Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#883250 03/31/26 09:01 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Hi everyone,
Here is a song that I actually composed around one word: evanescent.
It gave me all kinds of ideas, and I indeed wondered how humanity would have fared if they had known in advance that everything was fleeting, or evanescent. Well, something like that.
I made it some time ago, but renewed everything. Only the melody stayed. I liked it.

It is called THEY SAY https://on.soundcloud.com/ef6OTMEjStr3okJHFD

There is also a music video of the song:

The lyrics are in the song or video.
I'm curious what you think of it.
Enjoy,
Hans
=======================
Technical stuff:
Style is _MIST.STY (Misty Fingerpicking Folk)
Key is D, Bpm 9o.

RealTracks in song:
1759:Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 085
1837:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveHeld Ev16 075
3057:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterFolkAltBassQuinn Ev16 085
2265:Synth, BellPad, Rhythm 80sPopMelodic Ev 085
3079:Mandolin, Soloist BluesyPopAndy Ev 100
3164:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm BluesyPopSteady8thsCleanBrent Ev 100
2975:Vocal Oohs-Aahs, Rhythm Pop3-part Ev 085
3064:Vocal Oohs, Rhythm Pop3-part Ev 085
RealDrums in Song:PopRock16ths^03-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat

I changed the Oohs / Aahs by vocals from Logic Pro. They were more sufficient for this song.


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
Birchwood #883252 03/31/26 09:21 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,007
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,007
Hans,

This is such an awesome song. Love the lyrics and your vocal on this one - one of your very best. Excellent mix as well.

Great stuff!

Bob

Birchwood #883253 03/31/26 09:31 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249
Good song, Hans, very contemplative - tackling the big questions of life. I really liked the lines where you rhymed 'defense' and 'pretense.' To my ear, your singing had a little more gravitas than usual, which fit the song nicely. To be honest, I only knew the word evanescent from the rock group and didn't know what it meant. Now I do. Good word.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Birchwood #883265 03/31/26 12:25 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,187
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,187
Hi Hans!
A good gentle yet rhythmic song here. You sing the title phrase well, and it was the first hook that jumped out at me. I enjoyed the key change - why is this device so maligned these days? I loved the solo as well - probably preferred it to be a little louder.

Like Rob, I now know what the word means!

Andrew

Birchwood #883268 03/31/26 01:55 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,057
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,057
A beautiful song with lots of almost inaudible little details - that's something I like a lot.
Love the lyrics, and your vocals are really good!
Enjoyed my listens.
A lot [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Birchwood #883308 04/01/26 06:56 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
Hans, this is one of your very best songs. But i say that about all of them, don't i? Man, what a wonderful production. There's so much in there and it all comes out at the right time and place in the mix. Good lyrics and that can't-be-better vocal. I'll say the mandolin could be louder.


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
Birchwood #883314 04/01/26 07:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Hi Hans,

Well, reading the comments it seems I was not the first that didn't know the word "evanescent" eek

Good one, Hans, excellent lyrics and vocal.

Birchwood #883327 04/01/26 12:36 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,726
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,726
Powerhouse of a song, Hans. Superb subject and thematic development. Love the melody and backing track. The synth bell and oohs provide subtle-but-delicious accents. Nice use of the soloist, too. GREAT vocals that convey an appropriate mix of tenderness and strength. Stellar production as well.

Superb piece of songcraft here, Hans.

Every day is a gift...


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Birchwood #883352 04/01/26 04:59 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,756
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,756
Hans, first you sent to the dictionary. Second you had me from the first measure. Super song with a great vocal, backing band, and mix. I forgot to mention those outstanding lyrics.
IMHO this is your best to date.
Loved 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
Birchwood #883390 04/02/26 06:10 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,144
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,144
This is a song that raises many questions and sounds very good.
Laurent

Birchwood #883415 04/02/26 01:41 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,494
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,494
Great song Hans!

It kind of reminds me of the guy who wrote Year of the Cat.

Your voice sounds very similar in places!

Year of the Cat

Birchwood #883577 04/04/26 12:07 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,155
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,155
You are channeling John Lennon again for us here. 😊.
And that is wonderful.

We loved the lyrics and could relate as life does seem more precious the older we get.

You sound great, and the band supports you well.
Your excellent use of BiaB tracks is a showcase within the User Showcase!

We enjoyed the video, especially the sweet dog and cat scene and the chickadee at the ending.

Great remake!

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
Birchwood #883678 04/05/26 05:44 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343
Very pretty song Hans. Cool chord progressions. Super vocal and lyric. Excellent mix. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Birchwood #883702 04/06/26 06:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,932
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,932
Hans,

A good write.
Good vocal.
Nice use of BIAB.
Well mixed.
This sounds good.

fj

Birchwood #883866 04/08/26 07:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,257
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,257
An excellent production, Hans.


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.
DC Ron #883943 04/09/26 06:54 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Hi Bob, Rob, Andrew, Brain, Marty, Dave and Ron,
Thanks a lot for your very nice comments! I hope you weren't biting your nails while waiting for my reactions.
As usual, I'm late, but always glad with your comments. Read them when they come and sometimes react on them verbaly, while my wife was around. Then she looks very strange at me... until I explained it was "The Forum" reponding to me. "Aahhh, them again" and then a silence comes in.

Originally Posted by rsdean
Hans,
This is such an awesome song. Love the lyrics and your vocal on this one - one of your very best. Excellent mix as well.
Great stuff!
Bob

Thanks Bob, I don't think they were my best vocals. Those have still to come (I hope). I like to keep hope...

Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Good song, Hans, very contemplative - tackling the big questions of life. I really liked the lines where you rhymed 'defense' and 'pretense.' To my ear, your singing had a little more gravitas than usual, which fit the song nicely. To be honest, I only knew the word evanescent from the rock group and didn't know what it meant. Now I do. Good word.

Thank you Rob! I'm not sure I "tackled" the big questions, but it sounds nice when you say so ;-) and yes, there was some more gravitas in my vocals. But I think I didn't do that on purpose. Maybe a cold before, or too late at night? I can't recall why. And you know what? I didn't know there was a Rock group called like that. Now I do, thanks!!!

Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Hans!
A good gentle yet rhythmic song here. You sing the title phrase well, and it was the first hook that jumped out at me. I enjoyed the key change - why is this device so maligned these days? I loved the solo as well - probably preferred it to be a little louder.
Like Rob, I now know what the word means!
Andrew

Hi Andrew, thanks for your reply! You listened very well! And regarding the volume of the solo: you're right. I increased the volume, but I didn't like the result, so it's not as loud now as you (and I) might want.

Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
A beautiful song with lots of almost inaudible little details - that's something I like a lot.
Love the lyrics, and your vocals are really good!
Enjoyed my listens.
A lot thumbs up [Linked Image]

Thank you for the thumb, Brain! And of course all those compliments too!

[quote=BabuMusic]Hans, this is one of your very best songs. But i say that about all of them, don't i? Man, what a wonderful production. There's so much in there and it all comes out at the right time and place in the mix. Good lyrics and that can't-be-better vocal. I'll say the mandolin could be louder.

Hi Marty, you're getting older. You say this all the time, but you know what? Your ears are getting better and better. But about the mandolin? See what I wrote to Andrew. But next time I take a flute! And thanks a lot, mate!

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Hi Hans,
Well, reading the comments it seems I was not the first that didn't know the word "evanescent" eek
Good one, Hans, excellent lyrics and vocal.

No Dave, you weren't the first to use that word. But do you understand why I liked it so much? It was so unusual, but I really liked the sound and the rhythm of the pronunciation, and the meaning too, for that matter. Although Google Translate always came up with a different word when I looked it up.
And now I feel just like a teacher, like my father... But you wouldn't believe how many times I've had to re-record this part. Such a difficult word to pronounce correctly. And now I can't get it out of my head...

Originally Posted by DC Ron
Powerhouse of a song, Hans. Superb subject and thematic development. Love the melody and backing track. The synth bell and oohs provide subtle-but-delicious accents. Nice use of the soloist, too. GREAT vocals that convey an appropriate mix of tenderness and strength. Stellar production as well.
Superb piece of songcraft here, Hans.
Every day is a gift...

Wow, Ron, what a nice compliment from you! You have to come around, I buy you a beer! And I think some more... (dinner).
Thanks a lot, man!

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
Birchwood #883947 04/09/26 07:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 578
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 578
Thanks Hans. Nice feeling in your song. I also appreciate, that you sing with your own voice. As a mandolin player I would have given the mandolin solo more volume to separate it from the background.

Birchwood #884054 04/10/26 06:32 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 175
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 175
Hans, it's rare to come across a philosophical song that is also enchanting and you've done it remarkably well. It's folky and pleasant, moves lightly like Simon and Garfunkel's "Cloudy." It's a keeper for sure!
John

Scott C #884089 04/11/26 07:59 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Hi Mario, Laurent, David, Janice and Bud and Scott,
Thanks for your very nice comments and waitings for my replies...
I think I nearly every time come with excuses, but you know? I must be too busy every day and before you know it's sleeping time.
Life is too short for busy people... Or I can't organize very well...

Originally Posted by MarioD
Hans, first you sent to the dictionary. Second you had me from the first measure. Super song with a great vocal, backing band, and mix. I forgot to mention those outstanding lyrics.
IMHO this is your best to date.
Loved it

Hi Mario, my best one so far!!! It seems like you keep saying that to me lately. But I like that you say it. It gives me the feeling that I'm heading in the right direction. Thanks!

Originally Posted by laurent4114
This is a song that raises many questions and sounds very good.
Laurent

Hello Laurent, the way you say this sounds almost poetic... Thanks!

Originally Posted by David Snyder
Great song Hans!
It kind of reminds me of the guy who wrote Year of the Cat.
Your voice sounds very similar in places!
Year of the Cat

Hi David, well that sound more than ok for me. I liked that songs a lot (still!), although my favorites were the BeeGees. Better harmonies.
Thanks for that compliment, because his voice is much higher than mine now, but you haven't noticed that ;-)

Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
You are channeling John Lennon again for us here. 😊.
And that is wonderful.
We loved the lyrics and could relate as life does seem more precious the older we get.
You sound great, and the band supports you well.
Your excellent use of BiaB tracks is a showcase within the User Showcase!
We enjoyed the video, especially the sweet dog and cat scene and the chickadee at the ending.

Great remake!
J&B

How sweet of you! Yes, and of course I have to do my very best not to let John be forgotten. Judging by your reaction, I’ve succeeded again!
This is indeed the kind of writing you start writing as you get older. Then the future isn't the most important thing, but the memories are.
And thanks for that BiaB compliment. I’ve never looked at it that way. Though little things like the dog, cat, and bird. Mine is just like a zoo too. Not always to my wife's delight...

Originally Posted by Scott C
Very pretty song Hans. Cool chord progressions. Super vocal and lyric. Excellent mix. Well done

Hi Scott! You are always present with my songs. Thanks for that. And thanks also for your kind compliments on this song! I can sleep well now, I can assure you!


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
John Walradt #884361 04/14/26 05:49 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,788
Hi Floyd, Chay, Arri and John,

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I had noticed the "wish" for a louder mandolin in the solo.
I increased the volume before releasing the song, but that had no effect. Instead, the sound of the instrument seemed to change. And I didn't like that. The advantage of a softer mandolin, however, is that everyone is listening to it more intently now...

Originally Posted by floyd jane
Hans,

A good write.
Good vocal.
Nice use of BIAB.
Well mixed.
This sounds good.

fj

Hi Floyd, thanks for this. I have to admit that I also make use of sounds from Logic Pro once in a while.

Originally Posted by WaoBand
An excellent production, Hans.

Thank you, Chay!

Originally Posted by Brno
Thanks Hans. Nice feeling in your song. I also appreciate, that you sing with your own voice. As a mandolin player I would have given the mandolin solo more volume to separate it from the background.

Hi Arri, thanks for your comment. I always use my own voice, and sometimes a female singer helps me with the background vocals. I never use AI in that, no pitch correction or Melodyne. Just me, reverb and Delay for the effects. Oh, and a D-sser.

Originally Posted by John Walradt
Hans, it's rare to come across a philosophical song that is also enchanting and you've done it remarkably well. It's folky and pleasant, moves lightly like Simon and Garfunkel's "Cloudy." It's a keeper for sure!
John

Hi John, that was a fun one! And the comparison was really 'wow'.


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

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!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

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.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,287
Posts802,703
Members40,081
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jackblue, Deonne46, TboneBob, Balkanmytime, Cutta414
40,081 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 131
zedd 111
rsdean 85
DC Ron 75
vicarn 74
Today's Birthdays
stevenlynnhall
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5