Brand Spankin' New Song (On New Hardware!!) - "Day By Day"

Hey guys!

Wow, it's been a while since I last recorded something. This song is the first of many songs to be recorded on new hardware (God is good!).  Let me know what you guys think! This was my first crack at drums (and loops, for that matter) being included, so some advice on mixing in that area would be much appreciated. And for once, I actually used a metronome! Lol.


http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10127307


Any comments/criticisms are welcome! Thanks guys! 

Yes, I agree with Rabbit...very nice style.
 
Simple, easy to listen to!
 
I think the drum rolls could have been louder, and the hit hat closed up on verses. Towards the end of the song the drums switched to a rim shot, which was a VERY NICE touch!
 
If it were me producing it? Different guitar, different mics, stereo mic everything, probably use brushes instead of drum sticks, 16th notes on a distant tambourine during the choruses, "some" harmonies thrown in there somewhere, perhaps a little mandolin.
 
Really, you have a nice feel to this song! Good job!
 
Kiki

 

If it were me producing it? Different guitar, different mics, stereo mic everything, probably use brushes instead of drum sticks, 16th notes on a distant tambourine during the choruses, "some" harmonies thrown in there somewhere, perhaps a little mandolin.

I agree with this comment. I'm guessing that he used audio drum loops and it's very hard to mix those into a project because you don't have control over each percussion instrument. The song could also use some additional instruments to really make it shine. But you have to admit the song has an incredible foundation upon which to build. The lyrics, the melody, and the entire structure of the song are all really outstanding. I believe he's very young and very new to all of this. In time he will only improve with his production skills and he's going to be awesome! He has the talent to both write and sing, he just needs time to learn how to add the polish.
 

I wish you gave the feel in your singing that you gave in your writing.

My guess is that he lives in his parents' home and records his music in his bedroom. I think he probably lacks the confidence to sing his best because he's embarrassed to let the rest of his family members hear him. Perhaps his family doesn't realize his potential, which is very common with family members. I remember watching an interview with Annie Lennox when she admitted that her own children are totally embarrassed whenever she sings around the house. They think she's awful! Family members usually aren't aware of a singer/songwriter's talents because it's a side of that person that they never knew. They usually only see the person that they're familiar with and even though they have talent it just sounds strange to them.
  
I think once he's over the fear/discomfort of being heard by other family members he'll really let go and sing with a passion and we're going to hear some incredible stuff coming from this fellow. I think his vocal skills are much better than even he realizes at this point.
 
Hopefully his family will encourage him to continue because he's a diamond in the rough and could really go places with his music.  I've heard some of his other songs and I hope to hear a lot more from this young fellow, he's incredible! I believe he just needs a little encouragement.
 
 

Nice song Nick, relaxing to listen to.  I agree the drums could be a little different but for the most part they kept the feel of the song.  The last roll of the song and when the drums abruptly stop right before the words come in were two places that I thought would benifit from some touching up.   Overall it was nice to listen to.

Yeah, I agree with Pete.  :-) If I could have been 1/2 this good at your age, maybe I wouldn't be struggling so much with song-writing now.  :-)  This is a great song.  (and I like the drums...except when they totally cut out right before the vocals start, but that's minor.  But keep in mind, most people around here don't like my drums.  lol)  Anyway, yeah, great structure, great words, and nice arrangement.  I'd love to hear you really belt it out some day.  Glad you got some new hardware.  What is it? 

Great job! 

 
AT2020 condenser mic, Sennheiser Headphones, Fast Track MKII interface, and God. All good stuff.