Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#547394 07/30/19 02:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Better Days

Better days (2019, Christiane Spruit)
1.
Someone told me
Better days are coming now
It is time to let the old ways die
Days of waiting
in empty halls of promises
Are coming to an end
2.
Now you tell me
That I don’t have what I want
But I sure have all of what I need
Fields are burning
within a flicker of complaint
remember all the efforts made
CHORUS:
Better days are coming
incomplete, but in a way
Better days are coming
_There’s no way -to teach hard luck bones to fly
Now It’s time …… time to let the old saints die
3.
Woke up this morning
Rain was pouring from the sky
Dehydrating my alone suburban mind
wet, lame faces
beneath the pole of a lamplight
it is time to let the old ways die

CHORUS:
Better days are coming
incomplete, but in a way
Better days are coming
_There’s no way -to teach hard luck bones to fly
Now it’s time…
let the old ways


Outro vamp:
Let the old ways

The Band:

RealDrums: PopModernGrooveSync16^1-a:Snare on 4, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
1827:Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
1839:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
1831:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopModernGrooveBrightA-B Ev16 075
878:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm NorthernRockGrittyA-B Sw16 075
1525:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushDirty Ev 120 (see notes)

I'm playing the guitar lead and Chris is playing all of the piano parts except during the guitar solo. I changed my mind about what chords I wanted to play the solo over after Chris had already sent me her piano track, so instead of making her redo that part I just used a realtrack piano.

Production Notes:
For realtrack 1525, which mostly plays during the outro, I selected the held chords option and also the DI option, and then processed through the Waves PRS amp sim plugin.

Mixed in reaper using native plugins (side chain compressor) and plugins from Waves and iZotope, mastered with Ozone8 and LMC.

I found this one difficult to mix, mostly because of conflicts between the piano and the rhythm guitars clogging up the midrange, plus the distorted guitars were adding lots of harsh high end frequencies. I couldn't hear it but Chris could, she has much better range in her hearing than I do.

So any comments about the mix, or any other aspects of the song are appreciated!

Also up on soundcloud: Better Days



Last edited by BlueAttitude; 07/31/19 12:09 AM. Reason: added soundcloud link
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
Hey there Dave, thank you for sharing this! The arrangement is wonderful to the ears and the vibe is very appealing. Quite enjoyed those guitar licks too. Thanks for sharing


Cheers,
Joe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Hey Joe,

Hmmm, you left a comment on Jannesan’s song, on Chris37’s song and my song all at 11:36.

Did you actually listen to any of them??

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
"There’s no way -to teach hard luck bones to fly"...
What a line...
Every once in a while I will spot one of these...
And think let's file that away for a future song...
Thanks...
As always I really enjoyed to your & Chris' collaboration...
Both of you compliment each so very well...
But I can't help but wonder what your song would sound like with Chris' piano part.

Quote:
Hey Joe,
Hmmm, you left a comment on Jannesan’s song, on Chris37’s song and my song all at 11:36.
Did you actually listen to any of them??

I've notice the same thing but have never mentioned it...
He also commented on tschiewe song 1 minute earlier...
Perhaps he listened to all of them & then made comments...
You think smile

Last edited by Jim; 07/30/19 06:35 AM. Reason: dyslexia

Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Dave & Chris...

Man! Y'all do this stuff (Bluesy Rock?) SO well!

A solid, interesting write. An excellent vocal. The chorus vocals are especially nice...

The mix sounds really good to me. Balanced, full, quite "easy on the ears", in fact.

Dave, your guitar is SINGING! on this!! Loved it!

Another solid performance from you both. Awesome.

fj

(The way the forum is going these days, we should be thankful to be getting any comments at all. An awful lot of people only concerned with their own stuff...funny how they think we should be listening to their stuff, though...)

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,415
A slight nudge from blues rock to rock blues -- a bit anthemic in nature we think.

And extremely well done.

Chris really has the power vocal thing going AND with great dynamics. A somewhat rare combo nowadays.

And as always you are so good at complementing the vocal with your playing. The fills and solos and the vocals are interlaced so nicely.

Your work with the difficulties of the mix you described paid off big time -- the band lays out an excellent soundstage on our monitors.


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: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Dave / Chris
First the mix sounds very good to me.

Loved the vocal Chris sounds great nice complimentary piano - and man the guitar is superb, great tone and some wonderful note choices.

A really top notch and interesting blues rock write with an great solo(always love that)and a wonderful ending.


Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Dave & Chris,
I am a big fan of your music and this was a pleasant surprise. I feel this is excellent addition to your portfolio. I like the dramatic piano on the start. Chris vocals shine. Dave, excellent playing! Mix is A+
But most importantly, I see shifts and experiments in your music and my belief, it is #1 rule musicians should stick to, is to find new ways & different approaches. That what makes it fun or interesting to listen. Keep up great work!

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,965
I really enjoyed your lyrics - I think it's a feeling mos can relate to. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Hi Dave. This is really well done.
Congrats to all involved. Rob4580

Rob4580 #547507 07/30/19 05:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Really enjoyed it, a big tune with great lyrics which you don't often see in blues based stuff. Liked the guitar at the end esp. but throughout as well.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
COOOOL. This has a bit of Maggie Bell in it - she did a great line in blues informed rock (Suicide Sal - great album).
the backing vocals are a real treat.
Loved it all.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Jim #547537 07/31/19 12:14 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Originally Posted By: Jim
"There’s no way -to teach hard luck bones to fly"...
What a line...
Every once in a while I will spot one of these...
And think let's file that away for a future song...
Thanks...
As always I really enjoyed to your & Chris' collaboration...
Both of you compliment each so very well...
But I can't help but wonder what your song would sound like with Chris' piano part.


Thanks very much, Jim! Well, most of the piano is Chris. It's only during the guitar solo that I used the realtrack piano.

Originally Posted By: Jim

Quote:
Hey Joe,
Hmmm, you left a comment on Jannesan’s song, on Chris37’s song and my song all at 11:36.
Did you actually listen to any of them??

I've notice the same thing but have never mentioned it...
He also commented on tschiewe song 1 minute earlier...
Perhaps he listened to all of them & then made comments...
You think smile


Well, if I was a betting man .... wink

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Dave & Chris,
You deliver again... with a non-preachy poetic relevance to the lyrics that adds to my enjoyment of another fine blues rock opus ( can`t think of a better word for how your guitar soars).
At first I thought the vocals sounded a bit far back, but ... this needs to be played loud, then it gels.
Love the chorus harmonies especially at the close behind your lead.
Fine work!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
This should be back at the top.
whistle
Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
I've been gently corrected by floyd jane enough times not to comment on the mix. whistle

I will say that everything "works" for me - nothing sticks out, too hot, or out of place. I didn't notice the replacement of the piano tracks.

I enjoyed the listen - a moody track, the lyrics a good contrast with the upbeat title. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Powerful piece. The guitar intro works great leading into that classy vocal. Nice build throughout until the end, where it turns reflective. Wonderful leads that really "lead". Has that classic feel. Very much enjoyed.


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
floyd jane #547667 08/01/19 01:36 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Dave & Chris...

Man! Y'all do this stuff (Bluesy Rock?) SO well!

A solid, interesting write. An excellent vocal. The chorus vocals are especially nice...

The mix sounds really good to me. Balanced, full, quite "easy on the ears", in fact.

Dave, your guitar is SINGING! on this!! Loved it!

Another solid performance from you both. Awesome.

fj

Floyd,

Yes, I would call this blues/rock music.

Thanks for the positive comments , means a lot to get that kind of feedback! smile

Originally Posted By: floyd jane


(The way the forum is going these days, we should be thankful to be getting any comments at all. An awful lot of people only concerned with their own stuff...funny how they think we should be listening to their stuff, though...)


Yes, I've noticed that too. Lots of people posting songs but never giving feedback on other peoples music, which is what this forum used to be great for.
My policy is simple, support me and I'll return the favor wink

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hi Blue Attitude, hi Chris,

this is a really good one, and really well-performed. The melody with its large interval is anything but easy to be sung,(esp. the last two lines in front of the chorus), but , Chris, you did an awesome vocal job! And

The chorus is very, very nice - the harmony singing us excellent.

Ah yes: good lyrics, too.

Daave: I really liked your guitar parts, very nicely written (or improvised) and played - love the tone of the guitar. To me, a guitar doesn't have to sound in a way everybody says, 'Ah, never heard something like that before', to me it must fit the song. And this tone fits the song perfectly, it's authentic.

The production sounds very appealing to my old ears - so to sum it up: Great song, enjoyed the listen very much.

Cheers,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Simply amazing. This song and especially with Chris's voice reminds me of a band Skunk Anansie. Her singing has so much dynamics, maybe her best interpretation so far I have heard. Admirable and enviable collaboration - that voice and that singing blues solo guitar playing and talking together. Interesting chording with some nice surprises. Better days are already here.

Janne

Last edited by jannesan; 08/01/19 06:00 AM.

Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

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
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
Topics84,380
Posts778,471
Members39,636
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Leo grant, DobBylan, JoeyCost, Ted1968, Jaraxus92
39,636 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 149
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 89
dcuny 76
Today's Birthdays
furlanetto31
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5