The Smiley Smile Message Board

LONELY WORLD

Hey Everyone, it's time! My second LP, "Lonely World" is finally releasing after LOTS of mastering... man that's tough.
I leave you with the classic "Art is never finished, just abandoned" quote, and I think it's finally time.

The album will be a bandcamp exclusive for now, with Amazon in the near future, this is for several reasons.

- Bandcamp offers a universal file format, so you can listen with no limitations.

- It's lossless (the album was recorded ALL LOSSLESS for the first time.)

- All the money goes to me, and not an outside source (Plus, all the money is put into my savings fund directly, so it's not "bullsh*t cash"

- It's just faster.

So why buy on Bandcamp? Well... You get the "Bonus EP" featuring a message from me, and various special album tidbits found NOWHERE ELSE (until the physical release, which only happens if you support this!) (Also, I'll find a way to discount those dramatically for you guys, so you don't waste money if they do come out)

Sounds good? Great! Now that that's out of the way, on to the fun stuff!

The album was recorded, written, and produced solely by my 15 year old self, with absolutely no help outside feedback. The setup is basically just a mixing board, and a PC, with obvious instruments and mics. The current overall budget was around $1500 - $1800 from my parents and sales of "Out Of The Box" and other various songs. This album will undoubtedly help with
the upgrades required, but I have a set limit to how much of my gain I can spend, because we are basically a not-for-profit, and are more focused on my overall future.

So, enough gibberish, one last thing...
Mixing in Stereo is hard, Brian said it best, you just have less control. This mix was my first "true" Stereo attempt, and I learned a lot. This mix is the best "universal sounding" mix I could muster,
I find that Headphones with good Bass and the Car sound best, but that's completely up to you guys. I hope you enjoy it either way :D
The album should be setup with iTunes, but some settings like "Gapless album" may need to be turned on.

The biggest "upgrade" IMO were the vocal mixing, now they are much cleaner then before, still not "perfect" but MUCH better. Plus, those harmonies!!!!

Well, without further ado... LINK: http://mikeleroy.bandcamp.com/album/lonely-world

Oh, by the way, I get NOWHERE without specific feedback, that's why I post here, I love the great feedback! So please, don't let me down!  

My pre-release statements:

The album will be digitally released as close to July 4th as possible.
It will cost $10 and be available on bandcamp first, then on amazon shortly after.

Please guys, as fellow musicians and music lovers, support a growing musician,
I think I've proven myself to be improving at a somewhat staggering rate, and I believe that even
your feedback is a huge part of the growth. So this is both a thanks and a plead.
Please at least check out the album when it's released, a lot of you absolutely loved "Half Alseep" which is featured in an even better mix here, and I believe there's a few stronger tracks as well. I really think this is a great album, and I never felt like I had to fill any space. As matter of fact, I've only receiently become bored of a few tracks, (not really bored, just not obsessively listening) and many of you know that while working on an album tracks can really start to bore you after months of work.

So, as a very young musician, I'd like to formally thank everyone for supporting me so far, and hopefully this time you'll like it enough to buy a few copies :)

Until the 4th, stay cool guys! --Mike

Album Spoiler Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6uvWgx67lU&feature=youtu.be

Features some of the albums better tracks!

FEEDBACK PLEASE!

Intriguing. "So Long" in particular is catchy.

Since you're asking, here's some technical feedback: what kind of microphone are you using to record your vocals? On your next project, you might find it useful -- and easier to mix with -- if you switch to something with more top end. Even a lower-cost condenser mic would be very freeing.

I agree, but I need money to upgrade :)
I'm hoping this gets me going :D

Also: I'm talking more about the songs, technically speaking I know it's not top notch but that's to be expected from a basement :p

"Half Asleep" sounds like it has roots in a great Brian Wilson-esque waltz circa 1968. Cool chord changes happening in there. I agree that "So Long" has a nice, catchy hook. And "Lonely World" has that kind of Friends vibe to it, too. Nice harmony stacks on that one.

As someone who's recorded the majority of his work in small home studios, I find the more you do, the easier and better sounding it gets. Compression and EQ are great for making vocals stand out more, especially if your mic choices are limited.

All that really matters is staying close to whatever your true vision for the music is... don't get too distracted with the technical aspect of it. Seems like you're doing fine with what you have, thus far. Looking forward to hearing more!

Thanks man, the vision stays strong here, and I've certainly adapted to the studio.
I think a good song can make even silly mixing sound great (Smiley Smile anyone?)

The list, by the way of things to get with any "donations" from album purchases, are

-New Keyboard
-A New Vocal Mic
-A Few Drum Mics

I used the Ode to Saratoga and Out Of The Box money to buy a really nice PC for the studio, so I'm not buying stupid stuff here haha

I've said it before and I'll say it again - 'Half Asleep' is one of the coolest songs I've heard on this sub-forum.

I also think the others sound interesting, especially 'So Long'. But I'll have to agree with Austin,... the overall sound of your songs would really improve with a better recording set-up for the vocals. I'm crossing my fingers that this release will enable you to upgrade 'cause considering your age (15, right?) you really show a lot of talent!  :)

Thanks a ton, I recorded the bulk of that song dry (I didn't really sit down and write it) in the week following my Grandma's death, and I really felt "Half Asleep" so it just kinda happened! haha...


And I agree, it was also very difficult to mix the vocals for similar reasons, but the best way to fix that is to hope I can upgrade off of this album's sales. I have a few mics in mind after hearing people here using them :D

Official Update: All Digital Copies of the album purchased in July will come with a 18 Minute Bonus EP of Backing Tracks and Vocal Tracks!

wow i like what i'm hearing. how soon do you think it will be on amazon?

It comes out on my site on the 4th, I'm planning on releasing it as soon to then on amazon as possible, it all depends on their speed.

An update: The album is currently in it's final "listen"

Amazon may not be up on time, but Bandcamp will be available on the 4th.

Album comes out soon! Get Ready! May even be midnight!

First post updated.

Hey guys, the album's up!

Please PLEASE, if you listen and like it, buy it, I only stream it because I care more about feedback then money.

Just submitted it to Amazon, and updated my site: mikeleroymusic.com

You absolutely rock! Don't give this up, man. You're onto something. 15 years old..... I mean, Jesus.

Like the sombre mood - all the ballads are wonderful, and the mix is all fine - especially your vocals, a big big improvement on Out Of The Box. Everything's clear. I just love the way it flows, it's a great 'album' in that respect. And all them ballads. I'm impressed!

I'll buy it when I can eke some disposable income out of my meagre pay, OK?

Now.... what's next?  ;)

Thanks man! Nice feedback, I'm happy the vocals worked out nicely!
I'm getting a new condenser mic tomorrow for vocals from now on, so that'll be even cleaner!

And also, no problem man, I understand, I was just saying if you listen to it free and like it, buying is nice :)
Thanks a ton dude! I'm looking forward to more feedback!

I took the advice of earlier posts, and invested in a condenser mic thanks to this, and it sounds much warmer! Great idea guys! I still want more feedback though!

As promised, here's my track-by-track review:

Overture - Great way to kick things off. Nice keyboard work that evokes Ray Manzerak's style at points. Leads nicely into...
So Long - Nice and upbeat tune with catchy melody. The ritard towards the end makes for a great musical turn. Definitely Smile-esque in instrumentation. Lyrically, it reminds me of The Beach Boys Love You or Sweet Insanity/Wilson-Paley era Brian.
Into Thin Air - Dreamy tune. I especially like the vocalizing and the variation on the theme towards the end.
Half Asleep - As I have stated before, this reminds me of Friends-era Brian Wilson waltz tunes.
1000 Words - One of my favorites on here. Terrific keyboard groove and the synths add a nice touch.
Moonlit Lake - I think this just might be my favorite. The best instrumental work on the album, in my opinion, is on this track.
Open The Windows - Nice little ditty. Upbeat, kind of reminds me of The Stampeders' "Sweet City Woman" or something by Three Dog Night.
Everybody's Doing It - Heavy, man.
Our Brother's Keeper - Spacey and somewhat detached until the harmonies come in and bring it all home. I dig the refrain and acoustic solo especially.
Doesn't She Know - This one has an almost spooky air about it, musically. Almost like listening to the sessions from around the time Smile had fallen apart. Chills down the spine.
Lonely World - Your vocals sound great stacked. This track showcases that well.
We're There Again - Go out with a bang, so to speak. I think this is a terrific way to close the album.

All in all, it's a good listen. Brian fans are sure to dig it. I'm impressed that this is coming from a 15 year old. My belief in the generations after mine has been somewhat restored. I thank you.

Coo album, Mike. You should be proud of yourself.

Nice work. I think the most noticeable aspect of your songwriting is the quality of the chord progressions, which are consistently interesting and, more often than not, surprising in the best way. There are some really standout arrangements here too, and in more specific detail, I especially like how you're utilizing the guitar. It blends well with the keyboard parts without sounding homogenous. I'll second the posters here who are encouraging you to keep at it, because you're clearly onto something.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of recorded music is the fact that the technology often plays a significant musical role, if we don't easily recognize those contributions. At the same time, that can be very frustrating to DIY producers and engineers, who start out lacking the resources and expertise to take advantage of that facet of the art. But having been exposed to both basement and non-basement studios, I've realized something: past a certain threshold, I'd much rather listen to a home recording produced by an expert than a studio recording produced by a total amateur.

So how do you get past that threshold? Telling you to go buy a bunch of stuff isn't meaningful feedback, but there's still a base amount you'll need in order to advance your abilities as a producer and recording artist: understanding (and owning) a couple different kinds of microphones and their best applications, and then figuring out the best way to capture a source (which is two things, really: microphone placement, and understanding what a preamp is). These are as significant of tools for a producer just as a choice of guitar is for a guitarist. But just as many great guitarists learned on sub-$100 guitars, passing the threshold is pretty easy with a little bit of research and time (and, well, money, but you can diminish the importance of that with the right research).

Second, and this is really the more important piece of the two: scrutinize your productions and performances, and learn how to become an expert with the resources at your disposal. Always be looking for places where you can better the finer details: how can I make the sound of these drums match the song's meaning? Can I get a better take of those harmonies? How does this sound over speakers instead of headphones? This isn't about micro-level technical stuff (Do I use this EQ plugin or this EQ plugin?). Find the intersection between the technology and your performances and study it relentlessly.

It's obvious that you've got a lot of talent and potential. Continue to be open-minded, ask for feedback, and read about your favorite recordings in detail. The rest will develop over time. Good luck, and congrats on the album.

Thanks for the great feedback, both of you!

I completely understand, I mean, look at the late-60's Beach Boys!!

Still, the Mic sounds amazing :D

What kind of microphone did you end up getting?

A large diaphragm condenser mic, a middle end $200 one.
It's very warm sounding, here's my only recording with it so far, for a soundtrack I just got asked to do.
you can hear some nice, but quick backing vocals here...
http://soundcloud.com/mikeleroymusic/taki-piece

There's a lot to learn with listening to how records are made! BW sessions, applying your critical ears to how records are made.... all valuable

As an example of an 'old school' of recording, I had a friend round to record vocals on a duet for my album the other day. Her boyfriend came round too, because he had nowt else to do. I only have the one microphone, so we were sitting singing it the same distance away. After a take or two, it became apparent I was much louder from her for some reason (who knows why - she's the singer, I'm a rank amateur), so I was thinking to myself, 'How do I fix this?'.

The Boyfriend tells me I need to compress it - bring everything up to same level, so he thinks. I try that, and after a little while struggling with that.... it hits me. "Why don't we just move into the mic when we sing? Like they did on old country records and stuff?" And he scoffs at that suggestion.

We do that - stepping back and forth from the mic like Johnny and June - and it's perfect. I couldn't ask for a better mix. I don't have to turn anything up or down.

Bastard still won't admit he's wrong, mind  :lol

Thats a cool story! I agree, sometimes one persons ears just can't hear what others can!

Yeah, if you hear something and think 'It can be fixed with technology', slap yourself on the wrist and do a better take - which may explain why I'm taking ages to finish these things up  :lol

So anyone else listen?!

Hi Mike

You obviously are really keen to get some feedback so I've streamed the album twice and have written a bit more in-depth than I normally would do. As a guy posting music on here from time to time I know how much the reaction and constructive feedback from other Beach Boys fans means. At the end of the day all of us here hope for some nice comments on our stuff, yet all too often we forget to spare a few minutes for giving feedback that a fellow fan & musician would value and which he/she might be able to use for developing their music further.  :) So having a day off today I've spent some time listening and writing my thoughts down. I hope you can use my comments for your future projects.

First of all, the fact that you're pulling stuff like this off at the age of 15 is really impressive. When I was 15 I was spending all my time reading Marvel comics and watching MTV!  ;D Secondly, I'm not a musician in that I don't play an instrument but rather sing and come up with lyrics, melodies and what have you not for the group I'm in. So unlike others here I'm not able to offer technical feedback as such. But I know what I like and what little details on backing tracks that will appeal to me and have tried to present this in the comments on each track below. I'm assuming you're looking for an honest opinion so when a song doesn't appeal to me I don't sugarcoat it. Some of the songs I really like, other's don't work for me but probably will for others. Overall, I think your album is a great achievement for a guy your age including a couple of very strong songs and interesting, playful instrumentation throughout.

I have two fundamental suggestions for your future work.

1) Personally, I find that some of the songs would have benefitted from stronger hooks. Writing catchy songs is of course incredibly difficult but I think that at least some of your songs feature sections that perhaps are more clever than catchy, if you know what I mean? I guess it's a matter of personal taste but taking the easy road can sometimes be a good thing, I find.

2) I hope the new microphone will improve the sound of your vocals. Thoughout the record they sound a bit muffled and some of the harmonies can be difficult to discern in the vocal mix. Personally, I think your voice is way better suited for slower, more restrained songs like Half Asleep. When it comes to the faster, more rockier songs I think you could work more on developing your vocals. Some songs have a bit of both - So Long, for instance, is one of my favourites with a great chorus, but the verse vocal I find a bit shouty and inferior to your chorus vocal. I'm only speaking at my own behalf of course but I imagine that others might feel the same. Have you ever thought about hooking up with other singers that could grace some of your songs? In the group I'm in all of us take the lead from time to time depending on who will have the right sound and vocal range for the song and I really think this benefits our output.

- - -

OK, on to the tracks. Here are my comments based on listening through headphones:

Overture - This is nice enough but personally doesn't do that much for me.

So Long - Definately one of the highlights for me. Great guitar sound and production. I think the chorus is incredibly catchy. The dreamy slow-down where it segues into 'Into Thin Air' is a nice twist.

Into Thin Air - this one doesn't really work for me. It sounds nice and I like the percussive keyboard during the chorus, but personally I miss some sort of hook that would stay with the listener. The short a capella section near the end is really beautiful - great vocal work!

Half Asleep - This is without comparison my favourite track. Very Friends-like with a great lyric, top notch harmonies and interesting instrumentation. The horn parts are such a cool element. Seriously, if this song had been part of the ending suite on the new BB album, many fans would probably have it as a favourite track.

1000 words - I feel the same about this track as I did with Thin Air. The instrumentation is nice and has some great ideas, but at least to these ears it comes off a bit derivative and definately in need of a hook. I also have to confess that I don't like the way you've decided to sing the lead. Like previously mentioned, it sounds a bit shouty and overdone to me and I think the result would have better with a more understated approach.

Moonlit Lake - This is a cool track. I particularly noticed the nice bass patterns that you feature throughout. Very nice vocal and great ending with an almost hypnotic feel.

Open the Windows - I also like this one, quite catchy .... reminds me  of something Paul McCartney could have written. I also think that this song compliments the previous tracks rather well because its sound & feel is a bit different.

Everybody's Doing It - There's some nice guitar on this one. You really come up with some great guitar parts throughout the record. As for the song itself it's not really my cup of tea. But I like the fact you're pushing the envelope with a rockier track. The part near the end where you use a lot of echo is very nice. As far as I'm concerned small interesting sections like this one (you also have a few at the end of other tracks) could easily have appeared earlier during songs instead of being kept for the very end.

Our Brother's Keeper - One of my favourite tracks. Great melody, great chorus, great vocal. When listening I envisioned Carl doing a great lead on this one - but that's not to take anything away from you. You do a great job on it and it's more to say that to me your best material comes across as something that would have made nice additions to the Beach Boys catalog.

Doesn't She Know - The beginning of the song is very atmospheric for a lack of a better description but the Doesn't She Know chorus is a bit too heavy-handed to these ears.

Lonely World - Very Beach Boys sounding with some Pet Sounds flourishes throughout. I like it! The chorus grows on you. The section with the 'oooooh' vocals that segues into the lone synths near the end is very trippy!

We're There Again - I also like this song. The electronic blips & blops thoughout (you know what I mean) are a nice percussive touch. There are a lot of twists and turns on this track and I would probably need to listen to it a lot of times before it really stuck with me. But at the first two listens I found a lot to admire here.

- - -

So there you have it. I've bought a few of my favourite tracks off the album and look forward to listening to them the next couple of days. Keep up the good work. The Surf School Dropouts plan to release our first album via Bandcamp in the near future. When that happens I hope you'll have a listen and offer some thoughts.

Thanks a ton man! I'll be sure to check that album out!

I'm soooo sorry, amazon is coming very soon!

Hey guys! Amazon finally got back to me here, so FINALLY here it is on Amazon MP3!

http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-World/dp/B009B2WWOA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347768563&sr=8-2&keywords=lonely+world+michael+leroy

Please check it out again, and maybe buy it?
My next album is still a few months away, check this out before then!