Pride - Jon Solo November 2008

georgeinar · Post by **georgeinar** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:36 pm

Drwho: from my experience, recording voice is even more difficult than achieving memorable guitar effects, esp since the vocal has got to be the strongest element.

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:08 pm

It's common knowlege that I'm no singer, but when I do sing something, I always bust out the TC Helicon Voiceworks.
That way, I'm processed, on pitch, and have 4 part harmony at my fingertips.

JonSolo · Post by **JonSolo** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:41 pm

There are very few voices heard, live or recorded, that do not include effects. Even the rare few that do not need it usually have some processing, compression, EQ, reverb, on top of them which enhance the overall.

Additionally, every microphone shapes your voice in some way or another. That is primarily why I EQ because I do not use a large diaphragm mic which tends to pic up more detail.

Anytime you use a dynamic mic with your voice it is best to post-process it.

Jon

chordial · Post by **chordial** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:19 am

This is a great change of style Jon, I like your other songs, but this harder edged rock is great!

As already mentioned I hadn't really pictured your vocals to this type of music, but it works so well.

You really are having a great run of creative work.

Cheers Simon

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:17 am

Hi Jon

All I can say is that this one is now firmly in the Number 2 spot (and you know which one is No 1 don't you

)

I never heard the early stages of it, but as it is now it is a powerful song and you do the edgy rock thing very well.

And the singing sounds great too,

Regards from
Dee

JonSolo · Post by **JonSolo** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:36 am

Vocals has always been an exciting challenge to me. It is like another instrument in a song, but one that has lots more feeling than any of the others. That is where it becomes a little scary. The best part about this song to me IS the vocals...not so much in my performance, but more in that I was able to take what I have been doing for a few years now vocally and apply it to a style removed from what I had been doing musically and still have it work.

To be honest, when I dropped the scratch tracks (it was piano and vocal) I thought to myself that there was NO WAY I could do what I had in mind and still have it work. In fact there are several other vocal parts that I had to cut initially because it felt uncomfortable in this style. So I was especially glad when what I had left worked.

This will be the dominant style on my next CD as I finalize Pop Junkie and determine if and how I want to promote it.

dreamaiden · Post by **dreamaiden** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:34 am

ooooh, I love your voice. This is my first time listening to your music. I hear shades of my all time favorite band (other than Tangerine Dream) - Boston. Very nice. Oh yes and Yes I hear. Killer!

The reason I love Boston is because they are so tight, the best vocals on the planet, and great energy.

Ok well I don't even know you and I'm no one to speak but I'll say my piece. Your voice is top shelf. I'm sure I'm not the first to tell you that. I would do everything humanly possible to make all the music backing it up the best on the planet, even if that means going to a recording studio, hiring special musicians, whatever. In fact, to make my point, go back and listen to MaryAnn by Boston. You're there - you just need a little pro assistance to push the music right over the edge (so to speak). For you I'm not sure doing it all yourself is the way to go even though the arrangement and performance here is really great. It's hard to concentrate on everything and do everything 150%. Better for you to write the songs and sing.

I haven't heard your other music but you wear this style Very well.

Okay, I'm finished drooling now.

Cheers,
Susan

JonSolo · Post by **JonSolo** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:34 am

As a fan of both bands you mentioned, I have to say your comments caught me by surprise. Brad Delp (rip) was one of the most talented vocalist I have ever heard. He had one of the richest natural high voices in musical history. I humbly appreciate the comparison, though I fear I cannot wear that hat..as cliched as it may sound, I am WAY out of my prime. (Ok I am not THAT old, but far from being a star!)

I really enjoy music and doing it for other people though.

However I will take your encouraging words and apply them to my future endeavors, as I am starting to enjoy this style and hope to continue adapting my voice to fit in. And your advice on getting outside help for the music is also appreciated. I wear many hats here in the studio. I am most comfortable as a producer. In fact I love working with other musicians (cause I get to tell them what to do)!

Anyway, thank you for the most kind comments!

Jon

ellll · Post by **ellll** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:32 am

Hi Jon,

This is simply fun, and very much the kind of thing that grabs me in popular genre's.... I really am amazed at the clean sound....but that is in fact one of your best claims to fame..isn't it? , With this basically new sound.... WoW is the order of the day..., And in fact it is also quite beautiful ....!! A worthy presentation for you....!!!!

Sorry... emulation is the best complment...., but I can't do it.... None the less be assured you have had my attention during this cycle, even when I was kind of "missing"..., so KEEP AT IT...!!

Regards, Always, John (ellll)