[tone]

Hey up folks

This thread originally appeared in the reviews forum, but I've moved it here so that other songwriters can learn more about getting their songs produced online.

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It's been a long time since you heard from me in the reviews forum I know, but I've been busy recording my debut ep, and I'll have lots of lovely new tracks for you to hear this year.

But while all that's been cooking, I've also been working with Chad and the lovely chaps from bringmysongtolife.com on a production of my song laissez-faire. (Chad is a member of the forum, I expect he'll reply to this thread, especially if any of you have any questions about the online production service)

It's been a really interesting experience for me, handing over production to a group of strangers in another country took a little bravery, but I have to say my bravery was rewarded.

I already had a recording of this song that I'd produced myself. (You can check back on that thread here if you so wish http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/song-reviews/laissez-faire/) so to start with I sent my logic file to Chad along with a basic production brief.

If memory serves me, I think I said "I like this arrangement, but apart from that, knock yourselves out" or words to that effect

I had also planned to re-record the vocal take, but a combination of being pleased with how they made the original take sound, and my computer packing up, I couldn't do this.

I've been really impressed by the way they've handled the project - and I tip my hat to Chad and the chaps. I'm quite fussy and picky, and there were several parts I took issue with, especially in the first mix they sent me.

But they took it on the chin and weren't at all precious about the work they'd done or the creative decisions they'd made. They respected my own ideas about the song and how it should sound/ feel which was a big relief.

I think we went back and forth twice with suggestions and alterations before coming up with the finished track.

It was a pleasure working with these guys, and I think you'll agree they've turned a very average demo into a pro studio recording.

Let me know what you think

http://laissezfaireproducedbybringmysongstolifecom.viinyl.com/

[edit] here's a soundcloud link if you can't get the above to work
https://soundcloud.com/anthony-lane/laissez-faire-produced-by

[Boydie]

I remember the original version of this

The produced version definitely has a professional quality to it

The snare is a little loud for me but I love the brush sound and the sound of the drums in general

Did you use the original vocal track or re-record it? - it is sounding a little "thin"?

If you were able to get in to a studio in the UK to just record a vocal stem on some juicy kit I think it would add that final touch and be well worth the extra bit of effort judging by the excellent results of the "produced" version

Great job and a really gorgeous song that bridges the gap between mainstream and folk perfectly

I would think this one also sounds awesome live!

[S.T.C]

Deffo sounds fresher/crisper.....the instruments are clearer.....worth doing.

[man of simple pleasures]

cant get this to play on the site using an ipad 

[vibesville]

Not sure the site linked is mac friendly takes far to long to load and track when it does, so cant really comment. Maybe play safe and repost on soundcloud

[tone]

Sorry guys Have added the soundcloud link to original post now https://soundcloud.com/anthony-lane/laissez-faire-produced-by

[vibesville]

Really nice track a lot of warmth and felling. Vocal has a David Sylvian feel to it, although watch those high breaks.

Look forward to hearing more

[flossie]

Hi Tone,

This is really lovely and you remind me of Richard Ashcroft expecially the way you bend the notes.  I think you are also really brave to get your song recorded in this way, i has paid off and it sounds slick but I think Boydie is right though you should get the vocals recorded professionally to give it that last bit of sparkle, they could sound a bit warmer in my opinion.
x

[Chadbim]

Hey forum 
We had a blast working with Tone and producing "Laissez-faire".
This is great warm community, I like the way you all review each other's songs.
For those interested in producing some songs with us, I'll be happy to answer any questions, over here or in private messages.
All the best,
Chad.

[Alan Starkie]

Starts off Ray Davies/Damon Albarn with shades of 'Village Green Preservation Society' and gradually makes it's way towards Smiths/Morrissey. I like your melody ideas but a little too much angst/melancholy for me and there's no build up throughout the song. It finishes where it started.

[Michael]

Good song! Thoroughly enjoyed the lyrics, good job on the arrangement too.

After listening to your self-produced version I think the studio has done a great job finding the right sound without losing the feeling your original song conveyed so nicely. The drums in particularly sound excellent !
Big fan of the piano track too, very beautifully played!

I do agree with Boydie about the vocal track sounding a bit thin. Nothing to do with your vocal delivery of course, which was first rate!

So how exactly does this work, I mean what elements of this track did the studio add to your arrangement (except mixing and mastering) ?

[nooms]

tis a fave of 2012 anyway so unless they'd turned it into a samba im going to like it
think theyve done a great job..bringing out the textures, the drums sound, 'swell' gtr chords and the sound of the piano really enhance it. does sound like the real thing..
i can understand the angst you & your wallet might have felt about letting them do it, but its a truly good song and its worked brilliantly.
i dont get a thinness about the vocal,  i can discern a Finness  tho...
its quite dry and unvarnished which i like, and realised today the 'tone' vibrato..
fine work mate
looking forward to the ep..

[Chadbim]

Hi Michael,
Thanks for asking- We recorded live drums, bass, and several guitars. Additionally we added some samples and programming to create different effects. We've also mixed and mastered the track as you mentioned.

Good song! Thoroughly enjoyed the lyrics, good job on the arrangement too.

After listening to your self-produced version I think the studio has done a great job finding the right sound without losing the feeling your original song conveyed so nicely. The drums in particularly sound excellent !
Big fan of the piano track too, very beautifully played!

I do agree with Boydie about the vocal track sounding a bit thin. Nothing to do with your vocal delivery of course, which was first rate!

So how exactly does this work, I mean what elements of this track did the studio add to your arrangement (except mixing and mastering) ?

[Dutchbeat]

i love that chorus
yes, one of my forum favorites too this song, and the sound of the piano and bass are very nicely full and warm in this production

i don't know about that rim shot though...but hey, I am Dutchbeat, i want snare drums LOUD and many of them, too many of them 

no, but seriously this sounds pretty perfect  , the singing melody really stands out, a really authentic and genuine songwriter's song

(sorry for my Dunglish...i wanted to say: i like it!)

[man of simple pleasures]

sounds great! very morrisey!