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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 212
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Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/phil-leith/ok-campfire-strummerVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82_PKtKEfkOriginal Demo (a few hours after I wrote it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF-tjUB2_usAfter finishing my album last fall I've been pursuing other things and have been away from songwriting and recording/producing... I did one sometime in the last year ... a little spoof on "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" only about our annual camp/float trips. At any rate, the other night I was talking to a couple brothers and a visiting cousin and my older brother brought up the fact that I play guitar... and I gave the answer I usually give ... "Well, sort of. I'm not terribly good, I'm just an OK 'Campfire Strummer'" ... which seems to be a common term for the level right above "beginner". He said "that ought to be a song". And I said, "You're right." Couple days later I sat down and wrote this ... in about an hour. If it sounds like a lot of other songs ("Family Tradition", "Nashville Cats", "Gimme Three Steps", etc) that's because it's a traditional Country/Blues song form ... First song I've produced in my new "Little Corner Studio", which has been moved from our master bedroom into a guest bedroom we've converted to my office/studio/guest bedroom since COVID. Anyway, here it is... ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Campfire Strummer File:Campfire Strummer.SGU Key=A , Tempo 130, Length (m:s)=3:08 No intro. 98 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 98. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Volume Changes, Style is _CSWNGMD.STY (Country Swing Medium-Fast) RealTracks in style: ~539:Bass, Electric, Pop Sw 120 RealTracks in style: ~372:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 120 RealTracks in style: ~974:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountrySwingCleanA-B Sw 140 RealTracks in style: ~977:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountrySwingGrittyA-B Sw 140 RealTracks in song: 1872:Fiddle, Soloist WesternSwingAndy Sw 165 (Bluesy) RealDrums [in style:NashvilleSwing8^3-a:Snare, OpenHat , b:Snare, Ride And then me on a little finger-picking and a busted string ... and some acoustic strumming which is very subdued in the background later in the song ... because ... I'm only an "OK" campfire strummer. My BIAB peeps do a much better job. Pulled it all into Reaper to finish it all up with mixing and recording the additional tracks. OK Campfire Strummer Phil Leith 8/21/21 Well I've come so far just learnin' guitar And I'm better than I thought I'd be I got a late start I'll never tear it apart But I can't let it frustrate me I'm only so-so never be a virtuoso And sometimes I think that's a bummer But I can get by without bein' too shy As an OK campfire strummer I'm a little bit sloppy, and I can get off-beat But I'll just have to plow on through What I lack in flash I make up for in passion And a sustained chord or two I can still win if you can rein me in With a bass man and a drummer Ain't no Pollyanna never be Santana Just an OK campfire strummer Messin' around, makin' that sound Playin' calypso or swing I'm havin' a blast, just makin' it last But I hope I don't bust a string My friends seem to love it when I play Jimmy Buffett Or a John Denver song or three And I can be gentle with a quiet instrumental Finger-picking amateur-al-ly But they can't sing along if I play my own songs Though I might try to slip in a number I might sing too loud, but I ain't too proud I'm just an OK campfire strummer [And I'm alright with that Pick on my friend! No, don't stop now, you're doin' just fine! What's that key change? Ah, never mind, I'll just fake it 'til I make it] I might sing too loud, but I ain't too proud I'm just an OK campfire strummer
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Howdy Phil.... I gave it a listen. Well conceived subject matter. Good lyrics that developed the subject and kept me interested. You have a good voice and you performed in a relaxed, convincing, easy going manner. Good job on this one....good luck with your music endeavors. Huh...this would make a good 'campfire song' when you get the opportunity.  Carry on....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 08/24/21 08:35 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
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Joined: Apr 2016
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Phil, it's a nice country strum. The melody, story and tempo make me reckon this would be a cracker as a rockabilly tune. Cool.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Joined: Dec 2003
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That was fantastic! Loved it!
Everything about this song is perfect. Your vocal was outstanding. Your lyrics super (have you been spying on me?) and the mix was spot on.
Two thumbs up
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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i like the character of your vocs. very cute lyrics. liked the stop. also liked the talking before the end.
in summary this song is very well done...imho om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Phil,
This sounds really good! Great concept and the tune fits the subject matter perfectly! Clever lyrics and a super job on the vocals! Enjoyed it all the way! Thanks, Torrey
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Phil, A good write. Clever. Nice internal rhymes throughout... A good BAND to help out the stummin'  Nice vocals. Well mixed. Good to see you back... fj
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Nice backstory, sometimes you just need few words to get a good inspiration. And it turned out to a very nice song, good old country swing with positive lyrics, "What I lack in flash I make up for in passion". Enjoyed the vocals too.
Janne
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Thank you all ... I had a blast doing it.
I need to get my creative back on. I kind of burned myself out in 2020 working on the album and though I still played for fun, I pretty much stayed out of the studio. And though it's still approximately the same size and occupies the same tiny space only in another room, it's new and improved in that it's dedicated and it has sound tiles (you can kind of see it in the video, although the computer and monitor and such are behind the camera (well the computer IS the camera :-) )
This was so much fun it just might do the trick. I have a couple of Christmas songs I want to release on a "single" ... it's about time I get working on those if I want them polished and "in the system" by November.
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
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This was a well rounded song, Fantastic vocals that lead the song throughout and not the other way around, just a good old tune with enough in and out instruments then the vocals .
A killer !
Thanks
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139
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I really like the song Phil. I watched the video and thought "hey I want to do that too!" So that is a good inspirational thing. Very clever lyrics and rhyming. Well done!
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Hi Phil,
I am honestly not an expert in country music, but your song sounds good to me and it is definitely one I would enjoy listening to again.
Thanks for sharing, Will
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LOVE IT, Phil! Right from the idea. It's also the perfect song for a campfire --that is if you're at least a cut above beginner status. Can't wait to hear the sounds out of your new studio setup.
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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.
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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.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 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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