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Soundcloud - Use it or you lose it Youtube - Use it or you lose it In this video, chocolate is a metaphor, so watch this if you want to see lots of chocolate! This song was written to a challenge with my mates to use the title 'Use it or you lose it'. I wrote the chord progression, then melody, then added lyrics – in June 2025. The song is about saying 'I love you' to those that matter most, but that we sometimes do not. For the video, rather than find visual material that suited this directly, I choose to use chocolate as a metaphor - if we love it, how often do we tell it? All backing is generated from BIAB, other than all vocals, piano intro and bridge, and the guitar solo in the bridge. I arranged and mixed in Reaper, adding main and backing vocals, as well as piano for the intro, outro and bridge, and guitar solo in the bridge. And because I have trouble holding pitch for any note longer than a minim, I had to manually pitch correct a few notes to keep them on track (no pun intended). ****** Song Summary ************* Style is _WAG.STY (Wag Rock & Roll Guitars) RealTracks in style: 2435:Bass, Electric, NewOrleansShuffle Sw 130 - I love the bouncy and sometimes throbbing bass in this style! RealTracks in style: ~1549:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountrySwing Sw 110 RealTracks in style: 3781:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockNRollTremoloHeld 120 RealTracks in style: 3780:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockNRollSweep Sw 120 RealDrums in style:NewOrleansShuffle^04-a:Kick Shuffle , b:Ride, Shuffle Piano via M-Audio Oxygen 49 using Sforzando 001 Piano Acoustic for intro, outro and bridge Guitar solo in bridge was double tracked Main vocal triple tracked with 1 track main and other two panned left and right -18db Backing vocals triple tracked Mixed in Reaper LYRICSINTROVERSE 1There are times when I should say ‘I love you’, but I don’t It’s awkward and appearing without passion, not saying I won’t I really do and I hope it’s conveyed in small things every day It’s partly because I don’t like public displays… of love I’m not saying I want more PLAY INTRO VERSE 2They say you use or you lose it – I hope they’re wrong We are ‘more than room-mates’, I say we belong This all sounds like excuses when that’s not the case at all I know I should do better but I’m unsure … What to do … I feel there’s more …. to explore INTRO motifBRIDGEI see it everyday in what you do … ooo … I guess I’m saying I do the same thing too SOLO OVER BRIDGEVERSE 3I give out subtle hints I mean the same as you Implied in daily living – of course I know it’s true Trying not to take for granted expressions all the time I need to say ‘I love you’ once more … Speak it true … say it raw …. say it to you OUTROChords:Intro/Outro C Cmaj7 C2 C x2 Verse C | Em G C | C7 F Cdim7 | C Bb2 E Ab | Am | Em7 | F | D7 | Bridge Em Am G7 C Dm G F C
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Andrew,
Excellent song with a great melody. I really like the mix and way you sing it as well.
Very nice!
Bob
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Andrew, another very deftly crafted pop gem. The melody and vocals are fun and infectious, as is your arrangement. Your playing and singing fit perfectly with the song and the mood you're setting for the listener. Love everything you're doing here.
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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Fun song though the last line of the chorus is odd. Like the Dedicated Follower of Fashion quote too.
The vocal is nice but also a bit ropey in parts...doubling might help even that out.
Very well written & arranged. COOL!
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Andrew, this is a super pop song.
I liked the arrangement and chord progression
Super vocal and lyrics
Great mix
A flashback to the late 1960's
Loved it
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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Hi, Andrew. Bouncy and fun! I especially like the background vocals. As others have said, a nice bit of pop. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Rather than bombard this thread with replies to responses, I thought I'd summarise ... Melody, chord progression, arrangementExcellent song with a great melody. … another very deftly crafted pop gem. The melody and vocals are fun and infectious, as is your arrangement. … this is a super pop song. I liked the arrangement and chord progression … Great mix … A flashback to the late 1960's Bouncy and fun! … As others have said, a nice bit of pop. smile I love great melodies and grew up in the 60s when melody flourished. I saw a video recently that I try to keep in mind – using intervals of a 3rd or higher in the melody can create distinctiveness, and avoid too much scale step movement, although this has its place. Some of you might have heard me say that I like straying outside the diatonic when it comes to chord progressions – the verse progression has somewhat strange movements (Cdim7 > C; C > Bb2 > E >Ab/G# > Am) which seem to work to my ear – unless I’ve been listening too long. I need to unpack the progression to understand why it works because, in the natural, I wouldn ‘t have thought it would work. Vocals… I really like the mix and way you sing it as well. Very nice! Your playing and singing fit perfectly with the song and the mood you're setting for the listener. … The vocal is nice but also a bit ropey in parts...doubling might help even that out. … I especially like the background vocals. Ah my vocal – my Achilles heel! I do triple track the main vocal but have 2nd and 3rd sitting lower in volume, so maybe I need to mix that a bit higher. Regarding backing vocals, they are my ‘cloaking device’ – something I add to distract the listener from the ‘ropiness’. Regarding lyrics, my view is they are just the vehicle for the music (otherwise, go read poetry) and so I don’t mind if they are oblique or easily misconstrued. OtherFun song though the last line of the chorus is odd. Like the Dedicated Follower of Fashion quote too. Well spotted! A day or two into writing the song, I realised that passage sounded familiar (the tail end of the 3rd line of each verse - small things every day / that's not the case at all / expressions all the time) – what was it? The next day, my neurons fired and I realised the melody is the same and the chord progression like The Kinks ‘Dedicated follower of fashion’ – which I used to sing in a band – so I left it in as a nod to the great Ray Davies. Thank you so much for all your comments! This forum is a very encouraging community where members are willing to pass on their expertise and insights – thank you for welcoming me in!
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Chocalate as metaphor for unspoken love was a cool idea. Man, you speak of it all so well in this write, Andrew. I love that feel the piano gives the song and it fits perfectly with the bouncy melody and happy lyrics. Good mix and a wonderful 60s feel. Much enjoyed.
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Nice production and great theme for a song.
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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Another signature piece, Andrew. I love what you do with your voice, the melisma at the end of phrases.
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Another signature piece, Andrew. I love what you do with your voice, the melisma at the end of phrases. Thanks Beth! I recall when writing it that I liked the idea of drawn out notes at the end contrasting with the more syllabic meter in the first lines. I didn’t know there was a musical term for it though! Regarding signature pieces, I have in mind to do something outside of my wheelhouse, but no ideas yet - I love reggae, and would like to write one - something like ‘Rude’ by MAGIC!. Andrew
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I love that 60s pop sound. There are parts that remind me of the Monkees. Fun and jaunty.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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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