MacJams.com - Song: Change by 8piscean8

Change
by 8piscean8

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Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Guest profile visits: 1147
Member profile visits: 3
Song comments: 79
Tokens: 1
Plays: 186
Last Played:
Downloads: 35
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Submitted on: Mar 06, 2008 - 10:39:50 PM
Last Updated:

Keywords acoustic rock (24), indie (122), independent (6), laid back (10), mellow (91), ()

Description This is a song that was started about three years ago and finished (mostly) last month. Although this song is nowhere near perfect, I have made improvements in my singing, playing with a metronome, and mixing abilities.

Please leave any comments you might have good or bad. And one last thing ... if you heard this song on the radio (or wherever) and you like this genre of music (acoustic rock/indie rock), would you buy this song?

Thanks,

-Adam

Lyrics Title - Change

I see the way you look at me
Oh times they change
You look at me with those green eyes
I see your pain

We live our lives
The best we can
The sun might die
We'll still be one

We're moving on, on with our lives
It's open skies ahead
When times get rough we'll pull through
Just come to me

We live our lives
The best we can
The sun might die
We'll still be one

What we dream, we can do
What we feel, we can choose
What we are, we can change

Hardware Please see my profile page for a listing of equipment.

Software: LE7, iZotope Ozone 3

Fan List

bud

Ejh

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saymme said 271 days ago

...smiling....
You sure made a great improvement in Singing !!! Wow What a gift , Great to hear You ! What I don't like is all that 'buzzingsound'..??
If I'd buy it ?(First I need to tell You I haven't been buying Music because of having a strained economy, I'm on my own w 2 teenagesons)butif/when You get in touch with the 'real' power You have in your voice & with alittle better techniqstuff - YES I probably would buy it. Have a listen to ECHOROOM here at Mj, HE is in touch with his voice 110 % Also You may like GAV , who's totally different from ECHOROOM & GREAT !(!) -aucoustic guitar,singer
sounds like U have the guitar too close to the microphone recording..some People put a sock over the mic I've heard probably a good idea lol !
LOVE Your photos on your homepage- It is You photographing? AWESOME!!!! Love the one with the man in the right of the picture w the red silk/thin cloth(?) sweeping in the wind....its Lovely (they ALL are, got a great Laugh seeing some of'm) TX !
http://www.adammcclurephotography.com/imagegallery.html
Tonite there's a documentaryfilm on tv(Sweden that is) about Marianne Greenwood a photo pioneer who LIVED HER DREAM I'm looking fwd to seeing it! She died 2006 - 2005 she got the "Women of Discovery Award" for Lifetime Achievement ! Your wife may like Her, she knew People as Evert Taube- a now dead FAMOUS(in Sweden anyhow Folk?musician, Picasso,Yves Montand, Henry Miller...

8piscean8 said 270 days ago

Hi Helena
Thanks for listening to this and your comments. Yeah, I really like Steve from Echoroom. He's a great vocalist. I'll keep working on my productions and singing. One thing about this song I wasn't too happy with was the guitar sound. I've been struggling to get a sound I like and I'm not really getting what I hear in my head.

Thanks for the comments on my wedding photography. I just do weddings on the side for some extra income.

	said 271 days ago
	Great This is a nice song... I really like the rhythm/drums on this one.... And your vocals are good.... Thanks for sharing...

	thetiler said 270 days ago
	Enjoy the strums you get out of the guitar. Cool strums!!! Recording very nicely! Singing sounds intune as well, Nice movement to the individual pickings of the guitar. You have a lot to offer on that guitar. You know how to utilize the guitar with voice! Way to Go!

ledebutant said 270 days ago

Very Nice
I really like this and I think Bill's right that you play with a lot of personality and character. I believe you when you say that there's a sound that you hear in your head that you're trying to get that's not coming out yet, because you have 'flavor' in the way you play. From a listening viewpoint, though, I'm happy with what I'm hearing. Sometimes the string squeak seemed a little loud, but nothing a little eq tweak couldn't take the edge off.

Love the harmonies and the arrangement (including the buzz). The drums are very good, propel the track without distracting from it.

My only suggestion would be to look at the level of the vocal in the mix. I think you could move your voice a little more out in front and it would add energy to the track, plus you have a really nice voice and this a is a really good vocal. Steve's a wonderful singer, one of my favorites anywhere, but you sang this song in a style that's completely appropriate for this song and I don't think you need to change anything at all about the way you sang it. I do think your vocal track could be buried less, that's all.

Love the harmonies. Would I buy this? Yes, I would...except that you just gave it to me for free. Thanks for the download. My iPod appreciates it. :-)

	ledebutant said 270 days ago
	Improvement Just wanted to note that your vocals have improved a lot in confidence since you posted Together. Great work!

8piscean8 said 270 days ago

Thanks
Hi Lisa,

Thanks for listening and your wonderful comments. I'm always hesitant to bring my vocals too far out in the mix. I definitely agree that making them louder would add more energy to the track.

I've been meaning to try and EQ the string squeak but didn't have much luck the first go around.

The more I write music the more I find that my voice fits better in the context of mostly acoustic guitar driven songs. I'm not very good at adding "dirt" or "grit" to my voice but maybe that is something that can be worked on.

It took me a little while to work out the harmonies but I like the result pretty good.

The next song I release I'll make you buy first and then I'll put it on here! :-)

Actually my goal for 2008 is to have five or six songs ready by the end of the year to put on an EP through TuneCore.

The great comments I get from the MacJams community we help me keep improving to get to that point.

	8piscean8 said 270 days ago
	Improvement Thanks for the comment on the vocal improvement. I'm glad that people are reinforcing what I'm trying to work on.

dajama said 270 days ago

Very nice song
And great singing. You sing this with feeling and expressiveness, and you get a good sound from the guitar. I think it's very hard to get a good acoustic sound, and I know what you mean about being unsatisfied with the sound you're getting, but it sounds pretty good to me. I like the use of the synth sound, and the lyrics are well-written and thought-provoking. Nicely done. It's good to hear some new music from you again. Peace.

8piscean8 said 270 days ago

Hello
Hi David,

I think it is extremely difficult to get a good acoustic guitar sound. I tried about three different mic configurations (settled on one mic on the bridge and one on the 12th fret spaced about 18 inches apart and 6 inches from the guitar). I'm glad you like the guitar tone. I'm also glad you liked the synth part. I want to incorporate more electronic sounds into my mostly acoustic productions. I also appreciate your comment about my singing. I hope to create more music this year. I have lots of ideas that just need finished and recorded.

ledebutant said 268 days ago

Dirt
I wanted to say that you mentioned your voice being best in the context of acoustic songs and feeling as though you should maybe work on adding some dirt or grit to it.

To be honest, I think playing to your strengths is an excellent strategy. This isn't to say that people shouldn't try to grow as singers, but I think that in general there's an idea out there that we should work and work on our weaknesses, when in reality, becoming really killer at our areas of strength is the best investment of our time.

James Taylor could only, at best, ever hope to be the most mediocre metal singer on earth, but as an acoustic artist, he's a god. He could bang his head against the wall trying to get better at singing metal, or he could make the music he was born to make. You know what I mean?

I'm not saying not to grow, just to maybe put your energy into the stuff you enjoy and are good at, rather than trying to force yourself to be something you're not.

	Mcboy said 268 days ago
	solid vocal work...interesting guitar rhythm.....only nitpik is that the guitar is to prominent in the mix...lower it some db's do it doesn't compete with the vocals but complements them....kool track...!.

	Feter said 268 days ago
	Change ... great work my friend ..nice singing as well ... welldone !

	bud said 268 days ago
	Very unique rhythm approach takes the song to interesting places. Your vocals sound really good and the additional instrumentation compliments the song well. Quite complex and accomplished - I like it a lot.

	said 268 days ago
	I hear shades of Live I feel your singing has a flow and follows a rhythm> I love that low humming synth .. Great song and lyrics! thanks for sharing!!!

	Ejh said 268 days ago
	This is a treat... Sounds great in headphones. The singing is, as advertised, really strong... The doubled parts work well... Great acoustic rhythm guitar... and nice, sounds-like-live bass along with it... And drums that are simple but in the pocket and some old school Moog... And then I like the song, too... Ed

jiguma said 268 days ago

If I bought singles ..
.. I'd buy this Adam!

Firstly, congratulations on the recording of the acoustic - it's really difficult to get a good acoustic sound, and you've done really well on it. I especially like the interesting rhythmic stuff you get into on the acoustic. I didn't mind the squeaks - adds personality ;)

Songwriting is reminiscent of Robert Palmer to me (the "Pressure Drop" album in particular - one of my favourite albums). Your voice sounds perfect in this context - I think Lisa is right about playing to your strengths - I'd love to sound like Jack Bruce or Sting, but it's never going to happen. You have a near perfect voice for this style and if you can keep writing songs as good as this, things could get very interesting indeed.

Are they live drums? If not, then you've done a great bit of cutting and pasting. I'd agree about the vocal/guitar ratio in the mix - I'd probably go with lifting the vocals (great harmonies btw) rather than dropping the guitar. Then again, I'd also suggest bringing the bass up - but I always say that!

Finally, the production is really good - no hints of clipping, no (as Ed put it once) "look ma I've got a COMPRESSOR!" volume quest - just solid and clean.

So ... in summary ... I really liked this!
Neil

8piscean8 said 267 days ago

Thanks
Hi Neil,

Thanks for all the great comments. I'm still struggling with getting a good acoustic sound but this turned out ok. I've never heard of Robert Palmer but will definitely check him out. These are live acoustic drums recorded in my bedroom studio (12' x 14' room). The acoustics stink in here but the drums turned out not too terrible. For microphones I used two overheads, one snare, one kick, and one for each of the three toms. I agree that the vocals could come up a bit. I'm finally getting the hang of using a compressor and it's starting to pay off. Now I just need to work on EQ. Thanks for again Neil!

	Godchaser said 268 days ago
	Solid and Sure Confidence is a big part of reveiling to others,that may otherwise might not aware,what we can do artistically (coming outta' the shower)as it were.I can hear the improvements on all fronts and the strong confidence in your vocal work.Very Alice in Chains sounding to me and a well done piece of writing and crafting.Good,tight,solid stuff.Welcome back! Blessings,

J.A.Stewart said 267 days ago

Nirvana in Chains
The *dark* progression here reminds me of Nirvana and Alice In Chains, Adam... a tricky, interesting cadence, to boot.

Sounds like you're gaining a bit of confidence with your vocals... keep at it... the more you do, the better it will get. You are already showing growth here. ;)

Sonically, this track is a bit muddy, due to, I believe, too much competition in the same frequency range. The drums, bass and synth all seem to be competing for space. My best guess would be to give the bass more mid-range and cut the lows a bit.

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that if the drums have a *thumpy* low frequency presence, the bass should have a *pluckier* mid frequency sound, to contrast and fill up the rhythm section EQ spectrum. The converse is also true... *snappy* high frequency drums, then *thumpier* low frequency bass.

You might also want to try doubling your synth track, making the second track an octave higher... or create a high harmony synth track and blend it subtly into the mix. ;)

--- Joe

8piscean8 said 267 days ago

Thank You!
Hi Joe,

Thanks for the EQ advice. I agree that the mix does sound a little muddy (ok maybe a lot). I'm still sort of struggling with juggling EQ frequencies and that is one area where I would like to improve dramatically in. Comments like yours help me boost my vocal confidence so thank you! I was wondering about the synth part. I didn't like how it was making the left side of the stereo spectrum lopsided during the chorus. Maybe when I'm not sick of hearing this song anymore I will re-visit it and try out your suggestions. Thanks again!

Warren Smith said 266 days ago

doing the best we can ...
It's a haunting melody - I can see why you've kept it around for three years, trying to get it recorded to satisfaction.

You penned a solid set of lyrics. Concise, but loaded with meaning. I like the way you hang on to the idea of change - by tensely repeating it again and again and again at the end.

I love the husky buzzsaw sound of that synth filling-in around the guitar. It doesn't totally feel integrated into the structure, yet it definitely adds interest. At the end, when it comes back in, I thought it was too brief of a return - that the piece was ripe for an extended instrumental section of more complexity ... before fading out like a dying sun.

	peacepiano said 259 days ago
	Song First class song writing. Guitar strumming is just right, with an interesting set of chord changes to flow with the lyrics. Hats off! Thanks Bill

	Lennon714 said 257 days ago
	cool song Personally, I like the guitar sound you go out of it. But I know what you mean about having issues getting the sound you hear in your head. This is a cool song and I love the synth part at the end. Acoustic music is tough because it can sometimes sound incomplete or like a demo. This song sound full and complete so I think you've nailed it on the head!

	Karmatoburn said 256 days ago
	yes I always enjoy something innovative and rythymicly outside the norm. The syncopation is wonderful as is the progression. Your voice is also a delight. Warm and passionate.

	said 251 days ago
	Adam! Such a neat song, a very original take. I love this place. . - Harold

	Skean said 251 days ago
	Very nice song I really like this song it's so good... You ROCK man. Thanks for sharing. Take care --- Kenta

	lavalamp said 242 days ago
	Funky arrangement Like the sound on this one, all around. Also, like the synth. Voice and funky arrangement is something you should be proud of. Great stuff. LL

	screamalexz said 238 days ago
	nice track was listening to your first few recordings and i can hear a huge leap up to this piece. seems you've started to find your sound. vocals are great on this one. i thought the buzzing sound was unique tho perhaps a little too panned or up front in the song, not sure. perhaps change it with a guitar and fuzz pedal. not sure what you used. pretty cool song.

	8piscean8 said 238 days ago
	Thanks Hi Chance, I'm still having problems fitting the synth part in the mix. The sound is just the preset Moog sound from LE7 (not sure which synth/sampler). It sort of sounds like it's not part of the same sound-scape as the rest of the song. I'll try and mix this one later and see if I can make it better. Thanks for your wonderful comments!

	screamalexz said 238 days ago
	no problem no problem about the comments. try to give worth while feedback as much as possible.

	Doadars Uncle said 232 days ago
	Adam! Nice acoustic jam! Wow, nice changes! I get the sense of tension, here. Well done! Doug

	Dragonas said 230 days ago
	Great song! Great job on this song! Solid song-writing and production. I'm not sure what the comments about the sound of the acoustic guitar were about, I really liked the way it sounds on here. But that's just my opinion. Keep it up!

	LunaTrick said 229 days ago
	The sun might die... ...but you have some good ideas. I particularly like your voice doubled - when you harmonize yourself. What - no raincoats???

	8piscean8 said 229 days ago
	Raincoats ... The raincoats that you speak of are in my awful half-assed-attempt at a song titled" More the Slut".

	8piscean8 said 229 days ago
	I forgot... I forgot to mention thanks for listening and your comments!

The Infinites said 228 days ago

IMHO (and I actually mean that)
This is a song that is well crafted, obviously has had time spent on it and is WELL worthy of being in folk's collections AFTER they have paid.

It's easy to compare and say who sounds like who. I dig the Nirvana equation, but I think you are a better singer than Cobain. Personal choice. I bought Nirvana, therefore E=MC2, so I would easily buy your work.

Steve Cgraig is a fantastic singer. No quibbles. You are a different kind of vocalist and the comparisons with him may be in the way you 'attack' the song. However, your restrained sound is exceptionally good on the ear and (as a fellow MJer already commented) this is a complex piece of work and to me it demands the sort of balanced and considered approach you have applied.

If you are a jazz hand at all, you may know of the intricate work of Thelonious Monk. Now, altho' he's a piano man, Change has all kinds of thrown of notes that take the ear & brain to interesting places, just like he does. Well done for doing that - you may not even know you were doing it, but that is one of the endearing qualities of your song. It IS complex. And you do have a voice that captivates.

Yes I'd buy it. Yes you could remix & master (but not much). And, yes, I believe that Change is only overrated by your good self.

All that said - I've just blagged it for free too!!!!

Cheers!

Jim

	The Infinites said 228 days ago
	OVER-RATED!!!! hmmmmmmm; sorry - meant under rated... Now it might make sense! bed time zzzzzzzz.... ATB Jim

	LunaTrick said 228 days ago
	I know - I went back and listened to your old stuff - I actually liked the guitar dirge on that song but this is a better composition!

	The Infinites said 228 days ago
	....oh AND! Jacqueline says 'Crowded House'. Not vocally, but structure. And now I hear Neil Young. Jeez - this IS BLOODY GREAT! All that in one place. Yep - you have a hit.

Elevator_Funk said 218 days ago

Dude...
This kicks butt!!
I ve been away from MJ's for about a month, and I though I'd check in to see what you've been playing. It is awesome. I'd totally buy it. The vocals are good. The song is great, the lyrics are great. You have a unique style that makes me really want to listen. Keep going with this. The only thing that needs to improve is the production skills making this sound more slick and proffessional, but so does almost everyone else around here including me, so kudo's to you, man!

P.S. I had alice-in-chains flashbacks listening to this.

	ageofthedeathtree said 216 days ago
	VERY good! wow, really cool tune man! i'm loving this! your instrumentation, vocals/lyrics, and production are all top notch! i look forward to checking out more of your material. age -sons of hypnos

TEXASFEEL said 214 days ago

Vocals are
outstanding. This genre is right with me... I just wish I could think this way. I really hear some improvements. The guitars groove well with the drums... and those are real drums which make it that much better. If not you fooled me. I hear just a bit of the band "Days of the New".

The only thing that was a bit over powering were the keys when I listened with the headphones.

Other than that this is a real radio ready rocker. Fav d' and downloaded.

	8piscean8 said 211 days ago
	Thank Hi John, Thanks for stopping by! The drums are real and not MIDI like you suspected. I keep going back and forth on whether or not the synth part is too loud. On some speakers it jumps out and on others it doesn't. Were you listening to this on headphones by chance? Thanks again for taking the time to listen. Your comments and critiques are always greatly appreciated!

	TEXASFEEL said 210 days ago
	Yeah yeah

	SweetBacteria said 211 days ago
	sweet sounds Hey Adam, this sounds really great. I really love the beat. The drums are solid and the guitars are crisp and clear. I'm a bit of a keyboard geek so I really enjoy the left-panned keyboard in the chorus. It's friggin wicked. Good stuff!

	said 199 days ago
	Great! This is a real top notch work my friend. The production is excellent and each instrument played and placed really well. Cool vocals.... I'm sorry for being late to the party here... Really great piece! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

	asconejar said 186 days ago
	tsada indeed the rawness of guitar strumming, the humming in changing chords, adds the human touch and realistic music to the ears. Impressive mix.

	said 167 days ago
	Change Well done ! I like it. your singing sounds very good. Lyrics are great.

	somebuddy said 160 days ago
	good Hey, I love the raw acoustic in this. It makes it feel like I'm in your living room! Good singing as well.

	8piscean8 said 160 days ago
	Sweet! Thanks for stopping by. I think it's awesome that you feel like I am playing this in your living room. I love songs/albums with that sort of feel. I'm not sure if you're a Weezer fan or not but their first album sort of had the same kind of vibe. Thanks again for the comments! -Adam

	somebuddy said 159 days ago
	Weezer That's funny you ask because Weezer is my favorite band! I know what you mean.

	somebuddy said 159 days ago
	or ...or rather one of my favorite bands. Especially their first two albums.

	8piscean8 said 159 days ago
	Agree I agree. They sort of love their mojo after the first two albums. Do you have their new album (the red album)? Their new one has some really good stuff and some really bad stuff. I haven't listened to it that much yet so I might need to give it several more listens before I label something from Weezer that's <em>bad</em>.

	somebuddy said 159 days ago
	yeah Yeah I have the new one. The more I listen to it, the more I like the stuff that I didn't like at first. Except Dangerous. I don't like that song at all.

	8piscean8 said 159 days ago
	Yes, yes That's my least favorite also. It's a little too outta left field if you know what I mean. I downloaded the deluxe edition from iTunes and really like some of the bonus songs. I like "King" the best out of those. Weezer is still a great band despite some of their less than stellar albums (you know which ones I'm talking about)!

	8piscean8 said 270 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for stopping by and listening/commenting!

	8piscean8 said 270 days ago
	Thanks Hi Bill! Thanks for listening and commenting. Coming from such an acclaimed guitar player this means a lot to me. The acoustic guitar has always had a soft spot in my heart and being a drummer I like to pull more percussive sounds out of it sometimes. Thanks again!

	8piscean8 said 268 days ago
	Speaking Speaking of Mr. Taylor he's going to be in my neck of the woods touring this spring/summer. I agree that there has to be a fine balance between improving what needs improved and working on what comes easy to make that even stronger. Your James Taylor example was a perfect analogy. He's a great singer but he might struggle a bit with metal, maybe rap, but not metal.

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for the input! I'll look into crafting this mix some more. I had trouble deciding if the guitars were too loud or not.

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for stopping by and commenting Feter!

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	Thanks Hi Bud, Thanks for listening and commenting. I wouldn't call the song complex but maybe, maybe accomplished (just kidding). I've been working more on my arrangements and really enjoy adding different atmospheric elements (something I will be experimenting more with in the future), background vocal harmonies, and neato noises. Glad you enjoyed it!

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for listening and the comments. This is the first time anyone has made any reference to the band Live. I listened to them quite a bit when I was younger. My wife says that Ed and I have the exact same chest (same build, same chest hair structure, I could go on but I think you get the point). I'm glad you like the synth part. That was me trying to branch out slightly.

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	I can't believe Hi Ed, I can't believe you picked out the Moog. I was going through LE7's presets and I found one labeled Moog and I tried, liked it, and used it. I've heard the name "Moog" here and there but never really new what all the fuss was until I did more research. You have a great ear Ed. Thanks for listening and the comments!

	8piscean8 said 267 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for welcoming me back. I got side tracked last year and hope to make more music in 2008! I really enjoy Alice N Chains unplugged album so maybe it got in my sub-conscious and has started coming out in my song writing manifestations! Thanks for the comments!

	8piscean8 said 259 days ago
	Thank you! Hi Bill, Thanks for listening and commenting! I hope to have more up in the coming months. Thanks for the encouragement!

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	8piscean8 said 257 days ago
	Hello Hi Eric, Thanks for listening and commenting. I just got done listening to your latest offering and I am very impressed. I'm glad that people aren't hating the synth parts too much (this is something I will be experimenting with more in the future). I agree that it's hard to make an acoustic based track sound really polished. I'll get there one day though!

	8piscean8 said 256 days ago
	Well Thank You Thanks for your great comments. This is the first time anyone has mentioned my voice being warm and passionate. Comments like those help boost my confidence to keep improving! I'm a big fan of rhythm in general so I like to try and play my guitar in a more percussive manner at times. Thanks again for stopping by!

	8piscean8 said 250 days ago
	Thanks Thanks Harold for listening and commenting. Your latest re-post is awesome!

	8piscean8 said 250 days ago
	Thanks Hi Kenta, Thanks for listening and commenting. You ROCK also. Great atmospheric effects on your stuff. Glad you enjoyed it.

	8piscean8 said 242 days ago
	Funky? I thought the arrangement was pretty standard but if you think it's funky that'll work for me. Thanks for the comments David! I'm slowly learning to embrace my voice and make the best of it. Your comments help me embrace it even more! Thanks!

	8piscean8 said 232 days ago
	Thanks Hi Doug, Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. I have many more "acoustic jams" in the pipeline! I'm glad you liked the changes. -Adam

	8piscean8 said 211 days ago
	Thanks Hi Pablo, Thanks for listening and commenting. Glad you liked the synth part. My keyboard still feels pretty alien to me but I am slowly getting better at it, and I'm starting to explore more electronic sounds in my music. Thanks for the comments!

	8piscean8 said 197 days ago
	Thanks Hi Yeman, Thanks for listening and commenting. Coming from such an excellent songwriter such as yourself this means a lot to me! -Adam

	8piscean8 said 186 days ago
	Thanks Thanks for listening and commenting. The extraneous finger sliding noises bother me a little bit but I agree that it definitely makes it more human.

	8piscean8 said 167 days ago
	Thanks! Thanks for stopping by and listening/commenting. I appreciate it!