Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#263600 09/26/14 05:57 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hello everyone,

This week's song:

Amanda

A ballad in the Unplugged 16th PopBallad style.
Hope you like it! All comments are welcome.

Edit : some of you commented on the backing vocal in the third chorus. Anne-Marie didn't sing in this one. I did the backing vocal myself.

Regards,
Rob


Song specifics:
Key=D Tempo 85
Style is _SL16UNP.STY ( [65 RS])
RealTracks in song:
2200:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 085
1596:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 065
1595:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop8thsSteady Ev 065
1601:Mandolin, Rhythm Pop16Melodic Ev 065
2334 string quartet rhythm pop chamber ev 085
2265 synth bellpad rhythm 80s pop melodic ev 085

Lyrics:

Hello Amanda
it's hard to see you once again
all dressed and laced now
just like you were back then

you weren't giving me much room
and your passion left me numb

I held you in my arms
back when the times were rough
and while our time ran out
I nearly lost myself

hello my darlin
it's good to see you one more time
you're quite a woman now
I see this life has done you well

But I'm no longer who you think
and you were leaving me no choice

and when I held you near
never letting go
and when our time ran out
we nearly lost ourselves

I held you in my arms
back when the times were rough
and when our time had run out
we had nearly lost ourselves




Last edited by R & AM; 09/27/14 04:58 AM.

We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


RnAM #263610 09/26/14 09:41 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,806
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,806
Really enjoyed the song - Interesting chord progression and arrangement. Almost too much contrast between sections but you made it work nicely. My only complaint would have been that Anne-Marie's harmonies were needed and lo and behold, there they came.

Good job on this. As always, interesting lyrics, well written, good choice of instruments and excellent production.

This gets a plus 1 from me.

Charlie


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
RnAM #263618 09/26/14 11:05 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
I think this is the best song I've heard from you, it is outstanding, beautiful, superb; I could keep going. Great job; thanks for sharing!


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
RnAM #263627 09/27/14 12:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Rob and Anne-Marie,

A beautiful and interesting chord sequence throughout the song.
Nice harmony from Anne-Marie.

beautiful, truly beautiful!

Alyn

RnAM #263632 09/27/14 01:49 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi Rob and Anne-Marie ...

There are so many things to like about this. Obviously the performance is simply wonderful. Your voice is spectacular on this one.

I (Alan) like the use of the dim chord for the third chord in your verses. I sometimes use that, too. It builds a certain delicate tension that makes the listener want to hear how it resolves in their ears.

And the other thing that particularly impressed me is the transition chords used from one section to the next. Some of them were abrupt yet smooth as silk.

And, of course, the lyric is great! This was a fantastic listen. Standing ovation from both of us! have a wonderful weekend ...

Alan & 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

Charlie Fogle #263635 09/27/14 04:21 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Charlie,

Thanks! Yes, there is quite some contrast between the verse and chorus.
This is quite intentional, trying to create some dynamics in the song.
The backing vocal by the way is my own.
The song was created with the melodist. I liked the verse chords, but the chorus sequence wasn't all that convincing to me. One of the 'tricks' I find to work quite well is to select the verse chords and transpose them with 3 semitones. You then get a chorus that is higher pitched while it still fits the song.
Lots of Italian songs back in the 80s and 90s (artists like Cocciante for instance) had this very same principle. Not a real chorus, but merely a transposed verse.
The melodist in BIAB actually more or less works on the same principle, I think.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


PgFantastic #263637 09/27/14 04:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hello Robert,

Thank you! This is one of my solo projects.
In that category I consider it my favorite too.
I've been writing songs for about 30 years now. It's kind of funny sometimes, the songs you like best as a songwriter are not always the songs others like best. But in this case we are clearly on the same level, haha.

regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


Al-David #263638 09/27/14 04:40 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Alan & Di,

Thank you! Your support is truly appreciated.
The melodist came up with most of this chord progression. Like I explained to Charlie, the trick to get a chorus with dynamics is to copy the verse chords, transpose them with three semitones (in some cases a different value) and then paste them into the chorus section. I think I changed one or two chords afterwards.
Listening back to my earlier compositions, years ago, when I didn't have BIAB yet, I (unconsciously) probably did the same thing.
I find this works well in about every song.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


gibson #263641 09/27/14 04:57 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Alyn,

Thank you! Like I said in my post edit, I did the backing myself. But this goes to show that our voices are interchangeable laugh

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


RnAM #263643 09/27/14 05:21 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Rob,

interesting chord progression and lyrics. Good choice of instruments and excellent production.
Great harmonies. No wonder some have mistaken you for Anne-Marie.

Guenter

PgFantastic #263656 09/27/14 06:31 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Originally Posted By: PgFantastic
I think this is the best song I've heard from you, it is outstanding, beautiful, superb; I could keep going. Great job; thanks for sharing!



Me too! Couldn't have said it better so a big +1.

Josie

RnAM #263681 09/27/14 11:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Rob,

A beautiful song. Beautiful production.

Your vocal sounds EXCELLENT. Well sung, of course. But also, very well recorded. I really like the reverb that you used for this (what is it?).

Very enjoyable listen. (Nice harmonies!)

floyd

RnAM #263685 09/27/14 12:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Another beautiful job!! Guitars, mandolin, and strings work flawlessly together. Vocals are awesome! Really great all the way around!! Take care. Greg

RnAM #263690 09/27/14 01:57 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Enjoyable. Interesting chord/key changes in this song.

Loved the harmony vox.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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.
RnAM #263712 09/27/14 07:27 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,057
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,057
Rob,
Great song. You have a wonderful voice. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.
SD

boehm #263730 09/28/14 04:29 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Guenter,

Thank you. Much appreciated.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


Sundance #263731 09/28/14 04:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Josie,

Thank you! And yes it's my little favourite so far.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


floyd jane #263732 09/28/14 04:36 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Floyd,

Thank you!
It took quite a couple of takes to get the chorus part right, really had to loosen up my voice for this.
I used the Anwida soft reverb , it's a free vst plug in.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


Greg Johnson #263733 09/28/14 04:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Greg,

Thank you!
The unplugged style used here turned out to be a very nice addition to the chord sequence. I used the melodist at first and changed it into this style.

Regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


SpaceDog #263734 09/28/14 04:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
RnAM Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Originally Posted By: SpaceDog
Rob,
Great song. You have a wonderful voice. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.
SD


Thank you SD!


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,742
Posts795,655
Members39,946
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Metro6, LaneWright55, Diddlysquat, pun61, smitoz
39,946 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 190
Noel96 114
DC Ron 113
rsdean 105
DrDan 102
dcuny 90
Today's Birthdays
Ariloum, colly, dedou83, jlewis67, matzemu, Mike Levin, zakbosco
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5