|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253 |
Kind of a quirky country song. This was done with the Rising Fingerpicking w/ Drums RealTrack, and I added a bunch of other stuff (cello, synth, electric guitar, dobro). Vocals & mix done with Logic Pro X. Not entirely happy with the mix, there are some acoustic guitar squeaks I couldn't get out without losing tone, so I got it as good as I could & moved on. For the applied use of these that I have, it does exactly what I need it to - which is just present the song. Enjoy! It Ain't Funny Is It It Ain't Funny Is ItHow you laughed the day she left me Cause she was leaving me for you Weren’t you the proud one, it must’ve been fun You made sure everybody knew So I’ve been hearing that it’s over And you’re the one who’s broken now Looks like you’ve been burned, I guess the table’s turned And maybe you have figured out – CHORUS It ain’t funny is it Not when you’re the one who has to live it You didn’t then, but now you get it Cause she’s gone It ain’t funny is it – You thought for you it would be different You had yourself a big old time With the hell you’re going through walking in my shoes I’m betting now you’ve changed your mind – REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: She’s found somebody new This time the joke’s on you REPEAT CHORUS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
I really like this. Fantastic lyrics and great instrumentation. Really enjoyed the listen, thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Another really well-written song!! Love the feel of that atmospheric pedal steel.......perfect! I love the way you use "it" at the end of each chorus line....fresh and effective! Really like this!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007 |
I think the lyrics definitely provide an important message - you shouldn't look down on another's misfortunes because you never know when they could happen to you.
Great stuff, thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,696
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,696 |
Roger,
This is another winner in my book. Everything about this is perfect.
You should put out a CD as your songs are far superior then anything on country radio up here!
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264 |
String squeaks annoy the hell out of me but most folk are OK with it as it sounds real. Sibilance is another issue that gets to me more than others - I think I mentioned there were some essing probs in your last track according to my ears. The quickest & easiest way to deal with the string squeaks is to create volume automation and do quick notches at those spots. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwYN-QhhAEsAdditionally you could use an auto de-esser and adjust that to the problem frequency https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=+Logic+Pro+X+de+--esser- lastly you could set up an EQ that removes it but automate that to bypass except where the problems are https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sWcPCJWX-AGreat song by the way.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253 |
Thanks for the feedback.
Essing is an issue I've wrestled with for decades. My vocals are susceptible to it more than others for some reason. I've worked in the studio with more recording engineers than I can count, and it's always been a problem.
As I've mentioned on other posts, my use for the songs & tracks I record are for pitching purposes. I write a lot, and consequently don't have the time or need to fine-tune the mixes in the way I would if I were planning on releasing them commercially. My "studio" is a corner hutch in my office - if you were to solo one of the vocal tracks, you'd very likely hear the ambient sound of a neighbor's dog barking, a garbage truck going by, or dozens of other pops, squeaks, & whistles.
My goal is to get the songs I write presented in a way that an artist can hear them and hopefully want to record them on their own projects. I actually fought being my own engineer and having my own studio for decades, because that's not what I'm interested in doing. The economy of the music industry forced my hand, and here I am.
The tracks/songs that I've posted, I probably spent 4 hours on each - from typing in the chord sheet in BIAB to bouncing the final mix to my external HD. That's about all the time I can spare to put into them, and again, for my application it's all I need. Your observations are entirely correct - I simply face a point of diminishing return when it comes to the amount of time I spend on these. My focus leans much more to the song itself - lyric, melody and the feel of the track - than fine tuning the mixes. My ear also likes brighter mixes with with a lot of air & presence, which of course accents any sibilance issues that are present.
Thanks again for your thoughts & feedback, you have a great ear for this. Nashville could use more engineers who care enough to drill down on a mix.
Best to you,
RB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
IMHO the easiest way to reduce string squeak is by Spectral Editing. By this method you simply see where the issue is and reduce it. Not as intrusive as dropping the volume as you only get shy of the squeak not the note. See Kenny Gioia on Spectral Editing in Reaper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSBO_VC9q3EFor de-essing sometimes using a multiband compressor with a narrow bandwidth at the ss point works well. Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/04/19 02:29 AM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615 |
Most has already been said but I do like this.
Rob4580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Had a listen, this is a beautiful song (my battery was low last night). Well put together, beautifully sung, very relaxing. IMHO I agree getting shy of some of the squeak would improve it heaps.
This went over to “I bet you weren’t expecting this”. Yes you’re right I was not expecting this. Really very nice.
As I commented earlier use a process such as Spectral Editing which will help get shy of string squeak one can also use the same procedure to reduce essing. It is a very simple procedure that is very quick (once you’ve done it a couple of times).
Well done
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/04/19 10:00 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264 |
Thanks for the feedback.
As I've mentioned on other posts, my use for the songs & tracks I record are for pitching purposes.
I simply face a point of diminishing return when it comes to the amount of time I spend on these.
RB Ah, makes complete sense then. For me I try to make them as good as I can get them as I know no one else will want to use them. That's the principal reason I seek singers for my songs rather than grunting & autotuning a facsimile of the melody. I'm also pretty poor in the melody stakes so a sing that can add a communicative voice and melody is key. I'm always stunned at my sensitivity to squeaks and essing as I'd have thought my tinnitus would've reduced the sensitivity - instead those things and unnecessary volume/level bug me. Thanks for the clarification. BIAB is a superb demo tool.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264 |
IMHO the easiest way to reduce string squeak is by Spectral Editing.
Tony
Thanks and yep, Tony, that works a treat - except for the colour-blind - which I'm not so that leaves it as something I can use when needed. I've found that, at certain level of zoom, the wave form of esses is very easy to spot and using pre FX volume automation from the visual & auditory perspective does the job well. Kenny also demonstrates setting up an EQ -> Comp chain that does a great job once the frequency is isolated. It's a little complex to set up but, if saved as an FX chain, is easy to use. I've it saved to use as & when needed. Thanks for the perspective and the reminder to use that spectral editing sequence more often.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253 |
IMHO the easiest way to reduce string squeak is by Spectral Editing.
Tony
Thanks and yep, Tony, that works a treat - except for the colour-blind - which I'm not so that leaves it as something I can use when needed. I've found that, at certain level of zoom, the wave form of esses is very easy to spot and using pre FX volume automation from the visual & auditory perspective does the job well. Kenny also demonstrates setting up an EQ -> Comp chain that does a great job once the frequency is isolated. It's a little complex to set up but, if saved as an FX chain, is easy to use. I've it saved to use as & when needed. Thanks for the perspective and the reminder to use that spectral editing sequence more often. I, unfortunately, AM color blind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Well I think it is still easy to see the blobs of noise (unwanted noise) higher than the rest of the Spectral graph.
Why would I bother. Well I think the song is truly excellent and to have it suffer through something that can be easy fixed is a real pity.
I went past the McLaren car dealership this morning. What really made the cars stand out was the polish (which I would think would be the easiest part of the presentation.)
I really like the song
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/05/19 02:22 AM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253 |
As I've said previously....I'm not making commercially available recordings, I'm making song demos. The intended audience for my projects (recording artists/producers/etc.) are listening to the melody, the feel, and most importantly the lyric. The mix is totally irrelevant to them, because (assuming they like the song) they're going to re-record it anyway. I write on average 60-100 songs per year, in addition to producing 3 artists, administering my publishing, and serving as legislative chair on the BOD of the songwriters association. The ROI of spending too much time on demo mixes simply isn't there for me.
I don't disagree at all that there are sibilance issues, I stated that previously. It's not worth a remix for me, because quite frankly, I've never even once in my career had an artist turn down a song because they didn't like the mix of the demo. The first song I ever had recorded, for example...we recorded the tracks with studio musicians at 10am, along with 5 other songs. About 30 minutes was spent on each song. After lunch, I sang the vocals to all 6 songs. We then mixed, and by about 8 or 9pm I walked out of the studio with the final mixes. They were, by commercial standards, pitiful - I would never have wanted them released on something like spotify or iTunes if they had existed then. In spite of that, Tanya Tucker recorded one of the songs from that session, and two others were recorded as well by indy artists.
If I could justify the time to go back & tweak some things, I certainly would - but I can't. I do appreciate your thoughts & critique.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
Nice hook...
And thought provoking lyrics...
Good job.
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699 |
hi roger really well done great vocal and mix its all been said eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298 |
Personally I like your approach to song demos. It makes perfect sense to me. It's why you are able to turn out the number of songs you do that are actually not desperate attempts and just pushing songs out. Your songs work! Well done!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Wow - you really did a number on this one. Very thought provoking, and very relatable on the lyrical side of things. The entire tune is soaked in a layer of sincerity and heartbreak. I loved the instrumentation as well - really lush, and simply gorgeous to listen to.
You should be proud of this one - thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,776
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean