Why do my recordings sound like ass?
Because I am lacking, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest etc), these basics. Here's a run-down:
1. Room acoustics and measures to fix it 1/10
2. Guitar playing skill (I'm a "guitarist" lol) 3/10
3. Ability to record a take/ 'when the red light is on skill' 1/10
4. Singing 0.5/10
5. General gear 6/10 (oh I have some good stuff, don't worry about that)
6. Mixing skill...kind of relates to No. 1 3/10
7. General recording skill 2/10
8. Musical understanding (e.g. 16ths, bars etc) 1/10
9. Drum programming skills (even with EZdrummer and the fool proof midi loops) 2/10
10. Ability to generate feel and nuance despite midi looped drums 1/10
11. Faithful monitoring (again related to No. 1) 0/10
12. Creativity...ability to arrange songs that actually depart from forcing the rhythm guitar to be the front man the whole way through 1/10
13. Motivation amidst the rest of my tacky/ meandering/ aimless life 0.5/10
14. Motivation - the weight of points 1-13 to kill the ball before it starts rolling 9/10
15. Quality of 'songs' I think I 'write' 2/10
16. Ability to bludgeon on despite obstacles...and get 'something'...'anything' done 3/10
17. General noise levels and peace in my 'studio' environment and surrounds 1/10
18. Comfort of studio area 2/10
19. Free from distractions...you name it...1/10
20. General physical energy levels 3/10
Oh yes...my recordings do indeed sound like ass.
And I know exactly why.
Even being generous...that's about 34/200. (bearing in mind point 14) Am I in the right hobby? I think I need at least 100/200 to carry on. I'm a long, long way off.
But...I'm not giving up yet. I believe I can fix many of those points...when I am more stable...for example...when I own my own home. Tough to do in a rented unit...not that I'm making excuses...it's just the simple fact. To catch a fish you need the right conditions. Well not if you use a huge net and drag a massive area I suppose. etc
