I recently bought EzyMix2 and I've used that program on this new version of my song, which I have also rearranged a bit. Most of the new instruments are from Kontakt. There is also a RealTrack guitar: RT542:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Dreamy Ev 085 and RealDrums: NashvillePop16^4-Hihat,Snare. I would love to hear your thoughts on the new version and mix. I have now been sharing my music on the forum for one year and I have learnt a lot. Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way. Merry Christmas to everyone on the forum - the friendliest place on the internet. Cheers, Mike
I don't remember this one, so thanks for the repost.
What are you using for that lead line, is that a Kontakt instrument?
This is really well done, nice arrangement and production, mix sounds good too. Only thing I didn't like was that abrupt fade out, but that's an easy fix.
Love the overall feel of the piece. The harp and keys are particularly good. Plenty of variation and enough going on the keep me interested right to the end. At the risk of nit-picking, my one disappointment is the lead violin/viola. The transitions from note to note sound a bit jerky and they do not flow as seamlessly as one would expect from such an instrument. I don't use Kontakt so I'm unfamiliar with options available there. With sound-samplers by East-West (soundsonline.com) or Reason such clunkiness is usually overcome by advancing the "release" knob several points. Sometimes adjustments to "decay" or "attack" are necessary also.
Thanks for bringing back this Christmas song ... Perhaps other Showcase songwriters should do the same... With their old Christmas songs... I know I wouldn't mind hearing them again
I don't remember this one, so thanks for the repost.
What are you using for that lead line, is that a Kontakt instrument?
This is really well done, nice arrangement and production, mix sounds good too. Only thing I didn't like was that abrupt fade out, but that's an easy fix.
Thanks for listening Dave. The lead line in the verses is from Kontakt strings, while the middle 8 features a Kontakt oboe. I appreciate your comment re the mix as I really admire your production work. Merry Christmas, Mike
Nice work on this one Gary It flows really well, and makes for a nice catchy Christmas tune. The variations keep it engaging to listen to, and the mix is concise and professional.
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Love the overall feel of the piece. The harp and keys are particularly good. Plenty of variation and enough going on the keep me interested right to the end. At the risk of nit-picking, my one disappointment is the lead violin/viola. The transitions from note to note sound a bit jerky and they do not flow as seamlessly as one would expect from such an instrument. I don't use Kontakt so I'm unfamiliar with options available there. With sound-samplers by East-West (soundsonline.com) or Reason such clunkiness is usually overcome by advancing the "release" knob several points. Sometimes adjustments to "decay" or "attack" are necessary also.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks mate. I certainly appreciate your detailed comments. I'll look into your release/attack observations regarding the strings. Merry Christmas, Mike
Thanks for bringing back this Christmas song ... Perhaps other Showcase songwriters should do the same... With their old Christmas songs... I know I wouldn't mind hearing them again
Thanks for listening Jim. There's just something magical about Christmas songs. Even new ones bring on an attack of nostalgia for me. Merry Christmas, Mike
This is really pleasant and easy-on-ears listening.
I enjoyed where the music took me as I sat in my chair, eyes closed and just let images unfold in my mind. I can tell that you've paid a lot of attention to detail in writing and arranging this work. It really was worth the effort!
I love the graphic on Soundcloud! It's good to remind people that Christmas is not snow and reindeer for everyone!
Very nice, I especially liked the first part of it.
Thanks for having a listen TuneMonger. I'm glad you enjoyed my Christmas offering. Cheers, Mike
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Nice work on this one Gary It flows really well, and makes for a nice catchy Christmas tune. The variations keep it engaging to listen to, and the mix is concise and professional.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Deryk, It's always nice to hear from PG Music people, considering how much music you are required to listen to. Merry Christmas to all PG Music staff. Mike
This is really pleasant and easy-on-ears listening.
I enjoyed where the music took me as I sat in my chair, eyes closed and just let images unfold in my mind. I can tell that you've paid a lot of attention to detail in writing and arranging this work. It really was worth the effort!
I love the graphic on Soundcloud! It's good to remind people that Christmas is not snow and reindeer for everyone!
All the best, Noel
Thanks Noel for your kind words and for having a real, eyes-closed listen. I'm very grateful for your comments and encouragement during the year. Merry Christmas mate, Mike
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
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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.
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.
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!
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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)
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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)
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