Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62 |
Hi All, I just finished another song, I am really enjoying RB!! I am hoping for some good constructive critism on this one. I always value your input and enjoy reading all the posts and listening to all the songs posted.... There are a lot of talented people out there!!! This is a song that I actually wrote several years ago, a friend of mine recently did the backing music (before I got RB) After I finished recording the main vocals and the backing vocals, I felt it was missing something! SO I threw the music track into real band and added a fiddle to it. I need to know if it is overdone and any pointers that I could use for this song. The song is called "There's A Better Home Awaiting" Here is the link: www.dannyriddle.com/BetterHomeWaiting-DannyRiddle.MP3Thanks for listening! Keep the music alive, Danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
Very nice tune. Love those Real tracks. The violin fits nicely with the tune. Liked the stops as well. Keep em coming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
You placed that fiddle perfectly in the song -- very good. Everything sounds great and the vocals are a lot of fun. On the first listen, I thought that the backing vocals and lead vocals collided a little bit. But on the subsequent listen, though problems didn't seem to be there any more (I guess I knew what was coming). But I do trust my first listen instincts -- so I would go back a listen with fresh ears and make sure that the backing vocals don't swallow up the lead singer.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,465
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,465 |
Danny this is one SUPER SONG!
I personally like the mix you have going on here. It’s just fantastic.
You should put out a CD.
PS – that fiddle was spot on!
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
Hi Danny, I agree with Kevin on this one. I thought the backing vocals were swallowing the lead singer a bit especially at the first of the song. The fiddle is fine.
Sundance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Danny,
Fiddle can sometimes be overdone - this is just right for me - good placement in the mix.
The Powderman Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62 |
Hey All, Thanks for listening to my song and giving me some great ideas, I fell better knowing that the fiddle sounded okay - that was my main concern as I love the sound of the fiddle and always want MORE. I took Kevin's advise and I toned down that backing vocals a bit on the first part, I guess I was so use to hearing it and after singing all the parts, I knew what was coming and I was not hearing it all with a fresh ear... The new mix is in the same spot....Hope it sounds a bit better... www.dannyriddle.com/BetterHomeWaiting-DannyRiddle.MP3thanks again for all your valuable input..... Keep the music alive! Danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Hi Danny,
Love the song. I listened to the redone version and it may just be my opinion, but I think the background vocals are still a little to loud in comparison to the lead vocal. Fiddle fits well, the only other concern which probably can't be tweaked is that the bass seems to collide with the lead vocal on certain frequencies, not drowning it out, but confusing the ear as to which is meant to be the prominent feature at the moment.
Just my observations and perceptions such as they are.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,921
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,921 |
Hi Danny,
I've just listened to your updated version of the song. You're a great song writer and arranger. The whole production is fantastic. I'm 100% envious!!! I agree with toucher's above comment about the background vocals. They are overshadowing the lead. Have you tried just having the lead singer solo the first chorus and then adding the background vocals in the following choruses? This is a technique that is often used to build-up momentum as a song progresses.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
Danny;
That is one great arrangement. I liked the fiddle. The stops were perfect. The key change in the middle really adds dynamics and freshness to the song. I wonder if you could reduce the backing vocals, ( as been said) just 2-3 Db, or add some reverb to them which will push them further back in the mix. I don't know. Just a bit. Everything is good, they just seemed too loud over hear, still. You could repost with them back a bit, and see what everyone thinks. It is hard, because by the time one does a "final mix" you have listened to it like 20 times or more, and figure it is done. But are they ever really done? We all keep tweeking and fiddling, don't we? Good thing it is fun. . . Super song.
Gene
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
I think it has all been said about this song. Everything is good, exept that I wished the lead vocal had "cut more through" it is difficult for an newbie like me to be critical, but maybe the lead could be more "sharper" and "up front" You have a good voice and it absolutely fits in to the Bluegras style. Best regards Tono
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Top marks for this song, Danny. Kind of an odd country vs gospel mix, but it works just fine. What I liked particularly was the economy of the composition. Short intro, then straight in. At 2.20 the song is short, but this doesn’t make it any less memorable. We could learn a lot from this! Improvements could perhaps be made by toning down the backing vox choir – in volume and in number. Make sure they stay in the back where they’re supposed to be. Then I think the lead vox – which is perfectly competent – will shine through better.
Not my genre at all, but I really enjoyed listening to this.
Praise be!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62 |
Hey All, Thanks for all the compliments and most of all, for the great constructive ideas, WHELP, as Gene said, the mix is really never done...BUT it is fun to do. I took the advise of Tourcher, Noel and Gene - I lowered the vocals (by 2 notches), removed a few (can't tell it though) and I tried to fiddle around with the bass, BUT got no where with that as I kept butchering the mix, SO I left that alone..... SO here it is again...in the same spot: www.dannyriddle.com/BetterHomeWaiting-DannyRiddle.MP3Let me know how this one is... AGAIN, so many thanks for your patience with me on this song - learning as I go and thanks for all your guidance!! Keep the music alive, Danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,921
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,921 |
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
Sorry I am late on this one Danny, almost missed it. With that said all I can do is add my Kuddos to those above, you had my feet stomping!
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 62 |
Hey Thanks Danny C and Noel, I think this song is now done ... unless I am missing something...
Thanks agian to all for the invaluable input.
Danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,592
Posts781,382
Members39,693
|
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|