Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
#560435 10/23/19 08:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936
A simple love song.


THE SIMPLE TRUTH

the simple truth
is often hard for me
to let my heart
have the room to speak
perfect words don't come easily
to a man like me

i'm bound to trip
in any lover's dance
but i know
i can't miss this chance
might be the one opportunity
for a man like me

   you need to know
   i love you
   from deep in my soul
   honestly
   please believe
   i love you
   the simple truth
   from a man like me

can't say there's more
than just what you see
no secret door
no fancy poetry
the moon and stars don't line up behind
a man like me

   you need to know...



harmonies: Janice Merritt
acoustic guitars: me

...and the rest of the BAND:

RealTracks in song: 1190:Bass, Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 1542:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopBelieve Ev16 065
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 1805:Synth Pad, PopBelieve Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealDrums in Song: ModernPopBallad16ths^01-a:Quiet hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick
Studio One Loops


J&B - y'all are such an important part of my music.
But even more than that, an important part of my life.
Forever grateful.


Hope everyone else enjoys this.
Thanks for listening.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Beautiful!

Man, this has to be your best vocal yet! The "please" in "please believe" .... goosebumps!

And the blend of your voice with Janice ... double goosebumps!

Great work on the arrangement too, very effective the way it builds. I love hearing stuff like that!

Excellent!

Last edited by BlueAttitude; 10/23/19 08:42 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
A simply beautiful love song,Floyd. The lyrics communicate without needing embellishment...

can't say there's more
than just what you see
no secret door
no fancy poetry
the moon and stars don't line up behind
a man like me

there`s some skillful poetry in that!
Love that vulnerable hint of falsetto on your "please",( I agree with Dave, this is right up there with your best vocal performances), the panned guitars, and naturally, Janice joining in, are also standouts.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,760
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,760
Floyd IMHO this is your best to date. Your vocals were fantastic; I didn't know you had that much vocal range! Of course as usual your backing tracks and mix were perfect. Plus Janice and you make perfect harmonies together.

This is outstanding!


Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.

When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 114
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 114
Life's busyness means I rarely get chance to visit this forum. But, so glad that on my one visit I clicked on this track.

A beautiful song with an excellent 3rd verse lyric.

The build up is so well done...and the moment the cello joins is sublime.

Your mixes always sound great to me. I'm envious of your ability to shape BIAB tracks just the way you want.

In the past I've looked at some of your posts about mixing hints and I wish you'd compile all your stuff into one post/video/handbook!

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Lovely song, performance & arrangement.
The 1st time through NEED from need to know is a little aggressive and made me jump.
At 2.43 there's comp keyboard style click, though it may be string or pick noise, that you may be able to erase. It's no big deal but the song is intimate and quiet at that point so it sticks out.
Lovely, lovely song & Ms. Merritt merits particular praise for her gorgeously warm bvox.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
floyd,

Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound - great build up and superb vocal.
Love Janice's harmony part, as usual you two sound stunning together.

Wonderfully written and performed song.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound


Could not agree more, well done to both of you.

As usual the mix and arrangement is spot on, Janice is always a very welcoming addition on the backing vocals .

ENJOYED .

Thanks

p,s, had to edit this as only half of my comment was posted .

Last edited by beatmaster; 10/24/19 02:35 AM.

win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,494
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,494

Nice Floyd!

Very soothing, and deceptively simple. The best kind! Really loved this man.

Excellent mix.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Bird Leather, Chills, Goose Bumps! Could it be that you keep getting better vocally melodically and lyrically? Your very bestest vocal ever! That girl sang a beautiful harmony. The arrangement is so good. The acoustics were well played and recorded. The production is out of this world. This may be your best overall effort. I am truly stunned to the depth of my emotions. It simply can't get any better than this, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249
This is about as soulful as it gets. Liked the softer acoustic setting. Combined with your excellent production values, you've got one of your best ever IMHO. I keep coming back to it again and again.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
The simple truth is this is an AMAZING song! I went in with some expectations, and can say I didn't see this coming.

You nailed EVERY aspect of this song by saying EXACTLY what need to be said...and nothing more. You played EXACTLY what was needed, and nothing more. That is what makes a "simple" song so powerful. It's knowing what to keep; and knowing what not to. That is sooooo hard to do in my opinion.

That lift captured me in a BIG way. It's like hearing an orchestra swell kick in at the very point it needs to; without it actually being there. Just "wow!"

A few things about the vocal. You performed it really well, which I have come to expect. I don't know that I have ever mentioned how good your diction is? I always mean to; but you've got that down!

Now the other thing with the vocal is the falsetto "please" in "please believe"...who do you think you are? Ronnie Dunn? If you think that; I'm right there with you! What a fantastic choice, placed at the optimum place for it.

Man, this will get many listens. Great job!


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
The lyrics of this song were very relate-able. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,292
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,292
FJ & Janice,

Beautiful and powerful. Excellent vocals!! I've heard quite a few of your songs. Eyes closed, this will make it to top 10. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,233
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,233
Yep, this is a good one all right.

Maybe I'm overthinking things - I'm in a Noel sort of mood wink - but I noticed the verses rhymed "don't come easily" and "opportunity" with the "ee" sound. Clever rhyming, rolls of the tongue and feels natural.

But the last verse broke the "ee" rhyming pattern and instead used an inner rhyme line up behind.

I have a tendency to fill up space with lots of notes. It's good to hear the opposite done so well - a song that lingers over the notes, isn't rushed at all, holding the melody.

And, of course, sung with the patented "straight from the heart" floydjane delivery, with subtle support from Janice.

Plus, I'm a sucker for cellos! 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: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,157
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,157
Dave and Robert,

Thank you for mentioning my harmony. I love being part of this beautiful song!

Janice


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: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Very nicely done - love the mood on this one, and found it very lush and pretty for the ears. I thoroughly enjoyed the vocals and thought the mix was top notch too.

Thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,257
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,257
A simple song is not so simple to write.
Everything flows like clear water from a quiet but wild stream.
Congratulations. Christian

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
this is stunning!!! man this is good great work floyd


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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4

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 Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,296
Posts802,836
Members40,085
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
xkm12312, windsax, GregNYR, Gouby Raya, Almoz
40,084 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 126
zedd 103
rsdean 87
DC Ron 73
vicarn 72
Today's Birthdays
Jelle, old guy, twarner
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5