Feedback on a couple of tunes?

lostcontrol_ · #1 10-15-2011, 08:55 AM

Hello TB,

I've been playing with a couple of friends for close to two years now, mainly originals with one more or less modified cover song. Lately I've been wondering, how do we sound like to other people? Do we sound like we might be ready for a small gig some time in the near future?

Below are a couple of tunes on which I'm hoping for some general feedback and critique, on technique, composition, altogether feeling etc.

Some background info: We started playing ~two years ago, and that's also when the drummer and guitar player started learning their instruments, I started bass a bit earlier, the keyboard guy's been at it a bit longer. We all have day jobs and are able to practice together once a week. These samples were recorded with a Zoom handheld recorder during practice without retouching, mixing/mastering or second takes, so this is basically as authentic a performance as it would get. I opted to choose versions without our female singer, as I'm looking for feedback on other instruments. Due to small room size and positioning of the recorder, the drums come out a bit loud and a tad overpowering.

So, here we have:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7018622/samples/1.mp3
A cover that nowadays sounds more like an original.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7018622/samples/2.mp3
An original.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7018622/samples/3.mp3
An original, basically a jam which has been repeated so many times that it's more of a song.

Thanks for all the replies and don't worry about being harsh, honest critique is needed to push the whole thing forward.

MalcolmAmos · #2 10-15-2011, 10:17 AM

Not a computer wizard, however, could not get them to play.

lostcontrol_ · #3 10-15-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Not a computer wizard, however, could not get them to play.

That's odd, they seem to be working just fine... Did you try downloading them? (As in right click on the link, select Save link as... etc)

schecter5string · #4 10-15-2011, 10:40 AM

Erkka,
Sounds good to me, if you are asking the question, you believe you are ready also. I don't know how it works in Finland, but here in the States the local bars have "open mic nights." When ever my band wants to know how a crowd will react to a song we hit an open mic night somewhere and play, the crowd will let you know if they are feeling it by their response.

lostcontrol_ · #5 10-15-2011, 11:47 AM

schecter5string: Thanks, personally I think we might be ready sometime next Spring.

An open mic would be a good idea, but unfortunately I haven't heard of one being organized since 2008. All in all, there are loads of venues here in Helsinki (the capitol), most bars have live music on multiple nights. With that said, I've understood there's also a lot of tough competition for gigs as everyone seems to be in a band here

Thus, it will be hard to get a gig with "just ok"

MalcolmAmos · #6 10-15-2011, 12:18 PM

May need to be a little creative. Middle of the day, early afternoon gigs, etc. Jamming in the park is another choice, if allowed.

The bands I play with -- we are all into our 70's so afternoon gigs suit us best. We do not like to drive after dark -and the good TV shows start at 7:00 P.M. -- LOL.

Back on track. There is always some one wanting afternoon entertainment - and not a lot of competition.

Think out of the box. I bet you can find a sounding board somewhere.

schecter5string · #7 10-15-2011, 02:31 PM

Erkka,
how about trying to get an opening gig, playing one set, then the main band plays their sets? Once again something that happens here. Last question, please don't think I'm an American moron, but I was under the understanding that the Fin's play alot of heavy- death metal stuff, your music is Pink Floyd-ish, groovy, melodic, am I just ignorant or or you playing stuff that is not the norm in Finland?

dmrogers · #8 10-15-2011, 02:58 PM

I listened to the three tunes you posted plus one on your myspace page.

Impressive! You sound very mature for people that only been playing for a couple of years. The music sound tight and together. It was clean and I was impressed by the fact that none of you sounded like you were trying to overplay.

The suggestion to try to find an opening act spot sounds like a good idea. It would give you some exposure and one set should be doable.

Good luck!

lostcontrol_ · #9 10-17-2011, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

May need to be a little creative. Middle of the day, early afternoon gigs, etc. Jamming in the park is another choice, if allowed.
...
Back on track. There is always some one wanting afternoon entertainment - and not a lot of competition.

Afternoon gigs sound like a nice idea, but for some reason all the gigs here start at 9:30PM at their earliest. As we need electricity, the outdoors jamming isn't a... walk in the park

I'm also pretty sure that it would require a permission from the city.

Quote:

Originally Posted by schecter5string

Erkka,
how about trying to get an opening gig, playing one set, then the main band plays their sets? Once again something that happens here. Last question, please don't think I'm an American moron, but I was under the understanding that the Fin's play alot of heavy- death metal stuff, your music is Pink Floyd-ish, groovy, melodic, am I just ignorant or or you playing stuff that is not the norm in Finland?

That's most likely the way it's going to be, opening for someone else. Most live performances here (at least with smaller bands) seem to be with one "headliner" and one or two opening acts. When the time comes, we'll have to do some networking.

Regarding the death metal / american moron thing: Haha, that's actually pretty accurate

At least here in Helsinki metal music still reigns, especially variations of death metal. Hard/street rock is also a well represented. Indie/alt. rock is also doing relatively well and rockabilly/psychobilly -influenced music seems to be on the rise. It seems like the more traditional genres (blues, country etc.) have less venues as the main body of bar patrons are 18-30 yo. and more interested in newer music.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmrogers

I listened to the three tunes you posted plus one on your myspace page.

Impressive! You sound very mature for people that only been playing for a couple of years. The music sound tight and together. It was clean and I was impressed by the fact that none of you sounded like you were trying to overplay.

...

Damn, I thought we deleted everything from the MySpace account, since it's a bit outdated (if I recall correctly)

Thanks