Pet Shop Boys Community

Somehow we’ve found the time to record a new track, this time more indebted to Depeche Mode than to Pet Shop Boys. It’s a lustful electro-ballad with huge string pads in the Blue Swan tradition.

The song is entitled "Starshine"!

We’re eager to learn whether you like this or not?

http://blue-swan.mymusic.dk

Hey, I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't have time to make any more music as the endless Top 3 faves replies was obviously eating into your time so much!

LittleBummerBoy wrote:Hey, I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't have time to make any more music as the endless Top 3 faves replies was obviously eating into your time so much!

That was unkind! Don't make me remind you of that moderator PM you forwarded to me

When you say the song is "horny", are you referring to the music or the lyrics? Either way, you've already scared me off as it is!

Avalon wrote:

LittleBummerBoy wrote:Hey, I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't have time to make any more music as the endless Top 3 faves replies was obviously eating into your time so much!

That was unkind! Don't make me remind you of that moderator PM you forwarded to me

When you say the song is "horny", are you referring to the music or the lyrics? Either way, you've already scared me off as it is!

I'm referring partly to the lyrics partly to the feel of the song. Don't be scared - haven't you ever listened to any of the ballads Martin L. Gore has written?

LittleBummerBoy wrote:Hey, I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't have time to make any more music as the endless Top 3 faves replies was obviously eating into your time so much!

Well it was a tough call, but one I had to make! Next I'll start a "Your top 50 artists and their top 20 songs" thread.

BlueSwan wrote:Don't be scared - haven't you ever listened to any of the ballads Martin L. Gore has written?

Oh thanks, now I AM scared for real!!!

Cheers Blue Swan!

Very nice track indeed it's up there with your best this one, production fantastic.

Glenny4 wrote:Very nice track indeed it's up there with your best this one, production fantastic.

Really? Thanks a lot. Personally I wasn't sure about the mixing/mastering on this one, but I like the tune.

Hmm... feels like a step backwards if you asked me.

Sounds like a demo on my PC speakers. What's his names vocals are too high. Don't really feel the DM influence. Starshine reminds me too much of Super Mario Sunshine as well.

IMO, not one of your best. But what do I know, I listen to the Pet Shop Boys...

Seriously though, I know you guys have serious talent and a marketable sound and you know you have my support, but if on a CD, I'd probably skip this one.

Shenandoah wrote:Sounds like a demo on my PC speakers. What's his names vocals are too high.

Yes, I think I know what you mean. I had trouble with the mixing/mastering of this one. I couldn't get it to sound the way I wanted. In the end you go "deaf" when working on a song for a long period of time - you simply can't hear how the mix is supposed to be anymore. The most sensible thing in those situations is to take a step back and return to he track after a few days of not listening to it at all and then mix it again. I might do that, actually. However, I thought the tune itself was rather neat, so I thought "what the hell" and out it out anyway.

One thing that was troublesome was the mixing of the vocals with the huge pad-sound, both utilize many of the same frequencies. This is probably why I ended up mixing the vocals rather loudly since they had a tendency to drown in the pad-sound. Where the more sensible approach would probably have been to lower the pad-sound instead. But I just love those biiiig pads!

Hey, I haven't had a chance to download it yet... but have you tried "punching" a bit of a "hole" in the pad sounds with an equalizer? Right around the frequency where the vocals are most prominent?


-Zog

Zog wrote:Hey, I haven't had a chance to download it yet... but have you tried "punching" a bit of a "hole" in the pad sounds with an equalizer? Right around the frequency where the vocals are most prominent?

-Zog

You're right - that would be a good idea. I always have trouble with my pads because I want them to sound BIG! So I never do much eq-ing on them.

I have decided that for now, the track stands as it is. In a few days I'll listen to it again with fresh ears and see if there's anything obvious I could do with the mixing of the pad vs vocal.

BlueSwan wrote:I always have trouble with my pads because I want them to sound BIG!

You're obviously flying without wings. Perhaps Claire Rayner could assist?

They should still sound big, if you EQ them properly. (Not that I could necessarily do them any better!)


-Zog