|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Your Boring Happiness
Hi, all!
This is a work in progress because if I can make it work I want to add lyrics and additional color; but I think it stands nicely enough on it's own as a subtle nuanced instrumental.
My contributions are the lead guitar passages and of course the curiously restless chord changes, which were arrived at via running a quasi-improvisational jam-with-myself through the BIAB chord detection utility. I really love the result in this case, YMMV.
The title is a nod to Aldous Huxley's quip: I can sympathize with people's pains, but not with their pleasure. There is something curiously boring about somebody else's happiness.
The work is meant to be included in a thematic album around Manchurian Candidates, mind control, transhumanism, Gov black ops...you know, fun light stuff. Don't worry, though, there's a very good chance it'll never actually get made, lol! Which is fine with me, it's the trying and the dreaming that's fun!
Style: dreamy pop ballad, all RealTracks.
Guitar: Fender Squire II, recorded in Reaper. Guitar effect pedal: Korg AX1G on factory "FOO" setting
Mixed in Reaper. Reaper reverb and delay on soloing guitar after recording.
[Link no longer valid]
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 09/02/20 09:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Interesting music! You did some really different things with time signature and chord progressions. Soloing is very nice. I think if it remains an instrumental, you should have a solo instrument in some of the earlier part of the song as well. Nice work! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Thanks Greg! I see your point, and agree. I will definitely add some soloing in the earlier part of the song if it remains an instrumental; hopefully, it won't! I appreciate your listening and feedback. cheers!
Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 07/16/16 04:00 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
Engaging, I really like this. I also love your guitar work.
What's happening with the drums and the meter at 2:52?
It certainly stands as a complete composition. But I am curious what you would do with lyrics and melody.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Thanks for the appreciation, Lawrence!
Currently I'm prevented from really looking into it as my machine is in for repairs, but from memory all I did was change the tempo, and there are no tricky time signatures. I think the unconventional jumpy chord changes might sort of give the impression of some polyrhythmia going on. I'm very happy with that aspect, to be sure. It pleases my ear, but I'm sure it won't be to everyone's taste.
I'm curious as to what I will be inspired to do with any melodic and vocal treatments too, if you know what I mean, lol! But I will say this, they will have to be suggestive/somewhat atonal or impressionistic, as I don't see clear cut melodies emerging here. And that's fine, it's exactly what's called for. In fact, much of what I intend to add will not be musical but sound bytes, short cuts of people speaking in a room or talking on the phone, sounds of device carts being wheeled in, medical beeps, that sort of thing. To paint a picture in the thematic development mentioned in the OP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Eric,
Really interesting and we're very curious what it will sound like, when vocals are added!
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
hi Eric,
I want to start by saying that I was intrigued by the title (and you explanation of its origin). I like the way you articulate your thoughts, and I like musical exploration... so I was hoping to be highly entertained by the results of your experimentation here.
Alas, it appears that I'm too old to adapt to this much newness. It didn't sound finished to me. Knowing how BIAB works, it sounded to me like a bunch of random changes that were never tweaked into a unified theme.
I do think that with editing I could really embrace this, but in its current version it didn't resonate here.
The good news is that you knew in advance that it wouldn't work for everybody, and you had the conviction to pursue the idea anyway (as opposed to being opinion-whipped into creative submission)
Never let go of your creative resolve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Hi, Rob and Anne-Marie. Thanks much! I'll definitely post it when it's done. Now I HAVE to succeed, lol! Feels good.
Hi, Pat. You nailed it, brother! I just have to see it through, knowing it won't be for everyone...but hey, what is? In any case, you explained the situation eloquently, and I appreciate it, man!
In a philosophical and musicological vein: it's interesting to note that some musical movements (genres) have less adherents and are considered less accessible. Free Jazz would undoubtedly be considered (even if only by tabulation of the numbers of sales/listens) less accessible, with less adherents than, say, Cool Jazz. What would the main complaint be? "it sounds too random" would be my very confident guess. People that don't like any jazz at all, what is their main complaint? Pretty much the same.
I hear a beautiful coherency in the way this tune turned out, but I can hardly be objective (is there any such thing in music appreciation?). The chord changes are what the software decided to make of a semi-improvised session of mine. It's an interesting academic question as to who "really" picked the chords, and the way I would put it is that the software imposed a music-theoretical formalism on my performance mixture of happy and unhappy plans and accidents.
Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 07/20/16 07:26 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
I just listened and commented. I agree that it has merit but seems (in the present state) to lack instrumentation. I would probably try a cello or B3 to fill the frequency spectrum out more.
My comment about "No good deed..." was made tongue in cheek and not meant to be taken seriously.
The written word can often be misread and become clouded when lacking the benefit of body language or facial gestures. Old-timers will assure that I had no malicious intent. I try to be positive and encouraging. Sorry.
Don
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343 |
I liked the back track. I liked the sound of the guitar. Would be very cool to weave in and out of the backtrack with a guitar melody. Look forward to hearing the finished piece
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408 |
Love the Huxley reference  The guitar solo in the middle is excellent too, really awesome tone. I really dig how you introduce that big snare at the same time as the guitar solo. Great job!
Last edited by Will B - PG Music; 10/04/16 08:16 AM.
Will - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Don, please consider any provisions previously attached to my apologies removed to allow them to be in effect full-force...plus a wink for the road! My bad, man!
My computer has been broken for so long, I'll have to return to that track almost like a child once I get it repaired again. Thanks for the suggestions...B3 or cello...those are some good ones!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
Scott, and Will B, thank you very much for the encouragement! It is so very welcome at this juncture, you have no idea! For one thing, my music computer has been down for, like, ever with a bad case of voodoo, and I'm struggling to remain rational. Well..I mean... "remain" is a bit of a stretch... "be" is probably more accurate...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
No harm done, my friend.
Try playing the file through a graphic EQ (Even WMP). I suspect you'll find it weak in the low frequencies below 300 Hz. At least to my tired old ears.
I only suggested Cello or B3 as my personal favorites, you probably have your own favorites. The guitar is filling the high end very nicely. Work on filling the lows.
Just my humble opinion.
Don
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
There are many savvy computer gurus on these forums. Please specify your computer problems in detail and I'm confident they can solve it.
Don
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112 |
" Please specify your computer problems in detail and I'm confident they can solve it." -Don
Actually, knock on silicon, I think I finally got it now...and no goats or chickens sacrificed! It was a bloodless coup, in which a graphics card and a hard drive got replaced, only the former being necessary but I didn't know that at the time, and it's prudent anyway at this point. Next I'll do the power supply for good measure; this beast used to go 'round the clock rendering animations so it's pro'lly a little worn...10 years old...
Anyway, thanks for the helpful vibes, my man! 'preciate it!
Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 10/07/16 05:52 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,274
Posts802,583
Members40,079
| |
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