After sleeping and reviewing the last posting of the subject tune and my drums on take2, it wasn't nearly as good as my 1st take1.
This is why I prefer to get really familiar with a song by listening to it a few times through then just sitting down and laying the drumming-take as I feel them.
Subsequent efforts always become less creative/spontaneous.
These are all just practice session recordings to sharpen my muscle memory/timing and my mental focus upon only what the music inspires - nothing else (like a meditation).
This is a different of the ^ mix where I have pushed my drums over to mostly the right channel and the reference audio to the left.
Now you can more clearly discern my drumming apart from the source audio.
Additionally you can pan (adjust balance) in order to mix my drums and the source audio to suit your preferences (on your device) as well as isolate the source audio or my drums - just turn down one channel or the other - give it a try.
Tonight's efforts using David Gray's creation called "Babylon" as an inspirational learning tool . . . (Same drill as last time on the mix/instrument panning - I'm in the right channel mostly)
I put a lot of work into this mix after debating deleting the take and doing it over again but the real issue with my drumming was that it just did not sonically fit into the reference track - so I experimented - a lot.
. . . Kenny Wayne Shepherd's work borrowed to learn how to mix drums to a high distortion reference track tonight.
This was a definite learning experience but I enjoyed the drumming effort and outcome of the mix on my equipment.
I'm in the right channel again but with a more defined and balanced mix - hope you enjoy . . .
I noticed that there was a high frequency screeching sound that immediately triggers my tinnitus on that last (Mix2) track so I went digging and found the compression settings had something to do with it so corrected that issue.
Next, I went after those peaky (loud) drum hits and added some "POP" to the snare, then wound up with this mix - (this will be my last effort on this song):
Do you have an overall compressor happening? It kinda sounds unnatural to me, like the lows are to low and highs are to high, dynamicly speaking. Might be from the fact the drum track is so much louder than the backing track.
The drums sound fine tonally, for what they are.
Yes, I have compression on the master mix to boost the mix.
This song and drum kit have been very difficult for me to master.
Yes, I agree with the too low/too high mix assessment - can't quite put my fingers on the crux of the issue, though . . .
OK, said I was done with that song but I figured out a lot of things and I changed out the drum kit and EQ'd the reference track as that is where the screechy noises were emanating from . . .
Steve Miller Band - from the "Book of Dreams" album - Fly like an Eagle . . .
I have always wanted to learn this one but never could "get it" concerning the drum rhythm but it's starting to make some sense -- (I'm in the left channel this time):
Sometimes you have to jump in and do it. Honestly for a first time, you did fine. The thing is, the more you do it, the better the out come will be. Also knowing how to doctor up a vocal track is another skill. Keep at it!
As for the Steve Miller band track, I'm guessing your playing along with the original track? It's hard to listen to it like that because of the timing issues between the two drum tracks.
Yup, better already.
Speaking from my experience, I can sing in tune with others/music, but that alone doesn't make me a good singer or vocalist. A voice and it's enunciation/accent/tenor will dictate if it's accepted as "pleasing" by the masses.
My music that I've sung on was out of pure necessity. Would I like to have someone that can actually sing redo it, sure, but in the end my music is for my own amusement. The same went for doing guitar solos. I literally never did it until I couldn't get a few people I trusted to do it, to do it. So I set out to try it. I'm no Steve Vai, but after a few songs, I found my space and level of ability. Then it was just let it happen. It doesn't come naturally, it's a lot of work, but it's one of the most rewarding feats I've accomplished.
As for you, my take, have fun with it! The more relaxed and in to it you are, the better it'll be. You've already taken the biggest step by doing it once.
Thanks so much for those thoughts and sharing with us, Eric!
Now, here is a toe-tapper for a mix check - this is my preferred mix for laying down raw drums - the final mix after mastering never really satisfies mine nor any other contributing musician as they cannot hear themselves like they could when they recorded their inspired efforts:
Bass playing buddy gets involved in this latest take with a 1st unpracticed cut at it - I have played this song so many times now that I am almost getting it . . .
Steve Miller Band, again - Fly Like an Eagle - for the learning to play it, record it and mix it - geriatric education to keep living.
Eric, (thanks Dude) - I just remixed my kit/changed the hihat dynamics (finally figured out what was causing the spikes) rolled-off the toms and kick drum more for better tone/less resonance, added punch/slap to the kick and played over the reference track - its still there just overpowered. The new drum settings make them cleaner even though louder so they aren't objectionable in the mix.
Bass player (Matt Stennett, PE) is just loafing along right now but says he will practice more and he normally plays a fretless six string but just used a fretful 4 string on this take - I tweaked his tone/sound in Reaper to make it better fit the reference track and my drum kit so we can distinguish between them audibly.
I would have asked you to do a take at it but figured you had your hands full.
My recording/mastering friend is sending me some Psychoacoustic-AI-processed takes of the mix where we can remove each of the reference tracks' instruments/vocals so we can create our own organic mix excluding some or all of the original players - should be interesting - I'll keep you posted if interested.
Looking for a keyboard player next . . . . Love that Hammond sound! . . .
I just don't feel right if I don't play the drums and record/mix anymore - it has become a necessity.
It's true that you become what you focus upon, I guess . . . (Glad I dumped the NEWS/Negativity/Idiots when I did)
This started out as a practice session and turned into a playful mix as well - hope this sets your groove today . . .
Borrowed from -- > Connected - Stereo MC's, for the learning experience.
Try this one out - same drumming as ^ last time - just spent some time improving the mix - best listened-too at 50% volume but if you want hotter drums - turn it up to 60%+ volume - want less? (turn the volume down a little).
Rocky Mountain High - John Denver - SD3 SJL Drums - 2-7-2025 . . .
I have loved this song since I first heard it as a kid and wanted to be the drummer for this guy (John Denver).
This is another learning experience in drumming [High Self Control Effort] with rudiments using the vocals and guitars as the basis to attempt to articulate upon the drums.
Then I tried to mix those drum sounds that I played to complement the song as tastefully as possible.
I did this in one take and one mixing session tonight . . .
Comments
After sleeping and reviewing the last posting of the subject tune and my drums on take2, it wasn't nearly as good as my 1st take1.
This is why I prefer to get really familiar with a song by listening to it a few times through then just sitting down and laying the drumming-take as I feel them.
Subsequent efforts always become less creative/spontaneous.
These are all just practice session recordings to sharpen my muscle memory/timing and my mental focus upon only what the music inspires - nothing else (like a meditation).
Here is the original take1:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i7rphpbohq5pix0zidy2l/CarolynJujuOrchestra-SD3-SJL-Drums-10-24-2024_Take1_Raw.flac?rlkey=2wm8qvxa7lud9y6qwspxt9dyc&dl=0
This is a different of the ^ mix where I have pushed my drums over to mostly the right channel and the reference audio to the left.
Now you can more clearly discern my drumming apart from the source audio.
Additionally you can pan (adjust balance) in order to mix my drums and the source audio to suit your preferences (on your device) as well as isolate the source audio or my drums - just turn down one channel or the other - give it a try.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5ala1cpgyk56ntd4bwz5v/CarolynJujuOrchestra-SD3-SJL-Drums-10-25-2024_Take1_Split-Mix1.flac?rlkey=ndziq66douj84eqkps6d69zyp&dl=0
The tune is a Samba rhythm of Steely Dan's work performed by the Juju Orchestra and Carolyn Leon on vocals -->
Definitely a unique take on Do it Again, nice work on it👍🏻
Tonight's efforts using David Gray's creation called "Babylon" as an inspirational learning tool . . . (Same drill as last time on the mix/instrument panning - I'm in the right channel mostly)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/loqo6m6dt6oci9fbmmegh/David-Gray-Babylon-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-17-2024_Take2_Raw.flac?rlkey=nmw29epdz6x92ekrh6s8181gr&dl=0
Quite dynamic . . .
Solid groove lesson offered by Tragically Hip with that cool hit called, "At the 100th Meridian" . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g1ccmn0bvqgr4z3tx6pnq/the-100th-Meridian-Trajically-Hip-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-20-2024_Take1_Raw.flac?rlkey=bjifykkvimt5d2nre9h3cn96c&dl=0
(I'm in the right [mostly] channel) . . .
I put a lot of work into this mix after debating deleting the take and doing it over again but the real issue with my drumming was that it just did not sonically fit into the reference track - so I experimented - a lot.
. . . Kenny Wayne Shepherd's work borrowed to learn how to mix drums to a high distortion reference track tonight.
This was a definite learning experience but I enjoyed the drumming effort and outcome of the mix on my equipment.
I'm in the right channel again but with a more defined and balanced mix - hope you enjoy . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ialf97euqyeeevkl99nti/Blue-on-Black-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-27-2024_Take1_Mix1.flac?rlkey=liy7gbnej0qq0e4rk0y8xkrqe&dl=0
Still learning and think this mix is cleaner:
(Blue on Black - Take1, Mix2)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ltajcjgsz8k53xnl6379r/Blue-on-Black-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-27-2024_Take1_Mix2.flac?rlkey=tl5nkgn0bv9danbqc4919cz6i&dl=0
I noticed that there was a high frequency screeching sound that immediately triggers my tinnitus on that last (Mix2) track so I went digging and found the compression settings had something to do with it so corrected that issue.
Next, I went after those peaky (loud) drum hits and added some "POP" to the snare, then wound up with this mix - (this will be my last effort on this song):
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yq70vnhpdkwseae82ym0u/Blue-on-Black-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-27-2024_Take1_Mix3.flac?rlkey=dejl86rhg0w6c8t52yumh0rui&dl=0
Do you have an overall compressor happening? It kinda sounds unnatural to me, like the lows are to low and highs are to high, dynamicly speaking. Might be from the fact the drum track is so much louder than the backing track.
The drums sound fine tonally, for what they are.
Yes, I have compression on the master mix to boost the mix.
This song and drum kit have been very difficult for me to master.
Yes, I agree with the too low/too high mix assessment - can't quite put my fingers on the crux of the issue, though . . .
(Added):
Looks like I have some studying to do yet concerning the use of compression in Reaper DAW --> https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=21516
Good stuff in that link . . . Thanks for tolerating my experiments.
OK, said I was done with that song but I figured out a lot of things and I changed out the drum kit and EQ'd the reference track as that is where the screechy noises were emanating from . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/az1dyt5uvd2wgm6g73zwd/Blue-on-Black-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-27-2024_Take1_Mix5_SSD.flac?rlkey=ji0i8ljvt87lbyir9plz1ijaw&dl=0:
Steve Miller Band - from the "Book of Dreams" album - Fly like an Eagle . . .
I have always wanted to learn this one but never could "get it" concerning the drum rhythm but it's starting to make some sense -- (I'm in the left channel this time):
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7jx9xvg87yems254tqi29/Fly-Like-an-Eagle-Steve-Miller-Band-SD3-SJL-Drums-11-24-2024_Take18_Mix1.flac?rlkey=7hpbsibvy5whbcwbm6ceegoka&dl=0
(The embarrassment was too much to bear - deleted)
Sometimes you have to jump in and do it. Honestly for a first time, you did fine. The thing is, the more you do it, the better the out come will be. Also knowing how to doctor up a vocal track is another skill. Keep at it!
As for the Steve Miller band track, I'm guessing your playing along with the original track? It's hard to listen to it like that because of the timing issues between the two drum tracks.
I'm listening (to you), Eric - so here is another take on the vocals:
More relaxed now and attentive to my dynamics/distance from the mics.
It's just like learning a new instrument because I now have to think about how I sound/use my voice more carefully/practice self control.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gbx21tthg4r3n26nmmmvx/Lay-it-on-Down-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-SJL-Vocal-Test1-T6.M1.flac?rlkey=ls15dssj0kigk541ywa9c615k&dl=0
Yup, better already.
Speaking from my experience, I can sing in tune with others/music, but that alone doesn't make me a good singer or vocalist. A voice and it's enunciation/accent/tenor will dictate if it's accepted as "pleasing" by the masses.
My music that I've sung on was out of pure necessity. Would I like to have someone that can actually sing redo it, sure, but in the end my music is for my own amusement. The same went for doing guitar solos. I literally never did it until I couldn't get a few people I trusted to do it, to do it. So I set out to try it. I'm no Steve Vai, but after a few songs, I found my space and level of ability. Then it was just let it happen. It doesn't come naturally, it's a lot of work, but it's one of the most rewarding feats I've accomplished.
As for you, my take, have fun with it! The more relaxed and in to it you are, the better it'll be. You've already taken the biggest step by doing it once.
Thanks so much for those thoughts and sharing with us, Eric!
Now, here is a toe-tapper for a mix check - this is my preferred mix for laying down raw drums - the final mix after mastering never really satisfies mine nor any other contributing musician as they cannot hear themselves like they could when they recorded their inspired efforts:
Sweet Inspiration - Derek Trucks Band.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sy4etl60jcnv9df06ffji/Sweet-Inspiration-Derek-Trucks-Band-SJL-Drums-12-14-2024-T4.M1.flac?rlkey=h5somig2bi83do5rpyol5ifsc&dl=0
Try this on for your Monday drive:
Lets Drive - Joe Bonamassa - SD3-SJL Drums - 12-16-2024
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nj2ip2bxlwgwn6fo9zpvn/Lets-Drive-Joe-Bonamassa-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-16-2024.T4.M1.flac?rlkey=dt27sxhq9xvagk9jyy3s8pe0d&dl=0
Bass playing buddy gets involved in this latest take with a 1st unpracticed cut at it - I have played this song so many times now that I am almost getting it . . .
Steve Miller Band, again - Fly Like an Eagle - for the learning to play it, record it and mix it - geriatric education to keep living.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k11wz5rp17fz3qizwyzhy/FLE-SMB-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-22-2024_Matt-Bass02_M1.flac?rlkey=tqef5p9q18usr805v00k6k6x6&dl=0
Is this one just your drum track?
Also, +1 for getting your bass player buddy involved!
Eric, (thanks Dude) - I just remixed my kit/changed the hihat dynamics (finally figured out what was causing the spikes) rolled-off the toms and kick drum more for better tone/less resonance, added punch/slap to the kick and played over the reference track - its still there just overpowered. The new drum settings make them cleaner even though louder so they aren't objectionable in the mix.
Bass player (Matt Stennett, PE) is just loafing along right now but says he will practice more and he normally plays a fretless six string but just used a fretful 4 string on this take - I tweaked his tone/sound in Reaper to make it better fit the reference track and my drum kit so we can distinguish between them audibly.
I would have asked you to do a take at it but figured you had your hands full.
My recording/mastering friend is sending me some Psychoacoustic-AI-processed takes of the mix where we can remove each of the reference tracks' instruments/vocals so we can create our own organic mix excluding some or all of the original players - should be interesting - I'll keep you posted if interested.
Looking for a keyboard player next . . . . Love that Hammond sound! . . .
I just don't feel right if I don't play the drums and record/mix anymore - it has become a necessity.
It's true that you become what you focus upon, I guess . . . (Glad I dumped the NEWS/Negativity/Idiots when I did)
This started out as a practice session and turned into a playful mix as well - hope this sets your groove today . . .
Borrowed from -- > Connected - Stereo MC's, for the learning experience.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ptx2o96pqx3qi6ak4prz9/Connected-Stereo-MC-s-SJL-Drums-12-26-2024_T4.M1.flac?rlkey=eo70sx1lqore4ejnpbcf2rez1&dl=0
Getting back to more simple grooves and improving my self (drumming) control/technique with this one.
The mix should be well balanced and I shouldn't stand out as an inorganic member to the contribution of musicians - let me know if you disagree . . .
(mostly snare work - I'm working out the rim keeping the groove alive as needed).
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ioih9bp940k225b3epmb5/Claire-Caddilac-Malia.BorisBlank-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-28-2024.T8.M1.flac?rlkey=tgrwsoj6kuyl4oyg0qv76srsk&dl=0
Carry this groove into your day, please . . . (reminds me of my "Cinnamon Girl" from my past).
Slow timing-practice/mixing groove - Appalachian 2 Step? 😂
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bbzglzfyuz1o268bvbsgz/Miles-Alone-Tony-Furtado-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-30-2024.T2.M1.flac?rlkey=s9v0t6da10xcbrz1arg6h4o7p&dl=0
1st try at this one (I've always liked it).
Never as good as the 1st Time - Sade - SD3 SJL Drums - 12-31-2024.T1.M1 . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ozroodcfxpbvbjcz25m2g/Never-as-good-as-the-1st-Time-Sade-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-31-2024.T1.M1.flac?rlkey=3dcs8xxvt6n3hs5cfwhpdsue3&dl=0
Try this one out - same drumming as ^ last time - just spent some time improving the mix - best listened-too at 50% volume but if you want hotter drums - turn it up to 60%+ volume - want less? (turn the volume down a little).
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fbk1gcau51zg48662165s/Never-as-good-as-the-1st-Time-Sade-SD3-SJL-Drums-12-31-2024.T1.M2.flac?rlkey=w7me7fl016icpa0jhtzhnsiss&dl=0
No Messin - Acoustic Alchemy - SJL Drums 1-17-2025.T5.M1 . . .
Practice drumming and new mixing effort - much more ambience in the mic mix on this session - hope you enjoy it on your system:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/r3qvjbllpnjrxwx1gmhct/No-Messin-Acoustic-Alchemy-SJL-Drums-1-17-2025.T5.M1.flac?rlkey=y0jqiwn2izjp9f02riqvbo22i&dl=0
Re: No Messin - Acoustic Alchemy - SJL Drums 1-17-2025.T5.M1.Split . . .
Split mix - I'm drumming in the right channel (Just so you know who is playing what):
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jmxb55kiipigrxhzxrhqa/No-Messin-Acoustic-Alchemy-SJL-Drums-1-17-2025.T5.M1.Split.flac?rlkey=eu09owsktdya6imf5amwlw6u9&dl=0
SMB Again but with the source/reference track's original drums removed by an AI application - All the drumming/cymbals on this take are mine:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9pxfjiy9h9zodolsql1c8/FLE-SMB-SD3-SJL-Drums-1-30-2025.flac?rlkey=mh91xcnposlvrejdpz82v18ef&dl=0
Interesting stuff . . . [AI DAW plug-ins] . . .
Rocky Mountain High - John Denver - SD3 SJL Drums - 2-7-2025 . . .
I have loved this song since I first heard it as a kid and wanted to be the drummer for this guy (John Denver).
This is another learning experience in drumming [High Self Control Effort] with rudiments using the vocals and guitars as the basis to attempt to articulate upon the drums.
Then I tried to mix those drum sounds that I played to complement the song as tastefully as possible.
I did this in one take and one mixing session tonight . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9ador8y0o6wzxq70bcr87/Rocky-Mountain-High-John-Denver-SD3-SJL-Drums-2-7-2025.mp3?rlkey=vfxpqi6wd0g4q1n47oxzq0jbl&dl=0
Hope John Denver approves!