My EP - Autrefois

Hey everyone,
 
I finished this 3 song EP not too long ago. I pretty much did everything from start to finish for all 3 and it definitely took a lot out of me. It was my first serious go at tackling such a project. I wanted to share it with you.
 
https://soundcloud.com/aminebelkhouche/sets/autrefois
 
If you have any questions about the music, let me know.

I didn't like the drums during the slow part. To me, it didn't fit. Of course this is purely subjective.
 
I like the song. Very well written. Your voice reminds me of one of the Cranberries singers.

kakku
The first song was grear. Mixed well and performed also.

Thanks kakku, I appreciate it.

I like your work, Amine. And those 3 did sound like a lot of work.
 
FWIW, I had the same initial response to the kick.
 
Then I remembered having the same response to Lindsey Stirling's eponymous CD, and being surprised and disappointed that the style/genre of the songs on the CD was different than the web videos. [Fortunately, for me, the CD included 3 "orchestral" versions.] Then I remembered that I'm 64, and I neither understand well enough nor write for your "demographic."
 
Doesn't mean that I can't like your music. It does mean that I've got to be more accepting and treat such things as learning opportunities.
 
Also FWIW, I had REAL trouble practicing what I preach re modern Country Western. Lots of peeps love CW. Then again, lots of peeps love McDonald's.
 
But I worked at it. I get it now. It's BACKING music for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and the...oops, oh wait, no politics!
 
So, please feel free to ignore my "kick" concerns.

Awes
Listened to 'Last Time', pretty cool track. Vocals are spot on, songwriting/structure is very good, my only "gripe" if you will were the drums, kick was a bit too samey and could have been dropped a couple of dB's. That kind of kick worked better in the second track, but with a slower/quieter song, got a bit tiring on the ears. Other than that, I really enjoyed it

Hey Awes,
 
Thanks for the listen and I appreciate the feedback. I used Addictive Drums 2 for most of that kit, maybe I could have spent a bit more time with some pitch and filter automation. I typically make sure I'm using velocity to trigger the different samples in instruments like that, but alas, it is what is. I can only look forward now, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thanks again for the listens and the comments.
 
Amine

TheMaartian
I like your work, Amine. And those 3 did sound like a lot of work.
 
FWIW, I had the same initial response to the kick.
 
Then I remembered having the same response to Lindsey Stirling's eponymous CD, and being surprised and disappointed that the style/genre of the songs on the CD was different than the web videos. [Fortunately, for me, the CD included 3 "orchestral" versions.] Then I remembered that I'm 64, and I neither understand well enough nor write for your "demographic."
 
Doesn't mean that I can't like your music. It does mean that I've got to be more accepting and treat such things as learning opportunities.
 
Also FWIW, I had REAL trouble practicing what I preach re modern Country Western. Lots of peeps love CW. Then again, lots of peeps love McDonald's.
 
But I worked at it. I get it now. It's BACKING music for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and the...oops, oh wait, no politics!
 
So, please feel free to ignore my "kick" concerns.

Hey TheMaartian,
 
Thank you for the listen and thank you for the feedback, and yes it was indeed a lot of work but it was fun. As for the kick concerns, they won't be ignored, I'm sure I can use that info for future projects.

I don't know how to side chain so to keep bass drum and bass separate I put the bass synth on one eigth late. An old trick i learned in a music magazine. But sidechain is better i believe.

These are very nice pop songs.  I have to agree with some of the above that the drums (specifically in "Some Day") are a bit distracting but overall I think that you did a good job.
Thanks for posting.

Amine Belkhouche

kakku
I don't know how to side chain so to keep bass drum and bass separate I put the bass synth on one eigth late. An old trick i learned in a music magazine. But sidechain is better i believe.

It's definitely an arrangement technique that helps displace some of the low end in 'emptier' spaces and that can definitely help mixing. But what if the music wants those two elements to interact at the same time? It all depends on what you and the music want. Sidechain can definitely help in the latter context. I have Alloy 2 and sometimes what I'll do is put the compressor in multi-band mode and just sidechain whatever frequency band I want/need. It's definitely a lifesaver in that regard. I'll do the same with vocals and other competing elements. I'm trying to rely more on mixing in mono but the demands will vary from arrangement to arrangement.

If I ever get back to my daw I will try sidechaining if i have tools for it.