Should be close to finished on this one.

Would love some mix help as this one was pretty tough. Trying to make the chorus sound huge without making it a mess!

I feel like I can hear all the instruments pretty clearly for how much is going on.

Thanks!

https://soundcloud.com/subspacefreq/heart-of-hearts-final-mix-1010/s-qgxw04Z6Ih0

HEART OF HEARTS

There are demons at the table
And they're here to keep us warm
They're our constant companions
Never to weather but be the storm

Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
Never know when they'll start
Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
We know they are wrong

There were times we were mistreated
People meant to do us harm
So we gave into misgivings
Like a drought over a farm

Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
Never know when they'll start
Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
We know they are wrong

On with the show.....

Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
Never know when they'll start
Deep in our heart of hearts
Our heart of hearts
We know they are wrong

This is so good. It needs to be out there right now. A great concert song that could go on for another couple of minutes just with the chorus. I love how you hold the note at the end of some of the lines "warm/storm"

Excellent

Steve

Thanks Steve!

Appreciate you taking the time.

Ricky

This is the best I've heard for a while. Bowie like.
Stirring chorus. Great.

Vic

AWSOME!

WOW... thats so vocal Ricky, great sound, and the writing super.
I think they are right..best I`ve heard for some time. Lane

Thanks you guys!

I wish this was my vocal but I worked with Scotto on this. He nailed it I thought!

thats cool too. I have others sing, cause I cant very well, I have the hardest time finding singers.. anyway you look at this its very good work..Lane

I agree with all the others!!!! This is above the usual.
It's great when I hear people try to rise above their own personal moderate constraints....and then succeed. Those who strive to feel the pulse are called artists. This one is a direct hit.
I think you know of Scotto, from the other sites we associate with. I have high regard for his performances and productions. You have done Scotto X2. Great writing......great production..........great performances.
Great stuff Ricky...................worthy of a 10, IMHO.
-T

Thank you so much Tom! Means a lot coming from you for sure!

Brief story of how this song came about. (I should have put this in the OP)

Scotto had this song as vocal and instrument only. I thought it was really good but I kept hearing this really big chorus. Once I put strings, drums, and bass to this it sounded HUGE. We both loved it. I kept adding to it and working on the mix. Scotto re sang it and I put on the BVs. The mix has his original guitar track in it though. Honestly this is Scotto's song and he should have posted it. I was just wanting to make sure the mix sounded good. I can only take credit for helping and regret not saying so in the original post.

Thanks for all the responses to this so far. Scotto will be reading these also!!!

The music and production definitely emotes very well, great job there!
However, I must admit that overall it leaves me wondering... what exactly is the song about?

I think that's the beauty of a lyric like this. It could fit more than one interpretation.
It doesn't have to be about anything other than what's in the mind of the listener.
Mental illness, bullying, alcoholism, drug addiction etc.

Vic

I agree with Vic, this is an artist song not a songwriters song, so you can basicly do what you want.

The part I love is the intro/guitar hook, love the sound of it and the timing contrast of going into a slow verse.

This style of lyric is suited for metal, or hard rock and the singer is metal sounding.

While not my style of music, I can appreciate what you got here. Very well done, a powerful ballad.

Vic,

Both Scott and I think you hit the nail on the head. Thank you.

Ricky

A top notch song!

A very vibrant and penetrating production!

Mackie

Thanks Mackie!

Appreciate it.

Also thanks for listening and commenting Japov, Fde, Vic, Tom, Lane, Ck, and Steve!

Wow Ricky, that chorus does feel huge and it’s quite clear and not messy at all.
Great arrangement, sound and overall vibe.
Excellent vocal work through out.

I agree the mix is great. Someone who is more expert might be able to offer advice but to me it just sounded great. This style of music is absolutely not my cup of tea, but I can still admire what you both did here. Great song, great production. I seem to be using the word "great" a lot here

Ricky,

Might be your all time best! I really enjoyed every aspect of this performance and production. One small sug, (given my ears and headphones feedback) I might increase the drum bus 1-2 db. I'd like hearing and those great drum tracks break through "slightly" more as many contemporary dynamic drum mixes do these days.

Great song for sure!

steady-eddie

Nelson! LONG time man!

Thanks a lot!

Gavin, Thank you for taking the time and commenting. Glad you like the song!

Eddie, appreciate your comments. Thank you! I'll check the volume on this drums too.

Ricky,
This has got a David Bowie feel throughout.
A top tier hit right here. Well done, sir.
Very well done!

Michael.

Thanks Michael.

Appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment!

What a great lift after the subdued verse 1 great energy in the chorus
Well done Ricky
John