What's It Anyway?

by @andrewjtaylor

Liner Notes

#fullproduction #poprock #didNotUseAI

My second entry. Whew! About 1 every 4 days at this rate, which would be acceptable if I have 7 solid songs.

A lot of new things learned here. Playing around with Electric Mint VST guitar from Native Instruments. Pitch bends, aftertouch ("channel pressure"). Still doesn't sound quite real, but close.

Also used Steven Slate Drums for the first time. A lot cooler sounding than Logic drummer, but I'll get better at programming parts. A lot of organizing just getting all the midi notes next to each other, which you can do in Reaper, grouping similar kit pieces.

Enjoying the capacity of Melodyne Studio to "compress" the vocals in a pretty natural way (decrease loud notes by x%, increase quiet notes by x%). Really helpful if you're not looking for a crunchy or breathy compression tone.

This piece started with the muted Guitar part. Then MIDI programmed a basic drum pattern because I was having a hard time keeping it in time with the click! That was always my method with Logic, but I had the convenience of using the automated drummer. The rest just developed gradually.

The chorus came early as my “Ouija boarding” (John Mayerism) to ensure I had a lyrical anchor. Haven't written in this style before, pop rock I guess, but I quite enjoyed this one.

Lyrics

The lyrics here aren't fully reflected in the recording (the choruses are different) because I don't have sufficient privacy to give it the kind of gusto it needs.

VERSE 1A We've got this thing runnin' through us Like what's it to us? What's it anyway?

VERSE 1B Can't let this string go, undo us Like we knew us. Over in a day

CHORUS 1A And I feel I feel like Taking out all my pain Laying down all my blame

CHORUS 1B And I feel Like you're gonna do (or) Wann a do the same

VERSE 2A I got my sling, (ya) got your bruises But we been cruisin' Payin' as we play

VERSE 2B But you got them blue colored shoes & (Ya) Keep 'em movin'' Buffin'/brushin'/Rubbin' out the stains

CHORUS 1A And I feel I feel like Chasin' down all my blame

CHORUS 1B And I feel Like you're gonna do (or) Wanna do the same

BRIDGE (Guitar Solo)

CHORUS 1A And I feel I feel like Taking out all my pain

CHORUS 1B And I feel Like you're gonna do (or) Wanna do the same

VERSE 1A (Outro) We've got this thing runnin' through us Like what's it to us? What's it anyway?

Comments

[avatar]
@limazee

Wow very catchy all around and amazing production. Glad to fit this listen in on the last day! I hope you release this one!

[avatar]
@andrea

This sounds very professional. Love the melodies and vocals. That chorus is an ear worm. Pretty solo too. Amazing song!

[avatar]

@spotlightkid Thanks for the critical listening! I've become more aware of what feedback is helpful at what stages and that feedback is very helpful! I'll give it a re-listen with that in mind. Definitely new ground with having to program every drum element, coming from Logic Drummer before. A lot more work! :)

[avatar]

An excellent production and arrangement. If I have one tiny critique it is that the hi-hat sticks out a bit too much, imo.

[avatar]
@audrey

Wow! This is so good! What a wonderful catchy melody and I love the boppy instrument, whatever it is. The percussion is perfect too. I love everything about this. Had to listen twice. You've got me eyes closed and swaying. Beautiful song!

[avatar]

Super pop rock production, lyric and vocal delivery perfect for the bed track the BV's sit really well, thanks for sharing, good job

[avatar]
@oddbod

Fantastic tight production.Has a kind of a 80s feel to it overall. Superb vocals and the melodies are sweet. Nice song

[avatar]
@nadine

Good to see you back. This arpeggio is so haunting. And the moment the other instruments enter is so magical. Crazy Good arrangement!

[avatar]
@gbar

Andrew, great sound! Guitars, vocals, upbeat, catchy tune, I like the title. Thanks!

[avatar]

Ooh, this is rad! Got a reggae undertone or something! Really nice uplifting vibes and interesting production! 🙌😍

[avatar]

Oh man, very captivating from that open arpeggiation (is that a word?), and by the time you hit the chorus with those vocal harmonies and the full groove, it's completely persuasive. Really, everything about this is pretty epic and thoroughly satisfying. If your mission is to make complete productions like this throughout the month, I for one will keep coming back to check them out!

Also, that's a pretty freakin' tasteful guitar solo...

[avatar]
@cicpisces

Very nice vibe. Love the percussion and hypnotic beat. Vocal and breezy lyric is very strong. It has a lazy tone to it that I like. Nice work.

[avatar]
@beacon

Really like this. Cool vocals, and the rest of the mix is very smooth. Great job.

[avatar]

Of course we listened ! Nice track! You’ve got that percussion buzzing along well! Nice tone to it all! Cool guitar as well!

[avatar]

This has sort of early U2 vibes to it.

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