Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
My Old Friend on SoundCloud

My Old Friend on SoundCloud without RealDrums

Hi All

Well, Cheryl and I seem to be on a bit or a roll here so we’ll just keep going.

A good friend of mine asked if I would write her a song for her 50th birthday. She gave a speech at mine a couple of weeks ago and we have known each other for 25 years. We’ve done a lot of things together over the years. Everest base camp, skiing, rafting, canoeing, hiking, not to mention the odd hooli (commonly known as an “opskop” in South Africa). So I am going to be performing this song for her at her party which is on the 9th of August and am also going to be putting together a video with all my old photos for her.

Cheryl kindly composed the music and did the harmonies.

Tracks are
RealTracks in style: ~1136:Bass, Acoustic-Guitar, FolkSwing Sw 110
RealTracks in song: 1146:Fiddle, Background CountrySwing Sw 110 (Outside)
RealTracks in style: ~1142:Ukulele, Strumming FolkSwing Sw 110
RealTracks in style: ~1141:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountrySwingCleanPicked Sw 110
RealDrums in style: NashvilleBrushesHillbillySwing: a: Sidestick, Brushesb: Brushes, Stick
Loop:Percussion Loops\Loop132bpm Tambourine Quarters 4 bars
Loop:Percussion Loops\LoopNAbpm Tambourine Shake.wma
RT610:Mandolin, Rhythm Chop Sw 120

Lyrics are:

My old friend
I thought of you today
Down by the river
Thinking what to say

My Old friend
The years all melt away
As I sing this song before you
And the sun shines through today

Chorus
When we are together
So easy and free
I want to sing the colours
That sit inside of me
Built upon the layers
Of kindness and of trust
Together in the silence
You and Me

Verse 2
My old friend
You know where we've been
We multiply the pleasures
While dividing up the pain

My Old friend
As time around us spins
You hold my life together
Like a frame around the wind

Repeat chorus

Bridge
I want to give you more
Than just this melody
To thank you for our journey
And letting me be

Any suggestions for improvements are welcome as I only need to perform it on the 9th August and have not yet made the video.

(Edited to add a version with no realdrums as per Alyn's suggestion)

Last edited by JosieC; 07/31/14 08:08 AM.

LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
JoiseC
That reminded me, at first listen of Peter, Paul and Mary but without Peter and Paul and with 2 Mary's!!

The uke fits perfectly for the song but I think that the RealDrums detract and the song would sound great, IMHO, with just the percussion loops or even no percussion.
Your voice is good , as always.

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Hi, Josie & Cheryl !:))


This was so sweet and nice
brought good memories back
from the past and tears
to my eyes !:))

I liked it very much and
as you know, I have a flair
for those harmony vocals !!:))
Splendid job !

Cheers
Dani

User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Originally Posted By: gibson
JoiseC
The uke fits perfectly for the song but I think that the RealDrums detract and the song would sound great, IMHO, with just the percussion loops or even no percussion.
Your voice is good , as always.

Alyn


Hi Alyn. Thanks for the suggestion. I have uploaded a version without the Realdrums. I quite like it...


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Josie & Cheryl !:))


This was so sweet and nice
brought good memories back
from the past and tears
to my eyes !:))

I liked it very much and
as you know, I have a flair
for those harmony vocals !!:))
Splendid job !

Cheers
Dani


Hi Dani. Thanks so much. It did have a Dani-esque touch to it.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,225
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,225
Another winner from JoiseC! You have set a new standard for yourself as I think that this is one of your best to date!

I listened to both versions and the one sans the drums is the best IMHO.


My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,783
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,783
Hi Josie, another beautiful, intimate song. You and Cheryl do make a great team. Vocals are stellar, as always and they set beautifully in the mix. I listened to both versions and personally preferred the song without drums. Good job and an enjoyable listen.


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Hi Charlie and Mario
Thanks for giving both versions a listen! It certainly is interesting that the one with no drums is both your favourite. Cheryl is keeping an eye on this thread and sent me an email to say she likes the drums but that maybe she is just used to hearing them now.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
JosieC

That sounds wonderful with no drums (sorry Cheryl :>))
It may be me but I can hear her harmonies much clearer now.
Both versions show that it is still a beautiful song tho' cool

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Josie and Cheryl,

Cheryl needs a supporter: I like the drums version better.
Beautiful harmonies!
You are a perfect team.

Guenter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
We multiply the pleasures
While dividing up the pain

Really nice writing!! Very pretty and pleasant song, and the harmonies worked perfectly!! I agree the Uke fits great. You two make a great duo. Great work! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277
I like both. I can hear it without drums at the front and then have them coming in later to get it rolling. Also you have some nice pauses and maybe you could get the drums to pause with you creating a nice "ahhhh" moment. That's about 4 cents worth (2 x 2 cents of backseat driving/producing smile ).

It is a wonderful song and I always look forward to your tunes and collaborations.

Last edited by nobilis; 08/01/14 05:28 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
I like this kind of easy going music. The Uke is a cool thing. I will use that instrument on some upcoming song. I will throw in with others who prefer acoustic tunes minus drums. So nice that you have such a friend!


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Beautiful both ways, I like the one with the drums best.


Josie

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,770
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,770
Joanne,

Very nice job on this. A nice song. Good mix.
I would vote for the drum version, but I would make it be more brushes - without the stick - a little more subtle...

Y'all make a great team.

floyd

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Joanne,

Very nice job on this. A nice song. Good mix.
I would vote for the drum version, but I would make it be more brushes - without the stick - a little more subtle...

Y'all make a great team.

floyd

Your choice of instruments was very UKEnique. I first heard this wonderful collab on Josie's SJ performance earlier today and the Uke got my interest immediately. Isn't that the whole intent anyway? I dubbed you wonderful ladies as the "Everly Sisters" with the tight sibling harmonies even though you're not related. QED.

I'm anxious to hear your next collaboration. You wonderful ladies are "top shelf!"

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Wonderful! What a sweet song. Everything sounds perfect. I did not hear the version with drums but this version does not seem to be missing a thing.

If I may, I would suggest one thing for you to consider. In the chorus perhaps colors dance inside of you instead of sit? I think it suggests motion and dynamics.

Great song, you two are on a roll for sure!

Last edited by gruverider; 08/02/14 11:03 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Joanne and Cheryl,
That's another fine collaboration, very nice vocals and harmonies, which are very well balanced. We like the ukulele and mandolin RT's.
We like the "no drums" version best.
Regards,
R & AM


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,317
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,317
Hi Josie and Cheryl,

Wonderful work! I thoroughly enjoyed listening. Which version is better? I don't know. I'd have to toss a coin!

Also, when I read Lawrence's comment about "colours dance", I thought, "Yep, that works for me, too".

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,918
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,918
We're fine with the drums. Floyd's idea of brushes would be neat. This is really sweet heartfelt tribute and we much enjoyed it. And, hey, Everest Base Camp? That is very cool. We have a couple of friends who've done that.


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
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
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

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,637
Posts794,169
Members39,926
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Naomi pita, kazuki, wkebihwef, SimonMoore, jhsadsadhbwer10
39,925 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 168
Noel96 102
DC Ron 97
rsdean 79
dcuny 79
DrDan 73
Today's Birthdays
eagleone, hz37
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5