I haven't posted a mix in a while.  This project has taken over a year of international talent input.  Mixed with Sonar Platinum including 37 tracks.  Hope you like this prog-rock piece.  It was an Indaba collaboration work.
 
I did the drum work using my Yamaha MIDI kit (high hat recorded live) and Steven Slate drum samples and mixed it.  
 
Love your input on: https://soundcloud.com/br...eath-realities-surface

Sounds like an interesting project to say the least!
 
I like the odd time signature, it's 4/4 with a 12 count? Neato!
The electric guitars, both rhythm and lead, are mixed very well. The drums sound very pro, like them too.
For me, I liked the mix best when it was sparse - when you have everything going at once it got  a little crowded.
 
Have you thought about Cirque du Soleil? Some juggler guy on a tightrope would totally rock with this.
 
The only other comment is compositional - most of the song boils down to just two chords, back and forth. I appreciated the breaks with piano but wanted maybe more development.
 
And I think it's "Reality's" as opposed to "realities" if you are going for the possessive.
 
great job! you have a winner here!
 
cheers,
-Tom
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks Tom!  I didn't do the spelling or writing of this project but I am glad you enjoyed it.
 
Its starts with a keyboard arpeggio with a simple rhythm. Chris Trentham (MO) adds an amazing rhythm guitar over the keyboard arpeggio. Jeff Maxwell (CA) adds an inspiring melody to climax the song into what could be described as a very original juxtapositions of genre. Bret Brewer (OK) continues to play drums but during this section he plays a fancy funky drum beat with "Word of Mouth" (London UK) playing a funky bass riff layered over a classical piano played by Michael Spinella (Delaware) along with a steady driving distorted guitar by Chris. The song finds its way back to its original rock theme with an incredible keyboard guitar riff played by Mark Jackson (Becca Peru). The song ends with classical piano and a beautiful ovation guitar played by Boris Rziankin (The Netherlands).

This is a beautiful piece that is close to being stellar.  All the performances are first class, and you've explained your arrangement well.  My only suggestion would be to pull back on the verb a bit in places, which will put the instruments more up front in the mix.  What I'm saying is: I not only think of a mix being panned from left to right, but I think of elements being panned front to back, as well.  Some elements being in front or behind other elements that might share the same place in the spectrum.  It's like a large orchestra that not only places pieces left and right, but front to back.  I think this would really open up this song, and it would only take a minor tweak or two.  Good luck with this.

Very cool Bret! I enjoyed this quite a bit. There are some nice textures going on. I would tend to agree with Lynn on the reverb. I would also bring those drums out. I felt like they were getting buried at times. But definitely a cool song!

Love this...the rhythms are very cool. Guitars are well done, but slightly buried in spots. Drums and bass sound great.
 
Regards,
Dan
 
 

Leadfoot
Very cool Bret! I enjoyed this quite a bit. There are some nice textures going on. I would tend to agree with Lynn on the reverb. I would also bring those drums out. I felt like they were getting buried at times. But definitely a cool song!

I tried not to mix this as a drummer.  I could always use more drums!  Maybe I was a little too sensitive of that.  Great ear on the verb comments.  Thanks.

Well it got the furry paw tapping, as noted above it does get a little dense in places but overall I quite enjoyed.  Thanks for sharing.

Really nice work!   It reminds me a little of Manheim Steamroller or maybe Transiberian Orchestra in the melodies, chord structure and the way the instruments are arranged.  The solo towards the end had a cool tone.  Compliments all around. 
 
Mix-wise +1 to the above...  It gets a little congested when everything is going at once. The detail is there, just a little blurred.
 

Thanks for all of the great input.  I will definately be more aware of congestion on my next mix.  If you think it is bad enough, I may have to revisit this mix at some point.  This forum's level of experience is something I value very much.  Thanks again.