All Fall Into Place EP - Opinions Welcome

Mick Hilliard

Hi guys,

Over the past few months i've put together 5 songs and recorded them at home.
I've been playing music since 5th year in school - i'm 26 now - but only started writing early last year.

I've recorded this stuff at home with an extremely modest set-up (think zero budget, and you'd be close), but i think i've gotten the general feel of the tracks down (even if the audio quality isn't anywhere near pro quality).

I would love some feedback/criticism from you guys, preferably constructive

You can stream full tracks at mickhilliard.com

and if you like it you can become a fan or post feedback and discuss on facebook, here.

Thanks for listening,
Mick

Hi Mick,

Had a listen to the first three songs. I thought the third track was a little cracker, reminded me of screaming trees meets pearl jam yield era. Had a real energy in the song. I would have made this the first track on the ep to grab peoples attention. The other two songs are well constructed but they are not my type of music. I will listen to the other two tracks when I get a chance, at work now so cant at the moment. Still and all I reckon you did a great job on this. What kind of equipment did you use to record? An 8 track or something similar? Have to say I didnt notice anything "cheap" in the sound, although in saying that I'm no expert.

Congrats man on a quality project, hope it works out for you.

Mick Hilliard

Thanks for the feedback Tinsley Gorgeous Flannel - much appreciated.

The gear i've used:

• Macbook (bought this couple of years back after college, with no intention of using it for recording) with Garageband(comes free with Macbook - couldn't afford ProTools at the minute)
• FastTrack USB recording Interface
• Samson Phantom power unit
• SE2000 studio condenser Mic
• My own Yamaha Acoustic
• A borrowed Mexican Strat
• All drums
  are loops direct from garageband and the strings are done direct from garage using the on screen 'musical typing '.

NiallMH

Im sayin this before i listened to your music , but it says on your website its your first time and learning experience , thats basically means you dont charge people for it . Instead of trying to make money of this album give free copies out like ipods in china and the gigs you might get from it will make up that money.

NiallMH

Havin said that i really like it , its 5 very different tracks.. Very good voice , at some points reminded me of Christy Dignam. And its very basic looking gear you used so fair play to ye..

Mick Hilliard

xyz- Put Track 3 as the opener - You're right, it has a better energy to it to kick things off, thanks again for the feedback.

NiallMH- You know what? You're right. The EP is now a free download, with the option to contribute if you feel like it. And thanks for the kind words, fair play.

So, download away, and feel free to share on facebook / twitter / whatever other service takes your fancy

Cheers,
Mick

judas101

Great voice dude.

3rd track is good. Might consider doing the bass again as its a smidge out and a few bum notes in there. Harmonies are a good idea but make it a bit messy.

4th track is good too despite the basic drums. Like the keys. Love the build towards the end of the 2nd song but overall wasnt as strong as 3 and 4 imo.

Well done dude, youve got some nice material there.
Are you planning to invest in equipment? EZ drummer would make a difference for you.

Mick Hilliard

Thanks Judas101, appreciate the feedback.

Ideally, I would love to get a better set-up together, but you know yourself, tis all about the money and with musical equipment you get what you pay for, no more, no less!

The drums definitely need work, working on doing a couple of new tracks with a drummer mate of mine in the next couple of weeks, so i can eliminate that false 'loop' sound.

NiallMH

Haha I wasnt expecting such a nice reply , but I'll definately download it and spread it around

krd

The tune is good and I really love the melody. But you're lyrics are awful - they're real singsongwriter filler rubbish.

The lyrics should be like a conversation - you should just use language you'd never use in everyday speech. Do you use words like toppermost or embrace or reclaim in your everyday life?

Great chorus - but you need to make the lyrics sound more human

Mick Hilliard

Thanks for taking the time to reply krd

Never used the word toppermost, and wouldn't?!

"The tune is good and i really love the melody" - Which song are you talking about?

COMPLETELY disagree about only using words you would use in everyday life to make songs sound more human - most of the songs ever written would be awful if songwriters used this approach - it's not just about what words are used, it's about about meaning, context, and imagery - are you seriously telling me that you wouldn't listen to, for example, songs like bohemian rhapsody, almost ANY u2 song or wonderwall (just popular tunes off the top of my head), because they aren't 'everyday conversation' type lyrics, as you suggest ?? How boring would that be ?? Not to mention severely limiting your listening options!


Sorry krd, I fully accept that the songs might not be to your taste of course (everybody, thank christ, has their own opinion), but i think you're reasoning behind it was a bit off.

Thanks for listening anyway

Cheers,
Mick