|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546 |
Hello Musical Friends UPDATE: Took onboard some advice from greater ears than mine and have posted v.2 below alongside the original. I've increased the vocals, removed one of the basslines from the quiet part, and put reverb on that harmonica (that made a huge difference). I did try some organs there as well, but nothing sounded right to me. If anyone wants to chime in on remaining niggly bits or give a thumbs up, thanks in advance. I'd like to share my latest song with you: Master on Soundcloud Version 2 This is one I wrote ages ago and it never went further than paper so I'm pleased to see it finally taking shape thanks to BIAB. The style is _EXALT but I changed the band around a bit: Real Bass 3119 Bass 2602 Guitar 1581 Guitar 2547 Guitar 3750 (Isn't it Davis who asks if there's such a thing as too many guitars?) Piano 4900 Organ 2692 Vocal Mms 3278 Harmonica 3291 Real Drums Gospel Cool W Swing 16 A slew of vocals with the usual treatment (compression, reverb, vocal rider) Lyrics: There’s a master watching over me as I go through life’s lessons a teacher with his hand on my shoulder giving me his blessings There’s a guide who stands behind me as I make all my mistakes There’s a force that surrounds me as I grow for Love’s sake Love fill me up, love fill me up Fill me up with just the courage I need Love give me wings, love give me wings give me wings to fly, set my spirit free There’s a power I draw from when I feel weak There’s a courage I gather when things look bleak There’s a source that won’t fail me when I’m ready to break There’s a love that surrounds me as I live for Love’s sake (chorus) When I feel like he’s left me and I can’t feel love there I sometimes forget the truth and start to despair And just when I’m stumbling and can’t right myself again I'm reminded Love’s carrying me right through to the end (chorus) (improv/jam) Just so I know, there’s a master watching over me (chorus) Thanks for listening and sharing your thoughts if so inclined. Totally open to constructive feedback.
Last edited by BYOBand; 07/09/25 11:12 AM. Reason: added link to another version
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469 |
Beth,
Nice use of BIAB.
Great that your songs from the past are getting their due...
The harp and organ.work well.
Nice vocals.
Nicely mixed.
A catchy chorus!
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333 |
Hi Beth!
I like it - I like it a lot!
The style you chose (ideal for the theme - church organ sound etc.), and the melody and chord progressions, work really well together. The style has a bounce to it, and I reckon you've written good melody and chords to compliment the style - or vice versa. I love that guitar sound sitting behind the harmonica and continuing through to the end - I'm gonna have to look that up to see what it is. Your harmony and backing vocal are good, and I reckon there's an opportunity to double or triple the BV (with relevant harmonisation) - imaging you up front with a trio of gospel BVs behind to the left.
I'm always interested in what process you used to take the lyrics through to the completed song, especially since you said you had the lyrics on paper from a while back i.e. what order of development did you go through? Did you choose a style first to suit the theme, then chords, then melody, or in some other order? Rarely do I start with lyrics - which for me are usually informed by the style and melody, but I do have a title or tag line arising from the melody.
I've added this to my BIAB fav playlist - good work. Let us know when this moves from demo to finished project!
Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612 |
Hi, Beth. Sounds good! I've have brought the vocals forward a bit - comparable to the harmonica - but they sit in the mix well, so that's just a matter of preference. I see you've got Vocal Rider - I've got to try that out some time. Your vocal styling works really well, and the chorus bop along like it should. Excellent work on the vocals.  All right, on to suggestions to ignore.  I'd be really tempted to pull the vocal forward a bit in time, especially in the verse. When you scoop into the word, like on courage and things, it sounds great, but feels like it softens the attack. You're hitting the beat on time, but (to me) it feels late. Pulling the vocal forward just a bit would cause it to anticipate the beat, and would also add a bit more punch to the attacks. Since the instruments are on the beats 2 & 4, it's up to the vocals to put the punch into the downbeat. Despite Vocal Rider, there are still a couple places where it feels that the vocal is being swallowed by the instruments. Bringing up the vocal would help that a lot. Around 3:30, the funky bass line is fighting with the vocals for attention. Maybe putting a "simple" bass on that part would be better, because the bass would give the steady beat that your vocals could work against. Plus, it would stop the bass player from stealing the attention, which should 100% be on your vocals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 270
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 270 |
Good gospel groove with a very soulful vocals. Reminds me of my favourite R&B records of 1960s. Very good arrangement; living and growing. One of the best songs I heard here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112 |
Beth,
Great song and love your vocal. I also think the mix is excellent here.
One of your best productions!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683 |
Good song! Excellent write and strong chorus. Love the melody! Band sounds good as does the vocal.
I agree with David about maybe bringing the main vocal up a little in the mix, not much, maybe 2db.
Excellent!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,039 |
Love the style and your delivery/performance..really great. And a fine lyric, strong melody and nice chord construction. Overall very enjoyable track to listen to.
My one suggestion: I would not have used the harmonica for soloing--I think its sound is too sharp for this track, and it introduces an instrument not already heard on the track--I'd prefer to solo with the organ perhaps--it's already "there" in the band, and its sound is softer, more like the rest of the track.
Thanks for bringing "old" work forward--these projects are never really "done"..!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,443 |
Love that convincing vocal, Beth. Wonderful song, and very cool background vocal. At first I thought the drum was a bit busy, but then felt it perfectly portrayed the uplifting feeling of the song. Very catchy chorus, a contagious sing-along.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546 |
Thanks for your kind comments and playlisting. To answer your question, I always get the lyric download first. Once I have the words, I more often than not can hear the melody in my head and have a sense of style. If not, I have to sing little bits and pieces into my phone (or less frequently plunk around on the ukulele) until something clicks. That's when I open up BIAB. Then I have to figure out what the heck the chords are (the big gap in my musical knowledge). Where's the software that will do that for me??? So, it seems we have exact opposite flows!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546 |
Hi David,
I was hoping you'd chime in. Thanks for listening. I won't ignore your suggestions as I agree with you on the attack and that the still softer places need boosting. I'll give a listen to that beat issue and bass element. I appreciate your ears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 546 |
Marty, Dave, Bob, & Tom: Thanks to each of you for listening and encouraging. I appreciate the feedback. Tom, I might just see how it sounds with the organ solo. Though I too felt it was too harsh at first, it quickly grew on me, but I'll play around some more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,702
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,702 |
Cool, gently rockin' spiritual...VERY NICE! Superb vocals/vocal arrangement. THINK you've really gotten the feel for the BiaB stuff, too. Great job!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333 |
… I have to sing little bits and pieces into my phone (or less frequently plunk around on the ukulele) until something clicks. …[regarding workflow] So, it seems we have exact opposite flows! Hi Beth! Have you ever featured ukulele in one of your songs? If so / if not, I’d be keen to hear it. The reason I ask about your creative flow is I have realised that creativity can be nudged when working outside of one’s norm (different key, different style, change of writing location, change of instrument, source of lyrics etc.), so I’m interested in others’ approaches that might trigger a new song in me. Andrew D PS I like the idea given to you about an organ solo - I think Tom suggested it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 951
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 951 |
A good, strong lyric backed by a well-constructed band. Your voice reminds me of Evie Tornquist (I was a big fan back in the day). The harmonica was a good choice, although I would have added some extra reverb and perhaps moved it a few feet further back from the mic (but that's not a criticism - just my personal taste). Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,271
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,271 |
Beth, this is fantastic
Super groove and instrumentation; I liked the harmonica
Outstanding vocal and lyrics
Super mix
One of your best for sure.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,549
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,549 |
I'd not heard this first time around and now that I have I'd not have criticised anything, but then listening to the 2nd version, it's clearly a lot better from the start. The harmony vocals really add to it and the rhythm section is a lot clearer. Love the L.D. Miller harmonica, which also sounds better. The organ also fills it up towards the end, and of course I totally relate to the spirit of the lyrics.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333 |
Beth,
Oh yeah. This (version 2) is very good!
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415 |
"And just when I’m stumbling
and can’t right myself again
I'm reminded Love’s carrying me
right through to the end"
Great sentiment.
We agree with Ron, "Cool, gently rockin' spiritual."
The mix set up a nice live feeling soundstage on our monitors.
The type we are fans of.
Well done ... carry on your BiaB journey - fun isn't it!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,380
Posts778,470
Members39,636
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean