Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#468268 04/20/18 06:24 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 65
K
kybordr Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
K
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 65
https://soundcloud.com/kybordr/what-you-need

For the many years I've had BIAB, I've basically used it to generate drums and (usually) bass, fitted to a song that I had otherwise composed elsewhere.

The general idea and bits and pieces of "What You Need" have been kicking around in my head for a long time. For the first time, I used BIAB as a songwriting tool, experimenting with various styles, instruments, and chord progressions, and developing the lyrics and melody, all as an iterative process. Then I exported the MIDI parts into Cubase and rendered them there (ending up with somewhat different patches than those from BIAB). Then I layered on the piano part and vocals that I had developed using BIAB.

There's some glitches here, but I'm pretty happy with the result. Definitely will work with BIAB as a composition tool again in the future.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: What You Need
File:What You Need.SGU
Key=Eb , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=4:27
Style is SERENITY.STY (Serenity -Slow 16th Pop Ballad)
Style MIDI Instruments are : Fretless Elec. Bass (36), Electric Piano 2 (6), Acoustic Guitar (26), Slow Strings (50),
MIDI Drums :1 Standard Drum Kit (1)
*****************

We've all been witness to another's tragedy, where we want to say something or do something that will help, but unable to do so and sometimes stepping in it because there's just really nothing to be said or done but let time take its course.


"What You Need"

You have heard, well-meaning words, of doors and open windows,
Better places, well-run races, and more of those.
You have seen what others mean, when they themselves don’t know
Of broken hearts, stand apart,
and other careless words that only mattered long ago

What you need, is someone to just hold and you can
Take a breath, take a step, let your thoughts unfold and you can
Take your time, take all of mine, wherever that may lead
May be…what you need

You have sensed, in present tense, just gazing in the darkness,
Light behind the grey you find, amazed at all the artless tests.
You have looked though open books, when you yourself won’t know
Of broken dreams, is how it seems,
and other careless words that only mattered long ago

What you need, is someone to just hold and you can
Take a breath, take a step, let your thoughts unfold and you can
Take your time, take all of mine, wherever that may lead
May be…what you need

You have tried, still with pride, what we ourselves don’t know
Of spoken words, never heard,
and other careless thoughts that only mattered long ago

What you need, is someone to just hold and you can
Take a breath, take a step, let your thoughts unfold and you can
Take your time, take all of mine, wherever that may lead
May be…what you need
What you need
What you need
What you need
What you need
What you need

kybordr #468322 04/21/18 09:51 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Robert,

A good listen. A nice write. I especially like the chorus. Quite cool how you start up the chorus before the verse runs out.

Nice arrangement and a nice mix. A strong vocal.

Well done.

fj

kybordr #468342 04/21/18 12:05 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,754
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,754
Robert,

This is an excellent song and arrangement - great mix. I especially love the chorus - some great vocals as well.

Bob

rsdean #468355 04/21/18 01:32 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,396
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,396
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Robert,

This is an excellent song and arrangement - great mix. I especially love the chorus - some great vocals as well.

Bob


I agree completely!

Great lyrics and vocals also.

Two thumbs up.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
kybordr #468402 04/22/18 01:20 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Robert… I really enjoyed this!! Came across as very heartfelt… The arrangement was great, the vocal excellent, the background vocals right on, and I like how the whole track built up from beginning to end. Thank you for your work.


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 785
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 785
enjoy this well crafted song Robert!!

kybordr #468438 04/22/18 05:29 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,006
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,006
The approach assuredly worked.

Nice composition, arrangement, performances, and audio production.

The build was very effective.

Enjoyed it!

J&B


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
kybordr #468478 04/22/18 10:16 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Robert, a very nice tune that you have done a marvelous job on! For some reason I found myself imagining this tune as one that Elvis would have done in the late 70's...it had that type of vibe for me! And that's a complement! Thanks, Torrey

kybordr #468491 04/22/18 11:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Very reminiscent of an Elvis ballad. Nice chord progression vocals and production. Lyrics are spot on. Rob

kybordr #468510 04/22/18 05:48 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719

Lovely melody and I really like your thoughtful songwriting.
Good one .

Cheers.

kybordr #468517 04/22/18 09:55 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Nice lyrics melded to a superb melody line, and the chorus is just sublime the way it releases.
A good track Robert.

John


Songs web site
YouTube Channel
BIAB 2024
Cakewalk by BandLab
Studio One 7
kybordr #468549 04/23/18 03:24 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,047
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,047
A really high class delivery, wonderful lyrics, and absolutely professional production.

This song exudes quality from every possible approach.

Quality, Star(t) to Finish


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
kybordr #468556 04/23/18 03:49 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
What a tune! It sound so dreamy, so silky, and so gentle. You showcased some great songwriting talent here. I absolutely love the way chorus comes in here. It hits so strong, and really gets stuck in your head in the most pleasant way. Fantastic harmonies, too.

You outdid yourself on this one - thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
kybordr #468591 04/23/18 10:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679

very nice song.
Great melody in it.
Very well sung.

Sergio



Sergio
kybordr #468601 04/23/18 11:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
This song really resonated with me. I have definitely been in that kind of situation more times then I'd care to count.

Thanks for hitting me right in the feels. I enjoyed this song.


Cheers,
Ember
kybordr #469495 04/26/18 12:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236
Very cool vocal and lyric. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
kybordr #469656 04/27/18 06:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,516
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,516
Really beautiful melody, especially in the chorus with the familiar but still effective chording. I like the touching lyrics and your strong singing.

JAnne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

kybordr #469759 04/27/18 12:31 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Robert

Nice work. Very pretty song nicely sung.

Peter

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,890
Posts797,375
Members39,980
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
tysell29, Tonyhall, arbellajack, darms, JMDESILE
39,979 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 171
Noel96 151
DC Ron 114
rsdean 109
vicarn 82
Today's Birthdays
JDLinn, KennethSennet, likegse, Lob-ster
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5