holy moley... I just remember there is an old drum kit in my garage. I am tempted to attempt what you are attempting but I think I don't have enough time. In any case, a great thing to do if you have the means!

@Jason Tufts Yes, agreed. But the fear of sounding inadequate eats many of us up. What really is left for us 'regular' musicians? I guess if you can't do mega tours like Swift, or if you can't make kids bop, you failed...

I like this composition. I am in the same boat as you, so FTM has helped me a lot, just as some members on this platform helped me as well. But I also experiment a lot. Maybe do the same. I suggest to set aside a separate mixing session without instrumental adjustments etc. What happens if you just spend some time with the bass and drumkit only. (I love that Klaus Doldinger feel...) Once you have these two elements 'glued' you will find that they can do just fine without the keys. Obviously the keys are the main part, but the 'drive' comes from the bass and kit. What has been said here about the harshness etc is correct. So, I encourage you to just mix the keys. Duplicate the tracks and treat each track differently with eq, gate, compressor and if necessary a clipper. You might feel that you keep only certain phrases/parts on each track. I am saying that because the intensity and dynamics during some phrases call for separate treatment. Send each track to a mix-bus and mix them to your liking. Before that you also might try to separate the lower keys from the high ones (ie left hand - right hand). Just a side note, other percussive add-ons might be better off to be treated separately from the drum parts such as the kabasa. Also, this is my feeling, the mix sounds as if you were looking to get it as loud as possible. Don't be side-tracked with that and leave lots of headroom for all instruments. I hope I did not overstep the boundaries with my suggestions and look forward to another version of this song.

...how about this one? https://www.reverbnation.com/alofus/song/34716111-i-dance-my-tears-away

@Monroe Neese 🕊️

@Monroe Neese Absolutely a good value. I was tempted 2 years ago to delve into the NORD keyboard selection. No deal there unfortunately, but quality. I ended up with Native Instruments KOMPLETE keyboard (61). So far no regret.