Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Lover's Battlefield Video

Audio only

We recently watched (again) the great Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg "Band of Brothers" series. Somehow the battlefield imagery and verbage worked their way into this song.  And for some inexplicable reason I tried to write it with no pronouns - an interesting exercise grin Tom (tommyad) joined in with some fine guitar and Janice added percussion. Another "two verses, a chorus and we’re outa here" production.

Thanks for taking time to listen and we always welcome your thoughts!

J&B

Janice: vocal and percussion (cajon on choruses)
Tom Adams: Lead guitar and fills. Thanks Tom!!
Bud: audio/video production

Bass: RT 518 Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 085
Guitar: RT 2533, Acoustic 12 string, HeldChords
Guitar: RT 2444, Baritone Electric, Background PopCountryBrent Ev 085
Pedal Steel: RT 2542, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065
Drums: RD NashvilleEven8

For those of the technical persuasion:

Vocal: Rodes NT1 mic via Focusrite Scarlett 212 to Logic Pro X
Cajon: Stereo via Rodes NT1 mic and MXL mic and Scarlett to Logic Pro X
Mixed in Logic Pro X with track effects and mastering from Ozone
Advanced 7, Alloy 2, Nectar 2 and Neutron. The EMT 140 plate reverb sim from Nectar was used for all reverb.

Lover’s Battlefield
© 2026 Janice and Bud Merritt

another fight fades to silence
an eerie calm follows the storm
one that never heals wounds
more dark clouds form

thunder echoes through a valley
rain dances on a windshield
miles behind lay two hearts...
bleeding out...
on a lover's battlefield

dreams turned into nightmares
time ran out for reflection
running from hurt, in full retreat
no shield for protection

thunder echoes through a valley
rain dances on a windshield
miles behind lay two hearts...
bleeding out...
on a lover's battlefield


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 are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679

Excellent song as usual.
Great guitar.

Sergio



Sergio
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
What shall we say first....
We already know, super cool solo guitar by Tommy!
Nice video too, Bud.
And definitely a very good vocal by Janice, but it's sounds kinda dry, in our opinion it could use a little more verb...
And this sounds different from your usual work (in a very good way).

Rob and Anne-Marie


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

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


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Originally Posted By: Sergio Guarneri

Excellent song as usual.
Great guitar.

Sergio


Thanks Sergio! It's always good to hear from you.

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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,275
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,275
Tommy, that is some fantastic guitar chops and tone!

Janice, although this is very different from your other songs you did a fantastic job on this one and you should be very proud of it. Like RnAM an effect or two on the vocal might make it sound better, don't know for sure.

However this is still a keeper.


I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!


64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Originally Posted By: RnAM
What shall we say first....
We already know, super cool solo guitar by Tommy!
Nice video too, Bud.
And definitely a very good vocal by Janice, but it's sounds kinda dry, in our opinion it could use a little more verb...
And this sounds different from your usual work (in a very good way).

Rob and Anne-Marie


Thanks you two! Glad you liked it. For 90% of our productions I use essentially the same reverb, compression, delay and EQ on Janice’s vocal that I’ve added for the last 3 or 4 years. While looking for a different more haunting sound on this song I started the settings looking for a little more “bite” and, yep, I very slightly reduced the reverb while slightly increasing the delay and also tweaked the compression and the EQ a bit. But I did put a ton of reverb on the very last word in the song smile

On our system it seems to work but we have pine walls and floors in our home and things are inherently “lively” sounding. Also I don’t mix with headphones so it’s all based on the “room sound.” Given the very high quality of your productions I very much appreciate your observations on the sound! And we are glad that it did seem different from a lot of what we have been doing. As y’all know it’s fun to venture out a bit.

Thanks again for listening and commenting. We appreciate it.

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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Janice & Bud, great song all the way around, Vocals, guitar work, writing and production. Very clean, very good. Thanks, Torrey.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Janice Tom & Bud

Bud - excellent pronoun free lyrics evokes the battlefield perfectly. Nicely mixed.
Tom - beautiful guitar parts that really compliment the song and encase the vocal.
Janice - lovely vocal(as expected and wonderfully delivered)!

A really superb piece - and great collaboration.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Good song! Janice has such an expressive voice, and such great tone. And a big tip of the hat to Tom, guitar playing is right in the pocket, great tone too.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,374
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,374
Nice work. So much to like about this.

The vox are well sung.

Nice RT production.

TA's guitar parts...fills and solo are well played as well.

My only nit is the guitar is a few cents sharp. The sharpness stands out in quite a few places.


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Tommy, that is some fantastic guitar chops and tone!

Janice, although this is very different from your other songs you did a fantastic job on this one and you should be very proud of it. Like RnAM an effect or two on the vocal might make it sound better, don't know for sure.

However this is still a keeper.


We're sure Tom appreciates that. He definitely has the ability to complement a singer with both his solos and fills.

Thanks for mentioning the vocal. It's fun to venture out -- and biab and collabs sure facilitate that.

Thanks for listening and commenting!

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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,418
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Janice & Bud, great song all the way around, Vocals, guitar work, writing and production. Very clean, very good. Thanks, Torrey.


We much appreciate that Torrey. Thanks for dropping by!

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!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
This one's all about mood!! Set from the first minor chord, it is dark and somber, and powerful. Janice's amazing vocal, and Tom, oozing out emotion with every note, make this a real treat. So well done! Video is very cool too-really matches the vibe of the music. Baritone guitar is the perfect addition. Excellent job on the whole nine!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
"thunder echoes through a valley
rain dances on a windshield
miles behind lay two hearts...
bleeding out...
on a lover's battlefield"

Great descriptive lines start to finish. Nice write.

The BAND is perfect for this - simple, sparse, subtle. Tom's guitar is the perfect compliment. Love the solo. Great drum sound.

All topped off with the best instrument of all - Janice. The voice of an angel-with-a-devilish-twinkle-in-her-eye.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Janice & Bud,

I love a slow burn song and you`ve really captured that brooding mood here. The guitar lead and fills are just so right for the song.
"Expressive" hardly does justice to Janice`s vocal but I can`t think of a better word.
Nice video images - particularly that broken window pane heart.
Very good!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,034
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,034
Hello, Janice & Bud, Tom

The lead guitar of intro. and interlude is so good.
Janice's vocal is excellent as usual.
The choice of instruments is superb.
Nice video images and great collaboration.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Tom, Janice and Bud,

EXCELLENT all round as usual. Superb guitar by Tom as I have come to expect!
I like Janice's voice as it seems to be closer to the listener, if you see what I mean, as if she is singing this "just for me", more intimate.

Really enjoyed.

Alyn
ps Band of Brothers was a brilliant series

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
What a great collaboration.

Excellent in every way. The guitar work is really way up there, Janice's vocals are rich and deliver the song perfectly.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Hi Janice and Bud,

Another great song! Moody, plaintive and sultry all in the right measures.
I listened to this on Soundcloud before you posted it here so was lucky enough to get a sneak preview.

Highlights :-
- Lyrical imagery
- Overall production and open sound
- Tom's guitar
- The extra oomph added by the Cajon in the chorus
- No pronouns - adds to the "mystery" i.e. we don't know who Janice is singing about.

Loved it,
Jez

Last edited by receder; 10/30/16 11:36 PM.

BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 169
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 169





Late night, smoky bar, souls that don’t want to go home for many different reasons, but a few listening to Janice singing this song, knowing darn well why and every word cutting to the bone.
That is where I was taken in my imagination. That is the ability of good songwriting each must take from it what they want, and how they see it.

Good show Janice & Bud

Paddy G

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,384
Posts778,546
Members39,640
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
bestbushcraft, bokane65, Intelligent Crypto, dv.trpn, Leo grant
39,640 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 151
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 90
dcuny 81
Today's Birthdays
Joncofy, noixdesmers, StephenP
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5