Check out this original that sounds a bit like Rage Against the Machine

[aaron aardvark]

30sos posted a song named "Sammy" on another forum. He had PodXTL on the guitar & bass, EZDrummer for drums. He was looking for a vocalist for the song, so I gave it a go because I was very impressed with the instrumental version. I also added some PodXT lead guitar (from 2:45 to 3:23 and 3:55 to 4:05). Tell me how you like it & how it could be improved. I named my version of the song "Falling From the Sky". It is the song at the top of this link:

SoundClick artist: aaron aardvark - Alternative rock

[whiterabbit_the]

Hey Aaron,

This is definitely something I wasn't expecting to hear I can see where you are going with this, but it definitely needs some work.

I can definitely hear the Rage as you pointed out, which is a doubled edged sword. I personally would push for a little more originality in the vox style. With that being said, the execution of the vocal performance is relying way too much on the echo/reverb effect you have setup. Keep in mind that extreme effects in this manor have the most impact in small amounts versus being the main effect on the vox. Same thing goes with the pitch shifting on the "Falling From The Sky" line, it just sounds really unnatural.

As for the guitar solo, it's definitely an experimental style, but there is nothing exciting about it...for me, it screams "filler". There are some points that are out of key, so I would play with it some more.

Again, I like the direction you are going with this, but it has some things that definitely need to be fixed.

--Aaron

[aaron aardvark]

whiterabbit,
Thanks for listening & replying! Half of my vocals are actually singing, not rapping, and there are only so many ways a person can rap. I don't think Zach de la Rocha does any melodic singing that I am aware of (but I am only familiar mostly with their more popular songs). But if you feel like my rapping style (I almost never rap by the way) is copying Zach too much I can deal with that. I think Zach's vocals are much more abrasive than mine and I did some voice inflections that I don't think Zach would ever do. There are no pitch shifters or harmonizers on my vocals. The "Falling From the Sky" "gang" yelling/singing was done with three separate vocal tracks, so I don't know why you feel it sounds unnatural. I can understand if you feel I use too much delay & reverb on my vocals though. I feel like my vocals sound weak without it. Some people think I use too many effects on my vocals & other people like all of the effects (I am speaking about my tunes in general). Thanks again!

[whiterabbit_the]

hehe, I was speaking in general about the rapping parts throughout. There was definitely a lot of variance from what I have seen Zach do, as I am a huge Rage fan

As for the yelling part, not sure really what it is...for some reason, it just sounds pitch shifted. One thing that makes it stick out for me personally, is the fact that it is really dry in comparison to everything else.

Now, for the effects, I'm a vocalist / guitarist, so I definitely understand what you mean here I do a lot of screaming and singing and have found that compression is really my best friend! Adding that to standard vocal tracks and double taking them will help add A LOT of power to it

Anyway, just remember that you are making music for you and no one else We are just here for suggestions and tips. Keep at it mayne!

--Aaron

[Necromancer]

I actually like this.
The overall level is a little low and the verses tend to drag on.
Great job on the guitar work that you've added.
The song gets even better after 4:00, maybe it's the vocal style.
A little Zappa like!

[aaron aardvark]

Nec,
Thanks for listening & replying! I appreciate the compliments!

[brianinogang]

whoow aaron. nice tone baby!!! nice song!!! what'd you use for the guitar tone??

[aaron aardvark]

brian,
I used PodXT for the lead guitar (usually using an E-bow), using a Yamaha SBG1300TS guitar, and 30sos used a PodXTLive for the rhythm guitar. If you want more details on my PodXT settings, just let me know. Thanks for listening & for the positive response!!

[Money Shot]

This was recorded with pod xt? Sweet. Everthing sounds pretty good to me. The vocals you did were done well but I honestly think they're kinda loud. Maybe drop the volume a teeny bit. Not dramatically or anything. You said it sounds similar to Rage, and there is def. some influence there but it's not making me think Rage Against the Machine that much too often. Know what I mean?

[brianinogang]

Originally Posted by aaron aardvark

brian,
I used PodXT for the lead guitar (usually using an E-bow), using a Yamaha SBG1300TS guitar, and 30sos used a PodXTLive for the rhythm guitar. If you want more details on my PodXT settings, just let me know. Thanks for listening & for the positive response!!

yeah nice tone. i have a pod x3live. i think the patches are compatible. do you mind sharing your and 30sos's patch??? thanks man. i really love the tone. both the lead and the rhythm