Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#564641 11/17/19 10:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Hi, all:

A little over two and a half years ago I worked up the courage to post an original song online for the first time, back when I really had no idea what I was doing (or at least far less of an idea than I have now, lol!). The song was "Lonely Tonight", and it was recorded in GarageBand, just me and my guitar on a single track over my laptop. I've always wanted to do a fuller version of the song, and now that I'm improving a bit on BIAB, I thought I'd give it a try. And so here's my BIAB version . . . as always appreciate the listen and feedback.

The original version is still posted on my SoundCloud page (though I'm not sure why I keep it up as poor a recording as it is) . . . but it's there if anyone has interest in hearing the original "acoustic" version. I don't want to link directly as it's not a BIAB produced song.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

Here's the song:

Lonely Tonight

Here are the lyrics:

Soaring through her heavens,
held high by her hands—
when she let me go I didn’t know
just how hard it was to land.
Now I’m crawling from the wreckage,
having fallen from her heights;
it’s been so long, it’s been so long,
since she’s gone I’m half-alive.

And it’s so hard feeling like I do,
knowing she’s out in the blue
and I’m nowhere in her skies.
But if you’d say everything’s okay,
then I won’t be lonely tonight.

Wandering through these wastelands,
caught between the wind
and the endless swarms of thunderstorms
that keep me cowering.
And you’re here to offer refuge,
and you’re willing I can tell,
but it feels so wrong, it feels so wrong,
though I know you mean me well.

And it’s so hard feeling like I do,
knowing she’s my only truth;
the love I can’t deny.
But if you’d say everything’s okay,
then I won’t be lonely tonight.

Don’t know how I’d be much company—
not when my head’s against the wall.
Don’t know why you’d want to comfort me at all,
no, not at all.

And it’s so hard feeling like I do,
knowing you've lost someone too
doesn’t make it feel more right.
But if you’d say everything’s okay,
then I won’t be lonely tonight.
Yeah, I guess we won’t be lonely tonight.

And here's the band:

Drums: American Roots 18ths
Bass: Celtic Real RT 1162
12 String Guitar: Celtic Songwriter Quinn RT 3226
Guitar: Celtic Songwriter Quinn RT 3186
Guitar Fingerpick Songwriter 16th RT 2552
Guitar: Nylon, Background Folk 16ths RT 3115
Cello: Celtic Air, RT 3267
Strings: Celtic Air, RT 2457

(c)2019 DJ Lekich

Deej56 #564656 11/17/19 11:46 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139
Hi DJ:
This does sound really good.
A very nice melody.
T liked the way that you used the drums.
Nicely mixed

Deej56 #564659 11/17/19 12:06 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,970
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,970
Terrific tune, I have some favorite lines, among them:

when she let me go I didn’t know
just how hard it was to land.

and

and the endless swarms of thunderstorms
that keep me cowering.


I did get a little confused who you were singing to but you cleared it up in the last stanza. I can't decide if it were better to learn that earlier in the song, or if it's a nice surprise as it is. Probably fine as is.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Deej56 #564694 11/17/19 06:58 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185
odd sound at the 8 sec mark - string noise or paper?
"the endless swarms of thunderstorms".
I think you did a fabulous job with a cool song - sounds a bit like something from Billy Joel's debut but with a Celtic subtlety rather than piano bombast.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Deej56 #564707 11/17/19 11:29 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,610
Hello DJ,

That is a really nice song. Very good melody and strong/sensitive vocals that reminded me -in a way- of Jim Croce.
and I haven't mentioned your lyrics. They are very nice.
Nothing to whine about, it's just a very good, lovely song, but only a lonely night ahead...

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
Deej56 #564752 11/18/19 04:33 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Understated, SENSITIVE, absolutely STUNNING lyrics ... you don't ever do mediocre, do you? :-) I am trying to deliberately find fault (just so that I don't sound so blooming enthusiastic every single darn time! lol) and this is not the place to find it :-)

Lyrics carry a complex (at first, at least) but beautiful and, dare I say, vulnerable, sensitive message. Music is perfect for this - no pyrotechnics, no vocal gymnastics, just you and the band. And it's so, so subtle ... I had to listen four times before writing this, just to absorb and appreciate its "hidden corners" (so to speak) more - and I want to listen again. Argh! :-)

Like I said, you don't do mediocre. And you make it seem so easy, because nothing is strained or forced in any of your songs that I've heard so far - everything is just seemingly just flowing naturally. Superb job - bravo.

Last edited by musician17; 11/18/19 04:39 AM.
Deej56 #564758 11/18/19 05:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Well done - it has a really warm feeling to it, and the instruments all played off each other nicely. I liked the mix a lot too - really concise and professional.

Thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
Deej56 #564786 11/18/19 08:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Hi DJ! Love your vocal sound and the lyrics on this one. The song overall has a nice folk rock kind of sound. Good mix and keep up the good work!




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Deej56 #564807 11/18/19 10:45 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,589
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,589
Great intro on this Deej! Very nice vocal...reminds me a lot of some of the great Jim Croce tunes! It's a really good ballad with very nice chord changes and melody! Thanks, Torrey

Deej56 #564823 11/18/19 11:43 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,759
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,759
Deej,

A good song. A good arrangement. Good mix.

Another excellent vocal (nicely in-the-pocket in the mix).

I agree with Torrey...has a lot of the Croce sound and feel to it - which is nice to hear again...

fj

Deej56 #564835 11/18/19 12:26 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 151
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 151
I love your voice. It kind of reminds me of Cat Stevens. Great song. Very good.


Cakewalk Sonar Platinum
Focusrite 18i20
Deej56 #564849 11/18/19 01:53 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,989
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,989
The lyrics are absolutely beautiful, and I think you captured a really lovely mood. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
Deej56 #564886 11/18/19 08:32 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hi Deej56,

lovely song, very soulfully sung. Love the backing track, especially the intro was terrifuc.

Cheers,

Stefan

Deej56 #565144 11/20/19 10:48 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,901
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,901
Yep, the Croce vibe is there for sure...but ultimately it's Deej -- a good thing in our book!

"Wandering through these wastelands,
caught between the wind
and the endless swarms of thunderstorms
that keep me cowering.
And you’re here to offer refuge,
and you’re willing I can tell,
but it feels so wrong, it feels so wrong,
though I know you mean me well."

Strong stuff happening there.

Love it all and especially your vocal which is both soulful and sincere.
Nice arrangement and mix also.

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
Deej56 #565168 11/20/19 01:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Superb vocals and an excellent song.

Sounds great, lovely mix and melody.

A really top notch production.

Peter

Deej56 #565177 11/20/19 02:11 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
I really like the lyrical feel of this song...
It is a good write & production...
I also listened to the original...
And I must say the lyrical charm & delivery is there...
But I can tell you've come a long way technically...
Congratulations!
BTW...
I love your plaintive vocal on this number.


Jim
†=☮&♥
Jim #565179 11/20/19 02:18 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,196
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,196
WOW what a great write! Your backing tracks are fantastic and your voice is outstanding. But man those lyrics took it over the top for me.

I agree with the Croce sound and feel.

Great song!


My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Deej56 #565186 11/20/19 02:41 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Deej,
A very good write ( really like the way you summed up the dilema on the chorus)and , no surprise, your voice cuts through the mix like a warm knife!
The melody rolls nicely and the folk rock backing a good fit.
I enjoyed your revisions and hearing that bittersweet tale again.

Robert

Deej56 #565322 11/21/19 03:49 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Marty, TuneMonger, rayc, Hans, James, Deryk, sslechta, Torrey, Floyd, Teletwanger, Ember, Stefan, J&B, Peter, Jim, Mario, and Robert:

Thanks so much for the listen and very kind feedback. It’s a song that I sometimes forget about, but always enjoy playing when I do . . . and I’m glad to that BIAB was able to help me do a little something more with it . . . and that it seemed to resonate so well. Again, much appreciated.

My best to each of you,

Deej

Deej56 #565376 11/22/19 04:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 55
Hey Deej. Very nice tribute to true love lost. Lots of emotion in this song and your voice and excellent use of BiaB have captured the essence perfectly. Bravo!

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 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!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,582
Posts793,594
Members39,919
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
SinghKhan, laurrenscott, FREDERRY, Smithin, Gjsmal
39,919 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 163
DC Ron 106
Noel96 86
jpettit 85
rsdean 71
dcuny 64
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5