My first (rough) video demo

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 04:38 PM

I too like the chord progression, and I too was annoyed by the hum. Get someone to do a pro job. You will be glad you did.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 01:20 PM

Dear Big Ballad singer,
get someone who knows about cameras to film a live performance. You will be more relaxed,and concentrating on the performance. See simmo7TS on you tube he videos loads of artists including our little band.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SIMMO7TS#p/search/2/FysVZlW1iMc
johnp

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 04:51 AM

BBS - not a personal attack - you asked for constructive comments, I hope these are...
Little things can distract from a visual impact - the bit of string hanging down from the guitar neck annoyed me almost immediately and constantly drew my attention away from the singing. That added to the windows behind you and the step ladder behind your head all shout "You-tube video" rather than "Proper Video put onto You-tube".
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Will Fly
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 04:34 AM

Just some technical comments on the video from me, which echo what's been said above to some extent.

1. Try and shoot a video with the light on you and not behind you.

2. Don't get too close to a mic otherwise you'll get distortion at higher volumes. The way to avoid this is to do a test run and playback before a full take.

3. It's always nice to see what the performer is doing as a whole, so get far back enough from the camera so that we can see both hands on the guitar.

4. The PC fan is indeed annoying. An independent mic and camera always gives better results but, of course, needs a greater outlay.

No comments on voice and guitar - they sound fine to me.

I use a more complex setup than you do but, if you want to see what I do - out of curiosity - take a peek at the How I record my videos pages on my website. It's rough and ready, on the whole, but the end results are reasonable! Here's a sample of the process: New Century Hornpipe.

Hope this is useful. Keep up the good work!

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Genie
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 04:10 AM

Four Green Fields:

Your voice is stronger on this song and comes across very well. I really love your tonal quality.   
Technically, the guitar could be a little louder, and there is still some sort of hum that masks the song a little.    Closing the shades would probably improve the video quality too, even if you had to use some interior lighting; try for something less directional.
On this video towards the last 1/3 there is also a video-sound synchronization problem. DK what caused that.
I must say that I love the emotional connection to the song in the last verse(s) and your phrasing and delivery to tell the story. Very well done.

Jeanene

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Genie
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 04:09 AM

Four Green Fields:

Your voice is stronger on this song and comes across very well. I really love your tonal quality.   
Technically, the guitar could be a little louder, and there is still some sort of hum that masks the song a little.    Closing the shades would probably improve the video quality too, even if you had to use some interior lighting; try for something less directional.
On this video towards the last 1/3 there is also a video-sound synchronization problem. DK what caused that.
I must say that I love the emotional connection to the song in the last verse(s) and your phrasing and delivery to tell the story. Very well done.

Jeanene

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Genie
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 03:59 AM

Leaving Of Liverpool:
You have a very nice, listenable voice, very soothing, and your guitar work is simple and suits the song well.
As others have said, there is some sort of hum that masks your voice and guitar, and their sound could be louder. But the quality of your voice comes across well. The directional lighting does not help, but still the color is quite natural and nice.
Smiling more would be good, but the song is kind of sad so your facial expressions seemed to fit pretty well.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 09:38 PM

I found nothing wrong with the diction, and I can live with the vibrato. Fine sweet tenor and nice picking. I like the little transition from the #2 chord to the #5 chord on the chorus of 'Liverpool'.
As regards the other camera stuff, try sitting facing the window...

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 09:26 PM

DICTION DICTION DICTION!

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: michaelr
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 09:12 PM

Too much vibrato for my taste - makes you sound like one of the Oirish Tenors as opposed to a folk singer.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: GUEST,Janet
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 07:29 PM

Have you tried putting your PC on a baker's cooking rack instead of a solid surface? The rack will let air circulate under your PC. If you don't have/can't find a rack, put a book under each side edge of your PC to raise it above a solid surface. Also, get everything ready to record your video, but don't start until your PC fan has completed a cycle.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 06:39 PM

Hi Big Ballad Singer,

    I watched both videos all the way through (I must admit I don't do that sometimes, when skimming youtube videos). I agree with katlaughing and deckman, that your voice is great. The PC fan is distracting and there's some distortion. However, Four Green Fields, particularly passed the "raise the hair on the arm test." I would suggest if you have a chance to get a friend with a good video camera to film you during a performance. It doesn't have to be in a formal setting, possibly just invite some friends somewhere to be the audience. With the friend filming, you can concentrate of presenting your songs. I'll subscribe to your youtube channel and comment further there, if you would like.

--Phil

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Big Ballad Singer
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 04:18 PM

Here's #2, "The Four Green Fields":

The Four Green Fields

Kat/Deckman, my PC's fan is very loud. I will do my best as time goes on to fix the lighting and ambient noise issues.

Thanks for all the kinds words, folks.

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:59 PM

I really love the arrangement and you have a very sweet voice, easy to listen to. Technically, there is a loud whiny-hum, maybe a fan going, or something else in the background, which is constant and distracting. There were a couple of times where it sounded as though your mic might've been too close or turned up too high, but for a rough, first demo, overall, I think it was good. Congratulations for getting your toes in the water!

And, thanks, for letting us see and listen!

kat

Subject: RE: My first (rough) video demo
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:57 PM

Tow quick comments:

Close your window blinds, the strong light blanks out the picture. Also, about halfay through, you start to smile. Notice that when you smile, your entire tone brightens.

You have a nice voice. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: My first (rough) video demo
From: Big Ballad Singer
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:38 PM

Here's me singing "The Leaving of Liverpool":

Big Ballad Singer - The Leaving of Liverpool

I'd much appreciate comments, suggestions etc, esp as pertain to the tech side of things... better quality vid, audio and so on.

Musically, please be kind... I've always been a "live on stage" kind of guy, and having to think about camera positions and sound and time limits and takes and all made me a bit tight.

Thoughts?