Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#433522 10/15/17 01:35 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
I've been learning more of BIAB Realtracks and how to incorporate them into other sounds etc. This is a song I co-wrote several years ago & posted a rough remake/remix of it months ago. I've had the vocal, (the prime problem), tweaked with an AutoTune type program by someone with the ears to do a decent job.
I started rebuilding the track and ended up with two versions - a fairly straight one with BIAB drums & organ + my guitars, (Teleclone on one side and Mustang HH on the other), & bass, (Emperador Semi with fender flat strings), then I decided to try a tangent using the guitars, organ and vocals from the original but adding extra tracks using a Mel9. It took a while to learn the Mel9 - the tweaks needed to sit them in a song are easy once known but it took some research & experimenting to get a decent mix.
The Mel9 tracks DON'T sound like real instruments or superb samples from a great synth - they sound like Mellotron tape samples- warts and all. I love the old 'Tron tones so am happy with the results but it may not be to everyone's taste.
Here it is...
https://soundcloud.com/rayc/sandpaper-castles-1811-02-by-miriam-stavert-ray-cochrane
Sandpaper Castles 1811
Here's a slight remix with the vocals raised a couple or three dB as suggested/requested.
https://soundcloud.com/rayc/sandpaper-castles-1811-21-miriam-ray
AND
Here's the more straight ahead mix with BIAB drums & organ
https://soundcloud.com/rayc/sandpaper-castles-1811-v1-miriam-ray

I'll build a sandpaper castle,
Beneath the noonday sun,
I'll sit & watch the people,
& laugh as they run.
Within my silent citadel,
I'll shut out the world,
& shelter in my fortress,
Making plans that won't unfurl.
I'll celebrate my solitude,
With music, wine & song,
Loneliness won't reach me;
Nothing can go wrong.
I'll fill my day with minutes,
& watch them slip away,
Eternally grateful for the present,
& the memories they slay.
Just sit & play old records,
& scratch them when they're done,
Try to destroy the memories,
But can they be outrun?
I'll celebrate my solitude,
With music, wine & song,
Loneliness won't reach me;
Nothing can go wrong.
Almost silently the day breaks,
& with it comes the rain,
So I sit in semi darkness,
& pray to go insane.
My mask I'll wear to meals,
For 'tis the part I'd planned,
You know!
The same old story,
In castles made of sand...

Last edited by rayc; 10/16/17 07:16 PM. Reason: remix & alt mix

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Ray,

This sure is something different! But very succeeded I think.
Miriam's vocals, and so does the track by the way, reminds me of Cocteau Twins from the 80s.
Very creative!

Rob


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: 8,330
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
This is a very cool tune. Backtrack was so different. Vocal was excellent. Excellent guitar..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
nice!

great sound, I wish the vocals were more out front (just a little)

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Ray,

This is incredibly creative. You've taken BIAB into musical areas that I've never dreamt of. I totally enjoyed the excursion that you and Miriam took me on. In case it's valuable feedback: like Kenny, I also found myself wondering what the song would sound like if Miriam's vocals were brought a little more forward volume-wise. I congratulate you both on a really fine creation and presentation.

All the best to you both,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Interesting sound, ray... cerebral...

I agree with Kenny that the vocal could use a bit of a bump...

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
rayc, lots of cool twists and turns in here! Like nothing I've really heard before! Ethereal in places with great chord changes! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,717
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,717
Rayc, I'm with you in that I also like those old Mellotron sounds.

I also would like to hear the vocal more up front.

Great song and very nice chord progression.


I arrived early to a restaurant.
The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?"
I said no.
"Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Very creative, really like the sound. Agree with all the comments about bringing up the vocals. Very enjoyable listen.

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: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
I loved it. A very surreal tune and melody. I think the melody is unusual and tricky thus the vocals would benefit from more confidence as well as being further forward in the mix.


Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Different unusual original.
Appreciate the hard work and effort.
Rob

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Ray,

Very creative and evocative. As Rob says, this has a Cocteau Twins feel - and for me that`s a big plus.Miriam has a really good voice for the unusual melody.
Although its fine that the lyrics kind of float through the mix (some cool and unsettling lines in there!) I agree with the comments on bringing the vocal forward a little.
Lots of work has gone into your production and your sound is unlike anything I`ve heard using BiaB before- I`m looking forward to more!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Wow, what a tune! As others said, this is very creative and has a truly original vibe here. It reminds me vaguely of Bjork. Even then, the tune has a sound quality unlike anything I've heard made in Band-in-a-Box before.

Thanks so much for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: RnAM
Ray,

This sure is something different! But very succeeded I think.
Miriam's vocals, and so does the track by the way, reminds me of Cocteau Twins from the 80s.
Very creative!

Rob

Thanks Rob,
that's very kind of you - any comparison to CT is greedily accepted.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: Scott C
This is a very cool tune. Backtrack was so different. Vocal was excellent. Excellent guitar..

Ta muchly Scott,
I have to admit that until the vocals were "tuned" this didn't work at all. I was looking for a good opportunity to use my new Mustang - it sounds good on its own but is an excellent pedal pusher.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
nice!

great sound, I wish the vocals were more out front (just a little)

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

Kenny,
You're a generous - I've raised the vocal level & popped a link in the OP. Thank you.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Ray,

This is incredibly creative. You've taken BIAB into musical areas that I've never dreamt of. I totally enjoyed the excursion that you and Miriam took me on. In case it's valuable feedback: like Kenny, I also found myself wondering what the song would sound like if Miriam's vocals were brought a little more forward volume-wise. I congratulate you both on a really fine creation and presentation.

All the best to you both,
Noel

Noel,
Thank you very much for your kindness. I've raised the vocal level & put a link in the OP.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Interesting sound, ray... cerebral...

I agree with Kenny that the vocal could use a bit of a bump...


Floyd jane,
Thank you - though I fear you left hemorrhage from the end of your 1st line.
Vox upped & the link is in the OP.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
rayc, lots of cool twists and turns in here! Like nothing I've really heard before! Ethereal in places with great chord changes! Thanks, Torrey

Thanks Torrey,
I wrote the chord progression & lyrics in '84 but didn't do anything with them until this century. Ethereal is something I'm happy with.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,265
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Rayc, I'm with you in that I also like those old Mellotron sounds.

I also would like to hear the vocal more up front.

Great song and very nice chord progression.

Mario,
Until this July I cut & pasted .wav files from a set I found on line. I still use them for the voices the Mel9 doesn't do. Vocals lifted - please see link in OP.
Thanks for your kind assessment.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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
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.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,223
Posts802,077
Members40,071
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
geswho22, Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63
40,071 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 125
zedd 110
DC Ron 94
rsdean 87
Noel96 75
Today's Birthdays
Jed, Richard Gibbons, UZER
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5