|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
This song turned into a very special song for me. This song was born in 2014. I tried different styles, tempo, instruments and nothing worked. So it got put into the folder called maybe later. The title was added when I was missing some of my friends and the early times in my life when all priorities had to have some kind of fun attached to it. I discovered the song accidentally when I was looking for another song I had done. I was recently having an email dialogue with Robert Cordrey and asked if he would be interested to adding a vocal and lyric to one of my instrumentals. I was thrilled when he agreed. He asked me to give him my thoughts when I was originally working on the song and he put together these lyrics. Definitely a bucket list moment for me. If Now Was Then a high wire between oceans holding on at both ends must have been a beautiful failure though I didn`t see you fall my friend you said starlight`s a memory looking at me inside out your arm around Oleander hunter`s moon split the clouds you sang that song you were writing called If Now Was Then I kept your insect in amber with a question in its eye the riddle of the gypsy girl how to live and how to fly did you burn up on reentry Oleander found the answer leaving town in the final moments the hourglass turns upside down did you finish that song you were writing called If Now Was Then did you finish that song you were writing called If Now Was Then I kept your insect in amber with a question in its eye the riddle of the gypsy girl how to live and how to fly © Robert Cordrey Dec.2017 If Now Was Then This song uses two different styles: Style is _PBALCEL.STY (Pop Ballad w/ Cello & Guitars) RealTracks in style: ~~683:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 838:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladClean Ev 085 RealTracks in style: ~703:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Spirited Ev 085 RealDrums in style: NashvilleEven16^5-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride _DELUGE.STY. Deluge Heavy 16ths Rock Instruments: El.Bass, El.Guitar, El.Guitar, Drums RD: ROCK16THS^01-a:Closed Hat, Snare, b:Open Hat, Snare :Pat Steward RT2755: Bass, Electric, RockHeavy16thsDoug Ev16 090 , Doug Elliott RT2760: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockHeavy16thsHighMurray Ev16 090 , Murray Atkinson RT2759: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockHeavy16thsLowMurray Ev16 090 , Murray Atkinson Memo: This even-16 heavy rock Style has a steady rhythm, with two electric guitars, electric bass, and drums. Guitar Gibson Les Paul R9 Amp Purdy Effects Maxon 808, Texas Tone Bone OD, Boss CS-2 Compression, Flashback X4 Delay.
Last edited by Scott C; 12/24/17 09:21 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Loved the vocal parts that opened the song and liked the guitars where the vocal break started.
I could barely hear the drums, however. If you turned them up a bit, this would be even better.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Very nice work guys!
Loved the power break and solo!
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Loved the vocal parts that opened the song and liked the guitars where the vocal break started.
I could barely hear the drums, however. If you turned them up a bit, this would be even better. Thanks for checking out the song. I appreciate it. Thanks for the suggestion on the drum track. I bumped it up a bit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
That did it! Sounds a lot better!
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Scott & Robert
Very nice work. Particularly liked the transition to the heavier section.
An excellent piece of music.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Very nice work guys!
Loved the power break and solo!
Rob and Anne-Marie Thanks for checking out the song. Was a real pleasure having Robert write lyrics for my instrumental.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921 |
Scott & Robert,
A very cool sound throughout. Somewhere between The Starship and Genesis. The lyrics fit that perfectly. The vocal, too.
Super guitar work, Scott. Really like the distortion/delay - "just enough".
An excellent listen.
(The vocal gets lost a bit at times, but I couldn't tell if it needed a bump in volume or a bit of EQ to separate it from the guitar bed)
Y'all are doing good stuff together. Enjoyed it.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
This is the first time I`ve written lyrics for someone else`s song- and it was fun - kind of freeing, so thanks to Scott for being open to the direction I went!
Floyd; we went back and forth a few times on the vocal levels in the "heavy" section - not an easy balance to achieve.
Thanks to all listeners going for another round of Scott/Robert time travel!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360 |
Cool collaboration
some very nice guitar
enjoyed the listen
Kenny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193 |
"Scott C" and Mr. Cordrey...
"If Now Was Then" is like a rock fever dream. It rolls in, and then out, like waves caught in a closed loop of rhythmic motion. And then, there's the poetry of the lyrics. They flash their hidden meanings like blinks of an eye at a burning sun. Listening to the song is like staring at a painting until it begins changing and morphing into one scene after another. It's a bit of an hallucinatory experience of words and sound that ends up feeling like it could go on, forever.
Entranced,
LOREN
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
That did it! Sounds a lot better! Yes I agree much better. Thanks for the help on that. It is appreciated..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665 |
Scott/Robert, you guys produced a great sounding tune here! Scott, I liked how you moved the song to a heavier rock sound midway and the chord pattern is great! Robert's vocal lends itself well to this type of song! Excellent lyrics as always from you Robert! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,136
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,136 |
Yep, the floyd mentioned Starship vibe is definitely there. Janice mentioned that it felt as though it was from one of the Dunes series.
Forum collabs are a cool way to create a musical synthesis of different ideas and performances - this is a fine example of that.
Great performances and write y'all.
Went down nicely with the morning cup of joe!
J&B
PS: Catchy title/hook
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Scott & Robert
Very nice work. Particularly liked the transition to the heavier section.
An excellent piece of music.
Peter Thanks Peter for checking out the song. I appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062 |
Nice one guys!
I always like the lyrics Robert writes:
"I kept your insect in amber
with a question in its eye
the riddle of the gypsy girl
how to live and how to fly"
Great line!
I like the transition into the heavy part. Track sounds good, as does your guitar work. Overall a good listen!
Last edited by BlueAttitude; 12/29/17 03:00 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Nice one guys!
I always like the lyrics Robert writes:
"I kept your insect in amber
with a question in its eye
the riddle of the gypsy girl
how to live and how to fly"
Great line!
I like the transition into the heavy part. Track sounds good, as does your guitar work. Overall a good listen!
I agree with Dave. Some great lines lyrically and guitar wise. I like the repeating guitar signature. Good job to you both, Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Scott & Robert,
A very cool sound throughout. Somewhere between The Starship and Genesis. The lyrics fit that perfectly. The vocal, too.
Super guitar work, Scott. Really like the distortion/delay - "just enough".
An excellent listen.
(The vocal gets lost a bit at times, but I couldn't tell if it needed a bump in volume or a bit of EQ to separate it from the guitar bed)
Y'all are doing good stuff together. Enjoyed it.
fj
Thanks Floyd for checking out the song. Thanks also for the comments on the mix. This was new territory for me. This is a real testiment to Robert’s skill as a song writer and vocalist as I had already done the solos for each section of the song. His lyrics and vocal were a perfect fit. Getting the volume blend right between vocal and the guitar playing was very elusive. Look forward to trying this again in the future. Mixing is quite an art in itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
"Scott C" and Mr. Cordrey...
"If Now Was Then" is like a rock fever dream. It rolls in, and then out, like waves caught in a closed loop of rhythmic motion. And then, there's the poetry of the lyrics. They flash their hidden meanings like blinks of an eye at a burning sun. Listening to the song is like staring at a painting until it begins changing and morphing into one scene after another. It's a bit of an hallucinatory experience of words and sound that ends up feeling like it could go on, forever.
Entranced,
LOREN Loren, Your review made me smile as I certainly drew on some "halucinatory experience" writing the lyrics! I appreciate the way you dive right into a song and express your impressions so vividly. Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Cool collaboration
some very nice guitar
enjoyed the listen
Kenny Thanks Kenny Thanks for checking out the song. Was fun working with Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,044
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean