re: My son “released” a song from the basement-looking for feedback

I wish the original link worked so I could compare. I remember it but not that great.

I will say that what he did to the song makes it pop and unrecognizable from the original version, and that's a good thing.

I'm not a big fan of autotune and I'm pretty sure I hear some of that. It's not needed and distracting to be honest.

Overall - great work

Tell him to keep working and exploring. He’s starting with more than a lot of artists had ping for him.

He definitely should listen to varied artists and not be afraid to be influenced by and borrow what he likes.

I'm listening to the newest link. He's got some cool textures happening. I'm not into the rap/sing or whatever you call that genre, but there's some soul there. Encourage him to keep writing and recording. I'd like to hear something a bit more uplifting out of him.

Thanks Monday...

So, I remember when you posted the first link. As back then, props to you and him for putting himself out there.

I'll say this honestly. I listened to the three back to back and you can see growth as an artist in each iteration.

He's developed a more complex sound with variation, which was my big feedback on the original. You can see the growth in that song to song, which is a great thing for him.

I don't know if this is what he's shooting for, but the most recent song gives me the same vibes as Mac Miller's recent posthumous release. It's got the same darker, moody, layered sound and he uses the same sort of slightly mumbly delivery.

The biggest compliment I'll give is that I feel like each one shows a progressive sense of who he is as an artist. The first had seeds, but was sort of basic and undeveloped. You can see the development in the last one clearly.

Loved the layered instrumentation. He used that really well to keep the melody interesting without a dramtic tone shift.

My biggest piece of advice at this point is to keep going in that direction if he's finding himself. It sounds like he is, and as he develops that more and explores instrumentation, it should be good.

Exploring those layers and using his voice to complement them is where he is going, and it's a good direction, IMO.

Rep, thanks for taking the time for this post. Will definitely pass on to him. The song I picked on that EP (of seven songs is not my favorite); please check out the others if you get a chance.

I wish I was that good at 17. I started singing-songwriting at 28 and I'm 56 now and I have improved a lot over the years. He is gonna get better and better IF HE LOVES WHAT HE IS DOING. So many of my friends were musician/singer-songwriters that gave up on their gift after they got married. We need more original music and that's what your son does. I know you are super proud of your son and I hope he continues to hone his craft. In 10 years he will be awesome!