Here is the Finished Product....You guys may recall I posted an simple Acoustic/Vocal Version of this. I decided to go all in on this....I sing the lead VOX & lend a hand to the female background vocalist in spots I felt needed beefing up.
Here is the Final Studio version. AND NOW MY VIDEO...It's my first video ever...
Sounds really pro to me. Seems like it would fit in on pretty much any country station out there. Vocals are really really strong. Genre wise, not my kind of song, but I believe it is very much the kind of song that most country fans would love to hear. Well produced, well written and well performed. Best of luck with it.
WOW!! This is just . . . just . . . well, let me break out my thesaurus so I can look up every word for "exceptional". I'm not a country fan . . . might dig one in every 20 or 30 I hear, . . . and I'm not sure I'd say this is country . . . I'd just say it's damn good. One of the best things I've heard on the boards like this I visit. Your vocals are spot on, the harmonies as well--production is tight. Sweet from start to finish.
If a song like this doesn't go somewhere big, there's no hope for any of us little folks (or the few that still have delusions of hope). Seriously--this is so well done. Good luck with it--it doesn't deserve a lot of listens . . . it deserves millions.
My most humble regards,
Deej
#1156718 - 09/21/1910:00 AMRe: First Love, Last Love (Final Studio Version)
[Re: GocartMoz]
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 703Steve Altonian
Top 500 Poster
Wow, that turned out great! Wonderful production and vocals.
Originally Posted by Mimmo
Very well performed... All around .Really enjoyed the song. Well done Mimmo
Thanks Gavin & Mimmo for your thoughts & the listen
Originally Posted by GocartMoz
Sounds really pro to me. Seems like it would fit in on pretty much any country station out there. Vocals are really really strong. Genre wise, not my kind of song, but I believe it is very much the kind of song that most country fans would love to hear.
Dave
Hey Gocart Moz....I get that comment alot. "Not my style, but"....That says alot for ones attention to be drawn to something that is not in their sonic orbit. (just made that phrase up-SONIC ORBIT). Love your thoughts that Country fans would embrace this tune....Thanks Moz
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Damn pretty song. Everything works and works together...lyric and music and vocals all row the same boat. Nicely executed. Music is familiar sounding but "timeless" as Mike said.
JaneK
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 230
California
This turned out fantastic Steve. Your studio really knew what they were doing - finished and ready for the radio. Way to go. I love the harmonies on the chorus.
This is beautiful Steve with an intro that had me thinking of a Hollies song. Excellent vocal and melody. One of the best on here for some time Regards John
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
#1156782 - 09/22/1902:27 PMRe: First Love, Last Love (Final Studio Version)
[Re: Deej56]
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 703Steve Altonian
Top 500 Poster
Beautifully done. Timeless sound. It's something I could imagine being a Journey staple or a modern country ballad.
Mike
Hi Mike....The Timeless comment is about the best compliment the tune could get. Styles change & are fleeting. We all want our tunes to stand the test of time. We were going for the Modern Country Ballad, but at the same time I guess the tune has a life & feel of it's own. So yes, the tune has both elements going on. And obviously alot of my personal style is gonna show up in there as well. Thanks for taking the time to listen Mike
Originally Posted by Scott Campbell
I second Mike - timeless.
It's got everything - a universal lyric, a catchy chorus with a great lyrical hook, and solid main and backing vocals. Nice work!
Scott
Another Timeless...Cool....Thanks for giving this a spin
Originally Posted by JAPOV
Hey, that did turn out good! I'd say that’s radio ready, Congrats!
Thanks so much my friend for the good word....
Originally Posted by Deej56
Steve,
WOW!! This is just . . . just . . . well, let me break out my thesaurus so I can look up every word for "exceptional". I'm not a country fan . . . might dig one in every 20 or 30 I hear, . . . and I'm not sure I'd say this is country . . . I'd just say it's damn good. One of the best things I've heard on the boards like this I visit. Your vocals are spot on, the harmonies as well--production is tight. Sweet from start to finish.
If a song like this doesn't go somewhere big, there's no hope for any of us little folks (or the few that still have delusions of hope). Seriously--this is so well done. Good luck with it--it doesn't deserve a lot of listens . . . it deserves millions.
Deej
Hi Dee, It's funny because it has Country elements & I sing alot of it Country, but not all of it. I just sing it how I feel captures the mood of the lyric best & how I feel it in my soul....I like, wait let me re-phrase that....I LOVE your saying it deserves to be heard by many. Great word & great thoughts toward me & this song. Thanks Dee
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Sounds like a polished track, professionally structured, commercially viable. I like how the chorus hook sneaks up on you.
Nice Vocal and arrangement. Well done!
For the Chorus to "sneak" up on you I had to over-rule my Producer & take out the drums & Bass in the verse. Should have told him that BEFORE they laid the trax LOL....Then I had to pay another drummer to overdub in the verse & brought the bass in at the Pre-Chorus. Producer said just sing with the basic track & I told him, well I will sing it WAYYYYY different without the beat in there...It ended up costing me some $$$$, but that was my vision for the tune
Originally Posted by Martin Lide
Damn pretty song. Everything works and works together...lyric and music and vocals all row the same boat. Nicely executed. Music is familiar sounding but "timeless" as Mike said.
Pic is beautiful and perfect as well.
Martin
Hahahaha, yeah finding that Picture has been one of the highlights of this songs journey....Especially with the "Yellow Rose' line....The line sounds cool, but I gotta think that line goes over some people's head. You gotta know what the meaning of a "Yellow Rose" is to truly get it. I left it because whether they got it or not they would at least a rose is growing. But a yellow rose signifies friendship & verse 2 is about thir friendship. verse one about them as lovers...
Originally Posted by JaneK
This turned out fantastic Steve. Your studio really knew what they were doing - finished and ready for the radio. Way to go. I love the harmonies on the chorus.
Hey Jane, Yeah, I drive my Producer crazy because I do change things, but we work really well together & he will over-rule me if he feels strongly about something, so we are accountable to each other...Yeah, I am pleased with how the harmonies turned out as well...My daughter laughed at me as I stacked my harmonies in my home studio to send off to Nashville to go along with the studio gals BGV's. Daughter said "You just couldn't leave it alone could you Dad'? I said "NOOOOOPE"...But my producer loved it & .It actually made the Chorusbigger & thicker & I ialso heard & wanted wanted certain harmonies in certain spots. Thanks for chiming in Jane.....
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 3,815Kolstad
Top 100 Poster
Kolstad
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,815
Denmark
Wow, this is smooth, Steve! Everything sounds well in balance and pops through the mix. Sounds like something that couldve been on a Kenny Chesney record. Really beautiful song and performance!
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,763Dave Rice
Top 30 Poster
Dave Rice
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,763
Texas
Finally had time to sit down and give this one full attention... and... I was not disappointed. Country genre as recorded (and quite well, I might add) but it could work in several genres... like most well-done song creations.
Loved the harmonies and your vocal. A very nice production. Best of luck with First Love - Last Love!
All the best, ----West Mayberry Dave
#1157263 - 10/03/1901:43 PMRe: First Love, Last Love (Final Studio Version)
[Re: Kolstad]
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 703Steve Altonian
Top 500 Poster
Wow, this is smooth, Steve! Everything sounds well in balance and pops through the mix. Sounds like something that couldve been on a Kenny Chesney record. Really beautiful song and performance!
Thanks for the feedback...Oh and while you are at it, can you get this to Kenny Chesney?
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Finally had time to sit down and give this one full attention... and... I was not disappointed. Country genre as recorded (and quite well, I might add) but it could work in several genres... like most well-done song creations.
Loved the harmonies and your vocal. A very nice production. Best of luck with First Love - Last Love!
All the best, ----West Mayberry Dave
Thanks alot Dave,
I think about your take on how this tune can work in different genres is something for me to ponder my next move. That means it's an accessible & universal song...Thanks for the input.
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 3,518E Swartz
Top 100 Poster
E Swartz
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,518
Ohio
Steve,
Loved this--great melody. Yeah, modern country would be I think the best avenue to pursue this great tune--it has the hook they're looking for and fabulous metaphorical lyrics/well performed/produced!
You really have a good one here, and a good final version at that!
steady-eddie
Last edited by E Swartz; 10/15/1906:41 PM.
#1158243 - 10/26/1911:03 AMRe: First Love, Last Love (Final Studio Version)
[Re: E Swartz]
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 703Steve Altonian
Top 500 Poster
Loved this--great melody. Yeah, modern country would be I think the best avenue to pursue this great tune--it has the hook they're looking for and fabulous metaphorical lyrics/well performed/produced!
You really have a good one here, and a good final version at that!
steady-eddie
Hey Steady Eddie,
Thanks for the thoughts on this one...I have a vision for this one in a Jewelry Commercial for Kays. I even made a specific 30 second commercial/video for them to show them my concept. Waiting to see the the path to navigate it to them at this time.
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Joined: Oct 2019 Posts: 123PaulCanuck
Serious Contributor
PaulCanuck
Serious Contributor
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 123
Super work here Steve. Fits the country radio genre perfectly. Love the vocals and harmonies - and that steel guitar glues everything together perfectly. Time to pitch it Nice one Paul
#1158299 - 10/28/1912:49 PMRe: First Love, Last Love (Final Studio Version)
[Re: PaulCanuck]
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 703Steve Altonian
Top 500 Poster
Super work here Steve. Fits the country radio genre perfectly. Love the vocals and harmonies - and that steel guitar glues everything together perfectly. Time to pitch it
Hey Paul,
Thanks for the listen & the inspiration....
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 3,926MFB III
Top 100 Poster
MFB III
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,926
ohio
Lovely melody that leads you back to that one moment in time when you knew you were truly in love. Always a nice journey in one's mind but you chronicle it with this tender and stellar song.
Lovely melody that leads you back to that one moment in time when you knew you were truly in love. Always a nice journey in one's mind but you chronicle it with this tender and stellar song.
Hey MFB II,
Glad you went along for the ride....Thanks for listening
Originally Posted by Martin Lide
Very nice.
Prolly been asked, but how was this produced? Home studio? Professional studio? Actual instruments? Virtual instruments? Admirable production.
Hi Martin,
3 different studios. Nashville, Los Angeles, & my Home Studio. I have a Producer I've used for years in Nashville. He knows my vision & how picky I am. An A-list session players cut the tracks in Nashville & I cut my lead VOX at Studio DeVille in Burbank, California. Pre-production is done at my Home Studio & my BGV's to stack with the females BGV's were done at my home studio. I just finished the shooting & editing the video at my house. But Martin, your inquiry prompted me to replace this MP-3 track with the video I produced. Hope you guys like it. It's my first video...
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
You should take that song and try out for the tv show Songland. They have 2-3 famous acts or people looking for a song for a album. I think you would have a shot your songs good enough. The song, production, video and all are incredible. I love country and I love this! So good.
I just got some incredible news to share...The Josie Music Awards just announced the nomination of "First Love, Last Love" for Song of the Year for Contemporary Country. I also received a nomination for Male Artist of the Year for Modern Country. The JMA Awards will be held at The Dolly Parton Celebrity Theatre in Dollywood, Tennessee September 5, 2020.. They received 30,007 entries...
Wanted to share this news with my JPF family...
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
You should take that song and try out for the tv show Songland. They have 2-3 famous acts or people looking for a song for a album. I think you would have a shot your songs good enough. The song, production, video and all are incredible. I love country and I love this! So good.
I never saw this post from before...I want this on Songland.....
Originally Posted by niteshift
Hey Steve,
Great to hear this song again.
Love the words and the meaning. Great production. That is what we all live for. My partner cried on hearing this song.
cheers, niteshift
NITESHIFT,
That last line about your partner crying, is just too awesome...As a Balladeer, tugging on heartstrings has always been what it is all about...Thanks for sharing that....
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
You are very talented so it is not that big of a surprise that people recognize it.
Martin
Thanks so much Martin my long time friend. Who knows, maybe I may need some material soon, ya never know...
Originally Posted by PaulCanuck
How exciting is that?? Great news Steve - congrats!!
Paul
Yeah, very exciting...A lot of new open doors in the last few days.
Originally Posted by Gerry
How did I miss this one. Absolutely beautiful Steve I raise my hat to you Sir and wish you all the success possible with this lovely song.
Best of luck,
Gerry
Hey Gerry,Thanks for the great words....Funny how songs progress....This was a break up song for the first week....Originally the singer lost his first love AND his last love & was lamenting that "love ain't meant to be"....I was also stuck in a groove singing "Love ain't meant to be"...After a week I realized my original version was very depressing & even I couldn't follow my storyline with 2 women characters in it....
Glad I scrapped that original idea
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
This is a really cool song! It is well arranged, produced, and delivered. everything sounds to be in the place and has its own space. Your voice reminds me a bit of Richie McDonald.The delicate inclusion of the b/g pedal steel was the perfect fill in spots. i enjoyed this a lot. Also, the video was real nice ... congrats on the accomplishmnet.
This is a really cool song! It is well arranged, produced, and delivered. everything sounds to be in the place and has its own space. Your voice reminds me a bit of Richie McDonald.The delicate inclusion of the b/g pedal steel was the perfect fill in spots. i enjoyed this a lot. Also, the video was real nice ... congrats on the accomplishmnet.
Best to you. Be safe ...
Alan
Hi Alan...Thanks for the time & listen...Yes, It's always written into the Arrangement, you will hear that Pedal Steel somewhere on all my Country tunes...
Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"
II listened to the first take of this Steve, thought it was a great sound then..now its finished, super job on the video, that alone is no easy task. excellent music and writing, very easy to listen to..Lane
p.s
good luck with this in the awards! and to you too Steve!
Last edited by lane1777; 06/22/2010:57 AM.
"Some have a need to chisel in stone, All have a need to be heard" Vincent
We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.
