The Limit- CounterPlot (jenndye429, nzmetal, ddye) plus special bonus song

[LBro]

Hey Crew,
Very different tunes for sure.
The Limit - Probably just me, but I think this comes in second to the nanas tune… Maybe I don’t hear enough variation between the verse and chorus sections, or possibly overall. We are looking at 5 mins here, so to keep one engaged that long takes something or a reason to stick around…

Drums on this one are great and well recorded, for sure. Nice production and mixing all around with good video creation as well.

Banana’s - I really liked this. You got some backing vocals going and I was going to suggest that for “The Limit”. NZ’s little pull offs and runs are a nice touch here. Maybe when the cosmetics are off, it just exposes a nice vibe on this one.

I would explore further the sounds and vibe you got going in Bananas as I think it just come across better. Maybe it is more down to earth and The Limit is a bit harder with less personality.

At the end of the day, all good stuff and all the best on your next ventures!
LB

[Elixir1253]

Well played all, strutting your stuff with two very good productions.

Perhaps it is a Counter Plot compositional intent, but thought both mixes might benefit from filling the lower frequencies; perhaps with another instrument (not suggesting bass guitar specifically).

As ever, super AV editing.

Well done all … and keep having fun …

(AI was not abused in the writing of this post)

[roger_holland]

Jennifer ,Dan and Jeff

I think both videos are great, if I had to express a preference, I like the 2nd one the most because I can see you 3 much better and I can connect with you more in an instant …really super, nice ,good , and good looking listening playing etc etc etc

Greetings

[Jenndye429]

@Malz

You guys have come together in a really good way. You have all improved vastly since my last seeing you, some 6 months or more

Thank you so much Mal! I think we all feel like we have improved so much since our first song together! Our recording and mixing ability has gotten much better and since we have done a few videos now we have learned a lot! We are always striving to improve, so I’m glad that comes across

@glpguitar

fancy to say, just that I am genuinely waiting for your LP to arrive in my mailbox when it’s done !

Thank you so much! We will make sure that you are on the list to get one when it’s done

@LBro

Very different tunes for sure.
The Limit - Probably just me, but I think this comes in second to the nanas tune

Thanks for checking it out LB! I always enjoy hearing your thoughts since you are very familiar with the remote collab process

The three of us instinctively knew that Bananas would be the JG Community favorite between the two Our style in general is not going to be to everyone’s taste, and that’s totally ok I think that’s partially what brought the three of us together in the first place- we all love the hard and loud stuff!

I did think about adding a backup vocal to The Limit at one point, but I think I really enjoyed the simplicity of this one without it. I LOVE a good backup vocal though, so there will be others coming that have them

Thank you again for checking it out and sharing your detailed feedback! I’m happy you are able to enjoy our work, even if it’s not always your thing

[Jenndye429]

@Ontime @Elixir1253 @roger_holland

Thank you all for watching and for your kind words! Glad you all enjoyed it! We were curious what the reaction would be between the two songs would be and we are thrilled that so many have been able to enjoy both of them.

[Eddie_09]

Awesome job again guys. Ye really have this songwriting and performing thing nailed! You all gel so well together to produce these gems.

[brianlarsen]

You guys just keep pushin’ the boundaries dontcha? (or is that the limits… )
An album. That’s a bit outrageous!
Well, you’re still clearing the bar you set on your previous clutch of releases on the songwriting, performance and production fronts. One of these days you will crash and burn, but today is not that day…

Constructive ‘niggles’

The Limit
Strong Sisters of Mercy vibe from the intro (that’s good!). Rockin’ tune. I would have liked to hear what the vocals would sound like with reverb turned up.
Possibly a missed trick by not having backing vocals as well. (Harmonies or one of the guys with some low chanting…)
Credits font

Bananas
Can you actually play drums with a knitting needles grip?
Ahh, the harmonies have arrived- my favourite part of the song.
Blue denim on a blue couch?
Credits font

[Jenndye429]

Thanks @brianlarsen for checking it out and all the great feedback!

@brianlarsen

An album. That’s a bit outrageous!

We are self-admittedly outrageous so we might as well do outrageous things

@brianlarsen

. One of these days you will crash and burn, but today is not that day…

I’m aware that day will come, but luckily it hasn’t hit us yet, so we need to get the album done before it does

@brianlarsen

would have liked to hear what the vocals would sound like with reverb turned up.

Admittedly, I’m probably the one in the band who would be the most against that I have a hard time hearing effects on my vocals. I really love the rawness of my voice and while I’ve gotten a bit more used to having some reverb added in, I’m not sure I’d end up liking having it dialed up much more Even when I was at the recording studio with DyeV, that was one of my biggest issues- I didn’t want them adding a bunch of effects to my vocals. In fact, I asked to have some removed. Dan and Jeff know this so we end up compromising with how much gets added in . I do love doing backup vocals so that is something I would consider adding.

@brianlarsen

Blue denim on a blue couch?

Yeah, that was probably an oversight on my end. We green screened this before we really knew what background we were going to use, so it ended up being blue on blue Oh well

Thanks again for watching glad we haven’t reached creative burnout yet!

[Jenndye429]

@Eddie_09

You all gel so well together to produce these gems.

Thank you so much Eddie! We think so too I’ve told @nzmetal this before, but I really just had like an intuitive feeling that he would be a good match with us. Tuned out to be even better than I could have hoped!

We really all gel so well together and I’m so glad that we have the tools available to be able to collaborate together despite the distance. We make it work

[DDye]

@brianlarsen

Can you actually play drums with a knitting needles grip?

I’m pleased to say that you can! I doubt anyone would recommend it though. The weird grip came about because I wanted to use bongos in the song (in the actual song track I’m playing them on top of my snare), I picked up the sticks and played them in the grip you’re seeing so that I could get the sound of my hands and the sharp rap of the sticks at the same time. This not only made it sound more like a CounterPlot song, but also helped pick up the sound of them without reconfiguring the microphones. When we went to do the video I considered ditching the sticks (because who plays bongos with sticks?), but Jennifer argued that it was actually how I played them (minus the snare), so I went with it. I think it adds to the fun vibe.

I do try to pick-up some proper techniques as I go/learn, but mostly I’m figuring out the drums as I go.

Incidentally, the first idea was to play the song with actual bananas!

[DarrellW]

Great stuff you lot rock! Jen’s got all of the attitude and sas that a rock chic needs, she’s great! The instrumentation was very good and the mixing and production was pretty decent too. Patiently waiting for more, subscribed!

[DavidP]

Two more great songs from CounterPlot.

The second is so different, really unexpected.

Your video productions are just so professional.

[Jenndye429]

@DarrellW

! Jen’s got all of the attitude and sas that a rock chic needs, she’s

Thank you SO much Darrell! This is a huge compliment for me. I’ve been a performer my whole life really, but this skill has really come to fruition for me over the last year specifically Thank you for the sub! More will be coming

@DavidP

Your video productions are just so professional

Thank you David!

Both Dan and Jeff are very skilled in video production and editing! If it was just me doing it, our videos would look very different This is part of what makes our trio work so well. Our skills balance nicely so everyone has a different area where they can shine.

We were laughing about how different these two songs are- yet they both still feel very “us”.

[sairfingers]

Two very different songs but you managed to get the CP vibe across in both of them. That, I think, is the mark of a band that’s in tune with the sound and style they want to produce. Super video production for both songs. You are a talented trio and as I’ve said before, it’s amazing you can achieve this from opposite sides of the world. Well done all of you.

[Jenndye429]

@sairfingers

CP vibe across in both of them. That, I think, is the mark of a band that’s in tune with the sound and style they want to produce

Thank you so much Gordon! This means a lot to us as we really give a lot of thought to our sound and how all the songs fit together so everything is cohesive

Thank you again for checking it out and I’m glad you enjoyed the songs!

[DonnatheDead]

You three are a talent explosion. Love your sound --lyrics, rhythm, lead, videos, everything! I especially like “Bananas” (the song and the fruit ). Dan is a wizard with the camera. I can’t wait for the rest of the album to come out!

[nzmetal]

Thanks so much everyone!! Such amazing feedback and support! Hugely appreciate all your comments!!

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

Really enjoyed The Limit, definitely right in the Counter Plot pocket. Nice steady heavy rock groove and cool progression and supporting riffs.

Thanks Toby! I’m glad you liked the heavier side to this one! I think we all hoped that you might be into it when we were putting it together as we felt the harder edge could appeal. Was fun getting to dig into some palm mutes on this track!!

@Ontime

That was totally dialed in.

Thanks Jason!! So glad you liked them and thanks heaps for checking them out!!

@Malz

You guys have come together in a really good way. You have all improved vastly since my last seeing you, some 6 months or more.

Thank so much, Mal! Yeah, we definitely can feel that there’s been some solid growth! Always an ongoing work-in-progress but hopefully tracking in the right direction!

@glpguitar

Loving your project so much!!

Thanks mate! Super appreciate that, means a lot!

@LBro

Drums on this one are great and well recorded, for sure. Nice production and mixing all around with good video creation as well.

Thanks LBro! Totally agree, Dan really nailed the drums on The Limit! Whilst I was editing his clips, I felt concerned for the wellbeing of his cymbals! They took a hammering on this one!! Thanks also for your other comments and suggestions! Really helpful stuff! Much appreciated!

@Elixir1253

Well played all, strutting your stuff with two very good productions.

Perhaps it is a Counter Plot compositional intent, but thought both mixes might benefit from filling the lower frequencies; perhaps with another instrument (not suggesting bass guitar specifically).

Thanks buddy!! Really appreciate you checking it out! Got me concerned for a moment though… had I actually remembered to record bass on The Limit?! I had go back and double check the files as I couldn’t recall for sure… Putting these two tunes together was a bit of a blur! Thankfully I did! But I’m not super confident with my bass playing as I’m essentially a complete novice. I also have no idea about creating a decent tone, so I guess that’s led to a tendency to dial back the bass a lot. Although I’m having fun learning, I’d say it’s far from my primary focus, so J&D will certainly attest to the fact I keep making hints about needing a proper bass player as part of the band!

@roger_holland

I think both videos are great, if I had to express a preference, I like the 2nd one the most because I can see you 3 much better and I can connect with you more in an instant

Greetings Rogier! Always great to hear from you and thanks so much for your kind words! I have a real soft spot for Bananas, it may be my secret favourite too, don’t tell anyone!!

@Eddie_09

Awesome job again guys.

Thanks Eddie!! You won’t of course know this, but you’re partly responsible for The Limit I had been practicing intervals for ear training and was playing around with a couple of those in F# minor (pedaling the tonic and cycling between the Perfect 5th, minor 6th then minor 7th and circling back to the minor 3rd, etc) when I came up with the riff for this one. I didn’t intend to do anything with it until I watched your “I Ain’t Lost” original song post. Your comments about just running with an idea when it comes, and how well your idea evolved into a great song, inspired me to send what I had to Jennifer and Dan… and well, they sprinkled their magic onto it, so we ended up with what is above Just want to say THANK YOU!!

@brianlarsen

You guys just keep pushin’ the boundaries dontcha? (or is that the limits… )

Thanks Brian!! Love your comments and feedback, always great insights! Jennifer’s already mentioned about her vocals and she’ll agree that I have a tendency to sneak in little bits of reverb, (and, god forbid, delay! ) at times… doesn’t always make the final cut, but it’s fun to play around In saying that, I am a huge fan of her vocals without any effects, as I think she has a phenomenal voice and am often blown away by how great she sounds whilst working on the mix for our songs

@DarrellW

Great stuff you lot rock!

Thanks so much Darrell!! We’re really starting to find a good workflow for bringing these tracks together and slowly improving our recording/mixing skills. So much to learn, but lots of fun (and laughs! ) along the way! Thanks again for checking them out!

@DavidP

Your video productions are just so professional.

Hi David! Thanks mate! Glad you liked the new tracks! Yes, Bananas was a bit of an odd one that just fell together out of some joking around but couldn’t be happier with the result! And thanks for your kind words on the videos too! I think both Dan & I quite enjoy putting them together (we’ve both had some very late nights working on these whilst “in the zone”! ). Jennifer’s input is huge too, she provides a lot of direction whilst ensuring the final product comes out on theme and polished. Some pretty hilarious discussions have been had about making these videos, shame we haven’t recorded them… or perhaps that’s for the best?!

@sairfingers

You are a talented trio and as I’ve said before, it’s amazing you can achieve this from opposite sides of the world. Well done all of you.

Thanks Gordon!! Yeah, it is kind of crazy when I occasionally remember that we haven’t actually met in person before! It feels like Jennifer and Dan are long time friends now! The barrier of distance has mostly evaporated, although there are still times I wish I could just jam with them whilst working out the new tunes or be all huddled around Dan’s laptop when pulling a mix or video together… maybe one day!

@DonnatheDead

You three are a talent explosion.

Thanks Donna!! Love that! You’re too kind!! We really are having a blast! Super appreciate you checking these out!

[DDye]

@nzmetal

so J&D will certainly attest to the fact I keep making hints about needing a proper bass player as part of the band!

Yep, can attest!

[Helen0609]

This time, I’m so late to the party due to all the christmas prep that has to be done .

I’ve listened to both tunes and most of what I could say was already mentioned by others, so I just pick a few things out.

You did great on both of them, really enjoyed the video productions!

The Limit
Musically, like others, I would say, you’re finding YOUR sound and it gets more and more immediately recognizable !
Concerning Jennifer’s voice, I’m more in the “no” reverb camp, I guess. Her voice is quite succinct, raw and strong, another distinguishing factor apart from the sound and out of my gut instinct doesn’t need reverb.
What I would like indeed, is kind of a backing vocal from one of the guys (I know for sure, that at least one of them can sing ), that would have added an additional level and reduced a slight impression of repetetiveness.
But all in all, great production and another piece of creativity!

Bananas
What a cute song and so surprisingly and enjoyable different!
A lovely change of sound!
I enjoyed listening to both songs, although I have to admit, that “Bananas” wins the race for me!
I love to see the three of you united in a room . Great idea for the video, wow, impressing, how this could be achieved on the technical side!
There’s a great vibe going out of this tune, I guess after listening a few times, I now have an earworm . I like the “pumping” chords from around 2:07 a lot.

I wish you all the best for the upcoming new year and hope creativity will be on your side in the future too. I have no doubt… !
Keep on the good work!

[Jenndye429]

@DonnatheDead

You three are a talent explosion. Love your sound --lyrics, rhythm, lead, videos, everything!

Thank you so much for checking it out Donna and for the kind words So happy you enjoyed them!

@Helen0609

You did great on both of them, really enjoyed the video productions!

Thank you so much Andrea! Dan and Jeff did absolutely amazing work on these videos The first time I saw the rough cut of The Limit video, I about fell out of my chair it was SO good!

@Helen0609

Concerning Jennifer’s voice, I’m more in the “no” reverb camp, I guess. Her voice is quite succinct, raw and strong, another distinguishing factor apart from the sound and out of my gut instinct doesn’t need reverb.

Thank you That’s my opinion too I (like many other people) used to dislike what my voice sounded like recorded Since I have been playing guitar/singing I have really grown to like what it sounds like and I appreciate the character my voice has a lot more now. I feel like effects tend to “flatten” it if that makes sense I’ve gotten used to a little added reverb, but many others effects, including this one

@nzmetal

and, god forbid, delay! )

Are hard for me to hear applied to myself (Sorry Jeff ) Luckily both the guys know this about me and know when they can sneak some in or dial it back

@Helen0609

What a cute song and so surprisingly and enjoyable different!

We thought so too It’s a not so hidden secret that some band members may even cite this one as their favorite

@Helen0609

I wish you all the best for the upcoming new year and hope creativity will be on your side in the future too. I have no doubt… !

Thank you! You as well We will ride the creative wind for as long as it will have us