Workshop #92: Gotta Be Me by pensivemusic

At Audiotuts+ we irregularly put up a reader track for workshopping and critique (find out how to submit a track). This is how it works: you upload your song, and every week or so we’ll publish one here and step away from the podium. The floor is yours to talk about the track and how the artist can fix problems in and improve upon the mix and the song.

This track has been submitted for your friendly, constructive criticism. They have put their track (and their heart and soul) in your hands to learn and get useful feedback.

  • Do you enjoy the song or track itself? Does it have potential?
  • Can the arrangement be improved?
  • How did you find the mix? What would you do differently?
  • What do you enjoy about the rhythm track? What can be done to improve it?
  • Is the choice of instruments relevant and effective for the style/song?
  • Are the lyrics (if any) effective? Does the style, arrangement and genre of the song suit them?
  • Can you suggest any specific techniques that might improve the track?
  • Do you have any other constructive feedback?

Gotta Be Me by pensivemusic

Artist’s website: myspace.com/pensivemusic

Description of the track:

“Gotta Be Me.” I wrote this song for a “Sizzle Reel” about a school who educates kids with autism, bi-polar disorder, etc. I needed it to be upbeat and familiar, so I went for a “universal” vibe and aimed for a Rolling Stones sound. The vocal’s a bit up front because I wanted the viewers of the video to be able to decipher the lyrics. I welcome feedback on all aspects of the music creation process from songwriting to mixing. I wrote performed, produced, and mixed it myself. I run ProTools 8 on an iMac. The guitars are miked, and the bass is DI). I programmed the drums using Steven Slate EX.

Download audio file (GottaBeMeMix1C41310.mp3)

Terms of Use: Users can stream the track for the purposes of giving feedback but cannot download or redistribute it.

Have a listen to the track and offer your constructive criticism for this Workshop in the comments section.

Submit Your Tracks for Workshopping

Need constructive criticism on your own tracks? Submit them using this form.


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