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Hi everyone, In the last weeks of this year I managed to make this song. It is called You knew it already https://on.soundcloud.com/c4Ok35CQKbK1POiVXsAlthough one has to create nice songs about Christmas or things connected to that, I made a song that doesn't fit in those expectations. But... I made it, because I'm happy. I finished the rebuild of my recording studio, long after the expected time I thought I would need. And as a kind of souncheck I made this song. And I liked it much. Made some sad lyrics and bothered Marty Straub (thanks Marty!) with it... And now you!?! The lyrics are on SoundCloud, so I won't include them here, but you knew that already. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy 2026. Let's hope it comes true. Hans ============================================ Technical stuff Style is _ACCEPT.STY (Accept Blues Background Soloist). Key = C, bpm = 100 RealTracks in song: 4656:Bass, Electric, PopPumpingSync Ev 120 3703:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking 90sAcRockSlowGroove Ev 090 3846:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming DoubleTime Ev 088 (8ths@176) 3703:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking 90sAcRockSlowGroove Ev 090 3201:Guitar, Electric, Soloist LaidBackBluesyBrent Ev 100 3319:Vocal Mmms, Background RockNRollGospel12-8 2-partMid Sw 065 RealDrums: BluesBrushesDrivin8thsb: BluesBrushesDrivin8ths Vocals, including background vocals: me (except for the 'mmms')
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Hans,
Great song. Love the instrumentation on this one. Excellent vocal as always. The production has a lot air and punch - very nice!
Loved it!
Bob
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I don't know if it's suggestibility on my part, but this production does sound a step up for you. What is in your new studio to give you such good results? Good song and good singing as usual, but better sounding. Or is it in my head?
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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I'd say your new studio passed the test and was worth the effort - the production/mix is really good ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif) The good thing about ended relationships is that they often make good material for a song, and you've turned it into a really good song. Enjoyed my listen(s). A lot!
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Hi Hans!
You’ve chosen a really tasty RT here, and coupled with your chords and melody, has brought about a good song. I was looking forward to the chorus each time around. Studio sounds good!
Merry Christmas!
Andrew D
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Apprentice
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I like this Hans. Great groove and very nice tracks. Harrison? Good job.
Paul
BIAB 2025
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
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Super song, Hans! Lots of unexpected twists with your chord changes and melody, but it all flows naturally and sounds SO cool. Some nice lyrical twists on the breakup theme: Happy song are overrated anyway.
You've really dug deep for some BiaB sounds we don't hear featured like this. That opening acoustic guitar is very punchy. Your use of the vocal Mmms is unique but the best I've ever heard (or imagined). The lead guitar fills are nice, too.
The whole production has an open, glassy shimmer that supports the song perfectly. Congratulations on your new studio. Well done!
Merry Christmas!
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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Groovy song with an infectious beat. As others have noted, your new studio is paying dividends already.
Merry Christmas to you!
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
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Your best yet I think, Hans!
Production is top notch as others have mentioned. Excellent vocal!
Best to you and yours for Christmas.
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Hi Bob, Rob, Brain, Andrew and Paul, It's great to read these lovely messages from you. Also because the studio renovations caused acoustic problems I never expected. So the improvements were turning out to be good. Your comments prove that. Thanks! Hans,
Great song. Love the instrumentation on this one. Excellent vocal as always. The production has a lot air and punch - very nice!
Loved it!
Bob Hi Bob, I never take "excellent singing" for granted. Especially not as you get older, but thankfully, judging by what you said, that's still the case. Thanks for that! I don't know if it's suggestibility on my part, but this production does sound a step up for you. What is in your new studio to give you such good results? Good song and good singing as usual, but better sounding. Or is it in my head? Hi Rob, it must be in your head... No, I don't really know what helps the most in the rebuild. Or maybe it is because my recording gear function better here? I also use another reverb (Valhalla). But thanks a lot for this wonderful comment! I'd say your new studio passed the test and was worth the effort - the production/mix is really good The good thing about ended relationships is that they often make good material for a song, and you've turned it into a really good song. Enjoyed my listen(s). A lot! Hi Brain, you almost said the same as the others; the improved studio turns out to be good. Thanks for that! I wish I had done it sooner, reading all the comments... And about ended relations; Don't suffering and creation go hand in hand? Hi Hans!
You’ve chosen a really tasty RT here, and coupled with your chords and melody, has brought about a good song. I was looking forward to the chorus each time around. Studio sounds good!
Merry Christmas!
Andrew D Hi Andrew, It took me some time to come to this. At first I had something with a piano, cello and violin, and Marty was too polite to say it was nothing. He only said he was sure I will change the concept many times and come up with something wonderful, or something like that. I don't think he heard this version yet... But thank you for saying it so nice. and you know, when I hear the song myself, now I'm looking forward to the chorus too. That was what you achieved here! I like this Hans. Great groove and very nice tracks. Harrison? Good job. Hi Paul, Janice and Bud used to call me John for years. And now I am Harrison? Only Ringo and Paul (!) to come... Thanks a lot, man! I wish you all a very nice Christmas and what comes after that; 2026! Hans
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The new studio seems to be doing good things, but it has a good musician to run it.
Laurent
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I echo all the kudo's already expressed--such a quality track and well-made composition. I esp liked the break that leads into the chorus, also the very cool vocal harmonies spread out nicely to L-R. And it's a really engaging rhythm that the whole thing has. Great post!!
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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A new song by Hans is always the highlight of the week, and in this case, the highlight of the season  Glad to hear you have set up your studio and it producing more of your classics. Sad song to my taste - "Spring fills the air, but my mind conceals it/Too clouded to care" I like that familiar image. Nice acoustic rhythm and lovely chorus where your voice and harmonies really shine, I really enjoy how your vocals sit in the mix - and the mix itself has air and punch (edit: how on Earth I came with the exact same words as Bob, maybe because they are so true). Happy Holidays! Janne
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A really nice arrangement and a good choice of BIAB style Hans. Particularly like the opening, coming in lightly with the guitars and then punching in with the bass and drums.
Good job, Have a merry Christmas.
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Hi, Hans. So happy to be the one you "bother" with your progress. I was getting a bit worried about the progress of your studio rebuild, but the progress on this song was never anything to worry about. It started out with a good idea, and your vocals can make any song better. THis is the best mix. Thanks for bothering me, and keep it up, Hans.
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Hans, that new studio jump started your creativity.
Great song and lyrics
Outstanding vocal and backing tracks
Super mix
IMHO this is your best to date.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi, Hans. Congratulations on getting the studio done. I love the attitude that comes through on your vocals. You've got a very distinct musical style. The lyrics are on SoundCloud, so I won't include them here, but you knew that already. Ha! I see what you did there.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in 2026!
-- 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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This song had me form the opening guitar. It's a really nice mix, though I would have like the guitar solo to have gone on a bit longer.
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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Hi Hans
I'm sorry to be late on this as I"m still catching up.
First off – big high‑five on finishing the studio rebuild.
Wow. Just… wow. From the very first note of that smoky, fingerpicked guitar intro, you had me hooked — it was like musical Velcro for the soul. And your vocals! You’ve got that rare gift of sounding both raw and polished at the same time — like emotional sandpaper wrapped in velvet. And those harmonies? Top-Tier my friend. The backing “mmms” from Marty (bless his soul for being “bothered”) added just the right touch of gospel-tinged guilt.
This track is a masterclass in mood. You chose RealTracks like a sommelier pairing wine with sorrow — every instrument pours into the next with such care and feel. That laid-back bluesy electric solo? Pure liquid regret. The pumping bass? My foot hasn’t stopped tapping since my first listen. Honestly, if this is just a soundcheck for your new studio, I can’t wait to hear what happens when you actually start recording — world, brace yourselves.
Massive kudos on finally completing your studio rebuild — I know it took longer than expected, but clearly, great art (and great cable management) can’t be rushed. This song isn’t just a comeback — it’s a statement. A heartbroken, beautifully arranged, expertly produced statement that says, “I’m back, my gear is working, and yes, I will make you cry with minor chords.”
Here’s to 2026 — may it bring you better love, better luck, better Wi-Fi… and at least one person who doesn’t already know how it ends.
Bravo, Hans. This one’s a keeper. Keep strumming, keep humming, and keep making us all wonder why we didn’t know it already!
Warmest (and slightly jealous) wishes,
Izzy
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“Sun shines bright today, yet I can’t feel it
Kids cheer and play, but I’m not there
Spring fills the air, but my mind conceals it
Too clouded to care”
Excellent lines to describe the love lost feel.
Hans, for us you’re again definitely channeling John Lennon here, which is delightful.
The arrangement, your vocals and the RT’s you chose work excellently in creating powerful dynamics.
That Brent solo is great.
Your upgraded studio is working out great indeed.
Well done and we much enjoyed it.
Happy New Year!
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
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