|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
I have listened to many good songs made by the members in this forum, and also read the comments they send together with the songs. Sometimes they say a variant of the following
"I know the vocal could be bether, but I am so tired of repeating myself and take retake after retake"
And of course it is dufficult. We sit alone in our small "studio" and try to sing like we are in front of an audience.
The next words is not mine, but written by a proffesional song teacher:
You are bored with the song. Distinguish this from being bored with COMMUNICATING THE SONG.
Performance requires vitality.
You have failed to understand, appreciate or project the meaning of the song. If you dont know the meaning of certain words or phrases- find out. Know what you are saying throughout the song.
Sing it from your personality.
End of sitat.
Also remember that you can syncopate some words, or maybe some words dont have to be sung at all. thy to resitate some of the words.
I think that it will be easier to make a decent vocal recording if we seperate the vocal into two cinds of moods.
First we are recirding the song the best we can to see if it works together with our arrangement, then we recording the vocal with this in mind that we are trying to COMMUNICATE THE SONG.
Best regards
Tono
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 141
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 141 |
Always good to be reminded of this point, Tono. After having been engineer, caterer, researcher, daddy, guitar hero, chauffeur, husband, mixer, computer operator, lyricist, etc, etc, for hours on end, it's not always that easy to deliver an inspired vocal performance.  Wait until tomorrow? Nah. Need to hear what it sounds like now - personality or not. Might not be time tomorrow. This is just a hobby. But I'll sure put a post-it on my screen: GET REAL! Or something. - Jepster
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024 |
Good pointers Tono.
How is it we seem to sing entirely differently when we stand alone in front of that darned mic?
I now try to imagine I'm singing live to an audience who are enjoying what I'm doing - I get a picture in my head of a sea of smiling faces and me being the one who enthuses them.(I try to forget the times when I "fall flat on my face" !
Only problem is when I "let it out" I get peaks in the vocal - that's what hinders me sometimes from being relaxed and natural.
If I had a proper compressor it would help of course(I use ART MP Studio Pre-amp) and a Technica cardoid condenser mic.
Maybe the mic is too sensitive - might be better with a Shure or something simpler?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Those are good points, all, Tono.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 656
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 656 |
I may be in the minority here but when I am looking for a song (usually a moldie) that I want to listen to, I want the original recording of the song. Not a live version, but the studio version. For me it's better. Case in point. I was wanting to listen to Billy Joel's 'New York State of Mind' and found 2 versions, live and the studio. Listened to both and studio was better.
Some of those live versions can get so boring to me. The musicians want to play forever (at times) and they may be inspired by the audience, but give me the studio version and hard work and planning.
Sort of like being drunk. You may think you're playing great, and feel really inspired, but in the end, you're not (exceptions to every rule, of course). Hard work and planning win out. You can fake inspiration, if you've done it enough. Most of my best licks on guitar have been found when I made a mistake. In a live performance you can't do it better, it's already done. In the studio you can say, I'm going to change that. IMHO.
Maybe it's a control issue.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I hear what you are saying, Charlie, but would add that it depends also upon the performance of the particular piece, something that should be evaluated with every instance and a decision made accordingly. There are as many examples of bad live performace as there are examples of stellar live performance, matter of fact I can recall several instances where I preferred the live performance as my learning target.
The first rule of the studio should be, "Make no absolute rules that cannot be broken to suit the prevailing condition," or as I am fond of saying, "Learn to Trust Your Ears".
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
I am not speaking about sounding like a live performance Charlie.
When we are recording in our small home "studio", we are doing a studio recording.
What I am trying to say is that sometimes we are so tired of all the technichal stuff (like arranging in BIAB, Cutting and pasting in RT,
Panning, putting the effects right etc.) that the vocal start to more on the tecnichal side. The timing is correct, the pitch is correct, but it has no soul.
So, when I am speaking of soul I am not refering to great singers like Elvis or Aretha Franklin or Mahalia Jackson.
I am more trying to say that our mood is reflected in the song. For example when you say yhe words "Oh, I love you" they can be said like they are ment to, but they can also be said in a way that absolutely is saying the upposite.
So, to know what the song is about will have great effect in the way that we are comunicating the song.
And like they say: If the song doesnt do something to you. why should it do something to others.
The professional songwriters do exactly this. They write a song, maybe the lyricks and the melody, then they make a demo recording and send it to someone who have connection with a studio. The studio likes the song, and they try a find a singer who can communicate the song for them.
I agree that we are amateurs, and that this is a hobby, but to my mind it is still possible to have a proffessional atitute which is.
We do the best we can to the best of our capabilities,then NO ONE can ask for more.
AS you onderstand from my writing,I am not English, but hopefully I got myself understandable.
Best regards
Tono
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
And, yes Charlie I agree with you that hard work and planning pay out in the end, and I also agree with you that it is possible to fake inspiration. I believe that this is exactly what this great singers do. They are actors, They try to be the boy who lost the girl he loves, or the cowboy on the plains, or the boy in the Getow or whatewer. Or A country star singing in front of an audience.
They use all the mental trix they have to be in a mood to communicate the song to the best of their capabilities.(WITHOUT OVERDOING IT.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 656
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 656 |
Good points, Mac.
Tono, I wasn't disagreeing with you at all. All you said was very true. I was just saying what I had discovered about myself as to live performances and studio cuts. Two very different venues. I only meant to say that I prefer, when listening, a studio cut over a live performance. And some performers come across better live than in the studio. Good things to be said for both venues.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,404
Posts778,754
Members39,648
| |
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