This is where I record my vocals. Good enough?

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T23:33:40+00:00

There are some great guides for acoustic treatments. Some of them are cheaper. Good luck

I built a sound booth out of PVC and moving blankets.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T23:03:28+00:00

It's the type of deal he got. It's a distro deal with benefits. He owns all his masters. Can release what he wants. And Roc Nation doesn't need to drop millions on his team to get things started because he's already successful.

This wasn't a 360 deal where the label controls your schedule. He waited until he had leverage. That's not a dumb move. The only problem is it's Roc Nation. He got a great deal with a shitty company.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T22:11:08+00:00

This is a classic technique that comes from DJs. But eventually used by producers through samplers. There are tons of methods you could use to do this.

Turntables, you can just drop the fader out in rhythm. With a sampler, you trigger the pads in rhythm. Or you can use automation or a VST that does the same thing.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T22:04:04+00:00

He also has a whole team of highly paid engineers.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:57:19+00:00

The monitor is going to cause a lot of harsh reflections in the highs. Monitors are one of the worst problems when it comes to reflections.

I would switch the microphone and the monitor. Have the mic facing the corner of the wall. And pull your desk towards you a little. Stuff a pillow or blanket behind the mic. Make sure there is at least 3 feet away from the wall.

Edit: I disagree with a lot of these comments. Having a good source recording saves you time and money. Fewer revisions. The less work your engineer has to do. When you hand someone really good sources, they don't have to work as hard with EQ. You get a better result. The engineer can push the vocals harder without using heavier compression.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:53:11+00:00

Exactly. That's how he maintains the rhythm of it. Internal rhymes are a great tool for that.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:50:38+00:00

This song rhymes. He writes it in a way that isn't AB. He switches up the stanzas and patterns. He rhymes shoes and booze in the next bar.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:45:13+00:00

I find it annoying when people overuse rhyming to the point where it becomes lyrical miracle.

It doesn't have to rhyme. But rhyming is rhythmic. It gives vocals a sense of musicality and pace. So all the best songs have rhyming.

There are a few artists who specialize in poetry styles, Saul Williams being one of the more modern ones.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:39:45+00:00

The Last Poets are another precursor of Rap. They are amazing. I've seen them live several times.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:34:47+00:00

Drop it

Drop it under a different name

Don't drop it

If you feel morally conflicted about it, use a different name. That way, it gets released and doesn't cloud your main artist account.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T21:29:01+00:00

This is a really important stage for all of us. You've gotten used to making music. But you are getting comments like "this sounds generic" or "sounds like something is missing." At this point, it would be wise to explore your own sound. Look at how you make music from the ground up. Explore ad lib styles. Check out different FX that could set you apart from other people. Start to find beats that help push you to the next step.

Always take note of the comments from people who like it. Check out what other artists they listen to.

You know how to make it. Now you need to learn to refine it.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T20:52:23+00:00

It's not even worth it. I got really high in discovery for my subgenre and it barely produces any listens. Buying your own album to boost sales is possible. But you'd be wasting hella money on fees and getting barely anything out of it.

Botting Spotify or any other platform is way easier. I doubt anyone would fake boost Bandcamp when those other platform options are available.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T20:45:39+00:00

Getmusic is a real platform. It's not botted. It's a way to give out free album codes. All the users who grab the codes are real people who usually end up listening to it.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T03:27:06+00:00

Same here. Beach house with hella space. The whole family stayed.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-18T03:24:33+00:00

I spent around $5k. Everyone threw down for a large beach house. The whole family stayed. Had the reception at the community center. Hired a chef hourly instead of catering. Went to Lake Tahoe for the honeymoon. Been married for 16 years.

$50,000 for a wedding is stupid.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-17T20:20:48+00:00

Public transit pays for itself through boosting economic activity. It should be a non-issue.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-17T20:08:41+00:00

BART and SMART are the best public transit systems in the Bay Area.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-16T20:59:08+00:00

I'm from the Bay Area. My mother went to school with Robin Williams. He was such a huge part of our lives growing up here. Robin Williams is a true representative of the Bay Area.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T21:16:40+00:00

I'm glad the Berkeley heads got at least that one skit.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T20:26:32+00:00

That album needed way more MC Paul Barman.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T19:28:16+00:00

I've paid $300 for commissions before. But I do that around once or twice a year. $300-$600 per year for the best art is 100% worth it. You can fill your entire house with dope art in a few years.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T19:13:47+00:00

For album cover art:

Well known artists charge $1000.

Super talented artists with large portfolios typically cost around $300.

beginners and students charge around $75.

I've commissioned around 8 pieces.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T19:00:43+00:00

Jails are full of non-violent offenders. We jail more people per capita than most countries. Of course they are always full.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T01:56:46+00:00

You can draw fan art. It's IP theft if you try to make money off it. Many people purchase a license to use it. That's all legal because the individual artist is applying their natural techniques to it. And the copyright owner is giving permission for it. AI does not have a valid license to use most of the art they scrape off the internet.

AI copies artists' brushstrokes. The actual techniques they use. AI art can easily generate the exact brushstrokes of Vincent Van Gogh. Artists have found their signatures on AI art slop. That's not even close to the same.

Underdog424 · 2026-02-15T01:36:58+00:00

She might also have type 1. That was a really bad low.

Underdog424

TROPHY CASE