Afternoon all, CAROLPSYCH WIP 2 CAROLPSYCH WIP 2 I've not posted a song in a while - I've been writing & recording but nothing has quite made it to the end yet. This track is, sadly, stuck with my vocal. Part of the lyric is from an older song in a collaboration. I've altered them significantly & wrote new music rather than use the old as well. BIAB content included: organ - 2692 RealDrums - AltRockslowsteady8th lead guitar - 3438 & Piano - 811 I threw in the lap slide, bass, guitar and some MIDI stuff as well as the mournful vocal. Oh, I threw in a vibraslap sample...not a great one but I'm experimenting with the placement of it. They're such odd things and can be corny as well as overused. I've placed it once and hope it makes sense. DRENCHED in delay & reverb, this may not be many folk's cup of meat but, to me, it suits the vibe I was going for. As it's a work in progress I'd LOVE feedback general & specific. LYRICS: Gravity asserts itself Books fall from the shelf
Hi, Ray. This sounds quite nice to my ears. Your vocals (and FX) sound perfect. Like the vocal harmonies, and where you have the vocals in the mix. The arrangement has a deliciously unsettling vibe and thrum that is very appealing. The piano figures work really well, as do the little lead guitar fills. Nothing I hear sounds like too much or too little.
Not a smash-and-grab song, but don't think that's what you're going for. Psychedelic prog? Not my expertise, but think you nailed it. Surprised it's a WIP.
Nice to see you posting.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
I was not sure at first where this might go but as soon as your vocals came in I totally got it. It's an awesome progressive rock kinda sound. I'm not much help when it comes to the tech analysis, but I love it! Really curious about the backstory.
Meat in a cup? I haven't eaten meat since 1983, but am not surprised it comes in cups now. Yet, if you're gonna be serving songs with this kind of meat on them, I will change my diet for sure. Ray, you know I always enjoy your vocals, specially with harmony, and my usual comment to raise their volume still stands. Man, this is quite the musical adventure, and I am such a happy explorer. Everything fits so well together and the mix is perfect. I know it's long, but I had to listen a couple times so far, and each revealed more amazing things inside. You are an outstqanding musical director, Ray.
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
Hi, Ray. This sounds quite nice to my ears. Your vocals (and FX) sound perfect. Like the vocal harmonies, and where you have the vocals in the mix. The arrangement has a deliciously unsettling vibe and thrum that is very appealing. The piano figures work really well, as do the little lead guitar fills. Nothing I hear sounds like too much or too little. Not a smash-and-grab song, but don't think that's what you're going for. Psychedelic prog? Not my expertise, but think you nailed it. Surprised it's a WIP. Nice to see you posting.
Thanks DC, Not my area of expertise either. Have you heard the song by Died Pretty called DC?
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I was not sure at first where this might go but as soon as your vocals came in I totally got it. It's an awesome progressive rock kinda sound. I'm not much help when it comes to the tech analysis, but I love it! Really curious about the backstory.
Thanks BYOBand, a deliberately obtuse beginning I'm afraid. The lyric started life during my stint as a collaborator with Spirit Level, in a song called Broken Rhythm . The results didn't quite work for me...I'd not spent enough time editing & thinking about it so, now that the song & collab are in the past I decided to do the necessary work and get the words to where I thought they should be.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hey Ray, This is a really cool work in progress man. It has a real '60s touch to it, even kind of a Lo-Fi 60s touch like early King Crimson or something. I like the keyboard sounds especially. Can't wait to see what the next version sounds like!!
Ta David, I've been thinking about KC Mellotron lately, not so much the sound as the way Fripp moved the chords - the leading tone thing he does so very well.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Meat in a cup? I haven't eaten meat since 1983, but am not surprised it comes in cups now. Yet, if you're gonna be serving songs with this kind of meat on them, I will change my diet for sure. Ray, you know I always enjoy your vocals, specially with harmony, and my usual comment to raise their volume still stands. Man, this is quite the musical adventure, and I am such a happy explorer. Everything fits so well together and the mix is perfect. I know it's long, but I had to listen a couple times so far, and each revealed more amazing things inside. You are an outstanding musical director, Ray.
Thanks Marty, Not My Cup of Meat was a vulgar, deliberately unpleasant development from Not My Cup of Tea used by someone in the late 70s. I rather liked it surrealist bent and have used it occasionally - usually unfruitful. You abstinence from animal protein out does my abstinence from alcohol by a good 14 years.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
G'day Ray Giving feedback is always a bit like trying to defuse a bomb wearing oven mitts, isn't it? But hey, someone's gotta tell the emperor he maybe needs a bigger microphone. 🎤 The music's like a swirling galaxy of sound, all cool and atmospheric. But right now, your voice sounds like it's trying to shout instructions from the back of the spaceship. Let that incredible voice of yours soar and not just be there. We need to hear you! ◝(^⌣^)◜ Dig deep into that story, whatever it is – heartbreak, existential angst, the price of bread these days – and sell it to us like you're pitching the last life raft on the Titanic. Unleash the inner rock god! The music's already laying down the red carpet, just strut your stuff along it. The music’s fantastic, atmospheric and wonderfully Ray-esque, but it’s there to boost the story, not bury it. Think about unleashing a bit more raw emotion. Let that story come roaring through! My challenge to you, cobber, is to make me care about what you're singing. Drag me into that story! Unleash the vocal beast within! So Ray, listen to my "advice" at your peril, but hey, you do have all my platinum records don't you? 😁
WOW. What an Opening! LOVE it. Organ is perfect. Smooth bass. Love those vocals! Cool lead guitar. The piano break is sweet. The drums are dull. They need some clarity.
Really nicely arranged and produced. This is Good Work. One of your best.
G'day Ray Giving feedback is always a bit like trying to defuse a bomb wearing oven mitts, isn't it? But hey, someone's gotta tell the emperor he maybe needs a bigger microphone. 🎤 The music's like a swirling galaxy of sound, all cool and atmospheric. But right now, your voice sounds like it's trying to shout instructions from the back of the spaceship. Let that incredible voice of yours soar and not just be there. We need to hear you! ◝(^⌣^)◜ Dig deep into that story, whatever it is – heartbreak, existential angst, the price of bread these days – and sell it to us like you're pitching the last life raft on the Titanic. Unleash the inner rock god! The music's already laying down the red carpet, just strut your stuff along it. The music’s fantastic, atmospheric and wonderfully Ray-esque, but it’s there to boost the story, not bury it. Think about unleashing a bit more raw emotion. Let that story come roaring through! My challenge to you, cobber, is to make me care about what you're singing. Drag me into that story! Unleash the vocal beast within! So Ray, listen to my "advice" at your peril, but hey, you do have all my platinum records don't you? 😁 🙃
Thanks for the detail Izzy. Sadly my voice isn't strong enough to emote...a passive, matter of fact evenness is all I can manage with lots of rehearsing, tracking, comping and tech manglement. I have, however, boosted the vocal level just a little because your were so emphatic about my lack of emotion - when in doubt - crank it, I suppose.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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.
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!
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.
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)
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