that the contents of the 1st four lines is in conflict with loving your wife & family. If it's just to fill out the syllable numbers then any number of words, even "and", would do all the while keeping the agreement of the parts.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I really like the way you've written the chord progression and tune in this one, and the way you perform it. Well done.
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What a cool song, Brad. I like the lyrics --the whole idea of the song. And you surround it with a wonderful band. I agree with Ray's assessment (what else is new, right?) about the different-room syndrome. HAHAHA to "all the good stuff you hear is Biab." Your vocals are perfect and so is your tele; it's just that they sound like they're from a different mix. That piano is perfect for this tale, but it's hard to hear. Good write, Brad.
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Thanks guys. I'm not sure how to correct it, but that's probably what was nagging at me while trying to mix it. I think you're right Ray regarding saying "but". I had actually written as "and", but I guess I got tired of saying it while I was laying the vocal track and said "but" like an idiot. Thanks for the comments.
Last edited by Brad Williams; 07/10/22 10:25 AM.
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Brad.
cute song.
i wish i could afford a shelby mustang..lol.
or one of those cars on 'counts customs'.
if your into cars , sometime check out a crazy english kit car called a 'caterham'.
thats a fun song. like the bgv's.
nice stops.
happiness.
om
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Hey Brad...first off I like the concept and delivery...I too agree with Ray...IMO I would bring the band up slightly and then put a PINCH of reverb on the entire mix to try to put the whole band (including you) in the same space with the same room ambience...that's just me for what it's worth...the "But" problem in line five could be dealt with by just deleting the "But"...I think that might work...as usual a heartfelt and very good write...a tweek or two would polish it nicely...anyway that's my 2 cents worth...keep'em comin'!
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg 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.
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I agree with the others. But your enthusiasm works, and so does the lead guitar!
Rob
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Brad,
Nice upbeat tune.
Mix - vocal and guitar are "strong" - standing out from the rest.
Rather than reduce them, I'd bring up the other stuff to match it.
The vocal could use more reverb.
The drums should be a little louder.
The piano needs to be considerably louder. Guitar players often mix a piano to soft. Keep in mind, the piano is a big, loud, percussive instrument. It should sound that way in your mix.
After bringing those up (if you do), you will need to check that the Bass isn't getting lost.
The song sticks in your head...
fj
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I liked the song but agree about the mix.
Great lyrics
There are a number of ways to mix a song and everyone has a different method. FWIW this is my method when I am having mixing problems:
1-put all tracks to mono and/or dead center
2-start with the lead instrument, in this case your vocal, and bring it up to a level you are satisfied
3-bring in then next biggie, in your case your lead guitar and match that volume to your vocal and lower it every place else
4-one at a time bring in the drums, bass, and piano - that is my order and adjust the volume as needed
5-place each instrument in it place in the mix, i.e. left, center, right
6-add effects
7-make subtle changes in volumes it necessary (try to keep the same volume during the mix placement and effects)
This may or may not work for you.
This is song is a diamond in the rough and just needs a little polish.
I want my last spoken words to be "I hid a million dollars under the........................"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Thanks a bunch for the suggestions guys. I haven't had a chance to try any of them yet, but hope to as soon as I can. I have had a chance to listen to a few of yours over the last several days ... I've been missing some good music!
Last edited by Brad Williams; 07/12/22 06:34 PM.
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Hi Brad,
What a coincidence; I posted my song, then listened to yours, but couldn't comment on it because I had to leave.
Then your comment came on my song...
Now I finish my post on your song. Very nice song and especially the lyrics!
I'm getting more and more amazed/concerned at your country when it comes to politics overthere. I follow the news closely, because what is happening in your country has a big impact on the western world.
But about your song; It starts 'joyful' in the melody and use of instruments. At first that put me on the wrong track. But when reading the lyrics I got it "aha"!
I can only agree with your line: "but more honesty is what this country needs" although seen from a political point of view. Honesty itself is the most difficult value we have.
I have one observation you might consider for your songs; Too many words become a mush for the listener... and a hell of a job to sing with intonations. You can achieve your goals with less words. Once Robbert told me this. And I tried it (and still do) and came to the conclusion he was right. Still I think your lyrics are very good (the message).
Have a nice day,
Hans
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Excellent tune Brad. Super vocal. Excellent backing band. Loved the lyric. Well done
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Brad, Good write for country. "American Me" is a great title and hook.
The mix needs work as you know. Try to find a wordy song with a similar vibe and tempo to this one that you really like the sound of - there's a ton of them in country - and use it as a reference track. That will help you most.
Josie
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Hi Brad
Cool song
Sounds really good
This way only you can sing this song
Really fun to listen to
Great job Brad
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
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Cool song Brad!!! I like the concept! I think the vocal could use a little more verb, since it's an upbeat rocker. Nicely done!! Take care. Greg
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Brad,
Love the message in this tune! The vocals are certainly busy in those verses, but you managed to fit it all in! I liked the breakdown/stop in the bridge! Always good to see you post a new one!
Thanks, Torrey
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I love your guitar work here. Good song.
It took me over a year of frustration to figure out mixing and get what I wanted sound-wise. I also changed DAWs and upgraded some equipment. And I'm still not happy with my mixes!
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