|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672 |
Hi everyone, I thought maybe you 'like' a melancholic ballad. It deals with a situation that is probably very familiar (or will be in time). https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/our-houseThe style is Buggane, the key F#m and the tempo 100. The main instruments used are a piano, cello, a harp and a sythesizer. And drums and a acoustic bass and guitar, to be complete. The composition and lyrics are mine. It was a bit difficult to sing such a song. Very emotional, even though it wasn't my story (but nearby). I did something exiting; the high voice was mine but some semitones higher and some more tweaking things. I'm not sure if I can do this again. But in this case I think it worked out good. What do you think? And maybe you have suggestions how to deal with this more easy. Thanks anyway for listening, Hans The lyrics Our House (c) HWBerkhout, july 2019 I was musing of our time here together I was a child. This was our house. We called it home I trusted God. So for me this would stay forever I could not see in time we all shall go We had much fun, felt so safe around our home Our mom, she smiled when we visit where we grew up And we saw she never was alone Now I strolled through a silenced house, I felt a tear drop For years and years we lived our life, it was our house Here we'd laughed and cried in many ways It's our history, this place we all espouse Now you left us, I walked in a mournful place We had much fun, felt so safe around our home Our mom, she smiled when we visit where we grew up And we saw she never was alone Now I strolled through a lifeless house, I felt a tear drop =solo= Staring at the garden I can hear our children calling Now we all tore down that past Clearing rooms to leave forever is appalling Knowing soon our house will be recast... We now leave forever The house stays behind A page is turned over, can't go back, never! But it will always stay in our mind We had much fun, felt so safe around our home Still see mom's smile, all the time we cared her there But even though she never was alone No more strolling in that empty house, tears where everywhere It was our house
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,620
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,620 |
Beautiful production, lovely choice of instrumentation. Poignant lyrics that match the music quite well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Wow - this is truly a gorgeous tune  Really lush, and really emotionally fulfilling to listen to. Your vocals on this absolutely soar, and the instrumentation on this is so well textured and so vibrant - you did an outstanding job here. Not a thing I'd change - thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
What a creative write...
A plaintive song bringing back some strong personal memories from my own childhood...
Thanks...
I enjoyed listening to your new song!
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Hans,
I like the personal almost childlike feeling of your song.The synth melody adds to that feeling and there`s a gentle paced to your arrangement that works well.
Enjoying as I do the part where you change pitch,I think it could be tweaked: at least on headphones the vocal does sound "hot" to me.
That said, this is my favourite of your songs so far.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992 |
The lyrics seem very personal even though it happened only nearby. I typically read the lyrics if they're there first, listen to the song, then read the story behind them if they've been offered, then listen again. Thanks for sharing what you did with us!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,128
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,128 |
Hans, Very nice song! Nice story. Beautiful arrangement! Certainly different from others. Overall it is wholesome and listens very well. 3 cents observation from a non-professional. You experiment with different genres and instruments, but seems that vocals get more or less same fx chain song to song. For the sake of experiment, try a completely different approach with processing vocals, it might bear fruit. To my ears it seems you are pushing vocal eq higher than needed. Listening to your songs, I feel you have a very good mid-range voice / clarity, seems you do not need to bust it higher If you decide to try it, I am sure folks here will give you a "common" opinion if it works better or not. Many people on this forum helped me to spot mixing/recording issues. Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
I really really like this song. The music all sounds incredible, great choice of instruments and the lyrics are sung with such emotion. I don't think there's anything I'd change about it at all. Thank you for sharing it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981 |
Very good song, Hans, maybe my favorite of yours so far and you have produced some very good songs lately.
I agree with Robert about that one vocal being a bit hot, maybe drop it down 2-3 db's.
But that didn't take away from my enjoyment of your song, just a minor observation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672 |
Hi everyone (and especially Ezekiel, Deryk, Jim, Robert, Ember, Richard and Dave),
At first thanks a lot for your compliment about the song, BUT It was Misha (and one of my sons) who caused me to make changes in the song. So don't blame me...
I agreed, not only my voice was a bit too hot, but I got the creeps of the high voice as well. It didn't feel good.
So got rid of 'her' and of some fx-es I used. I sang the song again solo and only some eq, reverb and compression. I think Misha must be proud now.
But I also changed the tempo a bit. From 100 to 107. It didn't spoil the mood of the song and even I liked it more than the one I posted.
I think the effects got me prisoned. Thanks Misha and everyone mentioned it as well.
But my excuses for this inconvenience,
Hans
(keeps learning)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,128
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,128 |
Hans,
I hope somebody less bias can comment who heard your previous version.
To me this variant is much (MUCH!!) better for a simple reason, your voice flows naturally and tones are much more fuller!
Thank you for posting!
Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,008
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,008 |
Lovely and FULL of vivid imagery.
The "band," the heartfelt vocal, the arrangement and the mix are spot on
for delivering the emotionally charged lyric.
Excellent!
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: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Well done Birchwood! The arrangement is soothing to hear and very captivating lyrics. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,516
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,516 |
Touching lyrics with nice warm interpretation. Your band is carefully chosen, I like especially the harp which gives the song a solid base.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672 |
Hi everyone,
Probably best things cost 3 times trying...
I regretted I had changed the song. I didn't get out of my head I did something wrong. The song not gave me that feeling of melancholism.
Although I kept some changes, like the key (F#m became Fm), I added the harmony again in the chorusses.
I felt a bit uncomfortable changing this song again (why not test it thoroughly before posting it...)
Well, that's also a purpose of posting songs on this forum; Open mind and don't pretend you are perfect. I demonstrated this now, haven't I?
So sorry for this inconvenience. Hope you still like it, especially Misha, Janne and Joe because of your compliments on an altered song.
I hope it stays with this last changing, otherwise I won't tell you ;-)
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Hans
Sounding good - nice arrangement, vocal and some good instrument choices to fit the lyric.
Very evocative song.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
Beautiful!
You managed to get a very good connection with (between) the lyrics and the music... it is very close to being a masterpiece! Very well done.
I very much enjoyed listening! Thanks for sharing.
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672 |
Hi Peter and Will,
I'm sorry that I responded so late, but I appreciated your compliments very much!
Especially what you said about the lyrics in relation to the instruments.
I know one must be careful with personal songs. That's why in the post I said it had nothing to do with me.
But actualy it did. That 'mom' was my mother-in-law and it was her house. This weekend we say farewell to that house...
The sum of all these feelings made me decide to make this song. I like the melancholic touch of it.
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,236 |
This is a lovely song Hans. Loved the backtrack. Super choice of instruments. What and awesome lyric and vocal delivery. So well done...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827 |
Hans,
A heartfelt song. Very nice arrangement/backing instruments. They fit the melancholy nature of the song well. The "hits" at 2:09 are nice...
You did a nice job on the vocal. It might still have a bit more high end than it needs. Rolling off the highs would "warm" the vocal and add to the melancholy nature... The track is one of the loudest I've ever heard on Soundcloud. I had to pull the volume slider down by 70% (to about 30%) to get it to the level I typically listen at...
Enjoyed it.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,890
Posts797,396
Members39,981
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean