|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Thanks, Herb. I appreciate your dropping and giving the song a test run.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Noel,
A great Christmas song!
Your vocals are very good, the piano is beautiful (we have used this one often).
As a whole... a top production!
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,028
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,028 |
Noel this is fantastic. I really liked the lyrics, vocals and backing tracks. The harmonies were excellent.
To really nit-pick I thought that the lead vocal was dry and could have used a little reverb. BUT that is just my personal preference and others may not agree.
Great song!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hey Pat, Thank you for dropping in and posting such a great reading post. The calibre of your posts is always outstanding. You have a very succinct way of politely saying exactly what you mean and doing so with an occasional touch of humour. That's a real skill. I'd love to be able to write like you! You've asked many questions in your post (as did floyd). I promise I'll answer them! I'm currently constructing a pdf that will be available via the "About the song's construction" link. (It's an empty document at the moment, though.) The reason I'm doing it this way is because I thought others might like to know the answers too, I'll explain a little more fully how I do things and how I use tools like BIAB's custom soloist, etc. Please be patient  Thank you for taking time to listen to and to comment. All the best, Noel P.S. I remember those early songs too! LOL! I used to hate singing and felt incredibly self-conscious. Then, one day, I just gave up worrying and adopted the attitude that I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. It's mutton all the way with me now
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Such an excellent write, arrangement and production. Everything fits in place. As Floyd states, a wonderful song that could become a classic in its on right and I think it would sound great done by a choir. Thanks for posting and Merry Christmas.
Charlie Charlie, Thank you for such generous comments. I really appreciate them. You brought a huge smile to my face. While I can hear this song sung by a choir, I can't really see it becoming a classic. Shepherds, angels, birth of Jesus, are very well used themes and I don't think I have anything present that makes my song stand out from the multitude. That doesn't matter, though, I just enjoy writing music! I'm so grateful for PG Music and BIAB/RB. I wish you and yours a fantastic Christmas and New Year, too. Take care, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Nice song Noel, well written with a nice melody line and great mix as well.
Pity we can't have a listen to your song as well in our local shopping malls. By Christmas time we'll be fed up listening to Lennon and Yono's War is over.
All the best Noel
Musiclover Hi Musiclover, Thanks for popping in and giving my song a listen. I'm very grateful for the positive comments. I laughed when I read the part about shopping malls and "War Is Over". Here in Melbourne / Australia, the experience is EXACTLY the same. Whenever I got to a shopping centre, that song is nearly always what greets my arrival! That being said, though, how amazing would it be to write something like that that keeps on coming back year after year. Hope you have a great Christmas, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Noel, Glad you're back around. This is a terrific write. Love the chord progression. Your voice is in excellent shape on this one. The arrangement is top shelf. The bells and the organ were great additions near the end. Clearly a lot of tweaking went on here and the end result is marvelous. I also would love to hear the big choir. It's not easy to write a memorable Christmas song, but you have done just that. Going back for another listen. All the best, Tom Hi Tom, I'm glad you dropped in. Moreover, you brought a whole heap of uplifting comments with you! I think you're being overly generous but thanks for taking time to write them down. It made getting up in the morning worthwhile! About the tweaking ... to be honest, I can't stop myself. The more I listen to the mix, the more I hear those bits where I haven't got things quite right. I probably spend way too long on massaging the mix! Oh well, I love every minute. Once again, thank you. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,092
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,092 |
Noel,
I enjoy Christmas songs and enjoy your singing so this was a win-win for me! I love how much gusto you put into your singing voice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,232
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,232 |
Noel,
This is just great - love the song, vocal and mix. So good to hear you again.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
Wow, back with a bang Noel! This has a very pro sound indeed, the engineering and mix is simply great. Well perfect to my ears. And the vocal sits just right. Spot on arrangement, and your vocal delivery is superb. All around full marks!
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Noel, So good to hear you back again, my friend! Like you, I have been out quite a bit this year. I hope you are able to be around more now. I always enjoy your posts. You are one of the more generous people in a sea of generous people around here. I love this song. And I think you did a great job on the vocals. You just keep getting better. I agree with Floyd, this one would work well with a good church choir. Great song! 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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Guenter,
Thank you for the welcome back. It's good to be back.
I appreciate your taking time out to have a listen to my song. It was interesting when I revisited it because the number of RTs has risen dramatically since I first wrote it. That gave me a whole heap of new sounds to play around with. BIAB is an incredible program!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Dani,
It's always great to see your name pop-up in a thread. The Users Showcase is definitely better off for having you as one of its regulars.
As I'm typing here, I'm trying to imagine Christmas in Finland. It must be very cold and very unlike the kind of Christmas that I'm used to.
Best wishes for a terrific Christmas,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Loved your song. Lyrics, singing, harmonies and playing were very well done. Piano was a very cool track... Thanks Scott. I appreciate your passing through the thread. The piano RT is great. It's very energetic and would take a bit of stamina to maintain for 3 minutes!!! I'd love to know how to play like that. Best wishes for a great Christmas, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Paul, First off, I'd like to say that I'm a great admirer of your creations. You have some excellent musical and technical skills that work in partnership to create some top class works. I'm a bit of a novice by comparison. Thanks for taking time to provide honest feedback. I'm always happy to receive any critical thoughts - positive or negative. Your point about reverb was supported by floyd and MarioD. As a result, I went back and boosted it a couple of percent. It has made a difference. I find reverb a bit of a mine-field and that's why I always listen to advice from those who know how to use it properly! I'm glad you liked the song Best wishes for a joyful and thoughtful Christmas, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Noel. All sounds thoroughly professional to me!
You certainly know what you're doing!
Christmas cheers. Hi Richard! It's great to see you. When I read the "You certainly know what you're doing!", I raised my eyebrows. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know that I know some stuff, but mostly what I do is trial and error; usually more error than anything else. One of these days I hope to be able to have a song fall into place in next to no time. For the time being, though, I'll just keep on learning and having fun! Thanks for passing by! Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Noel! Excellent song! WOW! That about says it all.  Josie Hi Josie, I apologise for taking so long to get back to you. Unfortunately, the BIAB (Windows) forum has been bursting with problems and questions and I find it very difficult to keep up with that forum and this forum. Thank you for jumping in and listening. You made day! All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
No-el, No-el, Sounds good to me, I am not one for traditional Christmas songs but I can see the appeal of this one. My dear departed Dad would have LOVED this and joined in with his idea of harmony  I like the lead sheet in all your songs as I can read the notes whilst listening, it would be nice to have a left hand as well  . I enjoy reading musical scores and getting the piece in my head The Xmas song I have done this year is miles away from this traditional masterpiece! Alyn Hey Alyn, It's always good to see you! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. Apart from people singing me my own personalised Christmas songs, I also get my presents wrapped in peronsalised paper I don't know what my mother was thinking when she called me Noel! LOL! I'm not promising anything but next time I write the music to one of my songs, I see if I can work out some kind of accompaniment for the left hand. That should be fun! Thanks for listening. I appreciate the feedback. Your dad sounds like quite a character. Enjoy Christmas, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Bud and Janice,
Thank you for your time and your thoughts. I ended up feeling very good for the rest of the day after reading your comments! I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to get back to you but, as I said to Sundance, with the release of 2015, the demand for help in BIAB (Windows) has been very time consuming.
Now I just have to work out how to get into your league. I imagine that that's going to be as difficult as swimming from my place to your place! Still .... nothing ventured, nothing gained (so someone wise was supposed to have once said).
I wish you both a wonderful Christmas,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,676 |
Hi Noel,
A great Christmas song!
Your vocals are very good, the piano is beautiful (we have used this one often).
As a whole... a top production!
Rob and Anne-Marie Hi Rob and Anne-Marie, Thank you! If I could get my productions to be 50% the quality of your productions, I'd be a very happy man. For the moment, though, I'll just have to keep plugging away and getting practise. All the best for Christmas, Noel P.S. I love your "Wish You A Merry Christmas". Anne-Marie, you have flair for singing wonderful counterpoint harmony.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,604
Posts807,362
Members40,169
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean