Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#822487 09/10/24 02:56 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Hi Forum Friends. I present my third BIAB song.

https://soundcloud.com/divinemetime/strange-alchemy

Going by your comments to previous songs, I tried to fill things out more, play around more with harmonies and also include a good solo which I struggled with in the first two songs. I wrote this song over 20 years ago (time flies) and performed it with a band called Mystery School. I'm so happy to be able to bring it back to life!

_DREAMUP - Dream Up Retro Pop Piano Ballad
RealTracks in style: 2702:Bass, Synth, CloudRapSub Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 891:Piano, Acoustic, Solo-Accompaniment PopLiverpool Ev 065
RealTracks in style: 870:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModernRnBRockWarmQuarters Ev 065
RealTracks in style: 871:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModernRnBRockWarmStrum Ev 065
Custom MIDI Style: 49 Strings (ork448.STY [AB] Strings track)
RealDrums in style:RetroPop^01-a:Bass, HiHat , b:Bass, Snare
LoopAcousticDrumFullKit\Rock-biter_130_intro_sticks4even8
LoopAcousticDrumFullKit\Metal-gl_tomtoms100a ev16.wav
Piano Pop Promise Ev16 100

The song memo isn't quite right because I added 2 more instruments...a synth pad and a guitar which are only labeled as StrangeAlchemyRB Utility#1 and StrangeAlchemyRBPiano. I treated my Ah's with an echo and the lead vocals with dynamics and reverb.

he knew I’d call
it wouldn’t surprise me
he’s seen the way I walk through hell
he holds me in his heart
waits for the veil to part
turning the dust of my heart to gold

right before I give it away
poised in a self-designed power play
strange alchemy
he gives it all back to me
strange alchemy

you’ve looked outside
and tried to find
what you could only find within

what we push away
when we are afraid
is always bound to return someday

it wasn’t about him
he wasn’t the source
he was just the answer to a prayer
I’d merely forgotten
I’d merely denied
I breathe and the breath of God breathes me

Thanks for listening!

Last edited by BYOBand; 09/11/24 03:48 AM.
BYOBand #822504 09/10/24 05:09 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,061
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,061
Strange Alchemy indeed. There's something different, unique, inimitable about your compositions. This one has a labyrinthine complexity that leads the listener to unexpected places. The chord progressions are unpredictable and yet somehow they work incredibly well. You sang it soulfully and meaningfully. Well done.

As for the summary: go to "Edit" then "Song Memo" (third from bottom of list) then just copy & paste which bits of it you want to include in your post.

Ghostgum


https://www.brianraynormusic.com
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
BYOBand #822529 09/10/24 10:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830
Otherworldly and cool. Love the instrument choices and mix, and that harmonic movement is wild. Great job with the mini guitar breaks. There's a very cool held vocal "ah" or maybe a pad in the right channel (opposite the harmony) right from the start that gives a lovely haunting effect. Looking forward to the credits.

Ghostgun answered your question on how to copy the BiaB credits. This tip and many more are listed at the top of the User Showcase forum for future reference.


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
BYOBand #822537 09/10/24 11:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,667
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,667
Interesting and refreshing. Well mixed too.
Reminded me of Kate Bush.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
You have a way with words, Ghostgum. Thank you so much for your encouraging appraisal!

DC Ron #822589 09/11/24 03:25 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Thank you, DC Ron. I'm going to pull the song memo in a jiffy and upload it. But all the vocals are mind. Those guitar breaks were happy accidents during editing that just happened to work out, so I kept 'em.

Thanks also for pointing out the tips. There's so much information everywhere, the forum itself is a learning curve!

vicarn #822590 09/11/24 03:28 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Hi Vic,

I love that you heard her influence. It wasn't conscious on my part, but I've always loved Kate's drama. Thank you.

BYOBand #822611 09/11/24 07:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141
First of all, Tilted Halo is a terrific name. This one has the perfect mood for alchemy, and with the song you made gold. Excellent harmony choices, too, and well sung througout. Not sure how it would've sounded with Mystery School, but I hope your old bandmates have a chance to listen to this version. Much enjoyed.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
BYOBand #822618 09/11/24 07:22 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960
Interesting song. Well done.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
It was quite a bit different back then. Glad you enjoyed it. I like how you connected the alchemy and gold...very nice thing to say. Thanks.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Thank you!

BYOBand #823061 09/14/24 06:16 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Lovely song. Very cool chord progressions. Excellent vocal. Well done..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Scott C #823081 09/15/24 01:26 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Merci, Scott!

BYOBand #823259 09/16/24 10:15 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,218
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,218
Hello BYOBand,

Welcome to the forum.
It's a bit of an unusual chord progression.
It must have been quite difficult to play this song with a real live band.
I think using BIAB for this kind of tune can help you get the song you want.
It's very moody and your vocals are a perfect fit for it.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Thanks for listening and for the welcome!

BYOBand #823776 09/23/24 12:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,218
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,218
Ethereal, mesmerizing and ultimately very creative.

The interesting chord progression and nice melody are well supported by the BiaB session guys you chose.

Well done!

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: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
BYOBand Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Thank you J&B. I'm so grateful for my miracle-making 'session guys'!

BYOBand #823862 09/24/24 08:08 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351
The 3rd corking song I've heard here today! As J and/or J&B wrote, it's mesmerising throughout. The instrumentation is perfectly picked and mixed. And the "Ahs" in the left channel really adds superb atmosphere to the composition. This is professional quality throughout and faultless. Really, really well done!


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
BYOBand #823868 09/24/24 09:28 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
This is unique and very interesting. I really enjoy unexpected chord changes when they work - and they work perfectly in this song. Very nice mix.

Thanks for a super listen!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

BYOBand #823877 09/25/24 01:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
I really, really, like this track!

As others have already pointed out, your use of chords is very creative and the vocals evocative.

Listening to this was a wonderfully immersive and rewarding experience, and I very much look forward to hearing more from you :-)

DB09


Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

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

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

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

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

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

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

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,425
Posts804,881
Members40,122
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jho smith, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 126
DC Ron 102
rsdean 99
WaoBand 82
dcuny 71
vicarn 70
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5