Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,869 |
Hi, all: Well, it’s been a while . . . I’ve been on a bit of break musically, and I haven’t visited the forum much these past number of weeks (though did get time to listen to a few here and there along the way). Nonetheless, I have a lot of catching up to do. I’d like to say that my musical hiatus was by design, but sadly it’s more attributable to lack of creativity and motivation. After quite the dry spell, I have written two new songs. Not so sure about one of them, but here’s the other. On the production side, a HUGE shout out to Rayc, who plays bass on this one. It’s the third song of mine that Ray has played on, and the songs are all the better for it. But on this one, Ray also provided me with some additional and killer guitar and string tracks that really added some teeth to the chorus, giving it the angry edge it desperately needed. I’ve done my best to do justice to his great contributions, but then mixing has never been my strong suit. And any shortcomings are solely on my shoulders. But it’s as far along as I think I can take it for now. As alway, I’m hoping your additional feedback and suggestions will help me bake this a bit more more. I hope you are all safe and well— Deej Here’s the song: I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON Here are the lyrics:Something new to something old Something once so warm That now has turned so bitter cold You just can’t disguise The love you’ve lost therein your eyes But I’m not letting go So twist the knife Watch me bleed Just say goodbye before you leave From tonight Until the break of every dawn I’ll keep holding on So pull the shade and walk away Shed your tears and tell them all you're so okay Try who you want you be Erase me from your memory But I won’t let you fade So twist the knife Watch me bleed Just say goodbye before you leave From tonight Until the break of every dawn I’ll keep holding on And here’s the band:Bass: Ray Cochrane RealTracks 1181: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking PopWaltz RealTracks 1764: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Pop16ths RealTracks 1761: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths RealTracks 3554: Multi[Thickened=5] String Quartet, Rhythm PopHall RealTracks 2503: Piano, Acoustic, HeldChords 085 RealTracks 3268: Cello, Background CelticWaltz RealDrums: AltRockSlowSteady8ths^4 Rhythm Guitars: Ray Cochrane Additional Strings: Midi and a Mellotron VST (Ray Cochrane)
Last edited by Deej56; 05/08/24 09:51 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,407
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,407 |
I don't know Deej: your mixing & treatment made my little doodles sound cool so I suspect you're pretty good at mixing - plus the sound is big without being OTT so I say GREAT work mate. Thank for that. Thanks for the chance to play on another of your songs.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,861
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,861 |
Hi, Deej. Listening to you sing is always a pleasure, and this comes across big and dramatic: exactly as it should. I can't help you with the baking of this song - I was too busy enjoying it. ![smile smile](/forums/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,944
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,944 |
Deej,
It's great to hear you again. You have one of the greatest voices around. I don't know why you are not all over the radio, Spotify, etc.
Great song and an outstanding mix. Love the bass by Ray as well.
OUTSTANDING all around!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,410
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,410 |
Deej, awesome tune! Dark and magnificent. Great vocals and BGVs, and Ray's parts give everything a nice drive and lift. But that arrangement and mix is flat out amazing. Super, SUPER song. Welcome back!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,969
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,969 |
Beautiful! Classic DJ!
Sounds really good to my ears. I love the sound, the mix, and the song, and especially, as always, those rock star vocals.
Great job man. And yes, great bass Ray.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,685
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,685 |
I love our vocals and the overall production is pretty good, although I can't really comment on the mix because I'm far away from my normal listening environment. I also love what Ray brought to the table, you 2 make a pretty good team. Good stuff!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 630
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 630 |
There's a great dynamic to this song. Excellent choice of Real Tracks. The arrangement and mix are ideal for the theme.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #17: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #69: Bring consciousness to it. #74: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #105: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 909
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 909 |
Wow! Great come back Deej! That is one cool song, and a great sound. You're right, Ray's additions were fantastic - I really loved that bass. I miss hearing your stuff, keep 'em coming.
Brad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,285
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,285 |
Deej, there ain't nothing wrong with your mixing skills. You did a killer job on this one. Outstanding dynamics and instrumentation. A very strong vocal with great lyrics Ray did a fantastic job on his parts. Loved it.
Seated at the restaurant, He "Darling can you say something that makes my heart beat faster"? She "Your wife just walked in"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,057
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,057 |
Deej...glad you're back contributing with your always outstanding compositions...this is a very cool production...I love the dark edge it emotes...Ray's added parts are so well done and mix in flawlessly...the panning of the vocals is a great touch adding to the mystery and ethereal nature of the melody...your vocals are stellar (as per usual)...really nice to hear you again and a really nice "way home" with this one!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,130
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,130 |
Deej, the unanimous high praise on here is well deserved, in my opinion. 1) your vocals: the envy of many a singer ![smile smile](/forums/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif) On top of having such a voice, you never give less than 100%, technically and emotionally. It's a joy to listen. 2) the musical writing: dark, smouldering. 3) the lyrics: as dark (seemingly, at first) as the music. A love song with a difference: when someone doesn't think it's the time to let go, just yet, even at great personal, emotional cost. Loved them. 4) the mix: nothing to worry about. The voice sits perfectly in the mix, communicating without being overpowering. Good vocal harmonies, too! A big shout out to Ray, too ... flawless, yet unobtrusive, bass playing ... and I like the guitars and strings, which I can hear in the background. A great supporting job! Deej: every time you post a song up, it's invariably of a top level of quality. I know what it's like; we are (most of us, at least) very stringent with ourselves, and always wish we could do better. But, here, I think you deserve praise. I think I speak for everyone who's heard your songs on here when I say that I think you add so much to this forum, and that we'd all be poorer without your contributions - so please, if you can, keep writing and sharing ![smile smile](/forums/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif) . Welcome back ![smile smile](/forums/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,843
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,843 |
Dark lyrics to my taste, "erase me from your memory but I won't let you fade" - I can feel the desperate need to keep holding on in my guts . I remember that bass on some of your songs has sounded bit vague, but definitely not here. Ray brings strongly balanced presence. Well, on this one the drums sound bit choking on my headphones, but the arrangement and the mix is very pleasant in the verses. Great emotional vocals once again, I also like very much those oohs - classic hit feel.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,869 |
Ray, David, Bob, DC Ron, David S, BD, WoaBand, Brad, Mario, Dan, James, and Janne:
Thanks all for the listens and kind feedback. I've had little excuse for my absence really, but it's been great spending some time on the board and catching up on your respective efforts. My, what a talented bunch of artists we have on this board! What a terrific community!
Janne, regarding the Drums: I expected the drums would draw some comment, and to be honest I wasn't happy with them. But after too much time spent noodling, I decided to see what reaction I got before spending more. Anyway, I jumped back in and started from scratch on a new track, and took a different approach. For some reason, I couldn't get that tinniness out of the drums in the original track. A revised version of the song with the new track is posted. Still don't think it's entirely right, but that's where it is for now. Thanks much for the comment, as it inspired me to try for a better version.
My best to you all,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,407
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,407 |
Thank you to those who mentioned my bass part: it was easy to do as the progression and melody simply kicked me along.
Last edited by rayc; 05/12/24 08:10 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 53 |
Big rock ballad. What's not to love? Good mix and the arrangement varies enough to maintain interest and the BV's add nicely to the dark mood. And THAT VOCAL, wow. I would like the drums further back in the mix but no biggie,just personal preference. Great song which I enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,360 |
Hi Deej and Ray,
I'm glad you are back Deej. And with a wonderful song too. Great! I like your voice a lot in this, almost epic song. Strong, but sensitive. Very nice. And Ray, you did outstanding on that bass. I forgot you play that too. Love it!
I enjoyed everything in it. And that is a fact; This kind of music makes me melt...
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,583
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,583 |
Missed ya, deej. Man, right from the first downbeat I said, "Wow, strong bass sound." Then I read it was Ray. Oh, yeah!! You know, Deej, with a voice as good as yours you don't need motivation. Very engaging. Love this one, and hope to hear the not-so-good one soon, too. This is a wonderful production, and I love all of the voices you've built in there. Dang, that bass --excellent choice, and you brought it out perfectly in the mix. Gave it all a couple spins, and it's one of those great songs that keeps getting better. I kinda like the dirge-like drumming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 416
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 416 |
The intro is a success and the rest is very good too. laurent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,831
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,831 |
Deej,
A strong write. Excellent tracks/arrangement/production. Super vocals. Good mix.
Ray's bass sounds great.
Good stuff. Terrific listen.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video - Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Update Today!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features
The Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Free Bonus PAK!
Along with the 50+ new features added with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, we've also released an awesome collection of new Add-ons! On top of the 222 new RealTracks (+50 bonus RealTracks), we've also released new MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, and two new sets of "RealDrums Stems."
Order Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac during our special (which ends July 31st) and you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK that includes a lot of these new Add-ons:
- MIDI Styles Set 88: "Look Ma! More MIDI 11: SynthMaster"
- Instrumental Studies Set 20: New Orleans Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 40: More SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 43: Rock & Pop Keys
- Artist Performance Set 15: Songs with Vocals volume 5
- Playable RealTracks Set 3
- Playable RealDrums Set 2
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles, with audio demos
- RealCombos 2024 Booster PAK:
*For Pro customers, this includes 35 new RealTracks and 58 new RealStyles.
*For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 45 new RealStyles.
*For UltraPAK customers, this includes 28 new RealStyles.
- RealDrums Stems Set 6: More Pop, Rock & Country
Want even more new Add-ons? Boost your Free Bonus PAK to a 2024 49-PAK for just $49 and add even more new Add-ons to your collection:
- 50 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks & RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 89: "Look Ma! More MIDI 12: Funk, Jazz & Blues Keys"
- Instrumental Studies Set 21: '80s Hard Rock Guitar
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 41: Jazz Comping & Soloing Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 42: Soul & New Orleans Keys
- Artist Performance Set 16: Songs with Vocals volume 6
- RealDrums Stems Set 5: Jazz, Latin, Funk & World
Listen to Demos of the Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK: https://youtu.be/ZezLjinyb-4
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Boot Camp: Working with the Newest Features!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Videos: One-Stop Shopping!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums65
Topics82,382
Posts743,947
Members38,761
|
Most Online2,537 Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|