check out my band hurraylien

disasterpiece

we are a band from kitchener,ontario,canada we,ve been together since last nov we have 11 songs 6 up on the site to download we recorded live off the floor onto 2 tracks then i came home doubled my guitar parts and mixed it thanks to the kx project for making this possible for me. the music is rock oriented but i cant place it in a specific genre maybe you guys could help with that . i would appreciate any comments enjoy http://www.hurraylien.com/playsnicemusic.htm

disasterpiece

oh well was hoping for some critique

Maddogg6

Not sure if its from mp3 encoding, but theres NO stereo imaging in my headphones.

As far as genre - I would say its a mix of rock/metal/funk/punk/acid. in order of relevance.
I can't say I enjoy funk tho and its definitly a strong influence.

Im more of a melodic metal head myself.

Production wise sounds like you know how to mic instruments, a pretty good mix/mastering too (other than the sterero thing above). Its an great mono mix.

Musicianship - seems like you all now how to play the instruments - not in a style I love, but I do respect the talent none the less. Keep it up, I'm pretty certain theres a market for your material.

Id have to say your biggest strengths are 'LIVE' playing for sure. So I bet you guys would put on a great show. AND your style is diverse.

Diversity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you *could* be appealing to a larger audience. On the other hand, you'll also hear more stuff like: 'I liked the one song, but the others were not to my liking'

BUT, its like you threw all the diversity into each song - so its not like theres a funky song, then a punk song - its each song contains all those genres. This seems more unique to me and could work in your advantage.

My honest opinion is find a market - it'll be a niche market tho as it stands (IMHO).
Also, such divirsity (normally) is asking to be a 'one hit wonder' if you are discovered.

that my .$02(US) - $.0375(CAN) worth.

piece

Russ

lol, too funny.

I like "skablime". Definitely original stuff, kind of in it's own category. Sort of like "The Fools" meets "Sublime" meets "Anthrax" meets "Green Jello", or something.

I agree that the mix definatley needs a little work as it does sound like a mono mix.

disasterpiece

thanks for the insight guys yeah didnt have alot to work with on the mix as everything was on two tracks i agree with u on the stereo thing i,ll meess with it some more, if u have any tips that would be great.i checked your stuff too maddogg good stuff i could only get at the one song though

Maddogg6

Was there a problem with my site?

Anyway, in order to get stereo imaging, you need to record/mix with stereo in mind.

this *can* be done in 2 tracks when recording a live performance. Basically depends on mic placement, BUT - because of the high volumes involved in the usual small space, its pretty hard (read almost impossible).

Its best each instrumnet is mic'd

The only real tips to be had will depend on your system and what you have available.

But here are some things that CAN be done with minimal mics

Take the recording you have and RE-RECORD all parts into seperate tracks while the player plays along in headphones. Record dry (no effects if possible) and re-mix.

For guitars - I use a Johnson amplification J-Station - was only $150 US and sounds great when plugged right (DI) into the sound card. No Mics. Many will say micing a good amp and using such and such mic is a must, I find it easier to get along with myself compared to a good punchy bass tone.

Bass guitars (IMHO) sound best miced AND DI (direct injection = plugged in directly) but depends on equipment and taste. I programmed mine. a little stereo chorus can add some dimension.

Drums are trickier - *usually* youd mic the snare, the bass drum, and 2 (or more) mics to capture the stereo image from toms and cymbles. Again - taste and equipment dictate. I program mine. If you only have 2 mics (2 LD Condensors are best) you can just play around with placement or yet again over dub another track of just the snare and one for the bass drum.

Vocals - a good condensor - the best you can get your hands on. LARGE DIAPHRAM. - get 2 to get the drum stereo image above. But even the $100 musicians friend special is better than a dynamic. Add SOME stereo chorus and a LITTLE reverb, just enough to get the steril mono turned into some stereo. Vocals have ALWAYS been my biggest headache, maybe Im too picky - but its one reason why there are no vaocal on my stuff.

Biggest mistake are - too much reverb.

OR

Just put a mic in front of all the amps and drums and mix (use the panning on the channels to get a sound/stereo image you llike or best you can get)
Mixed into stereo and into the sound card.

There are literally volumes written on this very subject so Ill vnever be able to summorize in a forum post. The sky is the limit and what works for me may not for you. ALOT is trial and error, but some direction as a starting point may help.

Bottom line is - if your serious about your music, be serious about the equipment. BUT, I do have to say your sound quality (even tho its in mono) is better than a lot that Ive heard from many so-called professionals (listen/look at some of the bands on myspace.com)
So, i wouldn't panic or anything either. I know how money doesn't grow on trees, but good quality will cost you whether its in a studio or at home.

Also, the demos as is are good enough for demos. I wouldn't 'sell' them tracks the way they are - or at least if I were to have paid for em, Id feel slightly well... lets just say 'rectal muscles would contract'. :P

disasterpiece

i may have not followed directions properly yeah the problem is we recorded in pro studio through a neve console which is good but the engineer doesnt close mic the toms and i dont think he panned them either my guess is he recorded each instrument in mono to 2 tracks then i did the mixing i did use psp stereo enhncer i believe it lacks in spots but hey for free it was a good deal

Maddogg6

If ya want ... send me MP3's (@160Kbs) of individual tracks and I'll remix a song for ya. for free of course - I'd like to get some more in my portfolio.

If not ignore...

My site - http://md6.us - not much instructions needed for it tho. ?? I dunno.

trevbushell

hi disasterpiece,

listened to a few of your tracks and really liked them. very fresh, crazy, original and different songwriting. nice to hear a band that are not sticking to the "songwriting bible" of you know what i mean.... (verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/double chorus/yawn!). nice to hear you not take yourself yourself too seriously woth your lyrics etc!

the songs i heard reminded me a bit of 'frank zappa' in the way he writes....... stories rather than songs and fun. keep it up and good luck for the future.

VERY small pointer, the start of show and tell u need to be a bit tighter (drums and band coming in together a bit off). (im a drummer so its the kind of thing i really notice ... )
again mix needs improving big time, but you know that already

trev

disasterpiece

thnks for the listen and reply and your right on the show and tell we thought for this demo we would just keep stuff real loose and keep in the representation of a live show (not perfect) hardley anybody leaves in small inconsistencies anymore like zeppelin although sometimes you get alot of flack for that

disasterpiece

oh yeah there really isnt any individual tracks except my guitar overdubs the whole band was dumped to 2 tracks right from the get go so this is prolly the main contributer to the not so good mix but thanks for the offer

trevbushell

hmmm yeah good point! and why not!!

Toadly_Ossum

Im digging the songs. Really unique sound. I love it when a band sounds like no other. But if i did have to catagorize the music Id say there is some Mr. Bungle and Primus influences. I also like lyrics that dont have to take themselves too seriously

Keep playing YOUR music!

Toad

disasterpiece

glad u liked it and took the time to mention it