Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#531424 04/04/19 02:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
On A Dime

We often mention how much we like open airy mixes based on a small number of tracks…well please allow us to completely contradict ourselves grin This mix is an attempt to be somewhat “in your face” but not smashed against the ceiling. And the track number counting all the bits totaled 14 which way exceeds my comfort zone. It’s somewhat a departure for us but it was fun and we hope you also find some fun in it. And, yeah, yet another 12 bar silly ditty from Bud for Janice and Peter to riff on!

Thanks to Peter for the guitars and joining in on the arrangement. And a shoutout to HearToLearn for steering me to the snare sample. Additional thanks to friends for preview comments and as always to PG Music. Oops, and Bud thanks Janice for the photo.

We appreciate your time to listen and comments are always welcome.

Janice: arrangement, lead and background vocals / Rode NT1 > Scarlett 212 > Logic Pro X / Nectar 2
Peter: solo guitar/rhythm guitar tracks, arrangement and mix
Bud: arrangement, mix and mastering

Bass: RT 1012: BluesRock / Waves CLA Bass Rider / Waves CLA Bass

Piano RT 1591: BluesRock / Neutron 2 / EMT 140 Plate Reverb sim
(comped from multiple regens)

Rhythm Guitar RT 1585: TexasBluesRockShuffle

Drum Kit: RD BluesRockShuffle / Waves CLA Drums

Snare: Ludwig 600 sample / Neutron 2 eq module / Waves CLA Drums

Additional drum bits (kick and cymbal) tracks: Waves CLA Drums

Mix: Logic Pro X
Mastering: Logic Channel EQ > Waves LinMB > Ozone 8 Imager/Limiter > Izotope Tonal Balance

© 2019 B. Merritt / J. Merritt / P. Fulham


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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Great!!! Love the count off and intro... Another tremendous performance by Janice with some really cool layers of background vocals.

The mix is BIG and CRISP - really fills up the room!

Peter is smoking hot on guitar here...

Just an awesome production - Loved it!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Awesome!

like a tank driving thru a solid wall...unstoppable

Peter, I hear some SRV influence, sounds great

super mix, perfect vocals

a nice uplifting experience, love the answering vocals

it rocks!

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
More comments will follow in the next few days. I'm normally not comfortable commenting on mixing (specifically EQ) as it's not a strong point of mine. Right now, I would be REALLY uncomfortable with that being my ears still have that "I just stepped off a plane" muffled, and popping feel to them from a cold.

That being said, there are some things I can definitely comment on...and one that might surprise you (he said baiting them to read on. wink

The problem I see is when I see those three names I always have both high and low expectations. The high expectations come as the result of your previous songs. This can be great; but I feel it's unrealistic to think someone can necessarily maintain that level of writing, performance, and production. SO...I lower my expectations to be fair. I guess I still don't need to do that though AGAIN, you hit the high bar. I don't get it. There are a few people on this forum that continuously do that; and you are 3 of them...on one song! You're not playing fair. smile

Writing-obviously perfect for the style. It's say so much by knowing what not to say. That's leaves only what needs to be said. That is the heart of this music.

Performance-perfection for the style. It's shows talent and restraint, with a very nice nod to "I could do a lot more; but the song doesn't call for it. So these are what I choose." And they are RIGHT ON! Great choice of RB's, the vocals are memorizing, and the guitar is to die for. All of it is sooooo good!

Arrangement-Well, it's like you know what your doing.! It's not 3 bar blues or anything. lol wink

Production-Again, not commenting on EQ; but the rest of it sounds really good from what I can tell. I'm not sure if I'm hearing distortion or not. It's bothersome for me not to know; but maybe someone else could fill us in. Using that number of tracks can be daunting but everything fits really well without bumping into each other. NOT easy! I really like how you made everything fit so well. VERY convincing.

"The snare"-special mention here of the snare. I think it really defined the 2 and 4 very well AND didn't seem like it was "just added." It sounds like it fits right in to me. Well done!

The Unexpected-I actually really like what you did for the photo for the song! What a cool picture! Coordinating the jeans and the text color with the black and white photo looks fantastic. If you wanted to make the text pop a bit more you could add a drop shadow or stroke...but I would keep it subtle if you do. Anyway, something about that color combination works really well; and seems to be a great a visual representation for the song and style. Are those blues jeans Janice is wearing? There may be a song in there somewhere. smile

Here is my thought for your next song. To level the playing field; I vote for you next song Janice plays all of the instruments (a minimum of 5...so you don't pull a "she's on spoons"), can't use BIAB, and you two boys have to sing it! Thoughts?


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Great!!! Love the count off and intro... Another tremendous performance by Janice with some really cool layers of background vocals.

The mix is BIG and CRISP - really fills up the room!

Peter is smoking hot on guitar here...

Just an awesome production - Loved it!

Bob


Bob, we couldn't ask for a better review. You mentioned all of our objectives and we much 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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Hi there J&B + Peter.

Loved the whole thing from the count-in to the fabulous over-the-top ending.

That band is really flying and the mix is superb up LOUD on my monitors.

Well, Janice just excels at this stuff, so no surprise that she produces another
faultless, emotive and spirited vocal.

Peter's guitar work is fabulous - imaginative and exciting whilst still being in control.

Bud - your mixing is now as professional as Janice's singing! What better complement could I offer?

Great stuff, team.

ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Fabulous... simply fabulous...
I really look forward to hearing your collaborations...
Wow!


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Awesome!

like a tank driving thru a solid wall...unstoppable

Peter, I hear some SRV influence, sounds great

super mix, perfect vocals

a nice uplifting experience, love the answering vocals

it rocks!

Kenny



That description alone is worth the time that went into this! As a rock guy we even more appreciate your comments. Thank you...a lot.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,510
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,510
Really hot stuff, great rocking rhythm and powerful vocals. And what a solo, I can smell the guitar strings burning across the ocean smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
Nice work JB, I admired the overall vibe on this. This is beautiful and rhythm is easy to follow. The guitar is crunchy! Keep it up!


Cheers,
Joe
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
You all are hard to keep up with! You present something here about once a month on average I guess, and one thing I know for sure is that it is always going to be top level stuff!! From the guitar work to the mixing and especially the vocals! I know you could be throwing something out there every couple days if you wanted to, but I appreciate the fact that you take the time to get it right every time!!! I admire and respect you people more than you know! You along with Floyd and Tom along with a couple more set the standard for this forum and you have many fans out here!!! Thanks, Torrey

Last edited by Torrey Bliss; 04/04/19 09:59 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Janice & Bud & Peter....

I can only echo what others have said.
Good stuff....and the kind of music/tempo that I tend to write and lean toward.

Not a genre I expected from you two and it was a pleasant surprise. smile
Well done in all aspects.

Carry on....



Last edited by chulaivet1966; 04/04/19 07:26 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
"In your face" is a great way to describe this song, and I mean that in the best way possible! It's really well balanced so that even though it's a very powerful song that it's not so overpowering that it's overwhelming. Really great job! Thanks for sharing.


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Nice groove you guys. Enjoyed this a lot. Some great guitar work. Thanks for posting. Rob

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,603
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,603
The song sizzles so much, the frying pan doesn't need any fire. I enjoyed this much. Keep cranking out these great ones!

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,058
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,058
Janice&Bud + Peter. Great collaboration!
More of that "discomfort" zone and contradictions please!
Bud, will rephrase your previous Moto: Do not stay plain, it's a trap!

Really cool stuff, feels like being in a live joint. Everything sounds wholesome, like delicious loaf of bread from the oven.

Probably a matter of taste, but I would prefer solo guitar parts to stand out more. To me, feels a bit "even" in mix. (Please do not hate me for this comment smile )

Congrats to all of you!

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
More comments will follow in the next few days. I'm normally not comfortable commenting on mixing (specifically EQ) as it's not a strong point of mine. Right now, I would be REALLY uncomfortable with that being my ears still have that "I just stepped off a plane" muffled, and popping feel to them from a cold.

That being said, there are some things I can definitely comment on...and one that might surprise you (he said baiting them to read on. wink

The problem I see is when I see those three names I always have both high and low expectations. The high expectations come as the result of your previous songs. This can be great; but I feel it's unrealistic to think someone can necessarily maintain that level of writing, performance, and production. SO...I lower my expectations to be fair. I guess I still don't need to do that though AGAIN, you hit the high bar. I don't get it. There are a few people on this forum that continuously do that; and you are 3 of them...on one song! You're not playing fair. smile

Writing-obviously perfect for the style. It's say so much by knowing what not to say. That's leaves only what needs to be said. That is the heart of this music.

Performance-perfection for the style. It's shows talent and restraint, with a very nice nod to "I could do a lot more; but the song doesn't call for it. So these are what I choose." And they are RIGHT ON! Great choice of RB's, the vocals are memorizing, and the guitar is to die for. All of it is sooooo good!

Arrangement-Well, it's like you know what your doing.! It's not 3 bar blues or anything. lol wink

Production-Again, not commenting on EQ; but the rest of it sounds really good from what I can tell. I'm not sure if I'm hearing distortion or not. It's bothersome for me not to know; but maybe someone else could fill us in. Using that number of tracks can be daunting but everything fits really well without bumping into each other. NOT easy! I really like how you made everything fit so well. VERY convincing.

"The snare"-special mention here of the snare. I think it really defined the 2 and 4 very well AND didn't seem like it was "just added." It sounds like it fits right in to me. Well done!

The Unexpected-I actually really like what you did for the photo for the song! What a cool picture! Coordinating the jeans and the text color with the black and white photo looks fantastic. If you wanted to make the text pop a bit more you could add a drop shadow or stroke...but I would keep it subtle if you do. Anyway, something about that color combination works really well; and seems to be a great a visual representation for the song and style. Are those blues jeans Janice is wearing? There may be a song in there somewhere. smile

Here is my thought for your next song. To level the playing field; I vote for you next song Janice plays all of the instruments (a minimum of 5...so you don't pull a "she's on spoons"), can't use BIAB, and you two boys have to sing it! Thoughts?


We are overwhelmed that you would take that much time and thought to respond to our song. It was a labor of love, fun and learning...and reading your comments make it exponentially even more worthwhile.

As mentioned in the post thank you so much for the snare advice and for directing me to that on-line source. You saying, from a drummer's perspective, that the snare did not sound "just added" has given me a LOT of encouragement to continue my quest to learn more about drums. And as a LONG time bluegrass picker that is a position I never thought I'd be in!

Regarding your nice comments on the mix, after receiving some excellent advice and counsel on it, I afterwards struggled with the mastering -- trying to get it as Kenny described in his post but without going over the top. I finally tweaked Waves multi-band compressor to a point that I felt reasonably comfortable with it.

And, hey, yet another thanks for mentioning the photo of Janice. That was taken at our fav B&B last year. I'll try your font suggestions!

We hugely appreciate your support.

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Yeah, this is BIG. Sounds like a song to close out a big concert show with everybody on stage. Loved the listen.


BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Great!!! Love the count off and intro... Another tremendous performance by Janice with some really cool layers of background vocals.

The mix is BIG and CRISP - really fills up the room!

Peter is smoking hot on guitar here...

Just an awesome production - Loved it!

Bob


Thanks Bob - needed to play some hot guitar to keep up with the smoking hot vocal.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Awesome!

like a tank driving thru a solid wall...unstoppable

Peter, I hear some SRV influence, sounds great

super mix, perfect vocals

a nice uplifting experience, love the answering vocals

it rocks!

Kenny



Thanks Kenny a tip of the hat to Stevie, and the 7#9 chord before the turnaround certainly gives the progression the SRV feel.
Appreciate the comments and feedback.

Peter

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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,865
Members39,952
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Tigerlily, BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26
39,951 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 169
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 86
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5