|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Yes, sorry for the overrun, but this one is a bit of a live 'anthem'. I needed a hard rocking song both for my album and for my band to play live. Here is the result... You should be able to spot the influences easily enough. I used PG Music's Band-in-a-Box in the composition stage, and then PTPA 11 to record and mix the tracks. There are no Real Tracks, everything is played. Thanks for listening and for any comments, Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,845 |
Marc, I like this one a lot - has a real Talking Heads feel. Great job!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
Kudos Marc to the real players! Nice and tight. First of all "knuckle rap" for no lyrics  . "Listen carefully" does not quite work for me.  And this leads to my first suggestion - while I appreciate the high vocal volume (I could catch some of the lyrics), I think maybe the voice needs to be pulled down somewhat IMHO - but you need to hear from good ears about this. Maybe an alternative ending - after the second chorus repetition at the end, conclude with a heavy clipped band shots on each of "hard" and "way" and let the reverb tail off about 4 min. Save the extra seconds for live. Basically I liked the way you worked the closing . . . except for the length (for which you already apologized ) Should work well live. Do you have a front man who can lead the audience with some enthusiastic handclapping? Cheers - Ian
Last edited by Ian Fraser; 01/09/11 11:03 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
Hi Marc,Couple of things.Im only hearing your vocal in one speaker and found the backing to be a bit low in comparison.This really showed more when the vocals suddenly appeared in stereo.For me it lacked drive but Im sure its a song that would benefit from a real pumped up belting out remix.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: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Liked the lyrics Mark - the vox coming out of one side was a little strange. Sounded good to me and I agree this probably goes over great live. I did want the lead singer to scream out and hold the yeah a little more like he really means it at the end. Overall well done - good rock song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
I think I note a little "Cars" in there. Loved that stuff growing up. I also liked how organic the guitars in the break were. What RealTracks were used?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
If an anthem is what you're going for, you nailed it. I can imagine the crowd simply eating this one up. Your band has a winner with this one, I believe. The biab track for album purposes could use some fine tuning with the mix and master I think. It's not that the vocal is only coming out of the right speaker. It's that you doubled it and the one panned to the right is a good deal louder than the opposite side. Or maybe you used a plugin effect for a room ambiance thing. Whatever, the verse vocal comes off as hard panned right. Astetic? Perhaps, but it's distracting in a not so good way. I think you should consider writing more verses too. You have two great hook parts going, but I think another verse or two would offer more meat. Even a repetative hooky anthem needs some substance beyond hooks. If you could get a crowd singing the hook for the recording- that would be great as well. Record a live performance and get the crowd singing. Then add it to the track. But you have the main ingredients- all the makings of a foot stomping, arm waving, beer glass thrusting song. Good luck with it!
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
As ever, I’m really grateful for these comments and touched that so many of you have taken time to listen so carefully and report back in such detail.
Ouch Ian for the knuckle rap.
For your eyes only then, here are the lyrics at present…
If the fire in your eyes
Is starting to go out
And your certainty of mind
Is giving way to doubt
If the demons in your past
Are getting out of hand
If your plane is out of fuel
And its got nowhere to land
Then come on - you’d better start today
Come on - this ain’t no cabaret,
Come on - we’re here to show the way - come on
Come on and rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
Why don’t you rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
If the passion in your heart
Is starting to decline
And the pattern of your life
Could use some redesign
If you’re tryin' do some good
when all around is bad
Or tryin to have some fun
..but there’s no fun to be had
Then come on - you’d better start today
Come on - (Ha!) this ain’t no cabaret,
Come on - we’re here to show the way - come on
Come on and rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
Why don’t you rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
Come on - you’d better start today
Come on - (Ha!) this ain’t no cabaret,
Come on - we’re here to show the way - come on
Come on and rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
Why don’t you rock it the hard way
We’re gonna rock it the hard way
+ Chorus Repeats
I won't insult you all by listing the chords (all 4 of them!!)
A general point (as Ian knows) is that this demo was somewhat rushed out so that my band has something to work on for the upcoming round #2 of Emergenza. Which explains – but does not excuse – the various mixing glitches you have all spotted.
Turning to the points your raised – the Heads, the Cars – this is starting to read like a list of my 10 all time favourite bands! Thanks Bob and Rob for the compliments.
OK Ian will maybe bring the vox down a touch– particularly in the build + chorus sections. Thanks for the ending suggestion – still not really sure what to do on that front. The present ending is, in pure rock and roll tradition, an absolute accident. That’s how I stopped playing the rthm gtr tracks so I just got rid of everything else and left it at that!
er, I guess the lead man here would be me so I may have to leap out from behind my synth for a while after the solo.
Thanks Frankie, Josie – I agree. Remember this is only the writer’s demo. I’d also like to hear a bona fide rock vocalist having a go at this, and preferably 12 semi tones up from where I am here.
No real tracks at all Robb - just me really playing the instruments then really selecting patches from my Juno-D.
Thanks Dan - you’re quite right about the vox track. There’s a left track somewhere which must have got muted!
I could add in some more verses (I wrote loads before settling on the version above), but this may make the piece rather too long, even if I cut the solo gtr from 16 to 8.?
For the ‘more substance’ comment, I also have a kind of counter melody thing in the choruses which I have not put in yet. Maybe I will do for the repetitions at the end.
Thanks again to one and all,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,489
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,489 |
Hi Marc,
You really have a great knack for inventing some incredibly creative musical works. This one is no exception. There's nothing more that I can add to what others have said. I got to say that it was a well spent the 4'30". With a full blown rock band, this song would soar!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
excellent lyric Marc...lyrics is my bugbear so I really appreciate looking at lyrics as good as this. 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 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
I like the song Marc, this is a good one!
The only adjustments I'd make have been touched on already: Lead vox on the right only, lead vox overpowering the backing in the chorus, etc.
Plus, I couldn't hear any bass at all? Is there any? A straight-ahead rocker like this needs a big bottom, and that includes the kick drum, which I also couldn't detect. The mix should be big and 'galumphing' - heavily biased to drums and bass, with the guitar riffs next, and the vocal sort of struggling to be heard, i.e. played live that's what would most likely be the mix that the band would end up playing and the audience grooving to. I'm sure it'll go down well at your gigs!
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Thanks Noel - we'll certainly try to get the song up to speed for the next round of the contest which is on 31/03.
John - that's exactly what I thought when re-listening to the track on headphones on my way in to work this morning. I'll definitely bring the bass up in the next version, and i think there is a way of filtering the kick drum sound and brining that up too.
All the best,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
New readers to this thread may be confused now as most of the above mentioned glitches have, I hope, been ironed out in this revised versionTHanks again for the pointers Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Hello,
Sounds like it is going to be a rocking good tune. I listen to both versions. Just a few random random comments
1.) You did all that on the keyboard? Although it sounds midi, it still sounds good and should give the band everything they need to learn it and do it live.
2.) There are a few places where you seemed to run out of space for the words. Just a little phrasing work is needed. Examples: "Is giving way to doubt", "And its got nowhere to land" -- I guess the last line of every verse.
3.) What age group is the band? The word "cabaret" seems a little dated to me.
4.) Nice "guitar" lead break.
5.) The overall energy feel is still on the low side, make sure the band really drives it.
Good tune.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Kevin - I'm glad to hear your illuminating comments, as usual. THanks.
OK I recorded everything on the keyboard apart from the 2 rthm gtr tracks which were played on my ancient strat copy (Vantage) through my Korg AX1G.
I'll have to look into that lyrics thing and work on those last lines. Mind you, playing to a predominantly non English speaking audience I'm not expecting many complaints.
Average age of band: 57 (younger if you can count our young sound tech but that would be cheating) But 'cabaret' stays. The French are really happy when they hear a word they know!
THanks for the lead gtr compliment. I won't spoil it by saying that I recorded it at 1/6 speed on the keyboard, one phrase at a time!
YOu're right - this demo, although pretty accurate is rather lifeless. I hope we'll be able to ramp it up a bit with the band.
Take care now,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,057
Posts799,525
Members40,024
| |
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