Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
JCJazz Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Well this is the 1st song i have completed with Biab/RB2012. I like how it came out considering a week ago it didn't even exist in my head. Now i have to learn how to play it so i can put some real bass on it. http://soundcloud.com/charliessun/into-your-eyes . All done with read band except for 1 lead vocal track and 1 backup vocal track. RT365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085 (multi-pic) ,RealDrums-NashvilleEven8^5-HiHat,Ride ,RT511:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Dire Ev 140 ,RT363:Pedal Steel, Background Ev 085 ,C_Eagles/Eagles style @130temp . If you can't listen let me know and i will post on soundclick


Love getting back into biab in 2024
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
You are making tons of headway with BIAB and you make good compositions/backing track. Break that bass out and get playing along (ha, ha). You do a good job mixing in the solo guitars so they sound "real" (even more real than I expected). This one has a little "grateful dead" vibe in the vocals.

By the way, your soundcloud link in your signature has that .../you/... in it -- which means it takes everyone to their home page or a log in screen.


Now at bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh @ bandcamp or soundcloud: Kevin @ soundcloud
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
Hi JCJazz

Nice song. Your song has a very nice chord progression, and a very-very nice harmony voice in the background!
Well done.
As I’m not sure if you want further comments I will leave it here. Just saying, as to the fact that there has been a debate on that issue here in this forum.

// Jan


JROM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
JCJazz Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
The only way to improve is if you have input.So if there is something not liked let me know.


Love getting back into biab in 2024
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,021
Howdy!

These are just my opinions, and I could be wrong about many of them. Keep in mind that these are coming from someone who hasn't posted a song with lyrics (yet), so apply grain of salt liberally.

Hopefully you'll find something useful in this batch:
  • It sounds like you're straining to hit some of the notes. Change the key to something that's a better match for your voice.
  • It sounds like you're flat in spots. GSnap is free, and works with RealBand.
  • It's better to re-record than to auto-tune your vocals. Fortunately, GSnap will show you where your pitch is relative to the "true" pitch if you have trouble hearing where you're off.
  • The fingerpicked guitar is too busy, and gets in front of the vocals. Once the song starts, drop it.
  • Cut the intro down to a few seconds, or drop it completely.
  • Add a strummed guitar to the mix to give it more drive.
  • Everything sounds the same. Change up the instruments more so the verses are more distinct from the chorus.
  • The vocals are too far in the background. They should be the central point of the song.
  • When the guitar takes the lead (at 1:40) it should be in the front of the mix.
  • There's dead air in spots, such as 0:27, 0:39 and 2:37. Figure out how to make them disappear.
  • In some spots (like 3:11) the vocals just seem to fade out.
  • 5:30 is too long. Edit the song down to 3:30.
  • There are two guitar solos in the song. Drop the long one. Maybe the short one as well.
  • You could cut the chorus down to the first two lines, or just the last line, and not lose anything. As it currently is, it feels too long.
  • The drums feel weak to me.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
JCJazz
Dcuny has given you a very thorough and constructive feedback and thus indicated the essential thing in the song. I will not be able to give you such a detailed critique, but FWIW I’ll point to the length of the song, more than 5 minutes is often too long, then it would be good for the song that there was more variety, maybe bring some other instruments into the song.
Concerning pitch correction, I can draw attention to a free VST plugin that in real time can correct pitch, I do not know how effective it is, but pitch correction plugs have helped me a lot. Here it is: http://www.meldaproduction.com/freevstplugins/
There’s a bunch of other high quality free stuff by the way.

Jan R


JROM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
+1 to everything on David's excellent list above.

Don't be daunted; you're on a fun learning curve, practice most definitely makes perfect in the art of songwriting and home recording!
But with all the tools at our disposal these days, particularly BIAB RealTracks, the challenge has become learning which tools and techniques NOT to use.

'We've all been there' example:
You find a nice RealTrack, maybe some guitar chord or single string noodling. You like hearing it, so in it goes, all the way through the song. Why not, it's cool. Ok, what's next.

Hang on. People listen to a song because the song makes them want to. So songs need to keep them interested. Two techniques present in almost all successful songs is "build tension/then release" and "leave spaces". A cool guitar noodle will cease to be cool after a couple of bars, and become downright irritating after a short while. So (eg) put it in the intro then drop it out. Make the listener hang in there hoping it'll reappear. Maybe bring it back in during a guitar solo in the middle. Drop it out again until the outro.

I put all my sound selections and arrangement decisions through this filter: "Is the listener going to find this interesting? Does the song build throughout, i.e. is something a little different happening every few seconds to hold the listener's interest until the end?" I'm particularly on my guard when I think I've found something 'cool' - will the listener also find it cool? If not, it's out.


Songs web site
YouTube Channel
BIAB 2024
Cakewalk by BandLab
Studio One 7
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
JCJazz Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Well i have tweaked it a little , But still have lots of work to do. http://soundcloud.com/charliessun/your-eyes


Love getting back into biab in 2024
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
JCJazz Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Does this song seem like it needs to be slowed down A Little? i think i am going for an old school country feel .(kinda like Conway T)


Love getting back into biab in 2024
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
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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.

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,358
Posts791,231
Members39,860
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Marj O, Samuel Song, Max Gain, BEAN223, Brazilboyz
39,860 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 315
MarioD 208
DrDan 187
DC Ron 153
Noel96 144
Rob Helms 113
Today's Birthdays
GMORR
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5