|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,673
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,673 |
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')
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,760
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,760 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,074
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,074 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,895
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,895 |
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,001
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,001 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299 |
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
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,468
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,468 |
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?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981 |
Your best yet I think, Hans!
Production is top notch as others have mentioned. Excellent vocal!
Best to you and yours for Christmas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,673
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,673 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,044
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,044 |
The new studio seems to be doing good things, but it has a good musician to run it.
Laurent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,519
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,519 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 327
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 327 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,936 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,408
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,408 |
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.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
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: 8,173
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,173 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 537
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 537 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,013
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,013 |
“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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,904
Posts797,555
Members39,982
| |
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