Just watched and listened. I think this is your best all-around production so far. Everything on the musical side s at perfe3ctly in the mix - even got your bass line solid & shining! And Alison knocked it out of the park for you - really, really nailed it! A dramatic, mysterious sound that enveloped the listener - at least this listener. I'm not familiar with the background story - will have to look it up.
Can't find anything to complain about in the video, either. I have no idea - none - about how to create and post a video on YouTube. But it appears you put as lot of effort and time into this production. It was a really good listen - seriously!
Well I was a bit amazed your song was so brightly recorded and very well mixed. Why 'a bit'? Because I heard a lot of improvement in your later songs (although I have missed one lately I'm afraid) so the upward trend was expected to continue. And it did. And what a nice play on the cello (?). Huge compliments for Aaron! And for you, also for that misterious video. I liked it, also the end with that engine again. Funny!
But... I haven't the faintest idea what you were singing about.
So much coolness in one fell swoop. Love your creativity, Ray. Inspirational! Man, that bass is so perfect. I love the space. Speaking of space, your videos are always so cleverly spacey. The cello was a brilliant idea, and it sounds so good, especially the half steps. You look great singing the lyrics. You always write such cool changes, and get such accomplished folk to play them. Beautifully done Allison and Aaron.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Hi Ray ... Just watched and listened. I think this is your best all-around production so far. Everything on the musical side s at perfe3ctly in the mix - even got your bass line solid & shining! And Alison knocked it out of the park for you - really, really nailed it! A dramatic, mysterious sound that enveloped the listener - at least this listener. I'm not familiar with the background story - will have to look it up. Can't find anything to complain about in the video, either. I have no idea - none - about how to create and post a video on YouTube. But it appears you put as lot of effort and time into this production. It was a really good listen - seriously! Wishing you the very best. Merry Christmas. Alan
Morning Alan, Thanks for your kind words Alison did a fabulous job, I agree. The background story was, momentarily, world new...another backpacker murder in Australia. It turned parochial and nasty when the Australian media decided that the survivor was "in on it". If you want to read a little search Falconio Murder.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
ray, Mix on this is excellent. Drums and Bass are terrific. A very cool sound overall. Cello is nice. And a very cool video. Might be your best to date. fj
Thanks Floyd. I'm glad it's finished.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hi Ray, Well I was a bit amazed your song was so brightly recorded and very well mixed. Why 'a bit'? Because I heard a lot of improvement in your later songs (although I have missed one lately I'm afraid) so the upward trend was expected to continue. And it did. And what a nice play on the cello (?). Huge compliments for Aaron! And for you, also for that misterious video. I liked it, also the end with that engine again. Funny! But... I haven't the faintest idea what you were singing about. Nice weekend, Hans
Thanks Hans, Alison's cello is cool, I agree...definitely THE feature of the song. The song is about a specific event in 2002 but also about a series of events involving backpackers and murder. The generalities are all that was needed for the song.
Last edited by rayc; 12/18/2111:58 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
So much coolness in one fell swoop. Love your creativity, Ray. Inspirational! Man, that bass is so perfect. I love the space. Speaking of space, your videos are always so cleverly spacey. The cello was a brilliant idea, and it sounds so good, especially the half steps. You look great singing the lyrics. You always write such cool changes, and get such accomplished folk to play them. Beautifully done Allison and Aaron.
Thanks Marty, Spacey vids are the key to avoiding effort and applying effective quality control. That is - I cheat. Cello - I'd auditioned BIAB ones and didn't get far...I didn't even mention th attempt but Alison volunteered her services and, as you can hear, it seemed to be the right thing, right time & right song.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
What a production. Great use of the band. I loved the cello playing. Erie lyrics and vocals - they go great with the music. The video fits the bill too. Nice work.
Cool song! I always feel very strange whenever I listen to your songs. I think this is because your chord progression is very unique. The cello is nice. The video also has a unique atmosphere. Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot.
What a production. Great use of the band. I loved the cello playing. Erie lyrics and vocals - they go great with the music. The video fits the bill too. Nice work.
Thanks jptx3, Yes, the cello is ace.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
rayc, Cool song! I always feel very strange whenever I listen to your songs. I think this is because your chord progression is very unique. The cello is nice. The video also has a unique atmosphere. Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot. Best regards. Shigeki Adachi
Sorry Shigeki, my untutored, and deliberate, ignorance of comfortable chord sequences & resolution is the basis of that problem. I was writing with someone just recently and they were talking in terms of I IV vi V etc. and I horrified them by suggesting we just use the chords that sound interesting together. I did offer my latest song, still not quite finished that starts in C with vi to V then changes to Amaj for the chorus with vii to vi then I...it didn't seem to fit any of the prescribed patterns but it works for me.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hey Ray, wat a marvellous video - absolutely perfectly chosen footage and fantastic effects. Top notch. The song sounds very good, great bass and drums. The cello is mighty fine, too. A great, great package! Enjoyed the full show. Take care, Stefan
Thank you Stefan, with your amazing videos you provide the bar I'll continue trying to reach.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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.
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