Hey all,

I am a brand spanking new member here. I have been making music for a long time but only recently with DAWs and the like (I just got a Bachelor's degree in recording arts). I'll cut to the chase: I have made a few songs recently that I'd like to get more feedback on (composition tips, mixing tips, anything is welcome). I'll post the links to my Soundcloud account below.

Feel free to be super nice or super mean! I can handle it. Just as long as it helps me get better. Thanks a lot!

[media]https://soundcloud.com/kcreilly/kailand-reilly-gimme-skelter[/media]

[media]https://soundcloud.com/kcreilly/kailand-reilly-a-stranger[/media]

 

I think the first track would sound better with a rock band backing. Just seems like its too electronic for the mood of the song. Other than that maybe use a smoother compression, the instruments all sound good but they sound more like separate instruments than a song if that makes any sense. Decent transitions between parts.

 

Thanks for listening! I hear you on the "rock feel" issue. It's something I tried to find a middle ground on (between rock and electronic) and I think I may have missed the mark a little bit. Compression is an area that I have a lot of raw knowledge, but very little practical experience with. I think what you're hearing is the Oxford Limiter that I used to master the track. It was the first time I had used it and it is definitely a powerful limiter (and I used a hard knee). Do you have any advice for better dynamic plug-ins? Thanks again for the listen

 

Even if I'm more convicted by your mashup Stones/Lennon than your own composition, not bad at all. Technically I'm in the same position: still have a lot to learn.
Courage!

 

I appreciate the listen! And the honesty as well. I'm definitely still chiseling out my methods (baby steps). Got any advice for improvement?

 

Having a bachelor's degree in recording, and you squash/brickwall it (first one) like that?!?
Maybe you need another degree in Gain Staging and Mixing. ;)

The second one sounds very flat, lacks bass and the kick is annoying. Levels are a bit wonky. Distorted organ comes in loud like a MF.
But keep it up!

 

I'm sorry, we would have accepted "Maybe you need another degree in mastering." But thanks for playing! (I do sound design for film, music is a hobby ;)

 

I was out for some days, sorry.
My answer to this kind of question is getting simpler every time: I should time and love: time for experimenting new things and to make choices about the goal of your track, a lot of love and passion to don't sink in despair, when you can't move forward, which will happen if you want to be the best you can... But again, I honestly don't think you're bad or something, There's not a lot of people out there making great mashups, and for me that's something!
Be brave against the wind!

 

Very well done. My comments on Gimme Skelter:
-The high frequencies around 5-6K Hz are a bit harsh, try turning them down 1-2 dB
- Use a longer release time on your master compressor/limiter to smooth out the track overall
-The different instruments and parts sound very good on their own but there is a lack of cohesiveness in the track..use a reverb send with a medium plate or hall setting with a tail of around 3 seconds and add a bit of it to each of the parts of the song, you will find this really glues things together
-I really like the intro synth, very clear, in your face
-Crisp drums and percussion

A stranger ahead
-Very nice and clear guitars in the intro and love the effects moving around speakers
-Kick drum is a too compressed and lacks that low end punch, it has a very nice smack to it but not enough "oomph" you know?
-Nice synth work
I like the changing effects in there too, keeps the track exciting
Overall the track lack some low mids and bass, but dont try and add that in mastering, phatten up your bass instruments in the mix

Hope that was constructive and helpful

 

Wow! You are exactly the reason I went out on a limb and posted this. This is EXACTLY the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'm going to put your advice into action tonight and see if I can come up with some more questions for you. Double thanks! If you're willing, I'd love to run some of my future tracks by you as well!