Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Late last year on User Showcase I submitted a blues/country instrumental, called LAZY DAYZ.
It got lots of nice feedback from forum members but there was some criticism about the way the organ melody panned via a Leslie effect and there were comments that the song needed a vocal track.
I’ve fixed the organ panning problem but haven’t added a vocal track yet though I have written some lyrics that I’m pretty happy with (Also, I'm not a singer and don't have the facilities to record vocals).
Just before Christmas, I purchased EZmix2 and Mastering II EZmix pack. I’ve been experimenting with this program and am pleased with some of the results I’ve been getting. One of the songs I've been working on with EZmix is Lazy Dayz.
With your indulgence, I submit the 2020 mix/remaster of Lazy Dayz:
https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172/lazy-days-2020-mix

I would love to get some feedback from recording/mixing/mastering enthusiasts re the new mix compared to the original:
https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172/lazy-dayz
Thanks everyone,
Mike

LAZY DAYZ is a slow-medium bluesy piece with a touch of country. The melody is carried largely by Hammond organ, with trombone/brass handling the middle 8 sections.
The backing features great guitar solo work by Jack Pearson and tasty acoustic guitar backing by Brent Mason. There is also some nice organ accompaniment by Jeff Young and beautiful pedal steel by Steve Hinson.
THE BAND:
RT2622:Organ, Rhythm FunkSwing16 Sw16 085
RealBass 533: Bass, Electric, 12-8 Crystal Sw 065
RT2674:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Blues12-8Brent Sw 065
RealGuitar 627: Pedal Steel, Background 12-8 Crystal
RealSoloist 422: Guitar, Electric, Soloist Blues Sw 120 (Jack Pearson)
RealDrums-CountryShuffle128^7-Snare,Ride

Last edited by mkg50 (Mike G); 01/25/20 07:01 PM.

Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Hi Mike,

I remember this song, just a great groove to it and that hook played by the organ stick with you.

Had a quick listen to the original and then the new mix.

Huge improvement IMHO, sounds great! A lot more presence and full sounding, well done.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Mike,

A great track. A new version really has a lot of clarity to it.

An excellent mix. Well done. Enjoyed it.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
I agree with the previous comments. A huge improvement on the original. Love the lead guitar. However, I'm thinking if you replaced the Hammond Organ with a flute in the lead parts it would have even more punch and give more of a Jethro Tull vibe. Keep up the good work!


ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
You have certainly improved the quality of this song...
Even my ears could discern the difference...
BTW...
I really dig that bass line...
Pretty cool!


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
I Think I remember this Mike! You've got a REALLY big sound going on here! Man it sounds great to me! Several instruments coming in and out but it works for me! Very nice! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Mike,

It sounds really good to me—great mix. Got no suggestions for you; good to go in my eyes (or ears, as the case may be). Will look forward to hearing it with a vocal just to see where it goes. Nicely done!

My best to you,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Yep, the organ sounds better (more organic) without the leslie spinning in my scone.
C'mon - try to sing it (you can always use a pitch correcter).


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Hi Mike,

I remember this song, just a great groove to it and that hook played by the organ stick with you.

Had a quick listen to the original and then the new mix.

Huge improvement IMHO, sounds great! A lot more presence and full sounding, well done.

Thanks for your comments Dave. I was hoping you'd have a listen.
Cheers,
Mike


Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132
We remember it too. This mix sounds excellent!

Really effective arrangement also.

We enjoyed it.

J&B

PS: If you plan on submitting to the streaming platforms I would reduce the volume. It is loud...relatively. Below is a great link that will almost immediately show you how much the major streaming platforms would pull up or down your songs...if needed. I suspect this one would be reduced several db's. it's typically better to submit at the current industry standard volumes than have them adjust it which they will. SC which is about the only platform that doesn't make adjustments. Because of that at SC you can listen to several songs at typical streaming loudness then have the next one blow your monitors off the shelf smile If you have no interest in placing it on platforms other than SC please ignore my babbling!

It only takes a few seconds to measure it.
https://www.loudnesspenalty.com

FWIW!!!



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: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Mike,

A great track. A new version really has a lot of clarity to it.

An excellent mix. Well done. Enjoyed it.

fj

Thanks Floyd. I really appreciate your taking the time to listen and comment. Glad you liked it.
Mike
Originally Posted By: Ghostgum
I agree with the previous comments. A huge improvement on the original. Love the lead guitar. However, I'm thinking if you replaced the Hammond Organ with a flute in the lead parts it would have even more punch and give more of a Jethro Tull vibe. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Ghostgum. It's good to get feedback, especially when it's so positive. I'll have a think about your 'flutes' suggestion.
Cheers,
Mike


Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Originally Posted By: Jim
You have certainly improved the quality of this song...
Even my ears could discern the difference...
BTW...
I really dig that bass line...
Pretty cool!

Thanks for taking the time to have a listen Jim. I appreciate your comments.
Cheers,
Mike
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
I Think I remember this Mike! You've got a REALLY big sound going on here! Man it sounds great to me! Several instruments coming in and out but it works for me! Very nice! Thanks, Torrey

Glad you like the new mix Torrey. I'm having fun with the EZmix plug-in.
Mike


Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
Really great use of RealTracks! Thanks for sharing this with us.


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,196
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,196
Love the mix. Too lazy to compare to the old. wink

Despite reading the description, I was still surprised at the entrance of the trumpets and trombone. Cool!


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Originally Posted By: Deej56
Mike,

It sounds really good to me—great mix. Got no suggestions for you; good to go in my eyes (or ears, as the case may be). Will look forward to hearing it with a vocal just to see where it goes. Nicely done!

My best to you,

Deej

Thanks for listening and for the feedback Deej.
Cheers,
Mike
Originally Posted By: rayc
Yep, the organ sounds better (more organic) without the leslie spinning in my scone.
C'mon - try to sing it (you can always use a pitch correcter).

Thanks Ray. No, I wont be singing the song. A pitch corrector: sounds like something they need at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Cheers,
Mike
PS: congrats on your User Showcase Award.


Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 844
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
We remember it too. This mix sounds excellent!

Really effective arrangement also.

We enjoyed it.

J&B

PS: If you plan on submitting to the streaming platforms I would reduce the volume. It is loud...relatively. Below is a great link that will almost immediately show you how much the major streaming platforms would pull up or down your songs...if needed. I suspect this one would be reduced several db's. it's typically better to submit at the current industry standard volumes than have them adjust it which they will. SC which is about the only platform that doesn't make adjustments. Because of that at SC you can listen to several songs at typical streaming loudness then have the next one blow your monitors off the shelf smile If you have no interest in placing it on platforms other than SC please ignore my babbling!

It only takes a few seconds to measure it.
https://www.loudnesspenalty.com

FWIW!!!


Janice and Bud,
Thanks for listening and for your comments.
Thanks too for the Loudness Penalty info. Wow! I had no idea about this.
I tested Lazy Dayz (2020 mix) on the site and was told it would be reduced in volume between 4db and 6db, depending on the streaming platform.
I have been simply submitting my songs to Soundcloud (the only streaming platform I'm contributing to at the moment), and limiting them to-1db, which is what a lot of the literature says to do.
I'll have to investigate further.
Thanks again guys,
Cheers,
Mike


Mike Garry
BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7.

https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Well done.
I like the song and the mix.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Pretty much all been said, and I agree! Nice mix, great sound, really enjoyed it!

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Mike,
New mix sounds very good. I love the way the organ sounds now and the horns were an inspired addition.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,579
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,579
Hi Mike,

This is a very engaging groove. The easy, laid-back walking pace of the rhythm made me feel like I was happily sauntering along a country track on a sunny day.

Very nice listening! The mix sounded fine and the clarity of sound was excellent.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,762
Members40,063
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
GlennMans, François Sohm, Armando D'Errico, PhilinPhil, RBDavis1957
40,063 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 127
zedd 109
rsdean 102
DC Ron 102
Noel96 84
Today's Birthdays
jazzkeith, Mavrick20002, Pain-Driven, rolfie, Roycol
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5