|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
It's Sunday. Time for church! Here's a rather messy attempt at a gospel song. The inspiration was a quote from Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, and visionary who lived in the 12th century...basically the first two lines of the song... and another quote from Mother Theresa who said the "pencil" bit. I'm not particularly happy with the 'overrated' and 'stated' rhyme. If I continue to work with this, I will definitely change that line to something else... elated would be better. Why didn't I think of that sooner! I know there are several issues with it; feel free to point them out to confirm my suspicions. That's always helpful. Anyhoo... Alleluia Style is _FABDAYS.STY (Fabulous Days Uplifting Pop) RealTracks in style: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120RealTracks in style: 1277:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopUpliftA-B Ev16 120 RealTracks in style: ~405:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 2606:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm JazzRock8thsJon Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2608:Bass, Electric, ModernDiscoFunkAlex Ev 110 RealTracks in song: 2533:Guitar, Acoustic, HeldChords RealTracks in song: 1577:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Soul60sSync Ev 110 RealDrums in style:Nashville drum beat and soft brushes I replaced the drums with a RT I used in another song, The Eye Added RT2619 That incredibly fun funky organ. Some BIAB ahs and oos with a few of my own sprinkled in. Loop:AcousticDrumFullKit\Rock - gl_breakdown100g ev16.wav LYRICS: I am a feather on the breath of God I am a pencil in his hand, in his hand The Holy Spirit moves in me giving life and so carefree Allelu Allelu Luia Free will is overrated and I think it must be stated Every inspiration comes from God when confused I make myself still I surrender to Divine will and I pray that I can please God every day in every way Thanks for listening!
Last edited by BYOBand; 09/01/25 12:03 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830 |
I dunno, Beth. You might be a little hard on yourself on this one, since I enjoyed the tune a lot. The lyrics are sparse but get to the intent across. Your vocal arrangement/performance is nuanced and really cool, and the organ intro brings out the gospel theme to my ears. The bass is perhaps non-traditional to the genre but I though it provided a cool, frenetic contrast to the more measured vocals. The ending was a little abrupt, but I'm pressing here. If you need a more critical review, I'm sure others can help there. But I liked it!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,110
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,110 |
Beth,
The song is great, your vocal is great and the production is great. I guess what I'm saying is - this is GREAT!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,254
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,254 |
Hi Beth! With that funky bass and organ, this song certainly conveys the start or end of a church service, and not the reverent middle. The upbeat nature gives me a feeling of celebration. I like the BVs and would love them to be more prominent. Especially liked these around 1:15 and my preference is for them to hang on for another bar by themselves before the band comes back in. Like DC Ron, I felt it ended a bit quickly, and with the track now at only 3:00, is their scope to have an extended band-only outro where they all (including BVs and maybe lead vocal occasional phrasing) lift in intensity with the organ doing a solo on the way out and an extended global fade out - giving the impression the church service is continuing? Just an idea …
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,630
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,630 |
Hi Beth.
I completely agree with Bob (@rsdean), this is great. I was with you all the way. I absolutely loved your performance, arrangement and production.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
Hey, thanks, Rob, Bob, Andrew and Noel! I'm shocked and appreciative that you all liked it. I agree about the length of the break and the length of the ending...technical nightmare to change it now. It would mean, unless I'm unaware of some RB magic, going back to BIAB to extend those sections and then back to RB, redoing all the vocals (there are 5 or 6 different tracks). This may be "just a demo" for awhile while I build up the motivation to do that!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,830 |
Beth, glad I/we could help verify the obvious.  I don't use RB but find it hard to believe that changing the ending would require redoing the vocals or anything else major. On Studio One or Cakewalk, it would take less than five minutes to import new BiaB stems and delete the old ones. Maybe worth a post to the RB sub-forum, since this would be an essential editing skill to know. Love your song even if you don't change it though.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Beth, first of all, anyone who knows/quotes Hildegard is off on the right foot with me (great composer as she was herself!). I liked what you've done here. I think the ending is fine. If it were mine, I would have ended the last chorus maybe with a doubled vocal +1 octave, or with some exuberant shouting--kind of an "elevated" alleluia. The song's got great, positive movement to it, and the sparse lyric fits perfectly. Consulting my Rhyming dictionary, there are tons of choices for "-ate", so if you decide to change it, you've got lots to choose from. I like it as is! Thanks for posting!
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: 5,141
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141 |
Well, the first issue that reached my ears was those amazing vocals. Good song, Beth. Good theme and some terrific choices for inspiration. Listened twice and couldn't hear the issues you hint at, so I agree with Ron in that you may be too hard on yourself. BUT that kind self-anaysis is key to improvement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,039
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,039 |
Fantastic song Beth - your vocal and arrangement is top notch,
your recording/mixing/mastering techniques are way up there,
your vocal overdubs all very slightly behind the beat (but all in
perfect sync), very impressive - don't change a thing!!
BTW - I think you may have heard my chair squeak during
my recording of "Believe In Something",
you have better ears than me!
Carl
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Beth, I read all the posts and listened a couple of times to your song.
I agree with Ron (and others), you were a bit too harsh on yourself. On the other hand, like Marty said, that isn't bad; You have to keep looking at your songs critically. That's how you really learn.
I like the song, and especially your creative way of using/singing 'Alleluia' in the chorus. What made me hesitate was the song's funky style.
Of course, a gospel song should be funky, but here it sounded a bit too stacato, while the gospel style is more fluid. Just like your excellent singing.
But still it is a very nice song.
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,132 |
Technically speaking, there's nothing wrong with your song; I really enjoyed listening to it.
However, since you asked about possible improvements or changes, I'd put "more dynamics" on the list.
I often listen to gospel music because both my sister and my niece sing in a gospel choir, and I am particularly struck by how much the dynamics and intensity change through the singing alone.
You're a really good singer, I'm 100% sure you can do that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,966
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,966 |
This is terrific, Beth.
Your best, I think.
Solid tracks, good BAND. Nice use of the organ. Loved the bass.
Ya had me dancin' in my chair.
Very nice vocals. And BGVs.
I thought they needed a different reverb. Or more of the current one? but I think it's the type. It sounds like you might have a small room type reverb? This rockin' gospel tune could support a bigger hall type. Vocals and BGVs. Perhaps think in terms of giving them a "church-y" reverb? Just a thought.
I enjoyed your song.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351 |
Love the instrumentation in this. Great chord structure, arrangement and mix.
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: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
@Floyd My gosh! Yes! I didn't even think of that. Great suggestion!
Last edited by BYOBand; 09/02/25 04:01 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
So, your feedback has been invaluable...as usual. Thanks!! I know what I need to do now. The plan, summarized here, is for my own benefit:
extend the middle break
make the outro longer and add some "exuberant shouting" maybe
play with the vocal dynamics
churchify the reverb
rework that lyric bit
In the words of the great what's-his-name: "I'll be bach."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,885 |
Beth, I agree with the others about being too hard on yourself. However I will disagree with your "improvement plans". IMHO the only thing you might want to add are some dynamics to your vocals and backing vocals. For instance your Alleluia(h)s could be louder as they might be in a church choir. Loved the organ, bass, and the funk style.
Loved it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,304
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,304 |
Hi, Beth. You've been given lots of good advice, so I'll just sit back and listen to the sermon...  Upbeat gospel, the choir is singing, and the organ is bopping along. Cool! Free will is overrated
and I think it must be stated
Every inspiration comes from GodWell, since the literal meaning of "inspiration" is "to breathe into" or "to infuse with spirit", how can I argue with that?  Fun listen.
-- 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,425
Posts804,881
Members40,122
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean