Skol303

Just a sneaky link to a thread I've posted in the 'Recording' section about a dubstep track I'm planning on entering into a remix competition. Yeah, I know.... I'm being greedy by mentioning it in two threads! But I thought that some of you dubstep fans might be able to help out: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/155995-remix-competition-seeking-brutally-honest-feedback/

Folks, I've decided to enter a competition to remix a pop song by a US-based artist called NNXT. It's nothing serious; there are no big prizes involved and most of the entries to date are from amateurs like me. I'm just giving it a go to get some remixing experience and to have a bit of fun! Anyway, I'm due to submit my entry into the competition [b]tonight (!)[/b] around midnight. The trouble is, I've had to mix the entire track using headphones only - long story - so I currently have no idea how it's going to sound through a set of speakers, be they monitors or otherwise. So... if any of you have chance, I'd be really grateful if you could give it a quick listen and reply here with any feedback. I'm particularly keen for comments on the mix, but any thoughts on the track itself are very welcome too. And please don't pull any punches here! If you think it's a pile of poop, please say so... I'm not posting here for the sake of vanity and I really do value your input on how I might improve it. The track itself is a dubstep remix, so it's certainly not to everyone's taste (but it does contain plenty of bass!). You can listen to it here: [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/remix-competition-test-track"]http://soundcloud.co...tion-test-track[/url] ... and you can also hear the original track here: [url="http://soundcloud.com/nnxt/nnxt-love-superhero"]http://soundcloud.co...-love-superhero[/url] Thanks in advance!

As with most things in life, you'll progress and improve more quickly if you practice with people who are better than you, rather than staying within your 'comfort zone'. Relax and enjoy the experience!

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1316386637' post='1377553']If it's Jedward, smoke a J. [/quote] If it's Jedward, don't forget to take a pair of pliers, handcuffs, a wire saw and some surgical tubing. Ear plugs might be helpful too. Oh yeah, and be sure to clean up afterwards

Well done on the new update folks! Looks great and seems to be working smoothly. Love it

It'd have to be Cliff for me as a preference, simple because of his originality at the time (mid '80s) and his central role in the band's early success. But Rob T is a great bass player too. I've been following him since his days in Suicidal Tendencies. Nice bloke by all accounts; he helped to restore one of Jaco's basses and return it to the Pastorius family. I'm not such a fan of Jason, but I do have one of his plectrums at home (somewhere?!) if any fans here are interested in paying ca$h for it As an aside - if anyone's interested - I actually have a 'remix' of Cliff Burton's classic bass solo on SoundCloud. Most of you will hate it for being an unmusical wall of noise... the rest of you will hate it for being a sacrilegious reworking of a classic! Those remaining might just like it... (hi mom!): [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/major-rager"]http://soundcloud.com/skollob/major-rager[/url]

[quote name='silddx' post='1374526' date='Sep 15 2011, 03:21 PM']Hello mate Yes I do Although I'm not in the band. Krupa and Sheema are full time members of TGU and I work with them on their solo projects, and other TGU projects. I play with Tim and Hami a lot, he is a stunning drummer with the most incredible timing! Tim is also a fantastic musician and producer.[/quote] Ha ha, brilliant!! I'm a fan of Transglobal; seen them live a number of times All credit to you there mate. Those are some great musicians you're hanging with. Gotta love Basschat for this sort of thing!

[quote name='Hamster' post='1374391' date='Sep 15 2011, 01:15 PM']I blame these buggers for pointless arguments! - If only they did Top Trumps bass players, all this would be settled!! [/quote] You might be onto something here! A Top Trumps 'battle of the bands' (or bass-players) would be a great idea... I'm off to the Patents Office, see ya!

[quote name='silddx' post='1373944' date='Sep 15 2011, 12:06 AM']Sheema[/quote] I don't suppose you've had anything to do with Transglobal Underground, have you? No reason for asking other than curiosity, as I understand that Sheema used to - or maybe still does - play sitar as part of that outfit.

... recently article on the Music Radar website: [url="http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/bass/12-essential-live-bass-playing-tips-496211"]http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/bass/12-...ing-tips-496211[/url] Thought I'd post it here in case anyone is interested or just fancies a good ol' moan about it!

Really like these tracks and they're very much up my proverbial street music-wise... the more eclectic electronic stuff in particular. As Shep mentioned, some of them might have legs commercially, so could be worth a punt. I'd also try them out on other forums relevant to the genres in question, just to check whether they're "down with the kids" Makes me realise that I really should get round to finishing off the numerous 'half-baked' projects I have at home and upload them somewhere... a job for a rainy weekend I reckon! Anyway, keep us posted if you add any more.

Good work! Can't think of anything else to add that hasn't been said already... I'd perhaps up the bass a wee bit, but then I tend to do that with [i]everything[/i] out of sheer bass-bias, so probably best ignoring that idea Keep 'em coming.

Nice work, very pro and a great sound. I'd be chuffed to bits with a result like this!

Be careful of those levels when recording! Especially if you're looking for the fat, fretless vibe: it currently sounds like you're overdriving the amp, or using a fuzz pedal. Which might be the sound you're looking for, but I suspect it's because you're recording at a level way beyond the ideal and clipping the signal. The solution here is to "keep out of the red and in the green!" (which sounds like the catchphrase from Bullseye, but that could just be me...).

Just a quick tip: I'd recommend recording your sessions direct from a mixing desk (or audio interface), as the 'live' sound gets washed out when recorded via a mic. It'd make a huge difference IMHO! Hope that helps.

[quote name='Lord Sausage' post='1372377' date='Sep 13 2011, 07:24 PM']What's the point of this recording forum. You hardly get any comments to help! Surely defeating the purpose of a forum![/quote] ^ This is typical of most 'comment on my song' forums, to be honest. I think people are either worried about causing upset with critical feedback; or are perhaps more interested in having people comment on their own music, than commenting on others. Or perhaps they just can't be a$$ed?! Don't take it personally whichever is the case. As for your track, the song itself is good but it's arguably let down by the mix. No big deal, as this can obviously be fixed! I'm no expert in that regard - I'm just a happy hobbyist when it comes to mixing - but as others have mentioned, it needs more clarity and balance between the different elements of the song. The guitars in particular need taming (typically!) and the vocal bringing forward. As an aside, your band name - The Producers - made me think of The Editors. Don't know if that means anything, just passing on feedback.

Like it. Very professional all round. The video must have been great fun to make. Although you need to tidy up your practice room a little!

Never been to one of these before, so I might go along... (just need to check with Mrs Skol regarding babysitting duties!). £25 seems a wee bit steep, or are these events generally good bang for your buck$?

[quote name='Bassman Sam' post='1368170' date='Sep 9 2011, 11:22 PM']Well, all the slappers round here do. [/quote] Ha ha! To use modern parlance, that sir is a win!

[quote name='Johnston' post='1368127' date='Sep 9 2011, 09:57 PM']Is Wooten wearing a mini skirt [/quote] I was just thinking the same thing! A miniskirt and leggings by the look of it. Well, I guess it's a unique [i]look[/i] if nothing else

^ I remember watching that episode of Horizon when it was shown on the telly Blew my head at the time... Some amazing findings; really made me think and see the world differently. Well, for a few days at least!

[quote name='51m0n' post='1367389' date='Sep 9 2011, 10:30 AM']Lucky guy, nice studio, and nice way to make a living![/quote] ^ Not 'arf! I really liked his spring reverb thingy... never seen one of those before, but then my experience of studios is limited. He comes across very well though - I liked it when he described heavily compressed tracks as being like 'rectangles', very true (although I prefer the term "a string of sausages" myself!).

Must say I've been guilty of squishing dynamics to death in order to up the 'loudness'... but it's a bad habit I'm starting to break! I think it [i]can[/i] apply to certain genres of music in a positive way, but I totally agree that it can ruin most music. If anyone's interested, I've recently been listening to an interview with the German mastering guru Rob Babicz who has some wise words on this subject (and plenty else for that matter). It's in German with subtitles, but it's only 15 mins long and includes gratuitous footage of his very unique and custom-made studio gear... in case that sort of thing makes you drool, as it does me Here's the link: [url="http://vimeo.com/808485?pg=embed&sec=808485"]http://vimeo.com/808485?pg=embed&sec=808485[/url]

A low F for me please, Bob. Nice and growly, but with a bit more 'individuality' than an open E or low G. But that probably makes no F'ing sense whatsoever...

A tip from my limited experience of pub gigs as a wee lad... Remember that the role of the pub has changed - at least for you - on the night of the gig! Ie. it's no longer a place to get bladdered and should be treated with all the sobriety of a workplace. Well, a workplace that allows for a few ales at lunchtime perhaps Oh yeah and never [i]ever[/i] let the singer get his hands on amyl nitrite (or other psychoactives) prior to going on stage. It's a long story, but suffice to say it doesn't end well. Especially when the paramedics turn up!