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Hi everybody,
these are terrible times all over the world, and I do hope that you and yours have all managed to get through that atrocious pandemic without being infected so far.
I had planned to write this message already months ago, but Maha was (and is much more now) very badly off and I didn’t have the time - yesterday she had to finally go to the hospital and I am more than just
concerned.
I haven’t been to the forum (that really meant and means so much to me) for many months, and I just want to explain in a few words, why that is so and why it will also be difficult for me in the future to be here regularly
Some of you already know that my vision is very poor. In fact, I’m blind on one eye and due to glaucoma I have only a very smal slot, about 2 letters wide, left in the remaining eye, and everything I see is blurred due to nystagm. All in all my vision is distinctly below 10%
Those of you who know my videos often wrote that they must have taken a long time to be put together; you will understand that they take even very much longer when you don’t see much and are working with a magnifying glass even in front of a giant monitor. So I used to spend very many hours working on my PC, 8, 9, 10 hours day in, day out..
In February that eye seemed to totally go down the drain, but it could be saved by eye surgery. So it’s working (well...) as before, but the doctors gave me the urgent advice to cut down ‘display hours’ drastically.
So I’m trying to get along with 2 hours a day, but that’s almost nothing. I used to spend about one hour on the forum every day alone - reading and writing aren’t easy anymore, and since English isn’t my natural language both are taking even more time. There are e-mails to be read and written, the normal administration stuff and, of course, I don’t want to give up, no, I simply can’t give up, writing my music and producing those videos, because that is what really keeps me going.
So I had to make a decision: forum vs. videos. Although I love to be here, not only because of many incredibly great songs, but also because of a bunch of very fine people I’ve met here and partly became friends with, I went for the videos. Even more so as I had (and still have) some videos to be finished (partly already begun in 2019 or even earlier).
So since February we managed to finished just one song / video, also because Maha hasn’t been in good health and was incapable of mixing and/or playing in the video. She finally took the chance when she had a few better days, so that one video is ready for roll-out now and I will present it here soon.
But I am going to do this with mixed feelings: I always hated it when I saw that people presented their stuff here in order to get some compliments but gave a damn about the other forum members’ work.
As long as Maha is still that ill it will be double difficult for me to finally keep up with the forum on a regular, i. e. daily, basis but I promise I will try my best in the future to at least show up whenever I can. And I will have to concentrate on the ‘beef’, the songs - if I do not comment on every song and if my comments will be much shorter than they used to be in the past: Please don’t misinterpret this as disinterest - it definitely is NOT!
I am afraid that there won’t be much output from our side in the remainder of this year - Maha’s illness dominates every hour, and my creativity has almost come to naught. But we are trying to keep our optimism - 2021 just has got to become better!
Well, folks, stay healthy - we all know that there is no guarantee, but acting rationally and reasonably has always been a good advice, I think: Wearing masks, keeping social distance and washing hands will definitely save more lives than Hydroxychloroquin or drinking disinfectants.
All the best to all of you,
Stefan
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Stefan,
It is great to hear from you, and very sorry about your ongoing problems.
I wish nothing but the best for you and Maha.
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Hi Stefan,
I'm so sorry to hear that Life hasn't been kind to you both. You and Maha are truly spectacular musicians and the material that you've presented here on the forum has been beyond superb!
Users Showcase has been made all the richer in music and music videos because of your and Maha's creations. I have ALWAYS thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to your songs.
Never feel that you "owe" it to people on here to listen to their music and to comment. If you and Maha get time to, and health permits, that's great but you don't, then there's nothing wrong with that.
Whenever you finish a song, please post it. I guarantee 100% that when I see a thread of yours, I will listen (and watch if there's a video) and I'll comment. I expect absolutely nothing in return.
Music is for sharing. It's not a duty.
I sincerely hope that things pick up for you both.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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I'm so sorry to hear about this, Stefan. I really enjoyed every single song you posted on here. Don't worry about a thing - come here when you can, post songs when you can, comment whenever you can ... I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we'll all be delighted to see you here whenever possible, no pressure and no worries! Wishing you and Maha good health and sending sincerest good thoughts your way - stay safe.
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Stefan,
was just thinking about you couple of days ago. Stay optimistic, I believe that is one of the strongest super powers of humans. Do what is in the best interest of your & Maha's health, forums can wait. I hope that turbulent events will pass by soon and floor becomes solid. My best wishes to you and Maha.
Misha.
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Hi, Stefan.
I'm glad you've chosen what brings you the most joy!
Be well, and continue acting rationally and reasonably.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Stefan,
I too am sorry to hear about about your ongoing problems. Look forward to seeing and hearing your upcoming work when you are up to posting it.
Peter
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Hi Stefan,
Yesterday we talked a lot on the phone, but still it is very sad to read your decision here in the forum.
We will keep in touch of course, but if you can post that last song/video of yours (2 months ago). It is very good and almost finished.
Hans
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Stefan,
Good to hear from you. Sorry to hear that things are what they are.
Keep making music. Hope to see that next video! That's what matters.
Best to you and Maha.
fj
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"2021 just has got to become better"
Something we can ALL hope for indeed.
Janice and I share a relationship that makes it easier to
understand the difficulties the two of you are experiencing.
We think often of you both and hope that your continued
creative spirit will offer some comfort in such a difficult time.
We wish you the very best and hope that Maha's
hospital stay will be brief.
Take care,
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 are here on our website.
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Stefan
Wow I can say no more than has already been said.
2020 has been one hell of a year
Stay strong and I hope 2021 is better for you both
Alyn
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Stefan,
Sorry to hear of these negative turns in your life.
I've only been here a short time and I've come to appreciate your contributions.
Hope you can continue your creative work, even if it's less frequent than desired.
My best wishes to you and Maha.
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Thanks for your sensitive detail of your situation. Stay strong and sending positive wishes that both yours and Maha's health improves quickly.
Tomorrow's going to be a better day. Well, it might not be tomorrow, but it will be soon.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Journeyman
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Stefan - I've enjoyed your songs a lot, though I'm relatively new here. I truly hope that music can remain a source of strength and enjoyment for you. I wish all the best for you and your family.
P.S. - I am no medical expert, and I don't want to interfere with your doctor's advice but I have heard that blue light is very bad for eyes and computer screens typically give off a lot in that range, so I personally adjust the color balance on my screens to the reds and use NightShift. Some people use screen filters that filter out blues, like Blueblocker sunglasses. You may already have your own mitigations in place.
Last edited by EdZ314; 10/11/20 03:12 PM. Reason: Added comment
Ed Z Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
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Friend, you've been missed. I'm always scanning the uploads and you-tube to "hear" from you as I've been understandably concerned in these times. So thanks very much for checking in and letting us know what's up. Wishing all the best for you and Maha. Please do what makes you happy. We understand that can't include EVERYTHING. Nobody can do it all, including me. Buckets of love to you both.
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Sorry to hear about your health situation Stephan. I am a big fan of your music. Please get well soon and look forward to hearing and seeing some more of your wonderful creations
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Just wanted to echo everyone's sentiments. Wishing the best for you.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Hi Stefan,
Good to hear from you! So sorry that you and Maha have all these problems affecting your life... I had them as well this year but that doesn't help your situation... I know...
I wish you the very best of luck... and good health to both of you... really miss you and your music in this forum, but I - as everybody else I think - of course understand!
Will
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Stefan, sorry to hear about your current difficulties. 2020 has been a hell of a year. Really hoping for something transformational in '21. Take care, and hang in there! Greg
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
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Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
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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.
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We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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