|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
I just finished this original pop song using about 3 BiaB styles. Didn't play a note on it. Did the singing. Put it together in RealBand after using BiaB. I mixed it with Adobe Audition 3. This was originally a country song but Nashville didn't want it so I said what the heck I'll try another way. I would appreciate a listen and any feedback you have to offer. Song has been copyrighted since the 90s. URL to the song is below. Thanks. http://chasms.com/rock-ce.mp3
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Charlie: The music is quite convincing, that was a really good job of putting that all together. I think the vocals were a hoot, but they don't really match that style for commercial purposes. Reminds me of Capt Hook and the Medicine Show doing current pop stuff. Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun and showed a lot of production skill and vision.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
Great job on the mix. The song is a lot of fun. A lot of work went into this you can tell. Perhaps you could experiment more with the vocal a little more in the way it is sung to make it even better. Overall a good tune though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Great track Charlie
I can tell you put in some effort on this. Tracks sound really good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Thanks, kemmrich, ed, and toucher for listening and your feedback. I guess the vocal doesn't please everyone but it's what I had in mind. I listened to Prince's "Kiss" song and his falsetto made me want to do it like that. Didn't want a clean vocal at all, wanted dirt and grit. My vocal's not quite falsetto (in parts), just on the border between it and normal voice. I also used a lot of compression (tube modeled) that comes with Audition 3. I enjoyed doing this song more than any I've done in awhile. Thanks again.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
You know what Charlie, I think I had as much fun listening to this as you did making it! Very well written too. I want to see the video. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Charlie - the tracks sound quite late 80's/early 90's. The orchestra hits and the timbre of the synth drums, the record scratches, etc. place it about 1989 or so. Think Paula Abdul's hit records of that time frame, Opposites Attract, etc. With that said - I don't think you'll have much success marketing the song here North America by itself as audio...... However, in my travels in Europe, it never ceases to amaze me how much this sound pumps out of the radio. Particularly Sweden and Germany. This is quite Middle-of-the-road pop for Europe, with the humorous vocals thrown in. I think a song like this would do quite well in the Eurovision song contest. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_ContestUnfortunately, it is limited to residents of Europe. Now, what you need with this song is a video to go along with it. You could be a mega YouTube star with this song. I honestly and truly believe that. It would be a humorous video, so put on your kitschiest outfit you have and get your webcam warmed up! Be not afraid of doing funny songs. Look at it this way, even if you can't sell it - at least you know you made someone smile. I've been doing the February Album Writing Month challenge these past 3 Februarys (write and record 14 songs in the month of February). Each of the three years I've done the challenge - the songs that seems to take on a life of their own are the silly/funny songs that I thought were throwaway songs. Particularly in these times, people want a good laugh. It's great medicine. I know you know who Ray Stevens is. -Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Sundance, I'm glad you enjoyed the song as much as I did. You had a good time. Thanks for the listen and comments.
Scott, thanks for the listen and your feedback. I've actually thought of a video but it would have to be on a small scale. Plus, being 64, I might be too old for the 'youtube' crowd. But I might try to think of something for that. I was hoping to pitch the song to someone but my only connections are country music publishers.
I thought the song was more contemporary than the 80s-90s, as you say. 2 of the styles I used were brty (meaning Britney). I really don't listen to this style of music. While recording the song I listened to a few just to try to get a few ideas and a feel for such songs.
Another thing, I think of the song as a feel good dance song and would never put it in the category of Ray Stevens. He's a great singer, on his more serious songs, but a little sillier than the genre I would want to be in. Maybe I'm wrong. If I selected a category for the song, I would probably say 'Puttin' on the Ritz.' To me, a fun, serious, soulful, dance song. The comments I'm getting seem to be completely different than what I'm feeling for the song. A close musician friend of mine said, 'I like it, it's different.'
Even in my prime I wouldn't be able to write 14 songs in a month. Much less record them. I like to spend at least a week on a song. Don't know how you do that? It would take more than 24/7 for a whole month for me. Scott, I appreciate your comments and will definitely keep them in mind.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Charlie, I didn't think I could do the 14 in a month either, until I gave it a try in 07 and did it. 2008 was even easier with a Kid's themed month. You could do it. I'm not talking finished product here, but rather writing and recording enough of the song to preserve it for future development. This year I did a few songs where I just put up one mic and sang/played simultaneously - 1 take. Here's the results of those two: http://rockstarnot.rekkerd.org/fawm2009/Scott%20Lake%20-%20Goldfinch.mp3http://rockstarnot.rekkerd.org/fawm2009/Scott%20Lake%20-%20Two%20Day's%20Drive.mp3I wrote those lyrics over the month and came up with some chords/melodies in my head. About 10 minutes practice for each before hitting record. You could totally do it with RealBand - easy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
Charlie, that's totally superb! I loved it. VERY professional, tons of energy and commitment, VERY commercial, chock full of hooks. It's all there. What more can I say. A hit.
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,454
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,454 |
Charlie, I really like this one.
I especially like this arrangement and that outstanding vocal!
This has a variety of styles in it, both BiaB and instrumental, and you did an outstanding job of pulling all together.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576 |
Ah man Charlie. This is the stuff. Dang I wished I could hit those high notes. It doesn't sound like you're actually doing falsetto on this. Sounds more like a natural voice. Some of them are in falsetto. But mostly head voice. Great job on this. The balance is about as perfect as it gets. Good on ya Mate. Loved it.
Russ Anyday above ground is a good day Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision 6 Ghz quad core AMD processor 8 Gig memory 1 TB hard drive 6 GB hard drive Windows 7 Premium Loose nut behind the keyboard 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
Hi Charlie - very brave experiment that worked. All I can do is just echo what the others have said. Almost like a reverse Conway Twitty . . .I'll never forget the first time I heard his version of the Pointer (sp?) Sisters "Slow Hand". It was then I became aware that songs can cross the genre line. But tell me - Do you have a country version of this one? Cuz I'd really like to hear it. Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Scott, those demos sound very good. At my age I don't think I am up to the challenge of 14 songs in a month, even with RealBand and BiaB. Kudos to you for doing that.
John, thanks so much for listening and for your comments. Your words make my day.
Mario, thanks for listening and your comments. Your critique makes me want to record another.
Russ, it is appreciated very much for listening and your comments. As far as the balance, BiaB gets the credit for the instruments, didn't move a thing from what they had. And I only added some EQ to the bass and left the others alone. This genre of music is where BiaB really shines, IMO.
You're right, I wasn't doing falsetto on the voice. In parts, it was on the border of going there, though. I had trouble getting there at times. Lots of takes. Aren't computers wonderful? I even was able to resing and replace one word in the opening line. Also, as I get older, I find that turning down the music and singing softer than normal, the notes aren't as hard to hit as when going full tilt. And I always hope for the right amount of gravel and voice cracks that are on key. Thanks again to all.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
That was fun! I liked the vocals big time. Real nice mix and arangement here. The song sounds typical mid-80's to me. Could've been a hit over here back then! Great job. @ Scott: the Eurovision song contest is a big joke nowadays. The winner is declared by popular votes (which is degraded to political motivations). The music and the acts are.........ehm.......I don't have polite nor descent words to describe them, so I'll restrain from it. The British even sent a singing (screaming) turkey-bird muppet to the contest as a form of protest (Rule Britannia  ) The contest has (at least here) a specific (small) audience. Musicians won't be found among them 
Last edited by Mike sings; 02/28/09 07:32 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Hello, Ian. Thanks for listening and your comments. I agree on the genre line. It's how the song is sung and the instruments are played.
I was recording a country version of this. But was never satisfied with it. I'll look at it again and if it's not too bad (ego :-) ) I'll post it for you. Thanks a lot.
Mike, I appreciate your listening and your comments. Always nice to hear.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Ian, here's the country version of the song. I was never satisfied with it so I rewrote it (a tad) and cut the other version listed above. Seems so slow to me now. http://www.chasms.com/ceP.mp3
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
I like this version better. Just my opinion. I think you have hit this one dead on with the vocal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Thanks, Ed for your comments. I never quite liked this version. Felt it was missing something. I like the POP version better. It was like playing with a new toy, I guess. Going to do another.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Charlie, Oh Charlie I am so happy you also did a country version. Now it looks like I may be the very small minority here but to me the first one seemed like a new pair of shoes for you that did not quite fit. Not that is wasn't a good effort, it's just that compared to what I have become acustomed to hearing from you it just wasn't the best fit your you. Please understand I am just talking about my personal taste here not the song nor the performance. But the second effort not only fit more nicely into my comfort zone, but also seemed to me anyway, a more natrual style for you.
Nice job!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,959
Posts798,231
Members39,995
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean