Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#552517 09/02/19 05:52 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
The Value Of ME

I composed this song in 2009. Since then I have made several versions of it, usually when new Vocaloid launched, I tried how it would sound with this song - so I have LEON, BigAl, Oliver and Ruby versions. I made the Ruby version in 2015 right after Ruby was launched, published it on YouTube and Vocaloid community found it, thus it has got quite many likes, comments and viewers (almost 1000 now, you can help me to reach that milestone smile ).

This year, I decided to do the new version with my own voice, so I made a bit more "adult" version. I have liked bands like Simply Red, and this song is similar kind of blue-eyed soul.

It's amazing how quickly it is possible to create a different but still professional sounding version with Band-in-a-box. Although this song has the strangest chords I have ever used, like B7susb5b9/A, and I couldn't use many instruments because BIAB didn't play well those chords, there were enough RTs that managed to sound good with my chording. So it's my perfect tool - really a stable and reliable companion, the cornerstone of my music-making, constant like love described in the lyrics of this song... I hope you can find that message among all those mathematical references smile

All comments welcome!

RealDrums: Cowbell, LatinFunkAlex
Loops: chillos_100a

RealTracks:
Electric bass #3111
Acoustic piano #2424
Electric piano #2526
Electric guitar #1638, #3255
Electric guitar soloist #1651
Strings #2953
Cello #1856, #3267
Vocal Mmms #3278

MIDI (style??):
Electric piano (SampleTank 3)

Vocals: Janne S

Mixed in Cakewalk by BandLab

Lyrics:

The Value Of ME

A stone is rough and old
what if I could turn it to gold
and make you see the value of ME.
It's not alchemy
an equation of the third degree
X, Y or Z
just the constant value of ME.

Calculate, evaluate,
always in range, you cannot change

A stone is...

Measure and rate, appreciate
always the same, permanent name

Not a diamond, not a prime,
just average every time,
not an approximation of pi
just easy to divide and multiply
a stone in the abacus
the basics of your calculus.

A stone is...

-----------
Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Hi Janne,

I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging.

Also, your singing really grabbed me. I compliment you on a fine performance! Your vocals sit perfectly and so confidently in the mix that I'm hearing in my headphones here in Melbourne at 3:20 a.m.

Great stuff!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Love it! Clever lyrics, great sound, nice singing. Clear mix, love the arrangement.

I had a quick listen to the Vocaloid version. Your singing is much better. smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865
Janne,

A clever lyric. Good arrangement - nice instrumentation. And a good mix.

Nice "mellow" vocal...

A pleasant listen. Enjoyed it.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Janne

Very nice arrangement, really has a Simply Red vibe.

A very good piece of writing with a clever lyric and some excellent dynamics.

Really well done.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Can't say I've ever heard a math-nerd easy-listening piece. Unique and very lovely.


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: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,018
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,018
Very cool, Janne, clever lyrics and nice arrangement.

I had a listen to both versions, the vocaloid version is better than I thought it would be, that technology is getting pretty good.

But I like the new version better of course smile

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231
I didn't know the Finns used the American version of the alphabet.
The backing track is pretty funky & cool.
You've treated you vocals quite well.
I like the ideas in your lyric.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Noel96 #552835 09/04/19 04:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: Noel96
I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging.
Also, your singing really grabbed me. I compliment you on a fine performance! Your vocals sit perfectly and so confidently in the mix that I'm hearing in my headphones here in Melbourne at 3:20 a.m.
Great stuff!
All the best,
Noel


Thanks Noel for your uplifting comment, especially concerning lyrics and vocals - you really give me confidence for my singing smile I'm glad the song worked also in the early hours of the morning.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

dcuny #552836 09/04/19 04:44 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Love it! Clever lyrics, great sound, nice singing. Clear mix, love the arrangement.
I had a quick listen to the Vocaloid version. Your singing is much better. smile


Thanks Dave, I really appreciate your kind feedback, means a lot to me smile I'm very glad to hear that I can sing better than a Vocaloid, I never thought that could ever be possible wink

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
A clever lyric. Good arrangement - nice instrumentation. And a good mix.
Nice "mellow" vocal...
A pleasant listen. Enjoyed it.
fj


Thanks Floyd for your kind words smile You are such a great songwriter that a word like 'clever' from you is really rewarding laugh

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
The lyrics are really fantastic, and I think people perhaps often don't value themselves enough, so it has a great message.

Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,041
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,041
"I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging."

Quoting Noel above because it is so well stated and we agree with it!

Janice pointed out she's hearing a bit of a Steely Dan vibe.

A "B7susb5b9/A" chord? That is so far over our heads that it's somewhere in outer space smile

We like this a lot...the cool lyric, laid back vocal and the BiaB parts.

Most enjoyable.

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 2010
Posts: 8,836
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,836
Janne,

This is an excellent set of lyrics and a great vocal. I love the harmonies and the laid back performance.

Much enjoyed!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Nicely done! Really enjoyed the harmonies and the lyrics here. Your vocals soar, and the instrumentation works perfectly with your vocal delivery. It's nicely catchy too, and I thought the mix was concise and professional.

Thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216
Janne,

Fun and humorous tune! I like your "strange" cords, arrangement flows very smoothly. At times, strange chord progressions sound the most interesting...well at least to me. Mix and production is very good.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

PeterF #553248 09/06/19 08:13 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Very nice arrangement, really has a Simply Red vibe.
A very good piece of writing with a clever lyric and some excellent dynamics.
Really well done.
Peter


Thanks Peter for your kind review smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Tangmo #553250 09/06/19 08:16 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
Can't say I've ever heard a math-nerd easy-listening piece. Unique and very lovely.


Thanks Tangmo for your kind words, nice and funny description smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,547
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Very cool, Janne, clever lyrics and nice arrangement.
I had a listen to both versions, the vocaloid version is better than I thought it would be, that technology is getting pretty good.
But I like the new version better of course smile


Thanks Dave for your kind feedback smile Certainly technology is getting better and will replace all of us in singing and playing some day, but before that, let's enjoy the human way laugh Nowadays I use vocaloid only when I create the vocal track from the MIDI melody, it helps when trying to find a natural flow for the words or modify the melody for a better vocal range.

And thanks to all video viewers, I have now reached my first ever 1000 limit smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,141
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,141
There was a lot I liked in this. The math kept rubbing me the wrong way, but that's just me. Still, a lot of skill and talent here.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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
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.

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

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,338
Members40,015
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
m3talmud, Chunie, Karandeep, beedo, Brian Watts
40,015 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 151
DC Ron 104
rsdean 103
DrDan 74
WaoBand 70
Today's Birthdays
John Kern, sampai
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5