My latest attempt at writing a Bar Room style number, its a bit of a throwaway/album filler number rather than a 'serious' story song! Just a bit of fun lol!
Recording wise, I feel its a bit rough around the edges personally, so any and all tips etc as usual are very welcome!
Cold Beer And Whisky (c) PMcNaught 2026
[Verse 1] Neon on the window Last call on the wall Your name on my phone again I don't pick up at all Boot prints on this sawdust Where we once used to dance Now I'm slow-sippin' memory Out of this busted glass
[Chorus] Cold beer and whiskey They both burn goin' down One's a little slower One spins me around Every time you leave me I’m right back here, you see Chasin' you in circles With cold beer and whiskey
[Verse 2] Bartender wipes the counter Like he’s seen this show before Says, "Son, you need a taxi Not another pour" But your laugh hits that jukebox From some old Friday night And I trade one more tomorrow For one more blurry light
[Chorus] Cold beer and whiskey They both burn goin' down One's a little slower One spins me around Every time you leave me I’m right back here, you see Chasin' you in circles With cold beer and whiskey
[Bridge] You’re that double on the rocks I know I shouldn’t touch But my hands still go reachin' When the ache gets too much (oh yeah) If loving you’s a habit Guess I’m hooked and I’m proud ‘Cause I still taste you, baby Every time I wash you down
[Chorus] Cold beer and whiskey They both burn goin' down One's a little slower One spins me around Every time you leave me I’m right back here, you see Drownin' all our history In cold beer and whiskey
[Outro] Yeah, I’m still here, don’t miss me Just cold beer And whiskey
****** Song Summary ************* Title: Cold Beer And Whisky File:Cold Beer And Whisky.SGU Key=G , Tempo 125, Length (m:s)=3:38 No intro. 110 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 110. Repeat x1 chorus Melody has 2724 notes, Melody harmony is < no harmony >(0) Soloist track has 60 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0) Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Volume Changes, Style is _NOTE.STY (Note Country Blues Boogie)
RealTracks in style: ~1845:Bass, Electric, CountryBoogieA-B Sw 110 RealTracks in style: 1566:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm SouthernRockJohn Sw 120 RealTracks in song: 652:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasBoogie Sw 140 (A:sync) RealTracks in song: 617:Pedal Steel, Background Shuffle Sw 136 RealTracks in song: ~952:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryBoogieOpen Sw 110 RealTracks in song: 1279:Guitar, Electric, Soloist CountryBoogieBrent Sw 140 RealTracks in song: 1279:Guitar, Electric, Soloist CountryBoogieBrent Sw 140 RealDrums in style:BluesRockShuffle^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Open HiHat
*******************
Sometimes you just have to say f### it and do it anyway!
Excellent backing and vocals. Loved the growl on "when that aching".
As much work as I've done on my songs, people have mostly said my "throwaway" songs are the best. Go figure.
In terms of the mix, the volume and balance are excellent. The vocal lacks a bit of "sheen" - I want to hear a touch of reverb, or something to give thing a bit more sense of space. There are places where I'd clean up the vocal, like "where he's seen thissss before", but I've got a lateral /s/, so I'm hyper-sensitive about stuff like that.
A bit of vocal doubling would be nice, but isn't required.
I'd suggest having a look at something like Panagement, my favorite free spacial effect. Did I mention it's free? I've got the full version, but I don't think there are any features in it you'd actually use. But I find it's really good at placing things in space, and somehow just making things better.
Hi Pete! Good song! On my first listen, I didn’t note any mix issues - although cold beer mixed with whisky - is that a thing? Maybe a little delay added to the vocal? A really good tempo and dance vibe to this song - I could really imagine the sawdust getting a good work over with the right set of boots. Andrew
Excellent backing and vocals. Loved the growl on "when that aching".
As much work as I've done on my songs, people have mostly said my "throwaway" songs are the best. Go figure.
In terms of the mix, the volume and balance are excellent. The vocal lacks a bit of "sheen" - I want to hear a touch of reverb, or something to give thing a bit more sense of space. There are places where I'd clean up the vocal, like "where he's seen thissss before", but I've got a lateral /s/, so I'm hyper-sensitive about stuff like that.
A bit of vocal doubling would be nice, but isn't required.
I'd suggest having a look at something like Panagement, my favorite free spacial effect. Did I mention it's free? I've got the full version, but I don't think there are any features in it you'd actually use. But I find it's really good at placing things in space, and somehow just making things better.
Anyway, nice song!
Thanks for the input David, I'll download the plugin you suggested and have a play with it. Yes you did indeed mention it was free!! Glad you enjoyed it and the Ssss was actually me holding back from singing the word 'sh1t' instead of the word 'show'! If you listen you can hear me laughing to myself just after.... I wasn't aware at the time but heard it after reading your comment!!
I do appreciate your input 👍
Last edited by PeteMcN; 02/03/2605:09 PM.
Sometimes you just have to say f### it and do it anyway!
Hi Pete! Good song! On my first listen, I didn’t note any mix issues - although cold beer mixed with whisky - is that a thing? Maybe a little delay added to the vocal? A really good tempo and dance vibe to this song - I could really imagine the sawdust getting a good work over with the right set of boots. Andrew
Thanks Andrew, I agree the verb and delay need looking at, and as David says doubling the vocal.
I'm off to kick up some of that sawdust in my sleep!!
Sometimes you just have to say f### it and do it anyway!
Glad you enjoyed it and the Ssss was actually me holding back from singing the word 'sh1t' instead of the word 'show'! If you listen you can hear me laughing to myself just after.... I wasn't aware at the time but heard it after reading your comment!!
Glad you enjoyed it and the Ssss was actually me holding back from singing the word 'sh1t' instead of the word 'show'! If you listen you can hear me laughing to myself just after.... I wasn't aware at the time but heard it after reading your comment!!
That would explain your signature block.
Yep, sorry about that!
Sometimes you just have to say f### it and do it anyway!
Hi Pete. A fine toe tapper. This style always make my feet twitch. I tend to agree with Dave when he mentions lack of sheen. Could do with a touch of reverb or slap back delay. Maybe could use just a little HF increase and LF decrease on the vocal too.
Pete, country music at its best. I agree with the others on the vocal but I must admit that your vocals are a lot better than mine. I agree with the slap back delay suggestion. A great backing band and mix. I like it!
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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.
Be it country or blues we are always down with a shuffle. Maybe just a touch of reverb on the nice vocal ... 12-18% wet depending on the fx. That would help it ever so slightly blend in with the session guys.
Enjoyed 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
Pete, you're a good singer and songwriter, as evidenced here. The mix did seem a little different than what I've heard from you in the past, but it's okay. I'd have to A-B it with one of your previous songs to say anything beyond that. I really like the lyrical flow of your songs - a lot of people have trouble with that but it seems to come natural to you. Did you always sing country? Good job with this, enjoyed it a lot!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Oh, I love catching those throw-aways, Pete, and this one was easy to catch --can of corn, they used to say in baseball. Excellent vocal and mix, and the lyrics definitely tell some stories with some of the missing scenes filled by the listener. That makes it more relateable and personal, which of course makes it more than filler. Man, if this is filler on an album, I gotta hear the rest. Keep 'em coming, Pete.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
This is first-class listening... well written, excellently performed, and a terrific arrangement and production. You had me smiling and tapping my feet.
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!
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean