Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
AT THE FIRST HELLO
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic/song/34725212-at-the-first-hello


I wanted to try to write a modern pop dance song for Dua Lipa. Let me know if I hit the mark.

Vocals; Synth V, I am playing bass, synths, keys, some guitar. Used Real tracks below.

I used to think / I would spend my life alone
Never finding the one / that I can call my Own
I used to think / true love's a fairy tale
Just bedtime stories / they tell to little girls
I know that you are no Prince Charming
and I am not Lady Guinevere
But I get a certain Feeling / Whenever you are near

At the first hello / you (I) didn't even know
the clues were all around a scent a glance a sound
Even in my heart / Even in my soul
Right from the start at the first hello

I didn't know / that I would ever find
the kind of love that poets / write about in rhyme
I thought that I / would spend each lonely night
Dreaming of a hero / the strong and silent type
I know you're not a Superman and I'm not Lois Lane
But when I look into your deep blue eyes
I will never feel the same

I used to look at the covers of magazines
At all the Perfect people smiling back at me
I used to wish that Life was a fairy tale
Never taking chances / too afraid to fail
I know I’ll never be a fashion model
And you’re not a movie star
Love me as I am and exactly who you are

****** Song Summary *************
Title: At Hello
File:autoload_5.sgu
Key=C , Tempo 110, Length (m:s)=5:22
20 bar intro, 126 bar chorus, from bar 21 to bar 146. Repeat x1 chorus
Melody has 6036 notes, Melody harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Soloist track has 513 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Volume Changes,
Style is _FNKDNC2.STY (Funk Dance w/ Octave Bass)


RealTracks in style: 1941:Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance ChorusHousePiano Ev16 120
RealTracks in style: ~1435:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm JazzFunkGroovinChords Ev16 110
Loop in Song: House-Techno-Trance\Trance - kit3beat135b ev16 tempo.wav
RealTracks in song: 1406:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Soul70sSteady Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: 1943:Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance Strings Ev 120
RealTracks in song: ~2268:Synth, BellPad, Rhythm 80sPopPads Ev 120
RealDrums in Song:ModernDancePop^01-a:Bass, HiHat , b:Claps, Bass

*******************


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,197
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,197
Elliott, very professionally arranged and produced tune. The vocals sound quite nice. The sound is very silky and rhythmic, which is cool.

Know "Dua Lipa" only because her name shows up in crossword puzzles. But I have to think she'd like this. Know I do.


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: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Hey there Elliott. Nice song and good writing. I'm always impressed by your versatility. You do so many different genres so well. From a production standpoint on this one, I'm not much help because I'm not nearly as well versed in this genre. There seemed to be a couple of rather abrupt clips or clicks in the intro, and there was a lot of thumping air in the drums, but that may be the effect you were trying for. Take it with a pound of salt, I may be completely off base. Good connecting song.

Brad

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,516
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,516
I'm not familiar with her music. I guess I'm too old. But this is a catchy song and seems like it should be in a movie soundtrack. Production sounds clean and well mixed.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,992
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,992
Elliott, I have no idea who Dua Lipa is or how she sounds.
But I know a great song when I hear it and this is a great song.
Outstanding arrangement.
Super vocal synths
Outstanding mix.


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Elliott,

I've heard only one song by Dua Lipa, so I'm not all that familiar with her musical bent. Regardless, this is a great song.

You really know how to bring out the best of those synth voices - excellent work!

The entire production is pro. Tip of the hat for a job very well done. I really enjoyed my listen.

Best to you,

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

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,430
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,430
Hey Elliott,

This is really great. Like this one a lot!

Great song and production. I am listening to this on my phone and that may be the reason but it feels like that repetitive clap percussion (or hit, whatever it is) is kinda crisp, if you know what I mean. The mix is so awesome otherwise I found this a little distracting, but otherwise a fine, fine job.

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 936
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 936
This is not an easy exercise to do. It is very well done but I will agree with David, the emphasis on time, you know what I mean!
But I am getting old and this is just my opinion and does not detract from the quality of the work.
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,791
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,791
Ah, I should let my granddaughter answer your question about your marksmanship and Dua Lipa. But there is no question this is a great song. I also don't dance much cuz I'm usually playing in the band. hehe One thing that seems common in dance songs is the constant 4-beats per measure quarter-notes on the kick, and you did a great job with that, especially adding some cool and dynamic breaks. Good production and a fun song. It must be a good dance song because I felt like grabbing my bass and jhoping on stage.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,704
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,704
Dua Lipa isn't exactly what floats my boat, but here are a few simple things you can change:

  • Get rid of the 80s snare sound in the verses. Most modern snare-sounds are short, not too bright and often overlaid with handclaps. Your choruses sound much more modern than the verses
  • Modern productions use a lot of vocal layering to make the sound smooth yet cutting through. Unfortunately, often with auto-tune where an EQ on one of the layers would have done the job.


Overall, I think you did a good job, it sounds modern and is absolutely danceable.
Enjoyed my listen [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Elliot

I'll let others critique the modern dance side - but overall it's a nice song. Excellent work with Synth V.
Well done.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,003
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,003
Hi, Elliot.

I won't even pretend I'm up on knowing what modern music sounds like, so I have no clue if you hit your target. But it's a nice dance track, with a bright, up front mix.

Sounds good, I like it! smile

But... the lyric and I am not Lady Guinevere is an interesting choice, since she's known for her infidelity to Arthur and eventual banishment to a nunnery. wink


-- 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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,157
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,157
Your writing is always good. The synth vocal could probably be a Dua Lipa sort of thing as there's a generic quality about them both - in DL's world that's no doubt caused by the over processing. I agree with David about the Arthurian reference.
I look forward to hearing your voice again soon.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,805
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,805
The only difference we noted in this and the modern pop we've heard is that your lyric is hugely better written.
We admire those who venture into multiple genres ... particularly those as disparate as some of yours!

Your instrumental performances and the BiaB tracks sit nicely together and the mix really pops smile on the monitors.
And the vocals sound really good with lots of humanizing nuances.

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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,153
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,153
Cool song Elliot. These vocal synths are very good. Excellent lyric and backtrack. Cool groove. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
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
Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.

XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

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 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.

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.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,266
Posts790,253
Members39,847
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
jeb23, n2banjos, AndrewInCyprus, Harbert, BHR
39,847 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 316
DrDan 213
MarioD 212
Noel96 169
DC Ron 137
Rob Helms 128
Today's Birthdays
cvs287
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5