Who's Online Now
8 members (VNORTH2, couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash), 4,084 guests, and 265 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Does Billy Joel belong in top 10?
by Fdemetrio - 03/28/24 11:10 PM
It Is Done
by Sunset Poet - 03/28/24 07:44 PM
Music Industry Summit, Athens Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/28/24 06:14 PM
Can you save me from me
by VNORTH2 - 03/28/24 03:11 PM
As human as yo
by ckiphen - 03/28/24 09:55 AM
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
She’s missing but she ain’t missing him
by ckiphen - 03/23/24 08:44 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,990
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,126
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,212
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,120
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,032
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#508024 05/29/07 11:41 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hiya,
No, don't REALLY lie--that's the song title. grin
I prefer honesty straight-up no ice, personally.
EDIT:
Song #2 on Soundclick: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=587695
This is a worktape I'm sending out for a demo next month.
It's as close to perfect as I can get today--but I have a little time to recut vocals or fix timing etc. Can you help me figure out where to work? Is it good enough for demo folks to figure it out?
Production ideas would be great too. I'd love to have exit with a soaring guitar or sax solo, and maybe a little solo break between the verses. Other than that??
THANKS!!
Linda

Lie to Me
(c)2007 Linda P. Adams. All Rights Reserved.

I know why you've come here
And I think that you should go
You're sayin this won't be easy
But there's something I should know
Well maybe I don't want to
And I think you missed your cue
All I need from you is to--

Ch:
Lie to me,
I can't take your honesty
Ooooh... lie to me,
Make it easy to believe
Or else turn around and leave
If you can't bear to lie to me.

(2 lines instr.)
You think I've been dreaming
Or you think that I'm just blind
Well lemme tell you somethin
Don't need you to read my mind
All you have to do is just--

Lie to me,
I can't take your honesty
Oh... lie to me,
Make it easy to believe...
Or else turn around and leave

See, it's not so hard to do,
All you do is...

Lie to me,
I don't need your honesty
Oh... lie to me,
Give me something to believe...
Well what else can I do?
I can't bear to hear the truth.

==============================

THANK YOU ALL, so much!!

Linda

Last edited by Linda P. Adams; 06/22/07 11:21 PM.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,065
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,065
Hi Linda.I feel your pain.Its best to do something new.Its the only way you will know if the song is good.I dont play live either and am doing a concert in Sept.Just go have fun!

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, MJ!

Such a risk though--if I think it's amazing and it just TANKS--don'tcha think?? Still... "Lie to Me" is the song I'm most in love with at the moment... that much is true.

I'm so excited for you, doing a concert! Do you have your setlist planned out yet? Where will you be? How did you line it up? Best wishes on that!!

...Someday I hope to be playing live doing concerts. ~sigh~ I shoulda picked guitar over piano, and it would be easier to find venues. That fretboard mystifies me still.

Linda

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 668
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 668
I like it. This seems like a real good song, assuming the melody is good. If you have great worries that you might flub the performance, you might be safer and more secure going with a song you've performed to a large audience before. But if you have this song well rehearsed, I would think to go with this one.

Good Luck.



IIt's times like these you learn to love again. Foo Fighters


Music page
www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandid=707030

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, Moose! (A Moose from Vacaville... somehow that hit my funnybone tonight! grin sorry...)

Yeah, the melody is good (IMHO), the chorus especially. The verses are a little brooding and low... then the "lift" line goes up but drops back down unexpectedly on "Lie..." --Well, with any luck you can listen tomorrow, assuming my recording equipment functions properly (hahahaha) and I can get a worktape put down.

I always worry that I'm a little too in love with my own stuff though, which may be the case with this one. I can pontificate for a while about how a lie is complex, so the chords are more complex than your typical I-IV-V, and blah blah blah but that's so boring. grin

I doubt I'll flub the performance, because it's too much fun 'acting' the character (who seriously needs help, yikes!!). I just have to not... OVERact it. haha.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

Linda


PS "Catfish Lips" is a very fun song! It sounds a wee bit distorted (volume too high?), but it's a cool lyric and a bouncy, toe-tapping tune! Liked the vocal too--seemed to fit the song just right.

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
Hey Linda:

I like this lyric too. Had the same opinion as Moose, regarding song selection. Sounds from your response though that it isn't an issue with this song so I'd go for it... smile

Scott

Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,487
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,487
Linda,

Knock em dead...sometimes 10 is a harder group to play for than 200. I know you will be fine...

tim

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thanks Scott! Here goes nuthin'...
smile
Thanks Tom, and AMEN. So right. I much prefer a bigger crowd of blurry faces than 5 best friends! Eeek!

I got a live take done just now. No mistakes, but the emoting in the middle got a bit overcooked. wink (No--I'm not crying--my voice just slipped funny on me, actually. oh well...) I'll do better than this by next week, but this was a good enough take to post the melody/chords. Now that I can hear how I sound--I can figure out where to tone down or pull it forward. (Any help on that would be appreciated, too.)

Sorry the piano's a little muffled sounding... it's live, straight thru, one track, one mic, so I can't adjust the instrument separately.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=587695&songID=5398805

Please let me know your thoughts on structure, melody, length, etc.--if I'm pulling back where I should punch it, that sort of thing. I want it to be as good as I can make it. THANK YOU!!!

Linda

PS the other not-good thing is, I'll be playing this on an unknown keyboard, so I'll need to simplify the arrangement a lot (I'm not as good on the electronic thingys). frown

Last edited by Linda P. Adams; 05/30/07 05:07 PM.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941
Likes: 3
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941
Likes: 3
Linda,

I couldn't wait for the post -- I went to your soundclick site and listened to it. The piano is too soft for the vocals on this demo. You need to crank the piano a little more.

Kevin


"Good science comes in peer reviewed journals. Conspiracy theories come in YouTube videos. "
Kevin @ bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh (and Kevin @50/90 2019)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thanks Kevin!
Glad it was up when you got to it!

It's only a live worktape--one track, one mic--so I can't fix that on this copy. When I work up more of a "demo" of it, I will multi-track and crank up the piano, for sure.

Any comments on the song, lyric, melody, that sort of thing?

Thank you!

Linda

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941
Likes: 3
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941
Likes: 3
This is tough, I have listened to it 4 or 5 times and I probably need to come back later and re-listen. Anyway here are my first impressions. Since it is a good song and lyrics and you have confidence in it, I will just stick to the "negatives" for me (if I didn't like it, I would definitely go away and NOT give any quick first impressions).

1.) I couldn't grab on to the transition from verse 1 to the chorus. I'd rather see you cut the note short on "to--" and let the audience know "hey, here's the chorus."

2.) It seems that some of the vocalization was done to vocalize and not move the song ahead. Of course, this is more acceptable live, but I thought I would mention it.

3.) This is a "torch" style song -- yes complete with a wine glass on the piano and smoke drifting in the air (cough, cough). Therefore, I need it needs a little more build up. The first verse should be more "straight". Ease off of "go" and "should know". I also think that the entire line before the first chorus "All I need from you is to" should be straight with less emotion -- again it steals from the first chorus.

OK, I am in over my head. I am sure I will be in the minority here, but this was my first impression. I think you have a potentially very powerful song here -- I bet you blow the showcase folks away!!!

EDIT: I reserve the right to completely change my mind on these comments.

Kevin

Last edited by Kevin Emmrich; 05/30/07 05:34 PM.

"Good science comes in peer reviewed journals. Conspiracy theories come in YouTube videos. "
Kevin @ bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh (and Kevin @50/90 2019)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, Kevin!! I mean that!
It's really good to have your impressions. It's also really good that you could stand to listen to it 4-5 times and will come back! That's SO much better than yanking the headphones off 20 seconds into it! grin

I'll try cutting that note short and see what happens. Shorter is better. (It'll be over with faster!) ...I wrote more lyrics in the beginning, but the thing clocked out to 6:00. And that's just too long!!

I really truly appreciate the 'acting direction' it needs... all of that helps so much. I'll try it out and see how it goes!

Thank you thank you thank you, and I do mean that!

Linda

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Linda...You're asking....I say do the the Christian song that you have done before.....your vocal is more suited to that genre....imho.....hope it goes well.....Bob

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 53
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 53
Linda.. I really like this song. Gave it a few listens and when I close my eyes I picture myself sitting at the theatre listening to an andrew lloyd webber musical. I really like the chord progressions. Excellent songwriting. I have two comments for improvement.
1. careful in the chorus on "believe" If you could open the vowel a little bit towards a "U" instead of "E" it may improve the sound
2. I agree w/ Kevin about the chorus. Also you're hanging on the "L" on lie when first entering the chorus. Making the consonant shorter and more rhythmic may help you get the "here's the chorus" effect Ken was talking about.

Good Luck on your show!!

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you for your honest opinion, T-Bob! I know, I just have this "church voice," don't I? wink I might stick with this one this time around and just see how it goes, since I've been working on it.

JD, thank you for your compliments and great advice!
I probably won't have time to re-record it before I go (if I can, I will), but I am definitely going to put these suggestions into place for the show.
blush and I'm amazed to be compared to Webber... I love his work. Thank you! (At least I'm assuming that's a compliment! LOL!)

Linda


Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Linda....Don't get me wrong...I like church songs....not a thing wrong with a good church (christian) song....good luck with this one or whatever you decide to do.....I'm still in favor of the church song for you over this one......only one man's opinion....I'm the only one so far....Bob

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 140
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 140
Hi Linda, I think the song is not as important as your performance. You seem very secure in your performing ability, I'd rely on that. IMO tho, I liked the song you picked but a faster song wouldn't hurt. smile

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hi Bob, (I sure have a hard time trying to drop that "T!") smile I know, and I like church songs too. The churchy one I had in mind though, is even longer, and plays s-l-o-w-e-r than this! It can run 5-6:00 if I forget to play it at 90bpm, and I'm not sure what to cut to fix that up. "Lie to Me" is about 100-110 and finishes at 3:45-4:00.

Hi Dan,
It's that "seem" that's the operative word there. I mainly hope I don't freeze up once I get up on the stage! I'm confident in my ability to practice. How's that? grin

Not sure I have anything bouncier that's performance ready, but I'll flip through my notebook just in case.

Have any of you ever changed the song you planned on last-minute? Who here responding has performed at a Showcase? Just wondering! Thanks!

I need to stop obsessing... I need to stop obsessing... I need to stop obsessing...

grin
Linda

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
PS -- JD, I just noticed how new you are to JPF! Welcome aboard, and I hope you stick around a while, post a lot, and let us get to know you!!

I've been here almost a year. I have a lot of posts only because I talk a lot. Probably, mostly about nothing. LOL.

Anyway, WELCOME! Looks like you're figuring things out fine--just ask me if you have tech questions on how to do stuff.

Linda

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
G'morning! I'm still second-guessing it this morning... I want to see if I can get a rough recording done today of two other songs I'm thinking about instead... watch this space. smile With luck I'll get a better version of "Lie to Me" up too.

...If I really wanted it over with quick I could do "The Underwear Song" and be outta there in 30 seconds, but!
~sigh~

Linda

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Okay, this is not good. My voice went out about noon. Total laryngitis. What NEXT??
I hope it's short-term--I still need to rehearse!

I can't believe the STUFF getting thrown in my way to try and mess up my trip.
(The laryngitis is just the icing on the cake)

K... later.... I think I'm just talking to myself at this point anyway... oh well... thanks everyone so far smile

Linda

Last edited by Linda P. Adams; 06/22/07 11:23 PM.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,997
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,997
Hi Lin

The piano music is so low that it is barely audible.. it's sounds like your solo vocalizing.

So it's really hard to tell how much the pitch is moving without the music.
Sounds like you get it more on key and smoother as it gets further in.

remember to try to start off good, so you set the feel for the song and performance.
where is the music???


Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com







Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,998
Linda...Get your voice rested and do "He Knows My Name"....that's my opinion....Bob

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thanks for listening, Mike!
I would redo it if my VOICE was not suffering laryngitis today. frown I have a chart for it--I can send it to you as a .PDF or Finale file, if you want it?
Or, you mean, what happened to the piano? grin It was a live take with the mic in front of the piano. One track. Which is why it's so unbalanced. [is there a tear-my-hair-out smiley??] I was rushing to get at least the 'feel'/sound of the song up for a test, to see if the song's any good or not.


Thanks, Bob! At least it's near-performance ready (chords not quite as memorized--I cheated and used my chart when I sang it in church!), so I might. Did you listen? Like it?? -- I'm afraid to click and listen to it myself. grin

I appreciate your patience with me. smile You're very kind!
Y'all know my big dream is to have pros do my backing tracks, then just hop into a studio to record vocals, with coaches & directors to help me get it right! (yeah... as the "dream on, dream on" chorus by Aerosmith plays in my head!)

Mostly my goals for the Showcase are to:
meet Brian and a few other cool JPF people
not completely suck on stage

grin

Linda



Last edited by Linda P. Adams; 06/01/07 07:38 PM.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,235
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,235
Hi Linda,

I basically agree w/ sub/Mike. w/o much music or established rhythm it's hard to judge the melody.

FWIW, IMO, those 3 'lie to me's in the chorus need to sound related. IE the same motif and melodic rhythm, even if they're not exactly repeated. I think you may be intending them this way but in this recording, I'm not sure they establish your hook. As recorded that is.

So basically it sounds like a nice start....

Peace,

Ian


Last edited by Ian Ferrin; 06/01/07 07:52 PM.

Soundclick http://www.soundclick.com/ianferrin
Soundclick2 http://www.soundclick.com/ianferrininstrumentals

'Hammers don't build houses. People build houses' - Me

What happened before the big bang? What's the universe expanding into? Did you know the speed of gravity is the speed of light?
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, Ian!
Hm, the first 2 "lie to me's" have the same interval pattern (whole step down - half step) and similar timing... the 2nd one is up a step from the first... but maybe that isn't showing. (oops) I will work on that. I think it's a very good point you're making, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Thank you for listening! Assuming my voice comes back soon, I'll make another pass at recording it next week.
I am just not very good at producing recordings... I hope I'm better live... it worries me that I might really just tank, period. smile We'll find out huh??
Linda

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,235
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,235
Originally Posted by Linda P. Adams

I am just not very good at producing recordings...


Hi Linda,

I'd strongly recommend ovedubbing your vocal. Record the piano first. Establish your rhythm. Then do the vocal. Use a click track if need be. (just record a metrinome on a separate track if your box or software doesn't have a click function). By having an established rhythm, those melodic repetions you've written will become more apparant.

Concentrating on each part by itself might also make you think constructively, in a different light maybe. It'll make you 'learn' your own tune. And by having piano and vocal on different tracks, you can easily get a better balance.

By just doing this you'll improve your presentation by 300%

Peace,

Ian

Last edited by Ian Ferrin; 06/01/07 08:44 PM.

Soundclick http://www.soundclick.com/ianferrin
Soundclick2 http://www.soundclick.com/ianferrininstrumentals

'Hammers don't build houses. People build houses' - Me

What happened before the big bang? What's the universe expanding into? Did you know the speed of gravity is the speed of light?
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,649
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,649
Linda...

Hi. I am with whomever suggested that you use the song with which you have the most confidence. A terrific song performed unconvincingly still leaves the memory of a less than stellar performance. A song that may be a "less musically/lyrically rich" song, but performed well will leave the audience with the memory of a nice performance.

When I do my demos at Pinetfest, I am not going to do the ones I like best, or which are better songs...I am going to do the ones with which I feel I can do the best performance and might have some commercial appeal.

The type of showcase you will be attending is structured more to highlight the performer, not the music. That's not to say that you want sing "Ring Around the Rosie" simply because you sing it well, but I think you know what I mean.

Whatever you decide to do, just have a heck of a good time and enjoy yourself. Don't fret about everything! Just find a song that you are comfortable with and blow their socks off! Good luck to ya, girl!

Al

Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 216
T
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
T
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 216
Linda, I read most of the other notes and it appears you've gotten some good advice. Also sounds like you've got some stress that's affecting your voice. At some point you have to relax and do what feels right, where your confidence can take over. Personally, I find uptempo songs easier to do in new live settings because they kind of force my mind and body to get withh the program. Slow songs give me time to think about what I didn't do well. If I'm doing a five song set, then the slow song or songs come twoard the end. That gives me time to get over any jitters and then belt out the ballads.

Regardless of what you sing, you've got to believe you're going to knock them dead. In a positive way, of course.

Best of luck.

Kelly

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hi Ian,
Normally I do follow that procedure. It takes me a very long time to get it sounding exactly right though (and even then...) and I didn't have that much time left. I *will* redo this much better when I can.

Yesterday I started working with the metronome, and the playing is improving. I did put the melody into sheet music and write out the chords for practice purposes (until I didn't need them anymore) but exact timing has never been my strong suit. I've thought about taking drum lessons someday because that will MAKE me do it! (And, because I'd love to bang on a drum. Beside the point...)

I just now had the thought that I *might* be able to overdub another piano track over what I already have... if I get a chance today I may try that. (If my voice wasn't out, frown I'd have tried doing a new two-track recording already.) I just feel like I'm rushing to get everything done so I can leave well-prepared in a week. (Print new business cards, get my hair done, all that other stuff has to happen too! and I need to not be sick!) But you're 100% right--putting myself through the process of focusing on each line as I record a "good" track WILL teach me my own song that much better.

Thank you for your helpfulness and great ideas!

Linda



Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hi Al,
Thanks for stopping by!
Either "Lie to Me" or "He Knows My Name" I have the most confidence performing. "Lie to Me" is more fun but it could come across as a 'downer' lyric, possibly; "He Knows My Name" is a positive song that I feel in my bones to be 'true' to who I am and what I believe, but it might be too deadly serious for the venue. I feel "Lie to Me" is more commercial and marketable.

Which brings up a new question.... I was just reading Jason Blume's book 6 Steps to Songwriting Success this afternoon (yes! I do other things besides post on the boards! LOL) and he mentioned that you want songs that don't put the singer in a bad light. Does this lyric do that??

I can blow the fish out of the pond doing with "Summertime," but I can't play it. (Well--I think I do...) I've sung it a cappella before. But I'd rather bring one of my own songs than do an old old overdone cover. Still... maybe that's a thought. I can't record & post it without a license. I've thought about getting one though.

Thank you, Al! I appreciate your friendship. I hope to go to Pineyfest next year in 2008, and meet more of you!

Linda



Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hi Kelly,
STRESS? I sound stressed? No, really?!?!? grin grin
I was utterly TERRIFIED before I did my first open mike. Oh my goodness I don't remember being so scared in my life, except maybe in the dead of night after a horrible nightmare.

But after I sang I got a HUGE performance buzz and felt SO great--even though I'd made a few mistakes. It was SO FUN!! So, I'm trying to focus on *that* aspect--that I am going to have FUN and enjoy myself. (And meanwhile hope I stay on pitch enough not to injure any eardrums, especially Brian's!)

I have 5 minutes onstage, and I get one song.

I think I can I think I can I think I can I think I can...
knock 'em dead!
I *feel* confident when I sing this song... I have the chords down pat... and I need to kick FEAR out the window where it belongs. Easier said than done.

Here's a good verse for me to focus on this week: "For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 1 Timothy

Thank you, Kelly, for your kind advice and help!!

Linda

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 72
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 72
Hi Linda,

Not that I'm qualified to offer an opinion, but I have to say that I really like, "He knows my name". I realize that you couldn't get through the whole song, but I found myself replaying the song in my mind after I'd listened to it, so that's a good thing!

I'm not really familiar with this genre, but the song was memorable for me.

In my opinion, that's the one you should go with.

I think you'll do great!

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Hi Shelly! Nice to meet you! Thank you so much. I appreciate your vote, and I'm so glad you liked it. The bridge is really pretty (OK, if I say so myself), so I'm sad I couldn't get it in there. I intend to have it pro-demo'ed someday (whether it's commercial or not) because I think of it as one of my "signature songs"--a thing that defines part of who I am and what I hope to communicate as a songwriter. (Another reason to perform it...)

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

Linda

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,384
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,384
Sounds like this could be played on guitar too.
I like the expression in your voice.

I don't think my opinion is much qualified either, but a good song can be played in a bunch of different ways.
I have been at concerts, where the studio recordings are a lot more elaborate and played with different instruments, yet the songs are magnificent on an acoustic instrument live and have another unique element.

You sound like you are thinking ahead to a bigger setting.

Sometimes the work recordings are better in their own way.

Anyways, I enjoyed listening.

Matt

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, Matt!
I've heard the same, where the recordings are HUGE but the concert version is minimal, and both versions of the song are wonderful. (Um, you're aware of my fondness for Queen, right? They're the essence of this. I love their live, more "raw" performances as much as all the overdubbing.)

And I appreciate your opinion, whether you feel "qualified" or not--you're a music listener, and that's what matters. Thank you for listening!

Linda

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
bump!
NEW WORKTAPE uploaded... 2nd one on the Soundclick link up there at the top.
Please let me know what else it may need to be sent off for a demo.
Thanks!
Linda

PS: WOW, SLOW day on the boards!! Five hours later, this has only dropped two spots! Where IS everybody???

Last edited by Linda P. Adams; 06/22/07 07:09 PM.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
It's a cool song, Linda.

Seems to me that it is in good enough shape for someone to figure out how to make a demo.

Can't give you any real advice - I've only had Sub do stuff for me and, aside from general comments, left the production up to him.

Maybe some people who have had demos made will weigh in on how much info you should give them to make sure they get close to the sound you want.

In any case, best of luck...

Scott

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,608
Thank you, Scott!
I appreciate the listen & comments! smile

Linda


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

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.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
warriorgirl (2024)
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5