[Eline97]

Hi everybody!

I've bought some new gear and now I finally managed to really finish a song in terms of production. I'm quite happy with the result, but I'd like to know what you all think! It's called 'Just Call Me Friend'. Please be honest and let me know your opinion .

Soundcloud link:
https://soundcloud.com/user-388540497/just-call-me-friend

Lyrics:

I wrote this song for you but I know I’ll never sing it
Cause it’s a love song and the love’s so far away

In your eyes I looked better
Than in the mirror on the wall
But now I look
And I see myself fading

If you don’t
If you won’t
If you can’t hold my heart
Then would you hold my hand
If you don’t
If you won’t
If you can’t call me baby
Then please just call me friend

I’ll settle for a setting sun instead of darkness
Cause just for you I’ll leave the light on in my heart

In your arms I sleep better
On my own I’m wide awake
Alone at night
I’m day dreaming 'bout you

I need you
You’re the sole chord in the key of my heart
And it needs that chord to beat

If you don’t
If you won’t
If you can’t hold my heart
Then would you hold my hand
If you don’t
If you won’t If you can’t call me baby
Then please just call me friend

[PaulyX]

Hi.  I think you're right to be happy with this!  You've got a great voice - rings clear as a bell.  The chorus here really cuts through, with the way you switch to full strums on your guitar and leap up in pitch with the vocal melody.  The line about "settling for a setting sun" struck me as powerful, and the violin (?) was a nice surprise.  So, it's already strong in this simple format... would be interesting to hear it with fuller production too (percussion, more strings and so on), although perhaps the simple production is part of the charm.  Great song, nice one.

[giitlesriddles]

Hello, I'm writing as I listen.
Good clear guitar and vocal sound, with nice harmonies, however some of the strums are just a bit off in intonation or rhythm. I like the words, they're very sweet. I think that the song would really pop if it was about a minute shorter, because a shorter song can be more profound. I love the violin, but perhaps its a tad loud.
If you can, practice some more active strumming patterns toward the end to give just a bit more drive. This a great first effort. Good Job.

[Cawproductions]

Eline

Lovely Vocal and melodyline. Like the variation in guitar work throughout the song.

Whats not to like, Produced well this would sound awesome,

Let me know if you need help with that.

Cheers
Andy

[Mikey]

Hi eline,

Lovely song, lyrics are really nice, vocals and the harmonies are great, the guitar is very nice but just wants tidying up in a few places, a very nice track, well done.

Mikey

[Eline97]

First of all, thanks for your comments and for listening!

As for the fact that the guitar needs tidying up in a few places, you're absolutely right and I'm well aware of that, but it's only been a year since I started playing the guitar, so I guess that would require some more practice. I will however definitely do that soon. I just couldn't wait to get some feedback first .

@Andy I would like that, since I just play guitar and violin, but I'm not a producer. I'm very curious what kind of sound you have in mind!

[Eline97]

Hi.  I think you're right to be happy with this!  You've got a great voice - rings clear as a bell.  The chorus here really cuts through, with the way you switch to full strums on your guitar and leap up in pitch with the vocal melody.  The line about "settling for a setting sun" struck me as powerful, and the violin (?) was a nice surprise.  So, it's already strong in this simple format... would be interesting to hear it with fuller production too (percussion, more strings and so on), although perhaps the simple production is part of the charm.  Great song, nice one.

Thank you so much for the compliments! It's a violin indeed

[shadowfax]

It's a lovely song and you sing it beautifully...timing is out here and there, nowadays you gotta play to a click track and for me it's a little dry..meaning a touch of reverb would put the song in a nice space,
A little bit too long and I personally don't think the song needs the violin...it was a bit screechy..sorry

very well done...

[Eline97]

Thanks for the feedback Shadowfax! You're right about the timing . When I first recorded, I was fingerpicking during the chorus as well as the verses, but when I listened to the result, it was kind of boring in my opinion, so I changed it to strumming. However, to match the strumming perfectly with vocals I recorded earlier turned out to be harder than I thought, so I'll have to record the vocals again later (didn't feel like doing that over that night). When I record it again, I'll also try adding some reverb. I already turned the volume of the violin down because as said before, it was too loud.

[Mikey]

First of all, thanks for your comments and for listening!

As for the fact that the guitar needs tidying up in a few places, you're absolutely right and I'm well aware of that, but it's only been a year since I started playing the guitar, so I guess that would require some more practice. I will however definitely do that soon. I just couldn't wait to get some feedback first .

@Andy I would like that, since I just play guitar and violin, but I'm not a producer. I'm very curious what kind of sound you have in mind!

Hi Eline,

Andy and myself work together on a lot of stuff at CAW productions, I will let him know you have responded to his offer of help in case he doesn't see your message, in the meantime, check out some of our stuff here

 

to give you an idea of what our stuff is like.

Mikey

[Cazrolina]

Yes a fine song. Really charming and with bags of potential - either just tidied up a bit or with full production. Don't lose too much of that charm though Really lovely melody and fab vocals. Top marks cx

[Cawproductions]

Yes a fine song. Really charming and with bags of potential - either just tidied up a bit or with full production. Don't lose too much of that charm though Really lovely melody and fab vocals. Top marks cx

Totally agree Cazrolina,

Would be really nice to keep the exact feel but not over produce.
Its a sweet pretty song, should be kept like it,

Andy

[Darren1664]

Hi Eline

First finished song!! Well done and great work.

I'll start with the criticism - timing and strumming just need a little work. The verses are very well played in my opinion but there's some slips in timing. The strumming at the chorus sounds a bit rigid. Maybe you need a lighter plectrum? Or are you using your nails? Plenty of practice will loosen this up...

Now that said you vocals are outstanding. You have a very nice voice that would work perfectly with just guitar behind. You remind of Taylor Swift - if you listen to her playing the acoustic, as her album tracks are obviously ramped up with production. The lyrics are lovely and suit this style of song. I think you have a LOT of potential and if you practice your performance enough and iron out the kinks you could start doing open mics to build confidence? I think you have the voice and talent for it.

Although your first certainly not your last I'm sure. Keep them coming

Darren

[Darren1664]

Thanks for the feedback Shadowfax! You're right about the timing . When I first recorded, I was fingerpicking during the chorus as well as the verses, but when I listened to the result, it was kind of boring in my opinion, so I changed it to strumming. However, to match the strumming perfectly with vocals I recorded earlier turned out to be harder than I thought, so I'll have to record the vocals again later (didn't feel like doing that over that night). When I record it again, I'll also try adding some reverb. I already turned the volume of the violin down because as said before, it was too loud.

Just reading this and thought that maybe you could try finger picking at the chorus but overdub it with some strummed guitar afterward? (or vice versa) Might make the guitar sound fuller for the chorus and pick it up a little. Just a thought

[Yodasdad]

I wouldn't have guessed this was a first song, some very nice touchs.

I agree that a more polished production would take it to th e next level, but again if you're new to it you haven't done a bit job.

On to the next one, keep em comin.

Yodasdad