Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#110463 04/03/11 08:23 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
Hi
not being the best guitar player or Mandolin player in the world
i thought i would have ago at least including a little bit of both instruments ,the guitar takes on a very poor lead ,and the mandolin a little rhythm lol the voices are mine only because up to now i have not found anyone who would want to sing with me lol the backing track is thanks to BB and the recording was done on Real band which is no indication of how good they both are . and for those who dare here is my link
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_8035877 very best wishes Brian.

Brian Scarratt #110464 04/03/11 12:44 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Hi Brian,
I am enjoying as I type.
While there may be a couple warts in the song, (we ALL have them) all-in-all it's pretty good. There are folks here that can musically critique this with more expertise than I.

If I may, I'd like to make a suggestion?
Many years ago someone, in the music business, that I respect, told me, "Don't put yourself down. There are many who will gladly do it for you."

Keep up the good work.

Mick Emery #110465 04/03/11 04:54 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,099
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,099
Brian, I really enjoyed this - excellent song. You've got some Roy Orbison in you Very nice.

Bob

rsdean #110466 04/03/11 05:04 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Wow even before I read the above post I heard Roy Orbison. Nice work. I am a huge Orbison fan. Thanks for sharing!




My Music Reverbnation
My Music Myspace
Read My Blog


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
PgFantastic #110467 04/03/11 09:14 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Hi Brian,

I love the song and the arrangement. To me, it's got a real 80's Duran Duran vibe which is cool. Nice vox too.

The demo is not that bad - could be better but you'll get where you want to be.

I enjoyed it.

Sundance #110468 04/04/11 04:10 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Brian,

I like the song, and I think your singing is just fine. I agree, there is a little Roy Orbison sound here, and that's a good thing! The arrangement is good, and your guitar work is not bad. The mandolin was a little out of tune - but that's not always necessarily bad. Sometimes I will use instruments purposely slightly out of tune to bring a fuller sound (that's in essence what a chorus does, in some settings). I would move the mandolin back in the mix just a little bit, so it doesn't dominate, and prove how out of tune it is. (My main "studied" instrument in college was violin, so I love the mandolin.)

These are just nit picks, but you are doing a good job! Keep working on it and you will always improve. When it comes to mixing, it just takes a lot of practice, and really, really, really using your ears! Don't do any final mixing at the same time you recorded, your judgment will always be impaired by your "favorite" part, not to mention your ears will most likely be fatigued after recording. (That's a mistake I still make, out of excitement for my "new creation".)

Again, keep up the good work! It's always fun to create, isn't it!

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
Steve Young #110469 04/12/11 06:45 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,869
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,869
This is a diamond in the rough! All it needs is a little polish!

This is a very good song. I would keep working on this.


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
MarioD #110470 04/12/11 10:20 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
Quote:

This is a diamond in the rough! All it needs is a little polish!

This is a very good song. I would keep working on this.




Hi MarioD
i thank you so much for your encouragement ,and i think you are right which is why i have decided to take a good look or listen to which is indeed a very rough demo of the song i hope to reproduce in to some thing which i know has potential, so a huge thanks to you my friend,my very best wishes Brian.

Brian Scarratt #110471 04/14/11 10:25 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
I WOULD like to say a warm thank you to all who were kind enough to take a listen ,and indeed all help is always welcome,i remember years ago some one once saying that one should not write sing and then record ones own songs as some thing along the way would suffer,i often wonder if this is some times the case,and a good tune can be lost for ever by a weakness in the recording skills ,just a thought very best wishes Brian.

Brian Scarratt #110472 04/14/11 07:02 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Hey Brian, whoever said that didn't have BIAB, RB, RT's and a board full of friendly talented people to help them.

A good tune never has to be lost because you can tweak it and redo all, part, or anything about it to your heart's content these days. I remix lots of my stuff sometimes because it needs it and sometimes just for practice to learn or to try out a new RT I didn't have before or try a different arrangement, etc. I'm still learning recording mixing skills - I think many of us here are.

Dan just posted a video on youtube showing his whole process of recording a song from BIAB to RB to Reaper - there's a link in the BIAB forum - and I learned something new I didn't know from his first video episode on BIAB. I've picked up tips from so many others on here it would take a way too long post to name every one who's helped me. So if you ever feel stuck on something ask on one of the boards. Great people here. And you are off to a flying start. So keep at it!

Brian Scarratt #110473 04/15/11 07:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207
Hi Brian,

I really like your song.

Wouldn't go amiss in any radio station.

Just need to re-tune that Mandolin but your vocals make up for that

Well done.

Best regards
George


Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2026 (1237), Realband 2026 (10)
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory

Sundance #110474 04/16/11 11:32 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
Quote:

Hey Brian, whoever said that didn't have BIAB, RB, RT's and a board full of friendly talented people to help them.

A good tune never has to be lost because you can tweak it and redo all, part, or anything about it to your heart's content these days. I remix lots of my stuff sometimes because it needs it and sometimes just for practice to learn or to try out a new RT I didn't have before or try a different arrangement, etc. I'm still learning recording mixing skills - I think many of us here are.

Dan just posted a video on youtube showing his whole process of recording a song from BIAB to RB to Reaper - there's a link in the BIAB forum - and I learned something new I didn't know from his first video episode on BIAB. I've picked up tips from so many others on here it would take a way too long post to name every one who's helped me. So if you ever feel stuck on something ask on one of the boards. Great people here. And you are off to a flying start. So keep at it!




Hi Josie ,thank you for listing in and indeed all your helpful comments
i will be sure to look at Dans video as i could use some help ,mind you i have to chuckle ,the person who said ,maybe it was not better to do everything ones self was George Harrison lol on watching Paul's Give my regards to Broad street,but Paul was producing the film as well .what a clever so and so he is lol.my hero really, like you say he didn't have BIAB,very best wishes to you Josie,Brian.

George Nelson #110475 04/16/11 11:36 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
B
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
Quote:

Hi Brian,

I really like your song.

Wouldn't go amiss in any radio station.

Just need to re-tune that Mandolin but your vocals make up for that

Well done.

Best regards
George



Hi George thanks matey for your comments,and the mandolin may have to be left in its case awhile until i learn how to play it lol,my very best wishes to you ,Brian .ps really enjoyed your song.

Brian Scarratt #110476 04/17/11 11:09 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Hey Brian,

I rellly like this song, could just see myself on holiday in spain and listening to this with a glass of the local brew in my hand at the hotel's evening entertainment, you have a great voice by the way could easily do a job like that.


Musiclover


Musiclover

My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall

Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use smile
musiclover #110477 04/20/11 08:29 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
"To me, it's got a real 80's Duran Duran vibe which is cool. Nice vox too."

My first thought too. I hear very good vocal potential in you Brian. I also like the song. Keep it up- you're writing good material that will only get better and better as you go. Nice one!

Dan

Shockwave199 #110478 04/21/11 12:35 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
I like this one Brian.
Maybe a bit too much happening for its own good.
I would lose the acoustic piano for a start

The “wrong chord” ending is surprising - I think going back down to the C would round it off better.
Nice use of those maj7s.

Strong melody and really good vox

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,413
Posts804,593
Members40,120
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
asanford576, King Terry, Jt54, John Steer, therichestplat
40,119 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
rsdean 98
DC Ron 95
WaoBand 81
vicarn 75
dcuny 73
Today's Birthdays
Ingar R Henden, isidro1
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5