Feedback would be greatly apprectiated!

I am new to this forum and this is my first upload.  Any and all feedback appreciated.  Most of what I know how to do in the studio was learned by my pushing random buttons to see what they do.  I only recently began paying for legit engineering literature and video tutorials.  I wish I would have taken this route in the first place instead of being taught bad habits on youtube.  Hindsight...
 
Disclaimer:  I love writing, recording, mixing, and attempting to master music; but I am certainly not an expert in any of these departments.  I generally record for my own listening enjoyment, however; Im sure most can relate with my wanting to produce the highest quality audio I can regardless of who is listening to it.  That's why Ive come to a forum full of experienced engineers.  In closing, I humbly accept that I have a lot to learn.
 
Anyhow, here it is.  Thanks for listening!
 
https://soundcloud.com/grizzlylip 
 
Take care,
Jake

oh I forgot to ask: where's the bass?   :)
 
 

Great job on this one Jacob!
 
I liked the clear guitar and the panned vocals! The only thing I might change would be the places you add pre recorded sounds as in "there's no place like home"...I would take out the guitar and vocals there because I'm hearing a distinct clash in tones...the two don't seem to fit in the same space.
 

Wow, great response time!  The members of this forum continue to exceed my expectations.
 
So, overall; the guitar needs to drop a couple of DB's.  I never considered the guitar needing to come down. Probably because I was focused on the vocals possibly being too loud (common theme ive noticed in other members posts, nobody likes the sound of their own voice).  As soon as I went back to the track I could hear clearly what the group was referring to.  This is exactly what I hoped would come from posting the song.  As promised, I appreciate the feedback!
 
Thanks,
Jake
     

Starise
Great job on this one Jacob!
 
I liked the clear guitar and the panned vocals! The only thing I might change would be the places you add pre recorded sounds as in "there's no place like home"...I would take out the guitar and vocals there because I'm hearing a distinct clash in tones...the two don't seem to fit in the same space.
 

Unfortunately, I know all to well which part you are referring to.  I tried to crank up the "no place like home" sample to no prevail.  It was still muddy and you can only eq so much before destroying the sound all together.  Maybe I will fade the vocals and synth earlier to make room as you suggested.  The synth sounds like a guitar, but its actually an altered recording of a cheap casio keyboard.  I was in the mood to experiment that day.  Thanks again for the feedback!!
 
Jake

Welcome to the forum, Jake, and this tune is an impressive debut.  Enveloping the vocals is a good way to deal with the varying levels needed in a song like this.  Look forward to hearing more from you.

i think its a cool arse tune...and dont get all twisted up in the books...learn but realize each song you work on its a learnin unto itself....
 
I really liked the tune..weird.
 
good job!

philz
Welcome to the forum, Jake, and this tune is an impressive debut.  Enveloping the vocals is a good way to deal with the varying levels needed in a song like this.  Look forward to hearing more from you.

Thanks Phil!  I did some research on envelope automation and quickly realized that Id been managing my levels the hard way.  Not knowing any better, Id add automation to the entire track, insert tons of nodes, and then drive myself crazy trying to adjust individual sections of the song.  It was certainly one of those "what was I doing" moments.  Thanks for the recommendation and for not assuming I know better! 
 
Take care,
Jake      

Hi Jake and welcome to the forum.  This is a very impressive number for your first post.    Your vocals and guitar are sounding great.  The lyrics really fit the song well. I think that you received some great advice above --- so, nothing to add here.

 

rebel007
I also think that if it sounds good, then it's working and leave it in, there's a lot to listen to in this song and it sounds great.
I've always been a bit of a stickler for vocal clarity and I like them up front, clear and loud.
There is some nice stereo separation in the song, this seems to indicate your decisions on panning and EQ are on the right track.
The next thing to aim for is depth. This can be created with volume changes, compressor ducking, and a favourite of mine, reverbs (the more you give to an instrument, the further back it seems). Whatever is leading the song at the time, bring it forward, let it shine, then take it back to allow for the next part. For me this is usually the vocals but it's different for each song and every songwriter.
Did I mention that I like the song too.

Thanks Wayne!  Its amazing how right so many of the forum members have been about what I do well and what I struggle with.  Phil accurately pointed out my lack of automation (though he phrased it more constructely than I) and now you've identied the depth issue that has haunted me for some time now. Your noticing this missing component is a real testament to your ability to hear a mix for what it is.   
 
Ive never fully comprehended the concept of creating depth using reverb and delays.  I have watched a few tutorials and implemented a few suggested templates, but still; when I add reverb I tend to hear less depth than I hear plain "wetness" (if that makes any sense).  Anyhow, thanks again for the advice and compliment.  This thread has really helped me to prioritize my mixing syllabus. 
 
P.S. I will be visiting your songs as soon as able to repay the favor!
 
Take care,
Jake

Good stuff, Jacob!  
 
Don't worry about being a "learner" because I think we're all in that boat.  
 
What I liked:
great playing, great voice, liked the melody and the structure of the song.
 
What I liked less
Personally, I'm not fond of the doubled vocals.  I know others have said they like it, but it's just my opinion.  And I'm not saying I don't do it, because I do, but yours sound "phasey" which is what I don't care for.
 
there's not much in the way of dynamics.  It's pretty much the same volumes throughout.
 
I'm not fond of that section starting at 2:28.  It just doesn't seem to fit the song, IMO.
 
I think the horn sounds could be better - what did you use for horns?  are they sampled or a keyboard or what?
 
I don't like the white noise at 4:26, either, it drowns out everything else.  I would at least bring it down some.
 
All of this is just opinion and honestly I think overall this is very creative!  Thanks for sharing!
 
overall this 

Sorry for the delayed response, Ive been on the mend.  I really appreciate the thorough review and I especially appreciate the honest feedback!  I only have a few friends that are willing to skip the false praise and offer their honest opinion.  For better or worse, I prefer this over being told a song is perfect when its not. 
 
Im with you on the doubled vocals, yet I do this in almost every song I sing in.  In all reality, it is a confidence thing that I need to get past. 
 
The volume observation is right on.  However, I didn't really notice until you pointed it out.  Just another reason I need to improve my automation skills. 
 
Its funny that you mention the horns at 2:28 because my wife has been lobbying against them from day one.  I will let her know that she's not alone.  For reasons unexplained, I really liked the "chaos" it created so I kept it in.  One of the perks of having a solo project because none of my band mates would have let me keep the horns.  Btw, the horns are from the Wizard of Oz.  My grandma was a huge fan of the movie so I sort of plastered the song with as many Oz sounds as I could.
 
Thanks for the compliment on the vocals!  I don't think we musicians ever get tired of those!
 
Take care,
Jake
 
 
     

daryl1968
sounds a bit like Kid Rock....:)
 
All joking apart, I really like this - great recording, great song, great performance..............and nothing like Kid Rock
My only technical issue would be there seems to be too much compression on the overall mix/drums (?).
There is an audible pumping when the drums kick in.
 
 
 

I had that coming!  20 years later and Kid Rock is still in my head!
 
Thanks for the feedback Daryl!  I'm going to check the compression settings on the kick.

Just had a listen...   nice job!    Everything sounds pretty good here.   The acoustic is a bit loud in spots, and the drums could use a little more clarity, but those are minor mixing suggestions - the song itself is pretty cool.   It's got a vibe.   Love all the FX running underneath throughout. 
 
 

Nice tune! I like it. It does need bass.
 
The mixing is pretty good. Especially the second song. Great vocal!