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https://soundcloud.com/user-564042721/falling-into-the-westI enjoy all things Western - movies, history & stories. This song is my first entry in the genre. More folk-rock than country, I think- it was fun to try and give a nod to the Irish heritage of the protagonist.(New Caledonia was the name for British Columbia in the early 1800`s). I`m learning alot from all the comments and feedback; please don`t hold back! Robert RStyle is _12STACM.STY (Medium Country Boogie w/ Pedal S) RealTracks in style: ~684:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 1295:Banjo, Rhythm, ModernCountrySync Ev16 100 RealTracks in song: 2499:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm PopCountryBrent Ev 120 RealTracks in song: ~1119:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 1878:Fiddle, Soloist CountryRob Ev 120 (Bluesy) RealDrums in style: RockHardEven8^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride ZeroG: Uillean Pipes loop Falling Into The West ( Robert Cordrey, March 2016) in a land that only borrows the sun from under your pillow from the gulls and the plough on your dream`s horizon in New Caledonia this myth of forever I see your green eyes in the high sighing pines and the wild singing river falling falling falling into the west I ran from the fever on a deadman`s horse they say fortune favours a fool paid insult with blood saved a preacher from remorse but the wrong upon wrong that led me to sail still burns like the lightning drunk under a moon as red as your veil falling falling falling into the west in a land that only borrows the sun from under your pillow I sleep fenced with fire lie awake with a gun oh once we questioned the stars now new stars interrogate me did we do right to promise? and I stumble on this trail snaking down to the sea falling falling falling into the west
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This is a very strong and solid performance. Loved it.
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Robert,
I really like the backing you've created for this. As the song developed, your performance got stronger and stronger. By the end of the song, I found myself really immersed in the sound and your singing.
For what they're worth, and because you asked for critical comments, here are some thoughts that occurred to me as I listened....
The first time through, I thought the vocals sounded slightly too out front. The second time through, though, I didn't hear this. I like the way you've set the refrain "Falling, Falling, Falling into the west" against the music.
While I wasn't quite sure how to make sense of the lyrics, from the prosody perspective of word-syllable strength being aligned to music-rhythm strength, your setting is first class. Your lyric imagery is really excellent and the words have some very strong internal sonic links (for example: the long 'i' sound in "high sighing pines"; the alliteration in "fortune favours a fool" - just to name two of the many). Your consideration of the juncture between words is also top notch. From what I can see, there are no consecutive words where the end consonant on the first word is the beginning consonant of the second word (such lyric events can sometimes be a challenge for singers to sing properly). Your attention to poetic detail is outstanding. I get the impression that you're very experienced at writing poetry and setting words to music.
All in all, I really enjoyed the musical journey you took me on!
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Hi Noel,
I`m a lover of words from childhood with some, but not much, poetry writing experience. Enjoying the sound of words and having things bounce around for days in the head can make it difficult to pare things down in a song; I think a little more nipping here and there in this song might improve it. Really glad you enjoyed the imagery and felt the setting fit. I much prefer songs which are more impression than narrative, but have to remind myself that the impression has to make some sense to the listener without the "back story" they came from. I appreciate the time you`ve taken to listen and thoughfulness of your comments.
Robert
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This is a very strong and solid performance. Loved it. Thank you!
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Hi Robert,
very poetic. I enjoyed listening.
Guenter
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hi Robert,
I love the concept of this song, and your lyrics are really interesting... full of visual images. The fiddle is used in a novel way, different than we normally hear it in contemporary music.
Of all the instruments in your mix I think the electric guitar matches the mood of the song best. It really shines in the mix.
There are times in the song where it sounds like the song has lost its key. I can't describe it better than that... maybe the chord progression forces notes that don't fit the key of the song, or maybe simply regenerating the real tracks until something more natural is played would be all it takes. I only mention it because I liked the song, but it was a little disconcerting to resolve the uncertain key as I listened.
Another nit is that the fiddle ended kind of abruptly. Again, the simplest fix would be to highlight the passage and regenerate until it ends a little more logically.
having said all that, I thought this was a very cool song, highly original and full of potential.
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Robert you are a word master for sure! That in its self can make a song but your vocals and backing track take it over the top for me.
I also think the ending should be worked on, maybe fade the fiddle? I did do not have any other suggestions as I think the rest of the song is A OK.
Great job on this one.
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
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Hi Robert,
very poetic. I enjoyed listening.
Guenter Hi Guenter, I`m glad you enjoyed listening and liked the lyrics. Robert
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hi Robert,
I love the concept of this song, and your lyrics are really interesting... full of visual images. The fiddle is used in a novel way, different than we normally hear it in contemporary music.
Of all the instruments in your mix I think the electric guitar matches the mood of the song best. It really shines in the mix.
There are times in the song where it sounds like the song has lost its key. I can't describe it better than that... maybe the chord progression forces notes that don't fit the key of the song, or maybe simply regenerating the real tracks until something more natural is played would be all it takes. I only mention it because I liked the song, but it was a little disconcerting to resolve the uncertain key as I listened.
Another nit is that the fiddle ended kind of abruptly. Again, the simplest fix would be to highlight the passage and regenerate until it ends a little more logically.
having said all that, I thought this was a very cool song, highly original and full of potential. Hi Pat, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your impressions of the song. I haven`t yet tried going back to basics with the song`s chord progression to see if I can hear something amiss there (could be as I did change a chord or two in the verses a few times). Regenerating the Realtracks doesn`t seem to do much to produce a more comfortable fit to the vocals ( it does remove all my carefully toiled over volume nodes though, so I`m glad I have the original version saved !). I tried many instrument combos before settling on the baritone guitar with fiddle & banjo - glad the sound is unusual. I agree the fiddle ending is off- creating good intros & endings is part of the learning I`ve yet to get to grips with. Many thanks again for your feedback, Robert
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Robert you are a word master for sure! That in its self can make a song but your vocals and backing track take it over the top for me.
I also think the ending should be worked on, maybe fade the fiddle? I did do not have any other suggestions as I think the rest of the song is A OK.
Great job on this one. That`s very kind, Thank you! As said in my intro, this song is a venture into new lyrical territory so I`m happy the images worked. Yes, need to rework that ending. Robert
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Robert,
A lot of interesting lines in this...like Pat, I liked the baritone guitar... the reverb seems a bit heavy - did you apply one to the whole mix or just the vocal? I works well for the chorus ("falling...") - I think if you pull it back on the verses, it would be a cool effect for the chorus, in contrast.
fj
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Thanks for listening... I guess I am a folkie & will keep them coming! Robert
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Robert,
A lot of interesting lines in this...like Pat, I liked the baritone guitar... the reverb seems a bit heavy - did you apply one to the whole mix or just the vocal? I works well for the chorus ("falling...") - I think if you pull it back on the verses, it would be a cool effect for the chorus, in contrast.
fj Hi Floyd, The reverb was only applied to the vocals, yes,to the whole track. Your ear is infallible! I thought when I`d done the reverb "wish I could just use that on the chorus" & didn`t know how; thanks to your comment I`ve now figured it out, so your taking the time to give feedback is appreciated. Robert
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I really enjoyed it...thematically, melodically, vocally and lyrically. All of that  I do think the reverb (that appears to be on the entire mix) could be significantly reduced. Nice! J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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Excellent tune. Loved the lyric. Great story. Well done
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I really enjoyed it...thematically, melodically, vocally and lyrically. All of that  I do think the reverb (that appears to be on the entire mix) could be significantly reduced. Nice! J&B J&B, Great that you enjoyed it! I`ve put up a remix now with reverb only on choruses & bridge ( also had a stab at improving the ending). Robert
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Excellent tune. Loved the lyric. Great story. Well done Thank you Scott - especially that you heard a story in the lyrics. Robert
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Very cool song!! I think the arrangement and particularly the fiddle worked perfectly. Although the lyrics are quite abstract, there are some wonderful images. Nicely done! Take care. Greg
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
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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
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