Barry Seymour

You can adjust the scaling of windows 10: go into Settings and search for 'Make Text Bigger.' Drag the slider to change text size, then close Settings, log out and back in. That'll affect everything in Windows, including Cakewalk. On a 4k monitor I'm guessing it could have a profound effect.

Here's the final. Added more lead guitar, centered it, redid a number of vocal phrases, cleaned up the distortion in the vocal track. Added a bit more volume to the "Faux Garfunkels" (background vocals) Thanks, everyone, for your invaluable input!

I'll think about it... Thanks.

Thanks for pointing out the distortion - it came in on bits where I re-recorded some lyrics. I will review, thanks for pointing it out. The vocal harmonies I added to the chorus are just pads - I didn't want to go too heavy on that since I also have a string pad there. Were you thinking harmony vocals actually singing 'San Francisco Days?' Thanks for the kind words on the song.

Okay, here's the next version. Changes: Changed the lyrics about the drummer. I wanted to keep this more factual / autobiographical. Added more guitar on the way out Added vocal harmonies to the chorus Adjusted levels, especially on the strings I'm feeling like a regular Alan Parsons! Comments / Suggestions welcome. (Modified to link to the final version of the song.)

You are too kind. I actually struggle with my voice - I can't do as much as I used to. But that happens with the passage of time. I like the strings too! There are a number of settings in the VST, I went with a 'cello section' setup, it's really lush.

All of my songs have some aspect of my story in them, this one more than most. Let's just leave it at that. I may add more guitar soloing in there - it seems like the solo guitar appears and disappears rather abruptly. Also, kurt (above) recommended some background oohs or aaahs on the chorus, quite an intriguing thought. Thanks for the kind words.

It's actually quite funny - with all the work I do on lyrics, and rhyme, and meter, and emotional content, etc. etc., not to mention composing the song, arranging the drums, playing the guitars, painstakingly assembling the string parts I can't actually play - it would never have occurred to me on my own to just sing 'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh' in the background at any point. ?

I like that idea! I thought the strings were carrying that, but they continue on through the verse. I'm gonna look into that. Thanks!

Here's a new one. Let me know what you think. (Edited to show the final version)

Thank you all for the feedback and the compliments. I can't do it without folks like you helping me polish it up, get it right and learn. If any of you are on Facebook, I invite you to like my page. Who knows, something might come of it one day. https://www.facebook.com/barryseymourmusic

Very kind, thanks. I thought about it, but the whole theme of the song is going back to being alone. I think adding harmonies would distract from that. Despite the bombastic sound, it's a very personal tale. (Personal to the protagonist, that is, not me.) Thank you for the kind words!

Very kind, thanks!

Try this one:

Final Mix. THANKS for the feedback, everyone! https://soundcloud.com/barry-seymour/starting-out-again-alone?in=barry-seymour/sets/nice-hat

Tweaked. It's clearer. I'm getting ready to put out the final, you'll hear it. Thanks!

"Still reminds me of Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce!!!!!!" - Mission accomplished. But as to your comment yes, I want the vocals to be clear, sharper. Are you essentially recommending a notch in my graphic equalizer to quiet a frequency that makes the vocal muddy? I'm unsure of the terminology and metrics you're using. I'm using the built-in graphic EQ provided in the Pro Channel; can you tell me what to do using that?

Here's MIX 2: https://soundcloud.com/barry-seymour/starting-out-again-alone-mix-2 I panned guitars left and right, panned piano a bit right More bass in the guitars Had to autotune a few bits in the voice. :'-( Edit: Oooh, I forgot - new piano sound. Let me know what you think.

If only I could actually play keys. I pieced these piano bits together painstakingly, one track at a time - practically one finger at a time, ha ha.

My struggle is getting it all in the mix. If I thicken them up with more low end, then they collide with other instruments. I'll try a bit of both.

Good suggestion. Do you mean surround sound, or just panning them further out?

I found Keyzone Bitsonic, which installed pretty easy, and sounds much better. New mix coming soon. Thanks!

Man, those strings are like buttah. Nice piano sound too. I know you just suggested less reverb on one of mine, but I'd suggest more reverb on the lead guitars here, help them feel more dreamy and blended with the strings. ? Great tune.

I was striving for a bit of 'wall of sound,' so the extra reverb was deliberate. We'll see how it holds up, I guess. I too would like a better tone for the piano, but couldn't find one that was both better than the built-in one and easy to install. I'm open to VST suggestions. Thanks for the feedback.

This is stellar; it just shimmers. Everything is so clear, it sounds like you're sitting on my shoulder. Love it. I especially like how it started; it sounds like some recording of a dude in his bedroom, with guitar sounds, raspy voice, rustles, etc. Then, when the full mix kicks in it's a delight. Only crit I'd have is that the 12-string needs tuning and there are places where I can't tell if it's a subtle ride cymbal or 'tape hiss.' But sometimes that's charming. This is great stuff.