|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Hi, all: A little over two and a half years ago I worked up the courage to post an original song online for the first time, back when I really had no idea what I was doing (or at least far less of an idea than I have now, lol!). The song was "Lonely Tonight", and it was recorded in GarageBand, just me and my guitar on a single track over my laptop. I've always wanted to do a fuller version of the song, and now that I'm improving a bit on BIAB, I thought I'd give it a try. And so here's my BIAB version . . . as always appreciate the listen and feedback. The original version is still posted on my SoundCloud page (though I'm not sure why I keep it up as poor a recording as it is) . . . but it's there if anyone has interest in hearing the original "acoustic" version. I don't want to link directly as it's not a BIAB produced song. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. Here's the song:Lonely Tonight Here are the lyrics:Soaring through her heavens, held high by her hands— when she let me go I didn’t know just how hard it was to land. Now I’m crawling from the wreckage, having fallen from her heights; it’s been so long, it’s been so long, since she’s gone I’m half-alive. And it’s so hard feeling like I do, knowing she’s out in the blue and I’m nowhere in her skies. But if you’d say everything’s okay, then I won’t be lonely tonight. Wandering through these wastelands, caught between the wind and the endless swarms of thunderstorms that keep me cowering. And you’re here to offer refuge, and you’re willing I can tell, but it feels so wrong, it feels so wrong, though I know you mean me well. And it’s so hard feeling like I do, knowing she’s my only truth; the love I can’t deny. But if you’d say everything’s okay, then I won’t be lonely tonight. Don’t know how I’d be much company— not when my head’s against the wall. Don’t know why you’d want to comfort me at all, no, not at all. And it’s so hard feeling like I do, knowing you've lost someone too doesn’t make it feel more right. But if you’d say everything’s okay, then I won’t be lonely tonight. Yeah, I guess we won’t be lonely tonight. And here's the band:Drums: American Roots 18ths Bass: Celtic Real RT 1162 12 String Guitar: Celtic Songwriter Quinn RT 3226 Guitar: Celtic Songwriter Quinn RT 3186 Guitar Fingerpick Songwriter 16th RT 2552 Guitar: Nylon, Background Folk 16ths RT 3115 Cello: Celtic Air, RT 3267 Strings: Celtic Air, RT 2457 (c)2019 DJ Lekich
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139 |
Hi DJ:
This does sound really good.
A very nice melody.
T liked the way that you used the drums.
Nicely mixed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,336
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,336 |
Terrific tune, I have some favorite lines, among them:
when she let me go I didn’t know
just how hard it was to land.
and
and the endless swarms of thunderstorms
that keep me cowering.
I did get a little confused who you were singing to but you cleared it up in the last stanza. I can't decide if it were better to learn that earlier in the song, or if it's a nice surprise as it is. Probably fine as is.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305 |
odd sound at the 8 sec mark - string noise or paper?
"the endless swarms of thunderstorms".
I think you did a fabulous job with a cool song - sounds a bit like something from Billy Joel's debut but with a Celtic subtlety rather than piano bombast.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hello DJ,
That is a really nice song. Very good melody and strong/sensitive vocals that reminded me -in a way- of Jim Croce.
and I haven't mentioned your lyrics. They are very nice.
Nothing to whine about, it's just a very good, lovely song, but only a lonely night ahead...
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Understated, SENSITIVE, absolutely STUNNING lyrics ... you don't ever do mediocre, do you? :-) I am trying to deliberately find fault (just so that I don't sound so blooming enthusiastic every single darn time! lol) and this is not the place to find it :-)
Lyrics carry a complex (at first, at least) but beautiful and, dare I say, vulnerable, sensitive message. Music is perfect for this - no pyrotechnics, no vocal gymnastics, just you and the band. And it's so, so subtle ... I had to listen four times before writing this, just to absorb and appreciate its "hidden corners" (so to speak) more - and I want to listen again. Argh! :-)
Like I said, you don't do mediocre. And you make it seem so easy, because nothing is strained or forced in any of your songs that I've heard so far - everything is just seemingly just flowing naturally. Superb job - bravo.
Last edited by musician17; 11/18/19 05:39 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Well done - it has a really warm feeling to it, and the instruments all played off each other nicely. I liked the mix a lot too - really concise and professional. Thanks for sharing 
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Hi DJ! Love your vocal sound and the lyrics on this one. The song overall has a nice folk rock kind of sound. Good mix and keep up the good work!
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665 |
Great intro on this Deej! Very nice vocal...reminds me a lot of some of the great Jim Croce tunes! It's a really good ballad with very nice chord changes and melody! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979 |
Deej,
A good song. A good arrangement. Good mix.
Another excellent vocal (nicely in-the-pocket in the mix).
I agree with Torrey...has a lot of the Croce sound and feel to it - which is nice to hear again...
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 151
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 151 |
I love your voice. It kind of reminds me of Cat Stevens. Great song. Very good.
Cakewalk Sonar Platinum
Focusrite 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008 |
The lyrics are absolutely beautiful, and I think you captured a really lovely mood. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677 |
Hi Deej56,
lovely song, very soulfully sung. Love the backing track, especially the intro was terrifuc.
Cheers,
Stefan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235 |
Yep, the Croce vibe is there for sure...but ultimately it's Deej -- a good thing in our book!
"Wandering through these wastelands,
caught between the wind
and the endless swarms of thunderstorms
that keep me cowering.
And you’re here to offer refuge,
and you’re willing I can tell,
but it feels so wrong, it feels so wrong,
though I know you mean me well."
Strong stuff happening there.
Love it all and especially your vocal which is both soulful and sincere.
Nice arrangement and mix also.
J&B
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Superb vocals and an excellent song.
Sounds great, lovely mix and melody.
A really top notch production.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
I really like the lyrical feel of this song...
It is a good write & production...
I also listened to the original...
And I must say the lyrical charm & delivery is there...
But I can tell you've come a long way technically...
Congratulations!
BTW...
I love your plaintive vocal on this number.
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,909
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,909 |
WOW what a great write! Your backing tracks are fantastic and your voice is outstanding. But man those lyrics took it over the top for me.
I agree with the Croce sound and feel.
Great song!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Deej,
A very good write ( really like the way you summed up the dilema on the chorus)and , no surprise, your voice cuts through the mix like a warm knife!
The melody rolls nicely and the folk rock backing a good fit.
I enjoyed your revisions and hearing that bittersweet tale again.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Marty, TuneMonger, rayc, Hans, James, Deryk, sslechta, Torrey, Floyd, Teletwanger, Ember, Stefan, J&B, Peter, Jim, Mario, and Robert:
Thanks so much for the listen and very kind feedback. It’s a song that I sometimes forget about, but always enjoy playing when I do . . . and I’m glad to that BIAB was able to help me do a little something more with it . . . and that it seemed to resonate so well. Again, much appreciated.
My best to each of you,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 55 |
Hey Deej. Very nice tribute to true love lost. Lots of emotion in this song and your voice and excellent use of BiaB have captured the essence perfectly. Bravo!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,445
Posts805,165
Members40,121
| |
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