|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
This is a new demo of a song we originally wrote in '91. I'm using the Bluegrass RT set and Nashville drums. Hope you enjoy it. Willadeen (Lyrics especially for you Ian, grin...) Willadeen ©1991,2010 J. Beck, C. Grant All rights reserved. Willadeen folded a piece of paper Stuck it between the salt and pepper shaker One last look at these old rooms And she was out the back door on her honeymoon All her mama could do was clean and clean While her daddy paced the porch He never felt so mean Aww Willadeen Willadeen What you gonna do with the rest of your life What you gonna do another poor man's wife God willin' and the creek don't rise What do you think you're gonna find Willadeen Willadeen signed her name at the lawyer Piled three kids all they owned in a junker One call home to say goodbye Headin' out for the city and a brand new life All her mama could was clean and clean While her daddy paced the porch He never felt so mean Aww Willadeen (repeat chorus) Dreams are all that matter at seventeen She's gonna do things mama never dreamed Ol' grandpa drives her crazy When he calls her Willadeen Willadeen picked up the piece of paper Folded between the salt and pepper shaker In tears she reads her daughter's note So like the lines that she once wrote All she could do was clean and clean Then she went and paced the porch She never felt so mean Aww Willadeen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hi Josie,
You've done a great job with this song. The arrangement is excellent in my book. The fiddle really puts the icing on the cake.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Josie,
believe it or not, I knew a woman named Willadeen, and your song sounds exactly like her life! (But, that may be comparable to writing a song about a guy named Billy-Bob who got drunk and went to jail. )
I like your lyrical style... you have a way of inserting your storyline into the everyday details of life . The salt and pepper shakers become more than random items in a room; they become key players in the story.
I think your use of RB to build a song is very good. The songs sound well-composed to me, not redundant or lacking in structure. I like the way the song thins out when you sing, and the fiddle kicks in when the vocals drop out. The style suits the content.
I also liked the way your harmony added variation and texture to the song.
There were moments when I couldn't understand what you were saying... if not for having the words posted, they would have been lost to me. But, I have found that depending on the frequency of a person's voice I have trouble understanding some people, and so the problem may be mine, not yours.
All in all, another nice song for Josie!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
 ah gee, Josie . . . . thanks. I really don't know where to begin with this song of yours. If you're feeling up to it I'd like to hear the original. I loved this version - it is so "understated" it is powerful. A wonderfully built arrangement. Not a note without a purpose or distracting from the lyrics. Even the harmony is subtle. No edginess to it. I'm betting you didn't use much in the way of compression. The lyrics are amazing - they just tug - too true to life right down to the salt and pepper shakers - that was masterful. I'm really happy you posted that Josie. I can't see that there wouldn't be a spot on a country playlist for it. Was it ever released before? I can't see that it wouldn't have been. Always room for traditional. Well done. Ian 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,523
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,523 |
Josie, there is only one word that can describe this song and that is PERFECT!
Perfect vocal, harmonies, backing tracks and fiddles.
This is air play ready!
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Hi Josie. I've come to expect crafty lyrics from you, and this does not dissapoint. The only thing I might take a look at is the chord structure in a few spots- namely the end of the verses. There are some spots where the timing isn't the most supportive it can be. I chalk this up to either some limitations of biab, or perhaps you're not coaxing it out of biab in the right way- which may not even be doable. But I think it's generally limitations in biab. I have noticed that it's difficult to stray too far from generic structure when using RT's. Things like syncopated timing or quick time sig changes can be difficult to make sound smooth and 'right'. Often you must go with a phrase just because it works, and let go of what you really had in mind. But this one is another good one Josie! You should be on the heels of Dolly Parton, quite frankly. I know she's an accomplished writter, but your material could give her some new life in the country scene.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Thank you Noel. I've always enjoyed a little bluegrass so it was fun adding in that mountain music fiddle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Pat,
That was too funny. She was a girl from school that I never met but liked the way her name sounded.
I appreciate your kind words.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Ian,
For compression I used the PG Dynamics Gentle Opto 2 preset. I also used the ten band eq to tame all that mid range going on and peaklimit to bring up the volume a bit. I'm still experimenting with the production side as many of us here are I think.
My co-writer was a blessing and responsible for part of the lyrics. We didn't get a cut on it - yet. grin.
Thank you for your thoughts. I'm so glad you like the song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Mario,
Consider yourself hugged. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Dan,
Maybe I've heard it too many times this way at this point but I don't hear any problems with chord structure. Altho I understand the limitations you're talking about and am by no means an expert on working out everything exactly the way I want it on every song with RT's yet, I'm overall happy with the way this one turned out. That's not to say further tweaking is out of the question. grin.
Thank you for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Not really a genre I know much about, but I can hear a pretty tune and a compelling story here Josie. Is it me or is the track mastered very quiet?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Josie,
Wonderful job - a real toe tapper. Truly liked the harmonies - and I am a real sucker for anything with fiddle.
Take Care
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
1st of what a great name for a country song! And the arrangement and use of real tracks were right on for the lyric and general feel of the story. I also thought the harmonies were not only spot on but well placed throughout the song. On a closing note I can picture Dolly singing this tune on some TV special.
Wonderful work young lady!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728 |
Wow...Josie...you're a great songwriter! Very visual lyrics and a wonderful voice too! Very "musical" song title. Keep 'em coming! Bob 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
I think you have to be American (especially from the South)to write lyrics like this Brits like me aint got no chance no chance at all.In my ear I could here a slapped echo in the hook which would give it that "haunting" feel but Im a romantic at heart.Im sure Dolly Parton would do a great job with this song not saying you havent but she is a million seller and we could all do with the big bucks right! cheers Frankie
AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
Very well done! It has that down home country feel. Very well mixed. Thanks for sharing! My MusicRead My Blog
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Marc, I'm glad you liked it, thank you for commenting. Yeah, it may be a tad quiet in comparison.
Powderman, thank you for listening, I love that fiddle too. The voicetone does a good job on the harmonies and saves me a ton of time. I've gone from a purist to a convert. LOL.
Danny C., thank you listening and for the kind words. I was thinking more of Allison Krauss than Dolly but hey....
Bob (Hawgly), I appreciate that, thank you very much.
tributeman, yep, I guess this one is pure southern fried - grin - but I sure learned a lot about songwriting from the Brits. Thanks for listening and posting.
PgFantastic, Heaven knows, I still sweat it out over the mixing but I'm learning - thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278 |
Great writing and a great flow. Loved the fiddle and banjo. Super harmony and superb editing. Soothing vocals Josie!
Marty
Music is what feelings sound like.
Band In A Box (current) Sonar Producer X2, Windows 7, 16 Gigs Ram, Quad Core, AMD Processor, Alesis MK2 Monitors, Roland Quad Capture Audio Interface,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613 |
Josie, I listened to this when you first posted it, and to be honest with you it didn't really do much for me at the time.  However.... There was something about it that kept making me come back and listen again, and again, and again. (I've lost count now) Whata ya know, the more I listen, the more I like it! I love it when a song does that to me. It's almost like you enjoy it a little more evey time you listen. Anyway, thought I'd share that with ya. Oh and the bridge part after the 2nd chorus is a nice touch.  Good Job, Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,302
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean