Demo: Don't Know What I'm Doing
Added 2022-01-21 21:46:12 +0000 UTCAnother demo, experimenting looking for new ways to make songs that sound different from what's out there. Let me know your thoughts patreon fam
Comments
I really REALLY enjoy all the stacked vocals in this demo; especially in the beginning where the intro slides down creating a bottom depth. Its soo easy to absorb the different changes to come as the lyrics progress and vocals intensify with the different stacked melodies. Then the background “ahhh” (s) work really smoothly against the bouncy rhythm guitar with these changes. It creates an edgy atmosphere. I want more of the dynamics in the beginning of the song by the time the demo reaches 1:20…to make the song longer…perhaps decreasing down the repetitions of the “i dont know what im doing..” to incorporate a second go-round with another more uptempo verse 2, and then slam the follow-up with more awesome repetitions; maybe adding a sticky down temp bridge between! (Something that makes your feet feel stuck on the ground)…Your work sounds great and you are very talented! The beats, melodies and chords you create are always ace!
TR
2022-12-18 00:33:05 +0000 UTCthe beginning took me completely off guard but I loved it!!!! it was so different and very cool, I enjoyed the whole thing!!!!
Teagan
2022-02-27 12:07:47 +0000 UTCI like the guitar part it sounds nice with your voice. The part where your voice pitches down caught me off guard .
Wicked Wendy420
2022-02-03 17:29:35 +0000 UTCLove this, there are layers and you get lost in the song around the middle. The beginning I'm not sure about. The added effect is a bit too much but I love the melody. It's super interesting. Maybe that effect (very musical term, right 😅) would work better in a bridge. All in all a great mix of groove and vibe 😊
Maria
2022-02-03 15:57:12 +0000 UTCOk so i'm coming in with some critics here. I like the instruments but i feel the melody is a bit screamy and monotonic. Do not sing all parts on the top of your voice. Remember to make some "space" and nyance in the melody. The ears sometimes needs a "break". Ok this was a bit out there but I hope you get a sense of what I mean 😀 I do like the dirty raw sound anyhow. Keep working with that.
Pearl Paisley
2022-01-27 03:58:30 +0000 UTCJust vibing. Yes it would need to be less repetitive if it would be released at some point, but as a demo, it's a solid base. Also, I know the lyrics are placeholder, but I love them, they're making me laugh
Pouet
2022-01-23 22:20:03 +0000 UTCI dont think I could hate anything you do Joel... your a refreshing talent...
Andrea mills
2022-01-23 06:24:51 +0000 UTCI really like the melody. I do like where you’re going with the vocals at the beginning, but maybe less distortion would still make it interesting and keep that vibe without people going “what?!?”
Dorie
2022-01-23 04:08:46 +0000 UTCIt's great! I think awesome!
Birdie Cantin
2022-01-23 03:13:29 +0000 UTCI don’t really know what I’m doing either 🤷🏼♀️ but I like the song it’s real snazzy
Lisa Jasperson
2022-01-23 02:31:06 +0000 UTCI think the majority is great and definitely something I would play more than once. I'm not sure about the vocals at the start, maybe it just needs another look because it sounds a little clumsy at the moment but not in the right way if that makes sense. If you're going for something that sounds a little unbalanced I can get that with the rest of the sound but maybe it sounds a little cartoonish? That sounds so mean, sorry. It's hard to define.
Sara Sternberg
2022-01-22 12:15:12 +0000 UTCI am surprised so many people don’t like the beginning voices! I personally think they are fun and it fits the vibe of the song. I love these little experiments, I can’t wait to hear more of them ☺️
Jureth
2022-01-22 10:18:35 +0000 UTCOkay, this hits now that I'm more awake
Jessica Machin
2022-01-22 09:10:26 +0000 UTCFirst thought: this is fresh. Beat could be a bit more ‘deep’ and stanky hehe.
Elke
2022-01-22 08:22:12 +0000 UTCOh come on, this is so good! The different sounds in it makes it feel so interesting! I hope you will release more music soon!
Brandt
2022-01-22 04:16:46 +0000 UTC🎶 Video Game Conductor Noises 🎶 Sounds like something a character would jog to while wandering out & about looking for a checkpoint 🐺 🐾
PhantomFidget
2022-01-22 02:57:34 +0000 UTCLove that constant "Aaaah!" in the background.
Sarah
2022-01-22 02:42:30 +0000 UTCI must say that I'm not a big fan of the beginning, but I really loved 🤩 the instrumental part in the middle of the song and your voice of course and yes, the whole song is something different.
Phoebe Grint
2022-01-22 01:12:50 +0000 UTCThere are orchestral elements about it similar to Muse. Yet the overall instrumentation and lyrics are definitely more theatrical than your other songs. It's very cool.
Shirley Grace
2022-01-22 00:55:27 +0000 UTCThis is super fun! I personally really enjoyed the different voice distortions in the beginning. I think that shits fun but I also like some experimental music too. If you haven’t you should listen to “gangsta” by the tuneyards. Anyway back to you. I loved the fun beat and the range in the end was so perfect for your voice! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
Anna
2022-01-22 00:11:28 +0000 UTCI like this a lot. The sound is interesting, and the melody is catchy. My only complaint is the abrupt end.
Lynne Walkling
2022-01-21 23:43:34 +0000 UTCI really like this! I am not crazy about the deeper voice distortion at the beginning. I really like the singing towards the end and end. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for sharing this is fun hearing your little songs 😊
Kayla
2022-01-21 23:40:36 +0000 UTCIt has almost darker vibe to me, at least in the beginning, which I really like. But, there's parts I can't understand the lyrics due to the effects. Love the "ahhhhhs" like a lot of others have mentioned. Overall, I like it!
Snuggleisk
2022-01-21 23:21:05 +0000 UTCDon't know how I feel about the deeper auto tuned vocals at the beginning; made it hard to get into the rest of the song for me. Other than that I really like this song!
Mordecai Russell
2022-01-21 23:08:57 +0000 UTCIt really grooves I like it definitely a vibe and love the high belting and when the guitar comes in towards the end you have a really nice unique tone up there really powerful as well I know high notes aren’t everything but it’s nice you’re really showcasing your range
smth positive_
2022-01-21 23:01:28 +0000 UTCOk, I know I've already commented twice lol, but it's been a while and I just realized I'm singing it while cooking dinner. I only listened to it twice but it's already stuck in my head. So I say that's a win!
Sugary Magnolia
2022-01-21 23:00:36 +0000 UTCIt's the exact same riff from "roar"! I've been playing that riff since I was a kid, it's just something my fingers like to do on the piano
Joel Berghult
2022-01-21 22:55:26 +0000 UTCDo you think it would sound very 2000’s pop punk if you sped it up a bit?
Merissa5150
2022-01-21 22:53:35 +0000 UTCPersonally, I'm not a fan of the effects on the vocals in the beginning. They're not bad, just not my thing. LOVE the vocal chord arrangement in the back, though. I can't tell if that's keys or your vocals, but I like that a lot. The whole thing's got a cool vibe. Kinda reddish. In a good way. 😊 Craving something on the end there, though. Like some reverb or something. But that's just me cause I'm not big on abrupt endings like that. I know it's just a demo too, so yeah.
Kat
2022-01-21 22:49:18 +0000 UTCLol I can see the sonic thing. Loving these 80s synths recently!
Joel Berghult
2022-01-21 22:46:42 +0000 UTCIdk if it's because I just listened to it, but the instrumental reminded me of your "Roar" video a bit 😂 this was interesting. I was bopping throughout the demo. I feel like you were ouija boarding lyrics again but I felt them. I think a lot of people can relate. And the instrumental helped bring a sort of... tired (?) feeling in conjunction with those lyrics. Like the feeling of life just droning on monotonously, if that makes sense. I like it. I'd be really interested to hear a more fleshed out version!
Jessistache_73
2022-01-21 22:40:25 +0000 UTCHad to listen to this one a couple of times because the first time I was ‘eh’ about it. The more I listen to it the more I like it. I love the beat, it’s funky and I don’t actually mind the beginning. Also love the experimentation, definitely not like anything I’ve heard recently. And the chorus line ‘I don’t know what I’m doing’… SO relatable lol
Suzanne Collins
2022-01-21 22:39:26 +0000 UTCFrom a music lover but not a trained musician: love the minor (?) key, love the 80s synth vibe feel, personally dislike heavily modulated voices like in the beginning. Another baby banger for sure.
Shannon Kraushaar
2022-01-21 22:37:04 +0000 UTCI need the lil pitchy album 💿 I’m getting so excited, even if they all don’t make the cut, I love your singing and variety
xtina 🖤
2022-01-21 22:34:58 +0000 UTCLove the vibes 🤩 x
Rosann Taylor
2022-01-21 22:34:34 +0000 UTCI like it, sounds like your singing over sonic the hedgehog music to me… I have no idea why, I got some retro video game music vibes and your voice sounds awesome!!
xtina 🖤
2022-01-21 22:33:41 +0000 UTCThe opening is interesting enough to make me keep listening. It's a enjoyable track but I think more dynamics on verses would serve the song better. Like, to me, the tension is all the way up throughout the entire verse and only mellows somewhat in the end with the repeated "I don't know what I'm doing" line. I mean, even if you were to release the song as is, I'd probably still download it. If this is just a drabble, it's a pretty good one : )
rosie - o.
2022-01-21 22:30:11 +0000 UTCI like the beat... Definitely different... Vibing intensifies...
Ave Castruita
2022-01-21 22:28:57 +0000 UTCLove the belting!
Heather Strong
2022-01-21 22:24:41 +0000 UTCThis is definitely really interesting! I can't quite understand the lyrics at the beginning due to the effects, but it sounds cool! Haha! And the kazoo-like sounds in the pre-chorus remind me of Mike Tompkins (YouTube acapella artist). Keep it up! Your sense of music making is always spot on ^_^
SpyroShurtagul
2022-01-21 22:22:51 +0000 UTC-first 26 seconds is odd lyric wise The effects remind me of “Worth It” -from .38 to .58 can’t hear what your saying because your voice is too high in pitch -.58 to 1.20 22 seconds is little too long without singing now I’m bored The rest of the song is great
Stephanie Bruso
2022-01-21 22:17:33 +0000 UTCMagdalena, right?! Lol there's a meme here.
Dannielle O'Neill
2022-01-21 22:17:28 +0000 UTCNot feeling the first few seconds but loving the rest!
Natalia
2022-01-21 22:17:26 +0000 UTCI like it. I wanna blast it in my car while driving down the highway.
loonylovesgood
2022-01-21 22:16:31 +0000 UTCViking vibing very hard! 💪🏻🔥
Magdalena Slodczyk
2022-01-21 22:15:53 +0000 UTCIt sounds Swedish to me 😄
ann.13g
2022-01-21 22:10:34 +0000 UTCI don't mind the down pitch at the beginning but I reckon you could do that with your own voice and it would sound good. I like the backing harmony, everyone likes to ooh oo along to songs! The "I don't know what I'm doing, You win" (I'm guessing that's it right?) Could do with a switch between two verses so like "I don't know what I'm doing, you win" - "You've got me on the ropes, I have no hope" Just a thought, but I like the concept. I'm guessing you'll of all figured I'm a lyrics geek, it's my fav past time along with drawing!
Clair (Teampanda)
2022-01-21 22:09:16 +0000 UTCThe overall vibe of this one has definitely been my favorite thus far! Kinda like I was getting at in M&G the other week tho, do you think you can experiment more publishing singles to stream vs nailing down a cohesive sound for an album release? I'm really enjoying listening to all the different ways you've been exploring artistically, even if the songs never come to fruition. It's nice to be on the journey with you.✌
Whit-EbullientShrub
2022-01-21 22:09:09 +0000 UTCImagine this boomer in a tik tok. Only dad jokes. (I AM kidding.)
Dannielle O'Neill
2022-01-21 22:05:36 +0000 UTCi actually like the down pitching in the beginning !!! i think it’s cool !!
Laurel Pekarske
2022-01-21 22:05:32 +0000 UTCThis is really fun. Enjoyable. It is totally new but sounds familiar enough for me to be comfortable. Nice job.
Cas
2022-01-21 22:04:17 +0000 UTCThe effects in the first 20ish seconds didn't do it for me, but I CAN see a lot of people liking it. We don't all have to like the same thing, so it's whatever. The rest is dope though. Totally vibing. Side note / Fun fact: My phone autocorrects any tense of "vibing" to "VIKING"....OH, the irony...I probably only use it on your channel so...lmao
Dannielle O'Neill
2022-01-21 22:00:47 +0000 UTCThe office consensus is they do not like the down-pitching at the beginning 😁
Sugary Magnolia
2022-01-21 21:57:19 +0000 UTCI like pieces esp those bckgrnd "ahhhs", but other pieces aren't really to my taste on the 1st listen. sorry to give a "salad bar" opinion.
MediocreAtBest
2022-01-21 21:56:18 +0000 UTCReminds me of vocal bender video lol. Srsly tho I like the vibe, and when you sing louder near the end especially
Juniper loo
2022-01-21 21:55:25 +0000 UTCI really, really like this Joel! I love the atmospheric, cosmic-like music in the background of the chorus, how the song really morphed and changed, going from a 'foggy' ambiance, building up in emotion and clarity. At first, I didn't care for the beginning bc it was hard to understand, but when you listen to the rest of it, it tells a story in the voice changes. In my mind, I'm picturing someone who went through something traumatic, or someone who feels lost. They don't know what they're doing. When you're in that space, everything is a fog, you're confused, it's hard to make sense of things, to process. That's what the beginning of this feels like to me. You trudge along, until you get to a point where the only thing you know for certain, the only thing that's clear & makes sense is that you don't know what you're doing. I know this is just my own interpretation, but that's the story and vibe I get from this, and I think it is extremely relatable. I'd love to hear if this goes further! Also I love hearing you really SING with volume like you are in the latter part of this. I can't think of anything this reminds me of, which is a GOOD thing! Thanks for sharing it!
thewelshwitch
2022-01-21 21:55:15 +0000 UTCI’m not a huge fan of the very beginning because it was a little hard to understand, but I LOVED the rest of it! I appreciate that you’re trying to make some stuff that’s different than what’s out there. This definitely stands out.
Becky Lorion
2022-01-21 21:55:04 +0000 UTCP.S. I do feel myself like a spoiled patron with all these demos that you share with us! Thank you, I appreciate that :)
Helga 🦊
2022-01-21 21:53:51 +0000 UTCI do like the octave change.. and the repetition gets stuck in your head.. but not annoyingly so…
Airyckah Lane
2022-01-21 21:52:38 +0000 UTCOk, let’s say I have mixed feelings about it. I really like the beat and and general vibe of the demo. I’ve started actually vibing to it. But I don’t like the voice changing stuff (sorry not sure how to call that) at the beginning at all 🤷🏻♀️
Helga 🦊
2022-01-21 21:52:29 +0000 UTCIt's very interesting. I'm definitely vibing hard to it. Maybe you're just a lil bit to much with the lower voise effects at the beginning. Maybe it goes too low? I'm not sure what makes me feel weird about that. I'm no music nerd 😅 but the rest... Damn 🔥 love it. I know that words aren't important here, since it's just about the sound, but gosh, that could be my anthem for most of my university and now work 😂
Magdalena Slodczyk
2022-01-21 21:52:14 +0000 UTCNot me sitting here chair dancing between clients. Nope! Oh and Joel, most of us have no clue what we are doing so thanks for putting that in a song. In fact I have a sign in my office that says just that! I really like the direction of this song. Maybe it is my "old" ears because I was having some difficulties understanding the rest of the lyrics...I do like the "vibe" and sound though.
Kelly Williams
2022-01-21 21:52:06 +0000 UTCI really like those too :)
Veronika Troll
2022-01-21 21:50:55 +0000 UTCDang I love these sharp vocals, you totally rock them
Lucie
2022-01-21 21:50:27 +0000 UTCReally interesting, good job 👍. It made me wanna dance. It's a little bit funky, amazing.
Magalie Leplus
2022-01-21 21:50:22 +0000 UTCI am not a fan of the first 26 seconds but after that I'm loving the other parts till the end :) sounds really cool and groovy
Veronika Troll
2022-01-21 21:50:20 +0000 UTCI actually do not have any criticism on this one! Kind of funky and poppy, very groovy. Definitely a unique sound and super chill vibes.
Sugary Magnolia
2022-01-21 21:50:07 +0000 UTCIt’s so good! 😊 ♥️ I especially like the Ahhh’s in the background.
Holly Baker
2022-01-21 21:49:23 +0000 UTCI really like it. It sounds just different enough to really stand out, yet doesn’t feel too overwhelming :)
Misty Mitchell
2022-01-21 21:49:18 +0000 UTCI can see the chorus being a tik tok sound 🤣
Alle Engdahl
2022-01-21 21:49:05 +0000 UTC
