|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
So, something new from me. Rivers Of A Strange Land The lyrics are inspired by the famous Bible passage: "By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat down, there we wept, when we remembered Zion". I've adapted it, to try to give it a more personal and universal feel ... see what you think? Thanks for listening and for any comments  THE LYRICS: By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered my home town. Used to have a little fountain, By whose side we'd gently play, Used to have a little window, By whose sill we'd talk and stay. Then I slowly made my way here, And was asked to write a song ... How shall I now write and sing, Since all I know has gone wrong? Then they asked me: "Praise His Name!" And they pushed me on my knees ... How shall I open my lips When, on them, my tears just freeze? By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered you, my love. THE BAND: Soloist: Eleanor Forte, from Synthesizer V Studio Pro. Flute: Mixcraft Pro Studio 10 flute instrument. ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Rivers of a Strange Land - 15 May 2024 File:Rivers of a Strange Land - 17 May 2024.SGU Key=E , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:15 No intro. 53 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 53. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Key Signature, Style is _RED.STY (Red Folk Americana Ballad) RealTracks in style: 2877:Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16thsByron Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 3910:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking SongwriterSlow16DADGAD Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 2552:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Songwriter16ths Ev16 075 RealDrums in style:NashvilleRadioPowerBallad16^10-a,b:Tom Groove ******************* Mixed and mastered in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10. I spliced (is that the correct term?) the drum track a little, so as to remove some of the cymbal crashes inherent to this track.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,838
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,838 |
James,
This is so well done and creative. I like what you have done with the adaptation. Also, the choice of Eleanor Forte for the vocal was a good fit for the lyrics.
Awesome mix - this was a great listen!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
Hi James, these synth vocal don't seize to amaze me. The whole thing is very well done Thanks!
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 41
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 41 |
Sweet voice . simple little melody that fits the mood
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
Thanks, Bob, Mike and Elvis. Very kind of you.
I've just changed the backing track on the mix ... moral of the story: NEVER post a song in the evening, when I'm exhausted, but wait to hear it again, in the morning, before posting. Live and learn, I guess ... thanks for your patience with me.
THE NEW BAND:
Soloist and flute, as before.
****** Song Summary *************
Title: Rivers of a Strange Land - 15 May 2024
File:Rivers of a Strange Land - 15 May 2024.SGU
Key=E , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:15
No intro. 53 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 53. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Key Signature,
Style is _MOVED.STY (Moved Funky Songwriter Groove)
RealTracks in style: 784:Bass, Electric, PopCrossover Sw16 075
RealTracks in style: 3099:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow16thsMike Ev16 060
RealTracks in style: ~1143:Ukulele, Strumming FolkSwing Sw 140
RealTracks in style: 3541:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm ClassicRockSlowFingerStrum Sw16 060
RealDrums in style:FolkModernSw16^01-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Ride
*******************
Last edited by musician17; 05/18/24 10:46 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,554
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,554 |
James, really nice song, and nicely arranged. Really like the modulation to/from the middle section. Not one I use a lot but gives your tune a cool dynamic lift. First time hearing Eleanor that I can recall, she sounds great here. Enjoyed!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
James,
It's brilliant! I adore this song! The vocal is so perfect for the sound, and that steady strumming rhythm and drum beat is so engaging. The vocal sits perfectly in the mix. Just beautiful. BRAVO!!
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
Nicely done.
Keep working with Eleanor. She's got a good voice.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
Deej: thank you! I'm so glad you like it. Herb: thanks. Yes, Eleanor sounded surprisingly nice, to my ears, when I first checked to see how she'd perform this ... and I used the "Tender" preset for this one, to give her some extra "softness" of sound, so to speak. I intend for her to feature more, in my songs (touch wood), from now on Thanks for listening and for your ever so kind comments!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
Made a little video for the song, too ... hope you like it
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865 |
James,
A pleasant tune. Good simple BAND. Voice sounds good.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
Thanks, floyd! Appreciated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,454
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,454 |
Very Beautiful James! And that synth voice sounds really nice! I guess everyone is doing it but me now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
Thanks, David. Well, YOU've got a great, natural voice, so ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187 |
Hi, James.
Nice work. The setting is a bit more "jaunty" than I would expect, so I think think second version works a bit better.
I though that the modulation and flute work especially well.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal 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: May 2018
Posts: 2,594
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,594 |
David C: thanks. Glad you liked it, and happy that you took the time to listen to it
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,637
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,637 |
Lovely folk song. The synth voice sound realistic and pure.
The Mixcraft flute solo is well done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,043
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,043 |
Nice and mellow.
The flute was a great addition.
The mix sounds great and the sparse arrangement works well indeed.
Enjoy the synth vocal journey!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,530
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,530 |
James, I didn't read your intro so when the vocal started I said wow your voice really has changed  Super job on that synth vocal. Loved that instrument solo and the backing tracks also. Great mix.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,991
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,991 |
WOW, you really opened wide the flood gates that were holding back your creativity, James. You are realy sucha good composer --not just a writer. A wonderfully crafted song, and you're doing a great job with the synth, too. Yes, yes, but can you make her speak the words as well you do? That would be cool to hear a synth trying to deliver vocal tracks with that cool Delsono style. Flute was the perfect choice, too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,397
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean