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Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 467
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 467 |
We Hold The Light Hello Forum Friends Back again! Apologies for the song-spam, another one's escaped the confines of my brain and limped its way here. Boring backstory if interested : This little ditty was intended to be a sonic love letter to my stunning partner. ♀ Think romantic serenade, candlelight dinner... the whole shebang. Instead, I was met with a lukewarm reception colder than a penguin's pedicure. Her exact words? A soul-crushing "Meh." ☹ Naturally, I probed further. "Any other feedback?" I stammered, feeling the room temperature drop about 10 degrees. "Guitar solos are so last century," she declared. Ouch. 😮 My ego retreated, whimpering, to a dark corner.👇 But, I'm a resilient chap! I can handle constructive criticism... even when it feels like being mauled by a dingo. So, chin up, chest out, and onwards! ☼ Confucius wisely said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." I suspect he never tried playing a power ballad guitar solo to a woman who prefers lo-fi indie. He might reconsider that philosophy. 😏 So, I'm releasing this song into the wild with the expectation that it'll flicker briefly, then gently fade into digital oblivion. Consider it a sacrificial lamb offered on the altar of musical experimentation. No need to comment unless you're absolutely compelled to tell me it's the worst thing you've ever heard (I'm already bracing myself).☂ But, to those brave (or perhaps recklessly curious) souls who give it a spin, I salute you! May your coffee always be hot, your Wi-Fi strong, and your karma overflowing with good fortune!" ☕ 👌 🌷 Iͥzzͣyͫ Lyrics on Soundcloud Key D Tempo 91 bpm Style is _PULSAR.STY (Pulsar Pop Rock Ballad) 1767 acoustic piano 365 acoustic guitar 1761 acoustic guitar strumming 409 fiddle 2474 Bass acoustic 1410 Piano Synth Real Drums RockEven 16 2692 Organ solo guitar from my daw library
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Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 800
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 800 |
Hey Izzy!
Love the chorus, and also the 'generator effect' powering up for the guitar solo. The piano outro also is very fitting for the style of the song. Did guitar solos go out of fashion? I wasn't told - I'll have to get with the programme.
Good job!
Andrew
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Joined: Nov 2008
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Joined: Nov 2008
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Izzy, this is quite a sweet song. Love your arrangement and vocals, and the harmonies on the chorus create a nice dynamic lift. You always put a different spin on your music, and I always enjoy listening. Like you, I've found that writing a song from the heart is a bit hit and miss for the object of the affection. Finally did one that hit, so now I'm done with the exercise.  If I were playing Cyrano in your attempt to wow the fair Roxanne, I'd offer two suggestions. Clean up the word "love" in your second line. It sounds digitally garbled in processing and sets a questionable opening tone for a song about...well, love. Lose the solo or replace it with something more in keeping with the romantic ballad feel of the song. Don't think she was wrong about this particular solo. It's just not a great fit for the effect you want. Or don't change a thing and move on. That's what I've usually done. More than once. Or twice... Ha!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796
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Song-spam <-- cool, but definitely not applicable to what you give us, Izzy. Ah, the whole shebang of this one is so pleasent. Your partner was surely stunned with this gem and all she could muster in such a state was Meh. Egos are always best in dark corners. Excellent vocals and a singable melody with relatabel sentiment in the lyrics. I like the way you broke it down with the piano. Hot coffee simmers. Hey, I forgot to mention that cool guitar solo --now I didn't.
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Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 467
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 467 |
Izzy, this is quite a sweet song. Love your arrangement and vocals, and the harmonies on the chorus create a nice dynamic lift. You always put a different spin on your music, and I always enjoy listening. Like you, I've found that writing a song from the heart is a bit hit and miss for the object of the affection. Finally did one that hit, so now I'm done with the exercise. If I were playing Cyrano in your attempt to wow the fair Roxanne, I'd offer two suggestions. Clean up the word "love" in your second line. It sounds digitally garbled in processing and sets a questionable opening tone for a song about...well, love. Lose the solo or replace it with something more in keeping with the romantic ballad feel of the song. Don't think she was wrong about this particular solo. It's just not a great fit for the effect you want. Or don't change a thing and move on. That's what I've usually done. More than once. Or twice... Ha! Hi Ron, Well, if that's not the kindest, most insightful review I've ever received, I don't know what is! Seriously, you've managed to distill everything I love (and occasionally fear) about songwriting feedback: empathy, a dash of world-weariness (the good kind!), perfectly timed humour, tech wizardry, and advice so wise it borders on prophetic. 👍 👋 💯 And speaking of prophecies... are you and my better half secretly plotting my musical destiny over tea and biscuits? Because you're both singing the same tune about that solo! (Maybe it is time for that poor guitar to retire to a nice little ballad-free farm...) 🙄 I'm definitely not one to think any mix is sacred. Consider your esteemed ears officially deputized for remix duty! Thank you so much for investing the time to listen, analyze, and offer such brilliant guidance. You've given me more to chew on than a starving musician at an all-you-can-eat buffet. (◔_◔)🍔🍕 Huge thanks Ron. Izzy P.S. I'm still debating whether to fix that "love" sound, or just claim it's avant-garde digital distortion. You know, for artistic integrity. 😎
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,352
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,352 |
What I liked most:
That little chord change on "with whispers soft"
The way you built it up--first verse simple mix, then 2nd verse added guitars, then 2nd chorus vocal doubling...nice augmentation
Real tight rhyme scheme, nice.
Very nice subtle, gentle ending.
Enjoyed it thoroughly.
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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Posts: 15,816 |
We are a “together for 45 years” couple that can deeply appreciate your write and sentiment. Fits us perfecto. So why do we write so many blues songs? 🤷♂️😀
It all sounds fine to us but we were too smitten with the lyric to further parse things out!
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.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,552
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Posts: 8,552 |
Izzy,
Great song and a great vocal. I also really like the arrangement and mix. So well done!
Bob
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018 |
Izzy, this is truely a masterpiece
Outstanding arrangement, vocal, and lyrics
The instrumentation is perfect for this song
Great mix
Super piano ending.
One of your best for sure.
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
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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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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!
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