Richard Scotti
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11/15/2010 3:36:04 PM
---- Updated 11/15/2010 3:44:55 PM
From one "nice guy" to another, I think you're venturing into some very interesting territory here, somewhat like the early Who. (I love the words too) The vocals are equally intriguing as they are a real departure from your other style. This style is much more alternative. Both styles are good but I applaud your vocal versatility. Turn up those vocals! Your songs, arrangements and production keep getting better with every song. You've stripped them down very niicely and they are better structured and more in the pocket as far as tempo. All that's missing is a full band! Get one! You're ready for prime time. But what do I know? I'm just a nice guy ;-)
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Tom O'Brien
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11/17/2010 10:20:55 AM
Thanks again for your good listening, Richard. I never try to really sing in any given style, I just sing how the song feels. Guess this one felt alternative.
One of my constant battles is how loud to make the vocals. The mix always seems to diverge there - the music is one unit and the vocals the other. I really need to learn to listen to the whole thing just as music.
I'd really love to get a band together again - haven't had one since the mid-nineties. I'm thinking of putting an ad on Craig's List. I don't know how many people out there would want to be in a band just to back up my originals, though. I'll think on it some more.
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Richard Scotti
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11/18/2010 7:52:35 AM
You don't really have to get a whole band together. Just find a good drummer and a bass player. Record them along with you playing rhythm (live in the studio or wherever you're recording) Then you'll have a really tight rhythm section recorded.
Over dub the vocals and all the other guitars one at a time. There's your band. If you can't get a bass player, just record the drummer and your rhythm guitar. Rent or borrow a bass and overdub it yourself. Since you play all the guitars, you don't really a need a pre-existing band that's going to take a long time to learn the song.
Another option: If using a studio is too expensive, just record your guitar and the drummer in a studio. Then take the tracks and import them into your computer at home. Add the other instruments by overdubbing. If you can't find a good drummer or if they are too expensive, have a good drum track programmed for you in the studio. Take that track home and do your thing. The rhythm section is the core of the track. When that's in the pocket, the rest is gravy.
I too agonize over the relationship between the music and the vocals. it's a very subtle dance and can only be done by experimenting with different mixes which you can compare and play on various media. The right one will call to you when you hear it. The dancers will come together in the right way when you and/or others experience it. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct, no matter what anybody else says. Bono always mixes his vocals way down. Some people like it that way because it's embedded in the music like another instrument. Some people hate it because they really want to hear the words and the tambre of the voice. When it's your music, you direct the dance your way. Sometimes trial and error is the best way to go. It's not always a question of volume for the vocals. The right effects can make a vocal cut through the music without making the vocal louder.
(an Aural Exciter for example)
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