Not Really Wired That Way

[Silvia80]

Hi James, I think that not putting in other virtual instruments turned out to be a better choice as the sound of the guitar is great and perfectly sustains the song. I much enjoyed the listening, thank you for sharing it! Why…I wouldn’t have suspected this rebel attitude in you!

[pkboo3]

@Socio

Are you working on any new songs or collaborations?

I’m just practicing songs from Justin’s BSB2, Acoustic and Vintage Songbooks. I practice a song for seven days. Sometimes I move on after that, but if it appeals to me and I can actually play it, I try to improve on it. I haven’t found a pick of my own yet. Still looking. Still practicing on Developer, Dreamer and Set List songs. No collaborations. I guess we are mostly taking a breather.

[Socio]

Hi Silvia @Silvia80

Thanks for stopping by to listen and comment

I was just thinking about you earlier when this popped up on my YouTube feed and I thought now there’s a piece for Silvia to play on her classical guitar

@Silvia80

I think that not putting in other virtual instruments turned out to be a better choice as the sound of the guitar is great and perfectly sustains the song

I think you’re right. It sounds more like a rebellious song to sing around the campfire.

[DavidP]

@Socio

@DavidP

Given it was a two track recording, I would have been inclined to up the level of the vocal a few dB and maybe experiment with doubling the guitar track and applying the Haas Effect for some extra width and body.

Interesting feedback, my friend, as usual. I actually did double track the guitar track but may have not spaced them out enough. I think I may have only had them 40% left and right. Agree with you on pushing the vocals up a notch.

James, I think the 40% left and right may have been fine. But if that is all you did then the brain will hear the same thing left and right and result is it sounds dead centre.

The trick with Haas Effect is to add a time delay to one track so it is not in sync with the other. Too much and it sounds like an echo. Too little and the brain still hears it as the same. You could try 30-50ms. Then you can also set one to be slightly louder than the other. I think the delayed one being a little louder works well. But may be the other way.

Apologies if I am repeating an old story.

[Socio]

@DavidP

Apologies if I am repeating an old story

No apologises necessary. You’ve just made me realise that I forgot to do something. I only forgot to add a small delay on one of the guitar tracks. Now that’s what happens when I don’t run it past my sensei first

[DavidP]

@Socio

No apologises necessary. You’ve just made me realise that I forgot to do something. I only forgot to add a small delay on one of the guitar tracks. Now that’s what happens when I don’t run it past my sensei first

don’t feel especially deserving of the title of late, James. I think the trick is to let your ears rest when you think you are done, maybe 30 minutes. Then come back for a final listen to ensure you are hearing what you want. Doing that and you’d have noticed the guitar in centre and quickly figured out/remembered to add the delay.

[Lisa_S]

That’s another fine original, James!

First impression: there’s a touch of blues sound, makes the whole song really tasty. It is also really catchy, too.

Your playing sounded really good, the embellishments created some nice, melodic motives. I’m glad you made it acoustic and vocal only, so these parts could really shine!

Also, not only because of the lyrics, but also musically, this song has “an attitude”. I really like that! Very well composed.

On performance level, to me this was your best offering so far playing and singing wise. Coming here from your LL, I do see it is a true challenge to play and sing at the same time, though. There is nothing wrong with recording both parts seperately in that case. There are really tough parts rhythmically and singing over embellishments can also be very tricky.

This song really shows your growth as a musician in the past months. Thanks for sharing!

[Socio]

Thanks for the listen and feedback, Lisa (@Lisa_S). I’m pleased to hear that you enjoyed the track and felt the song had “an attitude”. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I was struggling to finish writing the second verse to something that satisfied me. So I thought I’ll try recording the guitar part and sing along with it and see if anything comes to mind. Surprisingly, the first run through I thought I’m happy with that so I grabbed the mic and recorded it. I thought about working it up as a full production but that takes time and I’m a bit preoccupied with other stuff at the moment.