I agree with you, that the voting is more than weird this time around. It's a bit silly even, since you can only give maximum score - so a balance vote is needed. There is hope that SWC09 has more participants again. Else I have to think about a solution for less than 4 participants.
But for the time being, you both deserve feedback to your productions. As special bonus (you don't need to do that), I added some technical info (Loudness, Max Peak) as well.
donkey tugger - First Day
This one is unexpected for me, as DT usually goes with a lot of modulation effects and synthetic additions to his guitar work. This time around, it's mostly driven by acoustic guitars and sparse synthetic instruments. Definitely refreshing. The production itself sounds very... very American (instrumentation and chord progression wise), but I just can't put my finger on it what this reminds me off. Maybe some U2 influences?
Technically, a lot can still be done. My main criticism is still the "honky" midrange filtered vocals (I know, you're still working on that
) - although I like the switch between ambience-intended vocals and in-your face distortion. The overall mix could see a bit more cleanup as well (audio engineer speaking now). You used an interesting mix of deep frame drums (or toms) and some acoustic drums - but they sadly don't cut through the mix. The 12 string also sounds a bit too far in the back - as if you recorded in a not-ideal room. Pity - but the overall production counts (and it sure does).
I couldn't resist however to add some "broad mastering FX treatment" while listening to your track. I could make your track so much cleaner and more impactful this way. Want to check it out (
zip file)
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz ???bit
- Loudness was -14,3LUFS ILk, -9,9LUFS SLk max
- track was +0,13dBTP max (clipping - no WAV provided so I can only go by MP3 limitations)
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -121,72dB
Mister Natural - Coming Back to Spring
First and foremost - welcome to the Mix Challenge community, please enjoy your stay. We're now going into EDM territory (minimalistic beats and garage bass), with thrown in guitars. As a whole the the production is very interesting. I understand the concept shows the winter depression that is slowly being pushed away by spring. Which is reflected in the moody vocals and the darker percussion work.
On first listening, I was a bit put off by the vocals and the slightly forced falsetto. But on second and third listen, it's starting to grow on me and do it's thing. Technically, I might have maybe done the vocals a bit different however. More "boxed" sound (think radio voice) or even whispered, a bit more delay (though you do play around with that ever so often). Another thing that kind of pulls you out of the "mood" is the offbeat playing guitar the longer the song goes on. I can only think that this was intentional - but if I'd have to mix this, I'd have asked "was there a render mistake?" - because I'd try to align it.
I'd have also added another kick in the intro (ever so often), because the initial kick feels like "okay, let's start" but then it's like "wait... what?!". Sometimes I have render issues in Cubase where I get an FX or kick at the beginning of a production. It feels like that, but I don't think this was an error though. The production overall is very bright, has a good balance (EQ work), although the acoustic guitar feels a bit falling out of place, and I already commented on the vocals. Loudness wise it feels louder than it actually is, which tells me that you worked a lot to keep the bass region clean.
For your first entry in here, great work. I hope to see your productions in the following months as well.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz ???bit
- Loudness was -17,7LUFS ILk, -14,3LUFS SLk max
- track was -2,46dBTP max
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -117,90dB
SUMMARY:
Now the part I'm definitely not looking forward to. Sadly, we have only two (number: 2) entries this month. So voting feels not only weird, but technically my vote will determine the ultimate winner. And that alone, has a sour aftertaste for me - because I do have a favorite, and that's donkey tugger. So this will have some more repercussions in the long run as well - because everything lower than three (number: 3) participants just doesn't work with a voting engine (and outside votes on this place aren't allowed). So there need to be slight rule alterations yet again. However, this is not a topic for now, but eventually for the SWC Gossip Thread.
You're
both winners to me, because despite the possible mishap in communication between KVR Audio and the Mix Challenge community, we still saw entries. You didn't let deadlines beat you, you submitted your productions regardless - because you wanted to present your work, get feedback (which you did), you were maybe even curious to see the "other place".
Though rest assured, my vote will not be the deciding vote. I thought about doing "randomly generated votes" on top of ours to create a bit more variety and continued thrill. I will reflect this in the voting results. So... keep your eyes open for that.
My votes (<4 participant rule applies)
10pts - donkey tugger
9pts - Mister Natural
See you in Songwriting Competition 09
