|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
The Song That Never Was Hi all, On 02/05/2013 Guitarhacker posted the song "Song With Imogen". I replied: "One of the most beautiful songs I have heard here. Great vocals and harmonies together with a perfect background. This was not the last time I listened." Now I found out about the background. There are 486 versions of this song on Soundcloud, http://soundcloud.com/imogen-heap/sets/remix-parts-preview/and I wanted to create one of my own. Here the lyrics: It's Alright (The Song That Never Was) Green to this. Where's a manual when you need one? The back of your hands, no good to you now. Right angles, It's all shaped wrong when it should be rolling. You're pining every trick this box hasn't got. It's alright... didn't I tell you so? It's alright. It's all in the process. It's alright. You're all set to go. So don't give me that look... 'cause I know you're up to it. My favourite thing, to walk out on the bridge and look back on Manhattan, under sunset covers while the city lights up. You'll find yours, whoever, whatever you need, it'll be here. Guaranteed under amongst these golden oak streets Chorus Just one place. Just one place, to make amends. Just one friend. Just one friend, that's all it takes. Chorus ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The background to the song was explained in one of Imogen's vBlogs. http://jonmtm.tumblr.com/post/77009100/imogenheap-discusses-the-song-that-never-wasShe was asked to write a song for a TV film. The story was that a child (not sure if it was a boy or a girl) had moved from the country to the city (New York), and was anxious about going to a new school, and losing all their old friends. The song is written from the point of view of the child's mother trying to encourage the child to face the new life, make new friends, and so on. This helps make sense of the lyrics, e.g. 'don't give me that look... 'cause I know you're up to it'. Also the reference to Manhattan, since the film is set in New York. Of course in the end the song was not used for the film, hence 'The Song That Never Was'. Imogen posted the vocal stems to this track and invited her fans to remix it. Imogen did not provide any information about what key it was in, or how she approached the track. So I had to find some appropriate chordprogression (most of the examples on Soundcloud were not appropriate, some even tweaked the original melody) and find some suitable RealTracks. BiaB and Realband did the rest for me. RT903_ Bass, Electric, SmoothCool Sw16 100 RT1073_ Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SmoothJazzCool RT906_ Piano, Electric, Rhythm SmoothCool Sw16 100 RT2334_String Quartet, Rhythm PopChamber Ev 085 RT1059_Sax, Alto, Soloist SmoothJazzPoppy Ev16 090 RealDrums-BossaBrushesPerc^3-perc RealDrums-SmoothJazzCoolSw16^1-XStHHt,SnRd Lyrics, tune, vocals and harmonies: Imogen Heap Arrengement: me. http://soundcloud.com/boehmusic/the-song-that-never-was
I hope you enjoy. Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845 |
This is SO interesting. More comments later... didn't want it lost..
(oh...btw, Guenter... the link to the song - at the bottom - is a little hard to pick out - might be a good idea to bold it? and/or add some space around it?....)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Floyd,
I followed your advice and edited the link.
I'm curious about your comments.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
"Just one friend,
that's all it takes."
So true, specially for a disenfranchised Teenager to become human once more.
Great mix and the vocal is really well sung - such a pity that it didnt make the Cut.
I think you have an inspired choice of RTs there - they work well together.
Maybe more later - of gigging tonight.
Bye
Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
WOW Guenter! Your musical sensibilities flow so easily in different directions! This is unlike anything else I've heard you do, but you manage to keep your usual rock-solid quality in place even when you experiment! Not many people can pull that off! I admire the open-minded thinking of Imogen to propose such an interesting project to the world at large! I'm busy today, but at some point I'm sure I'll want to explore the other submissions. But what YOU have done with this melody is (to my ears, at least) a musically appropriate and very well executed accompaniment! The very stylish vocals and lyrics of course are center stage... but the sum total of all the song's elements make one of the most compelling pieces I've heard in a while! Your backing track fits her presentation like a custom-fitted glove! (the thought occurs to me that if you can manage to copyright the exclamation point, you'll get rich just on royalties from your song reviews....) 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Ian,
thank you so much for your nice reply.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Pat,
nice to have you back.
And thanks for your favourable remarks.
"I'm sure I'll want to explore the other submissions."
That's what I did, too. Up to now I've only managed
to get to No 290. But I'll try to hear them all. Sometimes
I only need three bars and get on to the next one.
But it's interesting.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
very interesting project and your interpretation captured the spirit of the lyrics and it's intended audience
well done!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033 |
Guenter, that is wonderful. We ran into her singing with Jeff Beck on a DVD and were mesmerized. You did an incredible job with her vocal. I've read and reread the lyrics and like Gruve said you captured the whole feel of the words and the voice with your arrangement. Outstanding!!
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,061
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,061 |
Guenter,
As usual you have mastered everything. Brilliant feel, mix, fills, balance, all captivating your audience in a sensational production. I'm going back for a 3rd listen right now.
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845 |
Guenter,
I've listened at least a dozen times - thanks for having the download there - it is nice to be able to play it on the good speakers and using the headphones. You created a terrific soundscape for the vocal to nestle in to. The drums are excellent - the combination of the RealDrums is very effective - and fit with the vocal perfectly. The bass and e. piano support it and never get it the way.
The VERY start of the first note is a tad abrupt. I thought the sax intro should have been a little less busy - a few sustained notes in there (including the last one into the vocal - a fading note there would be nice). The sax leading into and accompanying the "Just one place" section has those kinds of held notes - it's really sweet. These are small things - not to detract from the beautiful arrangement.
The mix is spectacular. I found myself getting lost in the vocal. No longer even thinking of the instrumentation accompanying it. THAT is the mark of a good mix!!! I like the fact that it is not drenched in reverb. It has an immediate feel, an intimacy to it. Like you are one of the few who has discovered a "star" in a small club before the rest of the world finds out...
I probably left some things out.... Excellent work, Guenter.
floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Guenter, This project is a testament to your knowledge of theory and your musicality. It cannot be easy to match up a vocal so seamlessly with the real tracks. you pulled it off in spectacular fashion. I agree with floyd about the sax intro. The mix is great and I really enjoyed the end result. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
Guenter,
I first heard her, as did Janice and Bud, singing with Jeff Beck.
And now this.Everything about that song is tremendous. I really, really enjoyed it.
thanks for sharing,
Alyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497 |
Hi, Guenter !
I am stunned !!!:))
How did you do this ?
Did she sing the melody to
any kind of accompaniment
before you took it on ?
Be it anyway, this is
just fantastic, I do not have
words !!!!!!:))
Cheers
Dani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,776
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,776 |
Very cool. I had to go back to the OP you referred to, to see who said what about it ......
Yeah this was a fun project and a nice thing for Imogen to do. I recalled listening to many of the nearly 500 different versions, most of which tried to emulate her electronica style.... as you heard, I and a few others went in a totally different direction with the music.
She was supposed to pick her 10 favorite remixes and well.... I don't think that ever happened.
I still have my version on my sound click and on my mp3 player and listen to it on a regular basis. I renamed it since I thought the name IH gave it didn't do it justice..... I called it "I know you're up to it" ... that just seems to fit the groove better.
I like the smooth jazz style you used on this tune. I thought the jazz styles fit this song very well.
Good tune.... good job.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 02/02/14 06:52 PM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Lawrence, Janice & Bud, Trevor, Floyd, Tommy, Alyn, Dani, and Herb,
I could write you all seperate thanks as some people here do (to increase the number of replies?). But I'll stick to the usual way and thank you all for your kind comments.
Very much appreciated.
@Dani: No, she just published the melody.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934 |
Hi Guenter
Stunning! Loved it. I would also be interested to hear some of the other versions. Are they generally published on Sound Cloud? I did a search for "The song that never was by Imogen Heap"and quite a bit of stuff came up. Such an interesting project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Guenter...
This is simply wonderful! love the arrangement and the instrument choices were perfect. This is a great listen ... love the Jazzy feel. Still humming it.
You did a great job...congrats on this marvelous piece!
Best to you..
Al & Di
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Nice work Guenter! I do love her voice. Great idea on her part to get people involved and increase her exposure and fan base.
Josie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,988
Posts798,670
Members40,004
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean