Mix Challenge

Brick by brick, we build it tall,
Our masterpiece, standing proud and tall.
Each block a story, each layer a tale,
In this symphony, we never fail.

Sometimes the pieces don't fit just right,
But we adjust, we fight the night.
With every error, a lesson learned,
In the blueprint of life, we discern.

Chorus:
We're architects of life, shaping our fate,
Piece by piece, we create.
Through trials and flaws, we navigate,
In this journey, we illuminate.

VST:
Atlas2
Serum
Hive
ZebraHZ
ReaSamplOmatic5000
SynthesizerV Pro (Kevin, Asterian, Solaria)

FX:
Pro-Q3
Claro
Pro-C2
UAD 176
SmartComp2
OTT
Trackspacer
kHs TranceGate
Trash
bx_control V2
ColourCopy
Echoboy
Valhalla VintageVerb
SeventhHeavenPro

bx_digitalV3
UAD API2500
Gullfoss
Ozone11
TDRLimiterGE
SPAN
TonalBalanceControl2
Correlometer
Youlean LM

Screwdriver sample (freesound.org)
Ultrasonic uplifter

Crane Town Man

Forty years now I’ve been driving these cranes
I remember when this town was just dusty plains
We built it on up, made all that we see
Created homes for our families
Worked so hard, from early ‘til late
Felt like we were drowning in a sea of freight
We never complained, and now it’s complete
My heart’s in every building, my soul’s in every street

(Pre-chorus)
Climb to the sky
Steel rig so high
From dawn ‘til dusk, that’s the Crane Town way
It’s an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay

(Chorus)
You need something picking up
You need something putting down
You’ve got heavy heavy heavy stuff for moving around
Well we’ll get right to it just as fast as we can
Because a Crane Town man is a working man

Now they say that they don’t need us, they say we’re getting old
They’re wanting to replace us with machines, we’re told
It’s total automation, it’s part of their plan
There isn’t any place for Crane Town man
Machines don’t need a break, they work night and day
They never need vacation, and they need no pay
They’re shipping in tonight, they’re calling everyone
To come help unload, and then we’re done

(Pre-chorus)

(Chorus)

As we lifted up blocks, as we lifted up beams
We were lifting up hopes, we were lifting up dreams
We built this town from steel and stone
Gave it our all and made it our own
Always a team, we stand side by side
We never refuse work, it’s a matter of pride
As they hitch up them crates with their ropes and their chains
For one final time lads, let’s go ride them cranes

(Pre-chorus)

So we lift up them crates
Yeah, we lift ‘em up real high
Then we let them all drop, and watch the pieces fly
Oh, you may think that you don’t need us
That we’ll go without a fuss
But someone’s gotta move this stuff
And that someone is us
You need something picking up
You need something putting down
You’ve got heavy heavy heavy stuff for moving around
Well we’ll get right to it just as fast as we can
Because Crane Town is nothing without Crane Town man

Host
Cubase 13 Pro

VST
Drums - Superior Drummer 3, default Rock kit and Latin Percussion kit
Additional percussion - UJAM GM One, Halion Sonic 7 Iconica Sketch percussion
Bass - IK ModoBass 2
Guitars - MusicLab RealStrat, Steinberg Virtual Guitar2 (x4)
Organ - Arturia B3 V
E-Piano - AAS Lounge Lizard 4
String Pad - Steinberg Padshop 2

Fx
TRackS Black 76 compressor on drums
FabFilter Saturn 2 saturation, Timeless 2 delay
NI Guitar Rig 6 on guitars/bass
Soundtoys Microshift
ValhallaRoom reverb for ambience
Steinberg REVerence reverb for space
Master bus - iZotope Ozone 11, Steinberg Magneto 2 tape, TRackS Stealth Limiter
TRackS metering and Voxengo SPAN keeping an eye on things

Vocals
Recorded SE1 Condenser mic, Steinberg DeEsser, iZotope Nectar4, TRackS Opto Compressor (x2), Cubase delay
Backing vocals - Synthesizer V (Ritchy, Saros)

Samples
The song intro uses two guitar phrases from Acoustic Soul Session Guitars by Noiiz

Loudness
Integrated -14.10 LUFS
Peak -1.10 dB

Sequenced using Logic Pro with Nord Piano 88 (instruments),
and M-Audio Keystation 49 (EWI lead).

Instruments:
Rhythm section:
UAD Ravel,
Premier MK1 Stage Rhodes,
Scarbee MM-Bass,
Logic Pro Vintage Hammond B3
klevgr. Ting Percussion,
Samplephonics Afro-Latin Percussion,
Audiolatry Drum8 (L & R),
Pepto Audio DR-84 (C),
with additional cymbals from Versilian Studios Virtuosity Drums (sforzando).

Synths:
Arturia Analog Lab V (Pigments),
Baby Audio BA-1,
UAD PolyMAX,
u-he ZebraCM.

DSP:
Tracks:
SSL X-saturator,
SSL Channel Strip 2,
SSL Fusion HF Compressor,
SSL Fusion Transformer,
klevgr. Pana.

FX inserts:
Soundtoys Effect Rack,
Moog MF-108S Cluster Flux,
Vztek Malibu.

Sends:
Relab LX480-E (Abbey Road Trick),
UAD Pure Plate,
Softube Wasted Space,
Baby Audio Comeback Kid x2 (slap L and R delays).

Rear bus:
SSL X-saturator,
Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe,
Pulsar W495 Neumann EQ,
Softube Drawmer S73,
Apogee Soft Limit.

Mix bus (mixed with SSL 360):
SSL Bus Compressor 2,
Softube Drawmer S73,
SSL Fusion HF Compressor,
SSL Fusion Transformer.

Print bus:
UAD Pultec EQ Collection,
Softube Tape,
Apogee Soft Limit.

Please consult this news blog post regarding an overhaul to the voting mechanic. To make it simple for me for counting the votes - please use the forum usernames in your listing. Thank you!

Please also consult the previous post that features a summary for this month's mechanic (see "Bonus Info" in the red colored box).
.


This month's SWC participants giving feedback to each other is mandatory, it is the only criteria to drop out of the game by not partaking. Please also do not just collect feedback, and give nothing in return. The concept of the Songwriting Competition is interaction and "learning by doing". If you have collaborated with somebody, then only the one doing the main entry needs to give feedback and vote. Bonus feedback is always welcome. However, please be open minded, objective and constructive.


INFORMATION: If you have submitted your entry in multiple file formats, the statistic sheet (posted alongside the results) will focus on the uncompressed material first (WAV), then FLAC, then MP3. The higher the quality (e.g. lossless format), the less possible loss on bonus points for "Loudness Specs" due to offsets introduced by a used CODEC.

APi_ZZ - Scaffold
I like percussive, rhythmic elements.
In the beginning the bass is very dominant for me.
Nice change at 0:50, after 0:50 I like the entrance of the choir, but it seems a bit static. Dynamically it could be more exciting.
On the whole I like it, because it is a pleasant composition, with a calm sound, but with the rhythm there is still a good excitement and movement.

bpackard - Framework
Nice trailerish track. I especially like the climax part. The structure of the song is classic, it seems a tiny bit long (esp. the intro and ActI together), but that could be my taste.
Good instrumentals, classic choices, one or two of the tools are my favorites too.
Small critique I would do differently: you wrote that you particularly like the brass in it. Too bad they would almost cease to exist in mono. The correlation in the middle is not very good. I would improve that a bit.

Arelem - Torn Down
Nice lo-fi start and nice buildup.
As I listened to each song in turn, I had to turn it down because it was extremely loud
I like the structure and the clarity of the mix.
and finally... the song fits the theme very well.

Crosshatched - Frame for Nothing
What an emotional song.
1:12- nice composition, great harmony
Mix: especially at the beginning, I'm not really happy with the phazing issues.
It's mostly the emotional content and surges that got me about the song. I like it.

Rafitown - Scaffold Theme
I like the composition, it has good ideas.
The good ideas don't quite add up to a whole song for me, but all of them are good and sound good.
Good piano playing. The piece testifies to a very good musical education and experience, it was a pleasure to listen to.

KukoBass - Scaffold Ska
Oh, I remember a ska competition here from year(s) ago. it brings back those memories. Love the style, would be nice to have a similar competition again.
I like the rhythm, the choice of instruments wouldn't be bad either, very good walking bass line, but I don't like the mix very much unfortunately. Despite the Mix Monolyth I have issues with the balance. The brass part (esp. trombone is too loud for me) the rocksichord is thin in itself (in the latter case, the sound of the instrument may not be the best choice).

EsteveCorbera - La Bombeta Al Sostre Del Garatge
Very good start, perfect start. Until 0:49 it's absolutely fine.
Unfortunately after that the instruments start to work in a completely different space, rhythm and scale.
Even if there were a chaos theory behind it, 1-2 out of the three should be common.
After 1:42 comes another theme, much, much better.
It's a shame about the interjected part of the song, because overall it captured the theme well, although your work in recent months has been a bit better.

DocJon - Crane Town Man
When I first started listening to the song, I wondered how the theme of the month would relate to it, but it couldn't have been better...
I really like the instrumentation, the mix, the chorus is pleasantly catchy.
The text is also very apt and good.

Cdbaksu - Molly
Great composition, nice, good to listen.
Especially after 2:40 at some parts I would apply e.g. a dynEQ, because the main instrument is too loud and sometimes resonant for me.
The outro at the end is a bit unexpected, especially considering that the song practically starts "in medias res".
Overall an impressive piece of music, demonstrating excellent musicality.

DocJon - Crane Town Man
Arelem - Torn Down
bpackard - Framework
Crosshatched - Frame for Nothing
Rafitown - Scaffold Theme

@Arelem
Well made electronic track with all typical requirements: risers, breaks, sub bass ... what slightly distracks me is the (overly) tinny sound of that backbeat snare(?).

@becsei_gyorgy
The idea of EDM seems to be met quite correctly. The snappy instrumentation (reminding me a bit of Popcorn) and the artificial vocals, as well as the middle asian flair, produce an unique vibe. Just the phrasing of the vocals irritates a bit, sometimes sounding like being forced to fit.

@bpackard
Sounding like an expertly constructed and executed trailer for some bombastic, heroic adventure movie ... no flaws (at least in my perception).

@Cdbaksu
This rhythmically demanding, very jazzy, forward driving tune offers plenty of musical entertainment. The at first amazing L-C-R setup of the drums integrates well into the overall flow. The lead voices are a pleasure to listen to, and the final minute of polyrhythmic workout offers a fine ending.

@Doc Jon
The Dire Straights inspiration (I think of Telegraph Road) is shining through, without cloning or copying. The track flows pleasantly, the vocals fit well and a solid placement on some AOR playlist should follow.

@EsteveCorbera
La Bombeta Al Sostre Del Garatge ... that's a cool title, even if the cover picture looks under the roof. Even if the track's descriptions of don't-like and no-interest might apply, the final track entertains well with its unusual flow, breaks, sounds and the many FXs all over/through the stereo field.

@KukoBass
I love the creative interpretation of the contest's title and the consequently executed musical result. The over-the-top vocal sound and those plastic brasses strengthen the fun and don't-take-serious character of the track. Well done.

@Rafitown
Interesting musical study, gaining quite some attention by applying those different reverb levels, making the voices like floating on different horizontal sound planes ... works fine with me.

@Crosshatched
Fascinating sound choices with these bell+synth-lingerings, the track has a noirish movie trailer feel, a bit eerie / a bit ethereal ...

01 @bpackard
02 @Cdbaksu
03 @Doc Jon
04 @Crosshatched
05 @Rafitown

APi_ZZ – Scaffold

Cool percussive tune. I like the transitions and overall, the balance is solid. I like the choir/vocal stabs and selection of instruments. I found the arrangement to be lacking. The song starts with a good vibe then doesn’t really go anywhere. Meaning, there isn’t much by way of dynamics, chords, or melody to hold my attention the way it captures it initially. Maybe think about giving the listener a bit more variation. Great vibe, good balance. Good job overall.


Arelem - Torn Down

Fun mid-tempo track. The melody is very catchy. I love the bass(s). LOVE. IT. I have zero experience with this genre but from what I hear the balance is great. I don’t get the connection to “scaffold,” but I understand the inspiration as I like your original idea with the whole “built up/torn down” thing. I like the track, but I wish you didn’t doubt yourself and powered through with the vocals and original idea.


Crosshatched - Frame for Nothing

This track has a definite moody, retro, B movie vibe. I dig stuff like that. I’m also a sucker for minor 9 chords and tracks that step out of the diatonic box. This song does it. That’s what I like most. Apart from the cool, scattered bell intro, I’m not feeling the connection to the prompt. The synth/bell melody to me doesn’t fit and distracts a bit from the supporting mood and affects the overall balance. While I love dissonance, there’s some chord changes that clash too much for me. Perhaps shortening reverb tails and/or instrument release times will help.


Rafitown - Scaffold Theme

Such a fun track. Great selection of instruments. Balance is solid. The changes you made in the revision were wise. The sustain pedal really helped with the piano track’s consistency. I also really like the drums, they're not too in the way but fill the space nicely. The introduction of the rim shot near the end was smart as it gave me a new element without distracting. Nicely done. A few notes: Strings & Brass need some expression. The samples themselves are cool, but there’s spots where dynamics could help them sit better. The cymbal swells fit the song, but the sample sounds narrow and not in the same room. I’d look at if there’s overhead mics to blend in or use a wide reverb to help it fit the rest of the drums. Good job. I like this track.


KukoBass - Scaffold Ska

This absolutely has that Lazy Town vibe. It brings me back to when my kids were young and into that show. I like the song. With the vocal track & lyrics (which are pretty cool) this song squarely nails the prompt. Balance confused me a bit. It leans a bit to the left, bass is mostly on the right and vocals mostly sit in the middle. Not sure if cymbal hits without a bass drum is common for the genre but it was odd for me. This is particularly noticeable when listening at a low level. I listened louder and things sounded a bit more balanced. This is usually an indication mix decisions were made while listening too loud (something I struggle with myself.) Either way, using visual meters within the DAW should help avoid imbalance. Fun track, vocals and lyrics are very cool.


EsteveCorbera - La Bombeta Al Sostre Del Garatge

Interesting track. I too have little experience with this genre. Overall, I liked the track. The changeup at 1:42 was SO COOL! I love the envelope/filtered synth you use, and the part is well written. With balance I would have liked some clarity volume and punch to the kick and bass, but a good balance for the most part. The buildup/riser around 0:47 worked for me until the drop at 0:54. There wasn’t much of a payoff and the beat, though up-tempo, didn’t fit as well as it could have. The distorted saw/guitar line (not exactly sure what it was) during that part dominated the section. It sounded cool, just a bit heavy handed as far as volume. Overall, I dig the song. Good job.


becsei_gyorgy - Architects of Life

Such a cool tune. The structure is good, and the chorus works well. Balance is great.This reminds me of a track I wrote a while back called “Illuminate.” Yours is better lol. The melodies are catchy, and you’ve represented the prompt well. The snaps at the beginning are ahead of the downbeat as if the midi or sample is skewed a little to the left. The vocal mix got boring for me after a few stanzas. The octave thing would be better reserved for the chorus or to emphasize certain lines. The chorus doesn’t stand out enough for me both musically and vocally. The lyrics and melody I think are good, it just needs something to elevate it as a hook. Trying things like a new element, 3rd harmony, subtle volume/width/reverb/delay automation would give the chorus something extra to stand out. Overall, great tune. Well done.


DocJon - Crane Town Man

What a great production. Well written song. Man, I thought the strat was tracked. I gotta get that instrument lol. Balance is great. Nothing musically stands out as out of place or needing correction. I do feel you could have been bolder with the vocal mix. Your voice is cool, and I would love it to have more body and be more forward in the mix. Also, these days an old school fade ending feels more like a cop-out. An actual ending would be much better. The lyrics work well with the given prompt. Very good job.


Cdbaksu - Molly

Straight 70’s Wonder vibe on this one. Love it. I dig the changing time signatures as they blend well without notice. I believe you used every sus chord that exists lol (I kid). I love the arpeggios near the end at 4:05. The piece is well thought out and the lead line keeps a motif while never losing the improv feeling. Balance is good. While I’m absolutely a novice with mixing, I do feel this track could have been a bit brighter. It has a warm vintage vibe, but it was missing clarity for my tastes. The track ends with a lengthy percussion section. To me it seems like the song fizzled out there. That said, I am impressed with your writing. I have a jazz background, but you seem to have it in your blood. Top notch, man.

Rafitown - Scaffold Theme
DocJon - Crane Town Man
Cdbaksu – Molly
becsei_gyorgy - Architects of Life
Arelem - Torn Down

APi_ZZ__Scaffold:
I like the tribal flavour of the production. In some points string section makes me travel to some early funk compositions too.
About strings: I think it could be good for them a bit of reverb, I think it would made them more envoloping and a bit mor glued to the base too.
I think the style and flow of the composition and the production are so appropriate to the competition idea.

bpackard__Framework:
A really epic piece.
Maybe the first transition is a bit rude. But every part is epic itself and it sounds good and well balanced to me.
I think thee song adjusts fine to the competition idea too.

Arelem__Torn Down:
An interesting approach to the competition theme.
For me it becomes a bit repetitive, but I like the sound selection and for my little knowledge for electronic music sounds good enough.

Crosshatched_Frame for Nothing:
Nice track. It's something different and fresh.
Some chorus or an instrument bringing a new scene in the middle of the song have been a good thing, maybe is what you say in you're comment, and don't be sorry, just thanks for this one.

kukobass - scaffold ska:
Hi man. Greetings from a jamaican music lover
The idea, structure and composition are good, it's a pitty the production failed a bit.
In my humble opinion you should work more on humanization of midi items (I know it's not easy but SKA is band's music). Just play more on each note velocity and duration.
It would have been fine to find more clearliness and power in the bass line (named I expected that )
Congrats on the repeating melody of brass section, it keeps fixed on mind for a while.

EsteveCorbera- LaBombetaAlSostreDelGaratge
I wouldn't be able to recognize the genre here, lol (just let me know).
I like the use of effects and sounds and how them flow.
The guitar sound is just synth? Being synth or guitar it sounds very interesting.
Interesting job.

becsei_gyorgy - Architects of Life
I love the gothicism of the voices, I would like to listen them in a bit more opera-rock style. (I'm sorry I'm not much into dance music )
Very good job with lyrics. If something in the music does not fit to the theme, lyrics definetively fix it.

Doc Jon- Crane Town Man
Another curious approach to the competition theme here.
I think you created what you wanted.
The mix sounds goods but in some parts I need to do an effort to understand the lyrics.
Great job with the lyrics.

Cdbaksu - Molly
Thanks for this travel. I doubt I have enough level to give you advice
The only got me in doubt was the relation with the competition theme, but the final transition definitely makes it fit.

bpackard - Framework
becsei_gyorgy - Architects of Life
APi_ZZ - Scaffold
Doc Jon - Crane Town Man
Cdbaksu - Molly