I remember you

[Martin E]

This is a song I've been working on for the last few weeks and which is featured in the "How to mix ?" tutorial in the "News and General Chat Section". (

You can find the thread here:

http://www.kara-moon.com/forum/index.php?topic=1066.msg8199#msg8199

The instrumentation is a basic set up of drums, bass, guitars and vocals.

The song is called "I remember you" and we're not talking about fond memories here    Well, it's all just fiction, guys.


New version 31-12

http://www.martin-e-music.nl/mp3/I-remember-you.mp3

[Wyatt]

Hey Martin..

I really enjoy this song. After coming along for the ride, step-by-step, I can appreciate it all the more.

Great song..I like the way the mids all get along so well..bravo!

You did  a terrific job on this.

Wyatt

[Martin E]

Thanks, Wyatt.

I appreciate your interest. It was a learning experience for me as well. Once you start putting things down in writing, you become more conscious of what you're doing and what you're trying to achieve.

Glad you enjoyed it.

[Laguna Rising]

Hi Martin
this track sounds inspired and I like the idea of the 'how-to-mix' tutorial thread.
Great vocals and catchy melodies

Cheers

[kara]

I think it has be a good learning experience for everybody that has followed your thread.
It was well explained and very good illustrated with good audio examples.
Again I want to thank you for that.

And it is a good song.
So, your next thread could be 'How to compose a pop song '  

k

[folderol]

I think this is an excellent example of a really clean mix. I'm especially impressed at how clear and forward the vocal is.

... sure there was something else ...


Nice song too

[Martin E]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

@ Kara. "How to write a popsong" To tell the truth I wouldn't know how to begin explaining it.It's not like a fixed set of rules that applies everytime you start writing a song. I't's basically the opposite. Every song is a new adventure and a new struggle to drag it across the finishline. But maybe a thread about the process of writing a new song could be interesting.

[Fred S]

@ Kara. "How to write a popsong" To tell the truth I wouldn't know how to begin explaining it.It's not like a fixed set of rules that applies everytime you start writing a song. I't's basically the opposite. Every song is a new adventure and a new struggle to drag it across the finishline. But maybe a thread about the process of writing a new song could be interesting.

That's a real good point, Martin. However, more practice (and subsequent success) allows you to generalize a lot more and get a better feel for what your doing. Anyway, you've some talent, so its working for you .

Perhaps not my favorite song of yours (style), but I was still able to find some very tasteful parts I liked a lot. I think your getting better at giving your songs that special something here and there. Overall, it's very well composed and excellent work.

I really enjoyed following it along in your tutorial.

[Martin E]

However, more practice (and subsequent success) allows you to generalize a lot more and get a better feel for what your doing. Anyway, you've some talent, so its working for you .

Thanks, Fred. Not totally your bag of tea I know.

As for the writing. You're right, practice and experience is definitely a bonus and probably mandatory to attain a certain level in composing. I just feel anyone has to find his own way in this. It's not like you can pick up on a couple of tips and tricks and expect to be able to roll out new songs in one go. Also you will have to study some harmony, chord progressions and song structures to learn the fundamentals.

Here's a nice site for anyone interested

http://chordmaps.com/

Especially the chord progression maps called "Big Maps" in the menu "Chord charts and maps" are useful and interesting.

[Laguna Rising]

Here's a nice site for anyone interested

http://chordmaps.com/

Especially the chord progression maps called "Big Maps" in the menu "Chord charts and maps" are useful and interesting.

An useful gift ! - I like this charts 

Cheers

[Oren]

Martin,

Very enjoyable experience!

My favourite aspect of the presentation is your skill with the guitars and bass.
Second would be your vocal style - spare, uncluttered, controlled.

Hats off,

Oren.

[Martin E]

Thanks, Oren. Glad you enjoyed it.

[rharv]

Yep- this turned into a very nice clean song.
You definately have a knack for writing Beatle-ish songs, nice hooks, melody, etc.
 Hopefully you do a little promoting and one of them will catch..

[magmavander]

Hi Martin,

this is a very "birdy" song  , those bellish and clear guitar lines are so tasteful.
The production is top, I cant say anything more than what was said before.
I would like to hear the part after 02"59' a bit longer
Catchy lead melody, as usual 

Thanks!!

bye

mag

[Martin E]

@rharv Thanks for the comments Rharv. I'll do my best promoting my stuff.

@mag Hi Mag. I see you're back on track. Glad you like this catchy litlle tune.

For those interested. I've put up a new version. I redid the vocals and the mastering. Have a look at the first post of this thread.

I've been messing with quite a few mastering plug-ins for the past few weeks, free and commercial. Dynamic eq's, Multiband compressors, Saturators, Tape Simulators; you name it, I've tried it. My conclusion; you don't need most of them. Especially the multiband compressors; the sound tends to get worse instead of better.
I did like the dynamic eq of Wave Arts; be it more on track level than mastering level. Only downside is, it's rather expensive.
I also found a very useful saturation plug-in called Comprimere by Xeet Street. It's not only useful but free as well. You can also use it to boost the overall volume level without any side effects. You can find it in the KVR Database.