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OP
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Posts: 816 |
Soundcloud: Artefacts Youtube: Artefacts We are the sum of our experiences, and these human artefacts accumulate to shape us - at least that's the implication of this song. Of course, this ignores how our genetics also shape us. The lyrics culminate in the notion 'The artefact is me'. I think back on some of the things I have done in my past (well intentioned) and cringe. While a very introverted young man, I long for some of the sensitivities I had when I was younger, so this song is quite the introspection. The song originated in March 2016, and from my records, I believe I added the music for a bridge in 2018. The words for the bridge were added in 2024 along with a rewording of all lyrics from the second person to the first person. I toyed with the idea of adding words to the chorus, but decided to leave it as it is for something different (I heard the story about Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' sax chorus being an intentional move to p155 off the record company who were insisting he honour his contract and release a single - he was thinking a song without a chorus would flop and they'd be irritated, but it was a huge success. I'm not sure if that is urban myth, but interesting nonetheless). Musically, the melody refrain of the intro and chorus was there from the beginning. I was really taken by the organ 'poke' on beats 2 and 4 in the BIAB style, and I've always been intrigued by slow yet rhythmic 1/16th strum songs that have a 'boom boom' bass on the 1.&. of each bar. On this recording, the drums, piano and organ are from the Band-In-A-Box style, while all guitars, bass and vocals are mine - recorded in Cakewalk. ****** BIAB Song Summary *************Title: Artefacts File:Artefacts 2024.MGU Key=E , Tempo 75, Length (m:s)=3:50 Style is =AGRASCL.STY (Slow Ballad Strummed Guitar) Style MIDI Instruments are : Acoustic Piano (1), RealTracks in song: 784:Bass, Electric, PopCrossover Sw16 075 – replaced with my own bassRealTracks in style: 625:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Rascal Sw 075 – replaced with my own guitarsRealTracks in song: 1159:Organ, B3, Rhythm ReggaeSlow Sw 075 RealDrums in style:NashvilleSwing16^4-a:HiHat, Sidestick , b:Snare, Hihat LYRICSINTRO VERSE 1 I’ve become a different kind of man With my relics and artefacts on hand Excavated from the past describing who I am Manuscripts and carvings in the clay The key to deciphering who I am today CHORUS 1 - guitar refrain VERSE 2 I was quite reserved when I was young Occasionally I’d talk out of turn Now I look myself up and down, via objects buried low I created them, collected on the road Testaments to shaping me. Where did that young man go? CHORUS 2 - guitar refrain BRIDGE Things have not come easy I’ve worked hard I feel unsettled now with what I have become Bring back that younger man with pieces of yesterday And hoping that the artefact is me OUTRO
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Andrew,
This sounds great. Insightful lyrics and well sung. The organ sounds especially nice here.
Excellent song!
Bob
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I esp liked the simple intro phrase that you repeated throughout…like a kind of glue that connected all the segments..enjoyed my listen!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
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Sounds old, but not in a bad way.
I'm not usually the biggest fan of a B3 sound, but using a Reggae style so that it only plays fills is a really clever choice.
Well done!
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 478 |
G'day Andrew,
First off, "Artefacts" is a fascinating title, and your explanation makes me want to dust off my own mental attic and see what embarrassing relics I've accumulated. The whole concept of being shaped by experiences is a really engaging starting point.
Instantly dug this! The guitars and the metre give off a fantastic (IMO) Thunderclap Newman/Kinks vibe that's got me bobbing my head like a dashboard kangaroo from the first note.
That “chorus”, though… it’s as catchy as a cold in winter, but it's playing it a little safe. It’s more of a recurring motif than a fully realized chorus, and I think a proper chorus would really elevate the song. You've already handled the often-tricky bridge, which is a huge plus. So, what we have here is a cracking good song... just needs a chorus that isn't afraid to show off a bit! (IMO, of course, because my musical opinions are older than sliced bread.)
And the lyrics? They resonated big time – clearly, we're both members of the same grumpy-but-lovable demographic.
So, the verdict: A great song that's just one chorus away from being absolutely stellar! (IMO – but you asked, right?)
P.S. Thanks for the SC support – it's always appreciated!
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… So, the verdict: A great song that's just one chorus away from being absolutely stellar! (IMO – but you asked, right?) Thanks Izzy! Now there’s a challenge! I must admit that I have filed that project away as done and dusted (mentally), so to resurrect it for a chorus is unexpected feedback, but recognising you have a good ear for songwriting, based on my listening of some of your songs, I might see how it goes. I hear myself saying to myself ‘You write song sections all the time- what’s the problem?’ BTW, really enjoying the diverse variety of styles you write in. What instrument(s) do you write on? Andrew D
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Andrew, this is a masterpiece
A song many can relate, I know that I did
Great vocal with outstanding lyrics
Loved it.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2017
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I like the guitar tone (but I know this is subjective). I agree with others that the B3 fills work well. Enjoyed the listen.
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I like the unique presentation of instrumentation and arrangement.
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.
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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.
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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!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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.
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