Matisyahu - Live Like A Warrior Remix - Midtempo, Tips?

[vanngogh]

Hey all - I've been working on this track for way too long, and figured I would ask for some help... At this point I'm experiencing a major block on what to do at around 2:40. I want it to be a sort of "Damn I wanna move!" 'drop' but I can't figure out how to keep the energy going... Any tips on that as well as the mix down/ general would be greatly appreciated.

http://soundcloud.com/nickvann/live-lik ... -3/s-JqyuT

[OzWozEre]

Hi bud!

I really like your work, sounds great, and I'm a sucker for reggae-style tracks!

Okkie dokkie, hmmmm:

-- My gut reaction when listening is that this (2:40 marker) would be a great time for some of that ragga-type-break. You know, get some raggamuffin to chat over that beat-breakdown -- probably not the easiest thing to source, maybe some reggae/ragga sample cds? I know I have a few like lying around -- might be worth a shot.

-- I can see that you've kinda done a Dubstepping drop/break there, but you've kept it kinda "light" -- I like that, if it was a full-on FeedMe/Skrillex type deal, it would have put me off and wrecked the tune's flow IMO.

-- Perhaps you can use some adlibs/cuts from the main vocal track and intersperce it during the break? Kinda like a "dj" would do?

-- Use a synth lead and layer a nice melody/riff that compliments the main melody during that breakdown?

That's about all I got!

Funny, this tune reminded me of this old pop-reggae-fun-cover-tune from way back when:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHgVnQeJxyo

Might be good to listen to for ideas, i.e. the way they mix the ragga riffs with the main song, they way they use alot of stabs and sample hits and fade/drop back certain parts of the backing track to keep the listener interested...

Keep up the good work bro!

[vanngogh]

@OzWozEre -

Thanks for the reply! Those are some great tips, I'm gonna go put in some of the above suggestions, and hope it turns out! Thanks for taking the time and giving feedback, I appreciate it all!

Yeah, I definitely don't want to sound like Feed Me or Skrillex. That would ruin the vibe of the song, like you said.

I'll post an update soon!

[OzWozEre]

You're totally welcome

[soultwist]

How about some voice stutter right before the drop? Well, I'm a sucker for those anyway.

I feel like the drums don't punch me in the face enough especially during the drop. Definitely agree with above about adding vocals to the mid section (after 2:40).

I love how the song ends, with reversed guitar (?)

[vanngogh]

Hey guys, thanks for your tips.. Here is what I'm calling the final version- I hope you enjoy, you guys pushed me through to the end... I was hitting that MAJOR writers block. Thanks a ton!


http://soundcloud.com/nickvann/matisyah ... -a-warrior

[OzWozEre]

WOW!

I totally love the sound, very uplighting, totally radio worthy

Great work with the arrangement, totally keeps me listening throughout -- has a very professional feel.

Now, go make a 3:15 version and call it the Radio Edit

YOU DONE GOOD!

[soultwist]

That high synth adds quite a bit of excitement to the track... well done! Very cool