Stevie Wonder Cover

i'm no stevie wonnder when it comes to singing but I hope you enjoy this nonetheless!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zojak5MFcdc

m26uk,

I assume you're hoping for some feedback... I'm new here, so please forgive me if I step on any toes, but I'll give it a shot...

First, the music itself. I really like your voice, expressiveness, and overall singing style. I think this song seems to be in your "wheelhouse" and that the overall take is reasonably close to where it should/could be.

That said, I think you suffer here from a lack of dynamic range. This hurts in a couple of ways. Technically, it leaves you nowhere to go for the higher notes/more expressive sections, and those seem somewhat strained as a consequence, like you're trying to emphasize them but can't get there. Emotionally, I just feel like you're singing a bunch of notes, expressively to be sure, but not really selling it as a song/story. So I'd say you should consider starting out quite a bit softer, and varying the dynamic range much more throughout.

Now to the video... well, in a nutshell, I had to look away. Now, you might not really care about this part, but in that case I'd recommend you just post vocal tracks only. I won't get into all the details, but a couple of basics... on video, you have to perform at some level. Not like MTV, but you have to sell me something. Hair, clothes, attitude, personality, etc etc. Technically, the wide-angle lens you seem to be using is just a really bad idea. It makes your nose look big and your shoulders look narrow, which isn't exactly flattering. You can really see this effect in your other videos with a mic, where it looks like something King Kong would use. So shoot telephoto and frame much tighter, or find somewhere with more space to work with. You also might want to frame yourself off-center or turned sideways a bit.

Anyway, this got long, but I hope some of the ideas are helpful. Nice job overall with the singing!

I'm going to assume that a person so judgmental on other people's

looks, hair, clothing, attitude and personality with respect to their

*video* postings has their {censored} (perfectly) together and has

video-graphic examples of this unusually high standard for non professional(s)

who likes to post videos of their work/talent.

Oh, wait.

I just noticed you're a front man in training.

Is there a VHS tape you'd point me to that teaches one how to

be a front man?

Thanks, and I look forward to your shining example of what

a front man, small nosed, wide shouldered singer should act/look like:thu:

Johnny_B,

At least I was trying to be helpful. As I said, he might not care about the video, in which case he can simply ignore my suggestions.

As for you, it seems like you are just an asshole in general, from this and your other posts.

And this is how I handle forum assholes...

*plonk*

i think some piercings would help him look more the part of rockstar

Now you're just deflecting.

I was being genuine and sincere in my reply to you.

(sans the obvious sarcasm concerning the detective comment)

If you're going to tell someone their nose appears big, or that

their shoulders appear narrow its a good idea to look in the mirror first

before passing judgment on something so subjective and trivial in that

it doesn't represent this person's talent as a singer.

Your perception of me is of no consequence to me and how

unfortunate for you that you have to resort to name calling instead

of articulating your point of view (which is saddening) to me.

I've reviewed many singer's in this forum (as have many others)

and I've never zoned in on their personal appearance (as you have)

Saying it "in a nice way" still doesn't erase your intent.

People see through that, and most don't care.

Mr. Basset has exceptional talent and people will (and do) like him

based on his vocal talent, not his shirt, or brand name clothing.

I sincerely doubt people have looked at his videos and thought,

"ya know, if he used the correct angle lens his nose wouldn't appear so

darn big, nor his shoulder's so narrow....":facepalm:

I guess you haven't learned to be humble/tact but when you do

you'll realise.

Oh, and *ouch* that hurt.

Oh, and if I've offended you in any way it definitely wasn't my intent.

I have a tendency to defend people that (to me) appear to be

brow beaten to some extent. Context means a lot doesn't it?

A sincere tip I can give you is to try and raise your soft palate a bit more

Since there's already a brawl going on, let me start a new one. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the OP only posts when he wants others to hear/see his work. I'm not against those who seek feedback--it's an important part of the forum--and I believe that m26uk is in fact a very talented and accomplished singer (which I've said several times in response to his clips)...

But: I do wish he would now and then offer comments on other peoples' vocal/video clips. Feedback is a two-way street. Because he doesn't appear to participate in the forum outside of posting his own work, I'm inclined to think that m26uk is simply trying to promote himself. I may be wrong, but that's how it seems to me.

By the way, nothing personal--I haven't posted anything recently, so I'm not feeling snubbed or anything like that. I just believe that people who ask for feedback (constantly) should get out on the forum and help out others in turn. Jus' sayin' :poke:

RF, I didn't find anything you said to be offensive. I also didn't necessarily agree with your assessment of the video/lens. Something tells me you might know a bit about that stuff, whereas I know nothing about it. I don't believe you intended any harm.

Johnny B, "Exceptional talent"? Really???? I think he's a decent singer, and probably good enough for some community theater work, performing for friends, fronting the right piano man, and the like. He has a pleasant voice, and the confidence necessary to be a singer. There are a few spots in the music where he goes nasally for just a flash before sliding into the next note. The pitch was pretty decent so far as I could tell. I agree with RF in that I'd like to see more dynamics in the performance.

Most people with 'exceptional talent' are already signed, performing to crowds, or are singing leads in a huge church choir, IMO.

I think one of the worst things you can do for a singer is give them accolades they haven't yet attained. The second worst thing you can do is be SO critical on them that they become discouraged or stop listening to criticism altogether.

...my 2 cents.

too high for me. I don't like high tenors for males.

i think men need to sing with balls

Interesting, when I turn on the radio I'm not struck by exceptional talent anywhere. Listen to Arcade Fire and Drake who all the critics ARE RAVING ABOUT. They both suck. Sadly talent doesn't have much to do with anything.

I completely see what you're saying and it rings true for me.

m26uk is the first person to ask for critiques yet falls short when

others seek the same thing he does. Feedback is a two way street.

This may be why views/replies are on the lower end.

You reap what you sow (usually)

RF, I didn't find anything you said to be offensive. I also didn't necessarily agree with your assessment of the video/lens. Something tells me you might know a bit about that stuff, whereas I know nothing about it. I don't believe you intended any harm. Johnny B, "Exceptional talent"? Really???? I think he's a decent singer, and probably good enough for some community theater work, performing for friends, fronting the right piano man, and the like. He has a pleasant voice, and the confidence necessary to be a singer. There are a few spots in the music where he goes nasally for just a flash before sliding into the next note. The pitch was pretty decent so far as I could tell. I agree with RF in that I'd like to see more dynamics in the performance. Most people with 'exceptional talent' are already signed, performing to crowds, or are singing leads in a huge church choir, IMO. I think one of the worst things you can do for a singer is give them accolades they haven't yet attained. The second worst thing you can do is be SO critical on them that they become discouraged or stop listening to criticism altogether. ...my 2 cents.

I agree with everything you said.

RF's constructive criticism was spot on with regard to the vocals.

I like to see the positive and only see things that others may

work on, but calling people out is bad form.

To me exceptional is above average and his timbre is (to me)

not common. The overall sound is pleasant, however reading your

post convinced me that I did perhaps jump the gun when I used

the word "exceptional."

I don't think being exceptional is an accolade, however thinking more and

more about it I do see your point. I think a good voice or even

an exceptional one is only part of the recipe for a great performer/

lead vocalist.

Whoaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!

did'nt mean to cause so much of a stir!! i'll address the following points you guy's made..

first up I apologise for not commenting on other forum members vid's/songs etc I will take this on board..

secondly when I make a vid i'm not making a music vid for mtv! its just me plain singing.. nose to big!! lol I quite like my nose.. to be honest i'm more interested in what people think of my voice not what I look like...I know i'm a handsome chap anyway!! just kidding..

as for my vocals yes I need to improve maybe i'll invest in some lessons..

A BIG THANK YOU to all those on here who make constructive comments I appreciate it and thank you. I will make more of an effort to respond to others.

not sure what else to say really...

I do agree with that, for sure. I personally would call Maria Carey, Celine, Aretha, Janis, Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, Chris Cornell, Christina Agulara, Sara McLaughlin, and the like exceptional singing talents. I would not call Britney Spears or Jennifer Lopez, etc., exceptional SINGING talents, although both are talented entertainers/dancers, IMO.

Indeed.

I want you to know that you didn't cause anything remotely to that of a stir.

When someone shares their talent it's a cool thing. However most

people should know to pay it forward, you know? If people take notice

that someone always posts their music, and wants replies but never

gives them people might be inclined to avoid that person.

I think it's clear your intent was to post videos of your singing

and garner attention in the process. What RF said on one end

didn't bode well for the other. He should have known better-which is

why I replied...Looks are subjective and I didn't feel those comments

(RF) made had a anything to do with singing.

I'm sure you're busy (as is everyone else) but taking the extra

time to post in other threads where people just like you are seeking

the replies of their peers....will pay dividends if your intent is to be a part

of the forum which is what I think was the point that was made earlier...

No worries.

to the origional poster. I didnt mind the stevie cover. Then I saw your MJ covers. If I were you, I would seriously look into being a MJ tribute artist. Thats not a joke. Thats sincere. You sound 99% like MJ. I was very impressed in that aspect. You would make ALOT of money my friend. ALOT!

Not just a cover band, A full on tribute artist. Some people think that stuff is cheezy. Bad cover/tribute bands are just horrible and sad. But when they get it 100% correct its really great to watch.

Thats just my opinion FWIW.

Exactly!

The OP sounds almost just like MJ.

thanks, I have thought about the idea of a tribute artist before, but I'm not sure where to start, should I dress like him? (I always think that looks odd) its something I would def be interested in for sure..

thanks man!