Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#83899 08/28/10 11:46 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
B
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Hey There, Pilgrim:

I'll try to follow Mr. Gannon's suggestions regarding User Showcase posts. But if you find the information and/or my yammering to be too tedious, I suggest you bail out by clicking on an appropriate hypertext link and listening to my song file. So there!

So here:

A Western Wet Dream
(Words and Music by Bro. Dave Lister. All Rights Reserved.)
http://www.brodavelister.com/ditties/wwdream.htm
(Warning: This song is intended for a mature audience!)

No, I'm not a singer, musician, or record producer. Still, when I decided that I'd like to have demo recordings of some of the songs I've written, the most practical course to that end seemed to be that I should try to sing, orchestrate (via my computer), and produce homemade recordings myself — all of the preceding disclaimers notwithstanding.

So, anyway, in the Spring of 2009 I recorded, edited, and mixed a song demo for A Western Wet Dream — not a performance demo or commercially-viable production, just a songwriter's song demo. Okay!? At that time, WWD was only the third song for which I had worked at making a demo recording. Having gained more experience with the whole process since then, and having acquired more/all RealTracks as they are released and having collected some top-notch MIDI synths and samples plus a Ketron SD2 sound module, I expect I'll revisit this project sometime in the near future — to re-record, re-edit, and re-mix the song, hopefully to its benefit. Still, as it is now, it's a much better recording than I ever anticipated producing myself with just my old guitar and harmonica. So there!

You may freely download and listen to the MP3 file of the song. The link for the recording is posted toward the bottom of the song's webpage, immediately below the lyrics. (Note: The lyrics are also embedded in the MP3 file. I don't know about other players, but in the "Now Playing" window of Windows Media Player, the lyrics are displayed if the "Play > Lyrics, Captions, and Subtitles > Only If Available" option is selected.)

As I continued to work through my backlog of old songs, the process evolved to where I was much more meticulous in naming individual audio files, so that I might more easily analyze and/or recreate my work later, if need be. I now name each file with indications as to song name, instrument, voicing (whether RT or MIDI), BiaB style, tempo, et cetera. FYI:

  • BellJarBlues_Bass_ GM34_Electric_Finger_ KetronSD2_C_LEROY.wav
  • NewMoonTune_Drums_RD_NashvilleEven8-7-HHat.wav
  • HomespunSong_Fiddle_RT-624_Soloist_George_Ev085.wav


However, with A Western Wet Dream being an early project, my notes were much more sketchy. Sorry. Following are names of most of the individual audio tracks that made the final mix:

  • WWD_Vocal_Composite_02B.wav
  • WWD_Bass_GM-33_Acoustic-String_C_TRAVIS_165.wav
  • WWD_Drums_RD-PopShuffle1.wav
  • WWD_Guitar_RT-412_Electric_Soloist_Cowboy_Ev165.wav
  • WWD_Guitar_RT-AcFingGuitar.wav
  • WWD_Guitar_GM-26_Acoustic_C_TRAVIS_165.wav
  • WWD_Guitar_RT_Resonator.wav
  • WWD_Fiddle_RT.wav


Usually, I like to generate lots of individual instrumental audio tracks in Band-in-a-Box — for example: several different bass lines, in both RT and MIDI forms, and in various compatible styles. Then, I typically pull each file into Acoustica 4 by Acon Digital Media, to at least "normalize" the audio level, if not also perform other basic signal processing functions. And then, I pull files into RealBand to compare and determine which files to actually use and which to discard. And continuing in RB, I mix an instrumental track to which I will sing between 12 to 36 times in succession, so I can cut-'n'-paste from among all the various phrases to, hopefully, produce the best vocal track I can from what little vocal talent I might possess. Oy!

And blah, de-blah, blah, blah.... More stuff happens, then I call it a wrap.

Me? I still like the song. I think the story is compelling and the imagery is interesting enough. Although it is intentionally full of clichés, I don't feel that the song is a cliché itself. (I mean, have you heard many others just like it?) It has plenty of internal rhyme and alliteration, to which I'm personally particularly partial, Marshal. It's clever, I think. And, although being sorta comic/novelty/satirical in its approach, I still appreciate that the basic Western Romance remains intact even after the telling of the tale.

Hey, I'm just sayin'....

Regardless of what you think of the performance and the production, I hope you'll like the song. But, hey, if you don’t, that’s cool. I mean, if we all liked the same stuff, there’d be so much less variety in art …and in everything else in this life, I guess.

Be well, be happy.

Sincerely (except, of course, for any intentionally-insincere item or items that may, or may not, have been included herein), Bro. Dave
A Western Wet Dream

User Showcase
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179


Your use of the program was well done. Realtracks sounded good here. I think the vocals could use some clarity, they seem 'present' yet buried. Intelligibity suffered a bit here.
Considering your disclaimers (third song and all) I think you did a fine job on the project. Thanks for posting it.

Last edited by rharv; 08/28/10 02:07 PM.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Yup, you need to pull that out, polish it up, and work on the vocals so you can hear them without reading. Some good lines in there and the tune is catchy.

Not your average fare to say the least.


John Conley
Musica est vita
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
B
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Hey, rharv and John:

Thanks for the comments regarding A Western Wet Dream.

While I'm not up to re-recording the vocal at this time, I performed a quick remix in an attempt to bring the vocal just a little more to the fore. Hopefully, I didn't overdo it. As I worked, I tried to remember "Fudd's First Law of Opposition" (according to The Firesign Theatre), which stipulates: If you push something hard enough, it will fall over.

I'm kinda hoping that, by the time I get around to wanting to lay down a new vocal track for A Western Wet Dream, PG Music will have released the first installments of their RealLeadVocals product line. Then my song demos will sound so much better and I will no longer have to reiterate that I'm not a singer, along with all my other disclaimers. What do you suppose? RealLeadVocals will debut this coming December with the release of BiaB 2011, or will PG hold off till next Summer? (One of the Great Mysteries of our time!)

Anyway,... I futzed around with the mix and uploaded the new file to my website. For whomever may care to give a listen, the link for the MP3 recording of A Western Wet Dream is located towards the bottom of the webpage, immediately following the posted lyrics.

And so it goes.

And so I go.

Be well, be happy.

Sincerely, Bro. Dave

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,449
Posts779,328
Members39,665
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Nelsong2025, GUHA2025, romy88, NJGuy, rodbrown
39,665 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 118
DC Ron 98
WaoBand 94
dcuny 83
rsdean 70
Today's Birthdays
David Orr
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5