stevec
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Instrumental ballad - Fading
Hi All, Just finished up a new instrumental ballad featuring a simple guitar melody and a fairly sparse arrangement (vs. some of my other tunes). I originally wrote it 20-25 years ago and did one recording about 10-15 years ago, but could only ever find an audio CD - no projects or anything file based. So it was back to the drawing board for a complete redo using today's tools and with a few more years of experience. Edit: New mix just uploaded - less dry guitar signal during the intro, a few less cymbal crashes throughout, and I've added the Nomad Factory Pultec EQ emulation to the guitar bus to help smooth out the hi-mids/hi's without dulling it. Same link. https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi/fading Thanks...
post edited by stevec - 2017/01/17 15:29:40
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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daryl1968
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/09 14:41:30
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Really nice melody, production and feel Steve - enjoyed it a lot.
Mix-wise, the main guitar seems a bit loud in the mix for me (listening on crappy speakers so may be talking out of my arse)
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eph221
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/09 16:49:09
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In pink flamingos john waters had (literally) a talking arse. Pretty funny if not obscene. Would Monty python stoop so low? I enjoyed this very much (similarities with the beatles song notwithstanding). It would be great if you could sell to a muzak type service. It made me want to shop for some reason.
post edited by eph221 - 2016/11/10 12:29:07
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dcumpian
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/10 10:36:16
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Hey Steve,
I'm with Daryl and agree that the lead is a bit loud overall. Otherwise, this is a solid mix with a well-balanced range of frequencies. Don't know why, but I keep wanting to sing "Don't let me down".
Regards,
Dan
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/10 14:57:48
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daryl1968
Really nice melody, production and feel Steve - enjoyed it a lot.
Mix-wise, the main guitar seems a bit loud in the mix for me (listening on crappy speakers so may be talking out of my arse)
Thanks, Daryl! I did actually tame the guitar a bit already, but those hi-mids might worth another look... eph221
In pink flamingos john waters had (literally) a talking arse. Pretty funny if not obscene. Would Monty python stoop so low? I enjoyed this very much (similarities with the beatles song notwithstanding). It would be great if you could sell to a muzak type service. It made me want to shop for some reason.
Thanks, David! No flamingos were harmed in the making of this tune. With that out of the way, the Beatles reference actually hadn't occurred to me before, but now that you mention it.... dcumpian
Hey Steve,
I'm with Daryl and agree that the lead is a bit loud overall. Otherwise, this is a solid mix with a well-balanced range of frequencies. Don't know why, but I keep wanting to sing "Don't let me down".
Thanks, Dan! That's two for the guitar lead, so definitely something for me to review. I should be able to sit it better easy enough. I listened to a lot of Beatles growing up, so I think the osmosis has taken effect... 
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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mgh
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/10 15:34:21
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excellent playing of course. as you say sparse mix. i kept wanting to hear some subtle organ in the back at the start so when that came in I was happy! agree lead is a bit out front and drums are too far back.
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jimfogle
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/10 21:52:48
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I like the song. I think the sparse mix fits the song. It would be nice to add a small sample of the cd recording for comparison between then and now.
My one complaint is not a complaint but more a matter of taste. I don't like the large number of cymbal crashes. I just don't think a drummer would play a crash so many crashes. Some ways to get around wanting to use so many crashes would be to go to the toms, create high hat fills or switch between drum sets (brushes first verse, jazz set second, etc.).
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/11 18:29:41
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mgh
excellent playing of course. as you say sparse mix. i kept wanting to hear some subtle organ in the back at the start so when that came in I was happy! agree lead is a bit out front and drums are too far back.
Thanks, Mark! Yeah, the organ was planned from the beginning, so nice to it's wanted. And check on the guitar level, will work on that. jimfogle
I like the song. I think the sparse mix fits the song. It would be nice to add a small sample of the cd recording for comparison between then and now.
My one complaint is not a complaint but more a matter of taste. I don't like the large number of cymbal crashes. I just don't think a drummer would play a crash so many crashes. Some ways to get around wanting to use so many crashes would be to go to the toms, create high hat fills or switch between drum sets (brushes first verse, jazz set second, etc.).
Thanks, Jim! I don't know where I'd put the original version, but something work thinking about... as is the cymbal crashes. Some actually are open hihat hits, but I'll go back and revisit that anyway.
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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Firesong X
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/12 12:26:03
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A nice mellow piece. I liked the organ, I thought the guitar sounded good too (at least on my system). I enjoyed listening.
John
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/14 18:10:41
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Firesong X
A nice mellow piece. I liked the organ, I thought the guitar sounded good too (at least on my system). I enjoyed listening.
Thanks, John!
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synkrotron
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/14 20:22:53
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Hiya Steve, I'm listening to Fading again as I type. Love that guitar Steve. Sounds okay to me as the main focus. I could probably listen to that guitar part all on its own cheers andy
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skinnybones lampshade
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/14 20:49:34
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This is great, SteveC. I really love the progressive rock aspect to the whole song. Your playing is very musical and melodic, and has obvious "intention"; that is, it keeps moving forward and draws the listener with it. I found myself trying to think along with you about what was coming, but what you came up with in reality was more interesting than my imagination every time!
Thanks for a really enjoyable piece of music.
LJ
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bjornpdx
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/15 01:14:37
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Steve
Beautiful song! I really enjoy your guitar playing.
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Wookiee
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/15 11:17:19
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I am enjoying this Steve I do find the lead guitar a little to present in the mix, which is excellent by the way.
Thanks for sharing.
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/21 18:00:58
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synkrotron
Hiya Steve,
I'm listening to Fading again as I type.
Love that guitar Steve. Sounds okay to me as the main focus. I could probably listen to that guitar part all on its own
Thanks again, Andy! I've played that guitar part alone more times than I can count. skinnybones lampshade
This is great, SteveC. I really love the progressive rock aspect to the whole song. Your playing is very musical and melodic, and has obvious "intention"; that is, it keeps moving forward and draws the listener with it. I found myself trying to think along with you about what was coming, but what you came up with in reality was more interesting than my imagination every time!
Thanks for a really enjoyable piece of music.
Thanks, Laura! While prog wasn't really intentional, I suppose it's somewhat inevitable. I am glad to know it was interesting! bjornpdx
Steve
Beautiful song! I really enjoy your guitar playing.
Thanks, Bjorn! I am glad you enjoyed it. Wookiee
I am enjoying this Steve I do find the lead guitar a little to present in the mix, which is excellent by the way.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Wooks! I do plan on making some mix tweaks sometime soon, and the overall guitar level/tone will be the first thing under the microscope...
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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Lynn
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/21 19:44:36
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I just love your playing, Steve. I don't know if you've changed it, but I like it the way I hear it now. Your guitar tones always make me grab my own guitar and start playing, trying to emulate you.
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jmasno5
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 08:56:10
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Sounds real nice. I like the classic vibe I get from it. I listened on an ipad with a JBL Flip 2 speaker. Sounds well balanced. The GTR is punchy but the speaker tends to be that way. Nice space in the mix too.
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philz
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 10:50:37
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Nice piece, Steve. I particularly liked the harmony sections.
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jamesg1213
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 13:28:00
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That's really nice Steve. Very tasteful melody and phrasing. Got a Peter Green vibe to it. I like the section where the harmony part and the organ come in, great little lift there.
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bapu
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 13:49:43
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Fantastic sounding.
No crits whatsoever.
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kakku
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 17:45:09
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Great chops and great melodies:)
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/22 18:34:49
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Lynn
I just love your playing, Steve. I don't know if you've changed it, but I like it the way I hear it now. Your guitar tones always make me grab my own guitar and start playing, trying to emulate you.
Thanks, Lynn! My tone is nothing more than a base level Strat thru whichever amp sim I've chosen at the time, so I appreciate that I may be choosing the right one.  jmasno5
Sounds real nice. I like the classic vibe I get from it. I listened on an ipad with a JBL Flip 2 speaker. Sounds well balanced. The GTR is punchy but the speaker tends to be that way. Nice space in the mix too.
Thanks, John! The "classic" thing is what I was going for, space and all. I still may attempt smoothing that guitar out at some point though... jamesg1213
That's really nice Steve. Very tasteful melody and phrasing. Got a Peter Green vibe to it. I like the section where the harmony part and the organ come in, great little lift there.
Thanks, James! I appreciate the Peter Green reference - have definitely never come across that one before. But I'll take it! bapu
Fantastic sounding.
No crits whatsoever.
Thanks, Baps! I appreciate it.
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Makke
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/11/26 04:47:52
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Enjoyable guitar music. Well played beautiful melody.
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/12/22 15:16:24
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Makke
Enjoyable guitar music. Well played beautiful melody.
Delayed... reaction... Thanks, Makke!
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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emeraldsoul
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2016/12/27 01:46:13
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Hmmmm, this is pretty darn good. Killer guitar tone - I'm late to the party here but I don't know if you remixed the lead guitar down in volume a little. It might be just a hair hot, more so in the beginning.
Cool chords as you come out of the chorus!
cheers,
-Tom
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stevec
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2017/01/17 15:31:59
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Thanks, Tom! I appreciate it.
I just edited the OP since I uploaded a new mix late last night - mostly to take some edge off the guitar without dulling it (hopefully).
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synkrotron
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2017/01/17 16:01:09
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Difficult to comment on the remixing Steve as I can't remember how it sounded back in November. But I remember enjoying then, and I am enjoying it again now. Sounds a bit "louder" perhaps? Dunno... Sweet mix though... Really sweet  cheers andy
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markno999
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2017/01/18 15:57:57
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Nice one Steve. Guitar seems a hair upfront in relation to the Drums and Bass. They sound a bit muffled in comparison to the guitar. Maybe some delay would make the guitar poke through and allow the other instruments to come through a little clearer. Excellent song and playing. Had a couple listens through, very enjoyable.
Regards
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geeare1
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2017/01/18 18:25:23
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Great playing and tone, Steve! Mix sounds great as well. Excellent work.
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bapu
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Re: Instrumental ballad - Fading
2017/01/18 19:12:01
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daryl1968
so may be talking out of my arse
Typical
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