Johnbee58
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"Maze" Original-Sonar X3
I use Toontrack EZ Keys and EZ Drummer 2. Recently got the Fusion grooves for each and came up with the funky little piece. Added horns and Latin percussion. I know the horns don't sound "real". I do the best I can with the tenor sax and trumpet sounds (Garritan Jazz & Big Band samples). I always hesitate to post tunes that I use these samples on because people only comment on the sound (or lack of authenticity) and not the arrangement. I try to pride myself on a "Memphis Soul" horn sound when I do this type of thing, so if you do take notice of the horns be aware that I already know they sound "synthy" and not real, but I'd like to know what you think of the arrangement. Thanks! John B. https://johnbowen.bandcamp.com/track/maze
Lenovo Core i5 4460 Desktop PC (Windows 8 64 bit), Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, Nektar LX61 Keyboard MIDI Controller, Avantone Pro CV-12 tube condenser microphone, JBL LSR308 8" active monitor speakers. Cakewalk by Bandlab, Reason 7, NI Session Strings Pro, NI Strummed Acoustic Guitar, Miroslav Philharmonic, Auturia DX7 V, Garritan JABB 3, EZ Keys, EZ Drummer. "I will create music the way I want to whether a million people are listening or no one is listening." Dan Fogelberg, Singer/Songwriter-1951-2007
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philz
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/02 13:29:40
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Nice little funk tune you got there, John. I love what you've done with the verses, but frankly the choruses were a bit of a let down... for me anyway. Still a nice tune though.
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eph221
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 01:48:09
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This is incredible! I love this style...funky and soulful. Almost like Atlanta Rhythm Section....BTW John, I noticed you live in Reading. I used to work at a hotel in Hershey. Do you ever play at any of the festivals in Hershey?
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Johnbee58
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 03:02:48
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eph221 This is incredible! I love this style...funky and soulful. Almost like Atlanta Rhythm Section....BTW John, I noticed you live in Reading. I used to work at a hotel in Hershey. Do you ever play at any of the festivals in Hershey?
Thanks, Philz, for checking it out. Thanks, eph. Answering your question-Yes, unfortunately I call Reading my home town. I've never played my music live in Hershey or anywhere else. I'm strictly a "studio act". John B.
Lenovo Core i5 4460 Desktop PC (Windows 8 64 bit), Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, Nektar LX61 Keyboard MIDI Controller, Avantone Pro CV-12 tube condenser microphone, JBL LSR308 8" active monitor speakers. Cakewalk by Bandlab, Reason 7, NI Session Strings Pro, NI Strummed Acoustic Guitar, Miroslav Philharmonic, Auturia DX7 V, Garritan JABB 3, EZ Keys, EZ Drummer. "I will create music the way I want to whether a million people are listening or no one is listening." Dan Fogelberg, Singer/Songwriter-1951-2007
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optimus
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 04:49:24
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Sort of reminded me of Steeley Dan in the chorus. Nice clear mix, but I would perhaps eaze back on the reverb on the vocals. Fiendish maze, but I solved it.
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jamesg1213
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 12:11:17
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Interesting song, certainly reminiscent of Steely Dan in places. One question- 'leaving me alone at night has become a legion' - what does that mean?
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Johnbee58
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 12:33:45
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Thanks Optimus! jamesg1213 Interesting song, certainly reminiscent of Steely Dan in places. One question- 'leaving me alone at night has become a legion' - what does that mean?
Thanks for listening, James. LEGION-Generally taken to mean "many", though it's specific meaning pertained to the large amount of Roman soldiers in Biblical times, and also the name the demon possessed man whom Jesus encountered used to identify himself, as he was possessed by a LEGION of demons. (Mark:5, 1-20) In modern times the word can be used to mean "happening multiple times". The "A" proceeding it I just used to fill a syllable I needed (like "I've been a-walkin' "). John B.
Lenovo Core i5 4460 Desktop PC (Windows 8 64 bit), Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, Nektar LX61 Keyboard MIDI Controller, Avantone Pro CV-12 tube condenser microphone, JBL LSR308 8" active monitor speakers. Cakewalk by Bandlab, Reason 7, NI Session Strings Pro, NI Strummed Acoustic Guitar, Miroslav Philharmonic, Auturia DX7 V, Garritan JABB 3, EZ Keys, EZ Drummer. "I will create music the way I want to whether a million people are listening or no one is listening." Dan Fogelberg, Singer/Songwriter-1951-2007
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jamesg1213
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 14:38:55
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Yes, I know what the word legion means , I just couldn't make sense of it in that lyric. If you're using it as an alternative for ' many', perhaps it work better as 'the nights you leave me alone have become legion'? Just a thought, I'm no lyricist.
Jyemz Thrombold's Patented Brisk Weather Pantaloonettes with Inclementometer
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biodiode
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 17:50:24
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You've certainly got your funk on in this track, which sounds well produced and the mix sounds nice and wide.
www.biodiode.com https://soundcloud.com/biodiodePC Specs :-Sonar Platinum, Fractal Design Define R4 Case, Asus X-99 Deluxe motherboard, Intel Core i7 5960X Processor, Bequiet BK010 Dark Rock Cooler, 32GB - 2400mhz Corsair memory, 650W Bequiet Dark Pro PSU, 1GB XFX Radeon R5 Passive GFX, 2 x 256GB Samsung 850 Pro SSD, 1 x 3TB WesterDigital Black HDD, LG - BluRay Combo Drive, Windows 10, Kensington SlimBlade Trackball, LG34UM88C 34-Inch 3440 x 1440 UltraWide IPS Monitor
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daryl1968
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 20:46:50
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very nice John - I like the verse and chorus - the chorus is unusual but by the end of the song it had really grown on me. A note on the mix, I would back off the verb on the vocal and add some on the piano - equal amounts of both
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Jesse Screed
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/03 20:48:36
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This is a head bobber for sure. I like that middle part Yes, the horns are synthy, but they do convey an implicit intention of where the song would go with a real horn section. I like the bass the keys, the drums this is a catchy tune, and as I said, a head bobber., for me anyway. I think it could be shortened by 1:30, focus on the bits you really find strongest. nice ending, there is a little steeley dan quality to this, also open up those vocals, get your heart into it! Jesse
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sharke
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/04 02:21:38
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I didn't immediately think Steely Dan, but I did think Donald Fagan, so close. Chorus melody reminds me of Jan Hammer more than Becker/Fagan though. Mix sounds great, piano in particular has excellent clarity and space. Everything EQ'd very nicely. Like the slapback on the vocal.
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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emeraldsoul
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/04 03:25:59
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I like it too! I thought Steely Dan second, Bill Withers first. Really, though, it's original first. Got some cool vibes in these references. MAybe just a tad bit more reverb on piano (with a healthy pre-delay so the main note attack is not blurred) 'cause right now it's sticking out as much drier. Also, take off a little reverb vocal? If you want to thicken your vocal, you could instead render just your vocal, compress the crap out of the copy, then feed it back in to the mix at a lower volume. That old chestnut. I thought the drums sounded great, and the tune definitely had a swing in it. Very nice. -Tom
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Johnbee58
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/04 09:56:00
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Bio, daryl, Jessie, Sharke & Emerald-Thanks so much! It's not reverb on the vocals. It's delay. I've taken the advise of some who suggested more verb on the piano and less (delay) on the vocals. You're right. It does sound better. The new mix is not up yet (as of this post time 4/4/17 @10:00 EDT), but I will post it soon. Thanks again! John B.
post edited by Johnbee58 - 2017/04/04 14:01:33
Lenovo Core i5 4460 Desktop PC (Windows 8 64 bit), Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, Nektar LX61 Keyboard MIDI Controller, Avantone Pro CV-12 tube condenser microphone, JBL LSR308 8" active monitor speakers. Cakewalk by Bandlab, Reason 7, NI Session Strings Pro, NI Strummed Acoustic Guitar, Miroslav Philharmonic, Auturia DX7 V, Garritan JABB 3, EZ Keys, EZ Drummer. "I will create music the way I want to whether a million people are listening or no one is listening." Dan Fogelberg, Singer/Songwriter-1951-2007
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dcumpian
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Re: "Maze" Original-Sonar X3
2017/04/06 13:24:51
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Hey John, Really nice track! I liked the whole thing. This mix is quite a bit better than what I heard you do even 6 months ago. Well done! Regards, Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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