|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Hi, Another new experience for me here with this 'all acoustic' (ie no drums/no bass) piece. Also no b-i-a-b stage in the composition, which is also a first. All insrruments played, nothing generated. Don't tell anyone but the very authentic sounding ac gtr sound is actually a patch on the juno-d. I used my version of PTPA, 11.0 (4), to record and mix the track and, indeed, to compose it. Used Audacity at the end purely to make the final MP3 file. The story is totally fictitious (this is a work of art remember) but certain details are gleaned from my daily commute to the day job. Any comments welcome as ever. Thanks for taking the time to listen Marc Brightest Light
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
This is really good singing from you and a very fine song. Don't tell us which is a patch!! (ha, ha). I would ease off the violin during the singing parts (verse/chorus 2) and the violin bridge part (~2:18) didn't add too much for me.
Again, good singing and I think you should let biab join in on that fun.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Hi Marc, Engaging song story really drew me in. Good vocal too. I liked most of the arrangement. The very different break threw me a little. For me it was a little too much for the song. But that's subjective. Nice work.  Josie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Hi Marc,
I really do like this song. I do think the mix needs some work, and with the right effects and mix, you can make the violin, etc., blend/sound better. I agree that the violin was a little too hot in places. But good job on the song!
Keep it up!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,703
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,703 |
Marc, very nice song and vocal. I enjoyed it.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
Hi Marc,
Very good song and singing.
I thought that the bridge with the violin seemed to be too harsh (it sounds as though it is cut and paste from a different song then back to the original)
If you fix that harshness then it would work better IMO
Best regards
George
Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2024 1111, Realband 2024
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
Marc, that's an excellent song! Given the simple yet heartfelt sentiment of the song I think it would be great if it simply ended at 2:18. But if you want to keep the break in there, how about a Mellotron flute patch instead of that violin patch which is too strident? My head was then hearing a whole tone keychange for the final verse after the break. On balance though, it really would sound great if it ended at 2:18! A very good song though, nicely sung and arranged.  John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Thanks to everyone for these helpful and insightful comments.
Kevin, George, Josie you’re absolutely right. The pizzicato bridge thing seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I’m not so sure. Perhaps I’ll put it to the vote, but my guess is that it could be on the way out.
If anything, it’s the restart that jars – could try fading that in I suppose…..
Steve I can tone down the strings during verse #2 – that way perhaps they’ll stand out better in the ‘solo’ verse after verse #3
Yes John – I could indeed experiment with other more, er, orchestral sounds. Don’t know why I went strings only on this one.
hmmm 2 semitone upward key changes are a little bit of a trademark with me.
Eventually all these tunes will finish up on my second album and we can’t have all of them finishing in a different key from the one they started in (or it will sound like the Eurovision song contest!)
Well anyway thanks again and, future contributors, let me know if you would chop down the bridge.
Regards,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,374
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,374 |
Hi Marc,
I really liked this song. It's very thoughtfully put together. The lyrics appealed to me greatly and I thought they were constructed incredibly well. I loved the hook, "The brightest light in our town". Every time you sang it, it gave me goosebumps. I wasn't sure about the violin break but if you like it, that's all that matters.
Terrific work,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Many thanks Noel for taking a listen and for your kind comments Quote:
I wasn't sure about the violin break .....
No, nor am I! If I ever get round to doing a remake it could get the chop. However, they do say that the purpose of a bridge is to break up the pattern of a song and 'wake' the listener up a bit. Well it certainly does that!
regards to down under,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,057
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,057 |
Marc,
Great storyline! I found it very captivating. I also liked the accompaniment concept. Very delicate. Finally, I'll have to remember that style of tag ending. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Thanks SpaceDog for these kind comments
That's a very rock n roll sounding town!
Regards,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,297
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,297 |
It’s all been said, very good sound that could be outstanding after replacing the violin lead. Otherwise this has a great backing track (very good guitar emulation, one of the best I’ve ever heard), very good lyrics and super vocals.
Great chops BTW!
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I like this my friend... Nice piece .. now to do to you what you do to my songs...(lol)
Yea karma comes back around lol....
I would take the strings and put them in a chorus stereo wide effect... for me they seem to be fighting for center stage and it sounds to mono in the mix. The strings should be in the balcony on the outer part of the mix.. your voice should be the only thing center stage...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
hmmm, I'm only too happy to read detailed advice such as the above but there's no need to hide behind an anonymous tag.
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
Hi Marc I really like the intimacy of this one - the 17th century drawing room feel, time ticking on continuously while he thinks about her. Good production suggestions from everyone. As for the instrumental version, in the vinyl days it was said if you wanted to have it the song would be an album cut with the instrumental in tact. I think I would cut it down though, but differently than say John. When you come out of the verse before the instrumental with that long violin note under "brightest light in town" - for two bars then let your bridge be just two bars of the pizzicato bridge thing, then into your reprise verse. I really don't think you need an instrumental of the verse, but I think you do need the short pizz bridge before the reprise verse - IMHO - but it is all subjective. The song is such a comfortable space to be in - another time, another place, floating with your thoughts - it's difficult to cut anything. One thing - with my hearing - if I can notice reverb, perhaps it should be a touch drier.   Just sayin' - Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,765
Posts795,962
Members39,955
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean