Lynn Wilson

Nothing, unless you compare it to someone with a $10,000 library of orchestra samples. I appreciate the experimental side of your songwriting, Jack. This piece seems, to me, a movement within a larger piece rather than a complete song, especially considering the abrupt ending. Sometimes I get the urge to write orchestral pieces, but I don't have great samples, nor much experience, so I just listen to others. I applaud you for your confidence.

I am having a problem with XPand!2 as well, currently. It won't play in one song, but will play in a new song template, where it's the only VSTi. I've also had problems with the vst2 version of Rapture Pro and Dimension Pro. Usually, I can insert another track of the synth, and drag and drop the MIDI into the new track and be good to go, but not always! I can't remember if this has happened to a vst3 plugin, but I don't think so, yet. If it didn't happen to CW's own synths, I might think that it is a third party problem, but the fact that it happens to RP and DP suggests that it might not be. Btw, I only use simple instrument tracks in these cases. Here's to hope!

Well, all I can say is that I like this version better. It is more clear now, but it retains all the warmth and strength of the last version. I love your vocal arrangement, especially where the bg vocals are used to inject an emotional element into the mix. You're at the top of your game!

Same here. I don't mean to hijack this thread, and I don't know if this is connected to the OP's problem, but it seems to be happening to several of us. I will note that it doesn't seem to happen to vst3 plugins, just vst2 plugins.

Doing OK - just busy with personal issues these days, though mainly very mundane stuff that take away my internet time if not my studio time. Thanks for asking

Old mate, this is as haunting as anything I've ever heard from you. I can tell you're digging deep for this production, which makes it very memorable, indeed! Yet, interestingly, it provides solace from your pain... it strikes a universal chord because this is something that we've all gone through or will go through in our lives.

Wow, this is good! To me, it has a Steely Dan/Donald Fagen type of story and vibe, but you've always had a knack for stories yourself, and this is all you. The second version is a big improvement overall and is close to stellar. Though panned well, I still hear it as being a bit narrow or center-centric. Perhaps if the guitars in the side channels were a touch louder to compete with the excellent horns. Btw, at 3:08 there sounds, to me, a trumpet slightly out of tune which could be tightened up with Melodyne or similar app, unless that's by design. Either way, refer back to my first sentence Good songwriting!

John, having heard a number of your songs over the years, I must say that I'm constantly surprised and delighted by you. Maybe because of the unexpected sounds throughout, I really like this song! Your arrangement is cleaver and crafty, which gives it a vibe of unpredictability that I like. As always, your mastery of great guitar tones speak volumes. Keep it up!

Bert. this is a lovely song that has a cool vibe. I like the wide panning in the mix, which makes the instruments easy to hear and carves out a space for the vocals. However, I may be hearing a little of what Nigel hears. Since the mix has a healthy dose of volume, it could be that the limiter or compressor is a little aggressive. I hear a lack of breathing in the mix which tends to flatline the sound overall. But, that is all; the vocals are sweet, and the rest of the song is just waiting for a small tweak or two to be stellar!

I had to watch this video a few times to completely take it all in. Super polished and creative, it leaves me wanting more. That's a good thing! You have raised the bar for the rest of us.

This has that raw energy that you get from a well engineered live recording. The mix is spacious, and each part shines. The song is terrific, and it sounds like a good time was had by all. Congrats!

Thank you, Bert, for your time and kind words! Stay well.

Sweet! You succeeded in reviving and revitalizing and old song from a cassette tape - no easy feat. I'd like to do this myself, but I'm too lazy I'm glad I caught this before it was too late because I thoroughly enjoy this. You did it right!

When I play the two versions back to back, I'm floored by the substantial improvement of your drum tracks. Drums have always been my Achilles heel, but this experience has been a real eye opener for me. I'm always happy to have an opportunity to learn! Many thanks.

My first impression of this song is that you must have had a blast creating this. Your vocal is very convincing and interestingly produced. The driving drum beat really moves the guitar track along, and everything sounds like it's in its right place in the mix. I just knew I was gonna like this song before I even played it.

Your influences really resonate with me! I hear all of them and more in this cool song. Perhaps a little Ben Folds? I've heard your voice in many different ways, and it never fails to impress. You have inspired many of us!

This is a beautiful song, John, and very well produced! It shows your impressive skill in arranging and lyric writing, and your vocal is strong enough to carry this sophisticated melody. Since I've followed you, your growth has been off the charts, and I look forward to your next opus.

Yeah, great song, Paul! I love your taste in music, and this song has a catchy vibe that just doesn't quit. Go ahead and punch up that bass a little, and this song will be one to hang your hat on. I should say that your lyrics and vocals are very good from song to song. That's one of your strengths! Keep it up!!

I, too, love the experimental nature of this song and its unique arrangement. My only suggestion is to balance the vocals and instruments more evenly. I hear the vocals a little too far above the instruments, but that is all. This has a chance to be stellar with just a few, slight adjustments. Hope all else goes well for you this year!

I'm always impressed by your prolific productions. You are a terrific tunesmith, and your arrangements are clean and well crafted. This song is no exception. Well done, Bjorn!

Fred, I love the story in this song. You are a good story teller, and your words can be poignant, funny, philosophical, and timely. I also love the fact that you experiment with various styles of music, which makes you versatile. I'm not all that fond of one-trick-ponies. I believe that Tom has some good suggestions about the mix, and this is a song that's worth it! Keep up the good work, my friend. Always a pleasure!

Thanks Tom, much appreciated! This is why I come to this forum; I can't get this kind of help any other way. I've learned so much from this experience. As for the ending, I too often fade out during a chorus or solo, so I decided to just let this come to a halt, in keeping with the subject matter.

Thank you, John for your time and kind words! I'm not sure which of the synths you're referring to exactly, but I'll listen for it. Easy change.

Today I have posted "Chaos Ravine 2.0" thanks to a huge contribution from Markno999. He and I both have SD3, so he was able to create a MIDI file with a new kit and new grooves for this song. He really hit the nail on the head, and the only original tracks I kept were the pre-choruses. I think it is an improvement, as drum tracks have always been my Achilles heel. I owe him and all of you who have contributed a huge thank you! It is here: https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=14563308, as well as in the OP.

OK, that wasn't clear in your post. I see you've edited the post.