|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65 |
Hello Forum, Last year, during the Christmas song challenge, I issued a challenge to myself and wrote about 30 original Christmas songs. I just got around to recording about half of them. I used to perform out in public, but in recent years, I have become shy about performing out. I wasn't going to post any of my music because to be honest, there are so many talented songwriters, singers, and musicians on this forum with a better technical feel of the recording, mixing and mastering process, I didn't feel I was up to the level of everyone on this showcase. I probably fall into the camp of not letting anyone hear what I come up with. My wife doesn't even get to listen to me no more! This forum seems like a helpful bunch so I thought I'd give this a try again. I posted about a year ago with 30 other songs but I quickly too them down after a week. I used to play better but I admit that I'm rusty. I put together these songs using my own parts mixed with BIAB musicians. These are rough drafts but I hope to improve them if I can. I work as a technician in my profession but I struggle with audio processing. I would have to say on these projects its a 50-50 partnership. These Christmas songs span many different genres so I would almost rather you skim through the 15 posted songs and sample a verse and a chorus than to listen to any 1 song. Of course, you are certainly welcome to listed to a complete song too, if you have the time to spare. I'm looking for advise across many subject areas. Everything from songwriting (music arrangements, lyrics), to mixing and mastering advise. I also posted the pictures of the real tracks musicians used in these recordings on my main page. You can find that at: Main Artist Page Anyway the details (songs and lyrics) are listed below: ChristmastimeGenre-Classic Rock Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos NI B4 Organ Dow Tomlin-Bass set 6 RT 388 Darin Favorite-Rhythm PopRockBritHeavy set 41 RT 648 Jason Roller-Acoustic Guitar Rhythm Guitar set 8 RT 405 Mike Durham-Electric Guitar Rhythm Guitar set 41 RT 645 Brent Mason-Lead Guitar set 105 RT 1169 Wayne Killius-Drums Real Drums set 22 RockHardModernEv8 [url=http://www.soundclick.com/bands Christmas Town Genre-Jazz Lounge Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos Neil Swainson-Acoustic Bass set 14 RT 443 Oliver Gannon-Rhythm Guitar set 14 RT 446 PJ Perry-Alto Sax soloist set 15 RT 456 Craig Scott-Drums Real Drums set 3 JazzBrushesSticks I've Got The Christmas BluesGenre-Blues Rod Moore-Lead vocals NI B4 Organ Dow Tomlin-Picked Electric Bass set 31 RT 572 Jack Pearson-Rhythm Acoustic Guitar set 31 RT 577 Jack Pearson-Distorted Rhythm Acoustic Guitar set 31 RT 573 Brian Fullen - Drums Real Drums set 06 NashvilleEven8 Christmas Burglar Genre-Country Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos Byron House-Bass set 26 RT 541 Steve Hinson-Resonator Guitar Fills set 36 RT 608 Jason Roller-Acoustic Guitar Rhythm Guitar set 3 RT 374 Jack Pearson-Mandolin set 36 RT 611 Brian Fullen-Drums Real Drums set 7 NashvilleSwing8 Christmas Overture Genre-Electronic, New Age Rod Moore NI Pro-53, Konpakt Large string section, Trilogy Bass, Guitar Todd Sorenson - Drums-DOD loops Thanksgiving Day Genre-Folk Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Real Guitar, Kompakt-Large String Ensemble Another Christmas Eve Another Christmas Eve Genre-Y2K Pop Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos, Kompakt-Large String Section, Trilogy Bass Todd Sorenson - Drums-DOD loops Joy Genre-Choral Rod Moore - SATB voices Santa Needs A Bailout For Christmas Genre-Country Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos, Kontakt 4-Emulator II Sleigh Bells, Kazoo Band Kenny Sears-Fiddle set 97 RT 1114 Byron House-Bass set 26 RT 539 Tony King-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar set 3 RT 372 Jason Roller-Electric Guitar Rhythm Guitar set 81 RT 974 Mike Durham-Electric Guitar Rhythm Guitar set 81 RT 977 Brian Fullen-Drums Real Drums set 7 NashvilleSwing8 Sounds Of The Season Rod Moore-Background vocals True Pianos, Komtakt 4-Percussion, Brass, Strings, Woodwinds, EII-Tympani East West Symphonic Choir-SATB voices Todd Sorenson - Drums-DOD loops Meet Me By The Mistletoe Genre-Jazz Balled Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos Kompakt Large String Ensemble Neil Swainson-Acoustic Bass set 18 RT 481 Oliver Gannon-Rhythm Guitar set 18 RT 484 Don Clark-Trumpet soloist set 19 RT 495 Craig Scott-Drums Real Drums set 3 JazzBrushesSticks Christ Is Born In Bethlehem Genre-Classical, Traditional Rod Moore-Background vocals True Pianos, Komtakt 4-Percussion, Brass, Strings, Woodwinds, EII-Picalo Trumpet East West Symphonic Choir-SATB voices Politically Correct Happy Xmas Time Genre-Jazz, Broadway Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos, Komtakt 4-String Section, Bassoon, Trilogy Upright Bass Todd Sorenson-Drums-DOD loops Light Of The World Genre-R&B, Gospel Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals True Pianos, Acoustic & Electric Guitar,Komtakt 4-String Section, Bassoon, Trilogy Bass, Guitar, East West Symphonic Choir-SATB voices Based on BIAB midi sytle Todd Sorenson - Drums-DOD loops New Year's Resolution Genre-Heavy Modern Rock Rod Moore-Lead and Background vocals NI Pro-53, NI Kontakt 4 Rock Guitar, Trilogy Bass Darin Favorite-Metal set 6 RT Todd Sorenson-Drums-DOD loops Thanks again for listening and happy holidays! Rod M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Hi Rod, No reason to be bashful. You have a fine voice and good production. I listened to "Light Of The World". Really nice melody and I enjoyed it very much. I would suggest that you pick what you think is your best song and post that. Get feedback from that one and then post another. It's a little overwhelming for the listener to have so many to choose from and digest at once - make it easy on us and let us focus on one at a time. I think you'll get more feedback that way - my two cents of posting advice. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65 |
Thanks Josie.
I've long admired the songs that Bob and you have posted. You guys sure have a "knack" for this. I will definitely follow that advise in the future. I tend to write a bunch a songs at one time and throw them out in a "big glob of songs". I actually don't feel very good about any of them so it was hard to know which ones to post first. I probably change the order a bunch of times because I ask myself, "what is my best style?". Unfortunately, I dabble in a bunch of styles and haven't found my home yet.
Thank you so much for listening and your kind comments!
RodM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Thank you Rod! I think it's great to dabble that's part of the fun. We all get the jitters posting - I know I do. Nobody I know is ever totally satisfied with how their song or production or vocal comes out I think there's always the I could've done this or that better nagging little voice.... Most of us probably have OCD or we wouldn't be doing this anyway. LOL!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65 |
LOL! That is so true! I was trying to put my finger on it but I think I have OCD in regards to my music. I always doubt myself so I change things around a lot. Most times I'm not improving things at all. Sometimes I think the more I tweak, the further I go in destroying a perfectly good initial idea for a song!
Anyway, I hope you and yours have a great holiday season.
Rod M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 178
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 178 |
Hi Rod, Josie is right, pick one tune and repost so everyone is commenting on the same tune. You will get more help that way. Don't be bashful as we all have various degrees of experiance and talent.Good job and keep on posting.
Cheers
Nels
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 65 |
Hi Nels,
Both you and Josie are right. Also, I should have polished these songs a little better too before I posted. Perhaps, I'll re-post at some point in the future. I sure hope this post drops off the forum 1st page soon! LOL
Rod M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
RodM,
I agree with Josie - nothing to be bashful or embarrassed about here! I think you sound good, and did a good job on the songs! I do agree that you should post one song at a time, and let everyone digest (sorry, this is the season for eating) and post on it.
Really good job on what I hear here!
Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,486
Posts805,616
Members40,131
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean