Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
#568077 12/02/19 05:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677




Hi y’all,

some of you may know that silly game 'What does it take to be a real....' when everybody tries to make up the most absurd characterizations.

When we played that game with some friends a couple of weeks ago my lovely wife Maha looked at me in an unusually merciless way and came up with 'What does it take to be a real rock musician?' Actually she didn’t even give us the chance to think of some funny answers - instead she had us immediately have a share in her suggestions:

1. A real rock musician's got to suffer from severe hearing loss! (Easy - I can even show off with a polyphonic killer tinnitus)

2. Unlike Bill Clinton he must have inhaled at least once! (C'mon...)

3. He must have written at least one 'protest song'!

Oops - there she had got me: Almost 70 and no such song at all.... But a rock musician's got to do what a rock musician's got to do, so - before I'm running out of time - I decided to write my first ‘protest song’. But how the heck do you write a protest song?

Like so often Tom Lehrer had given the answer already in 1965 when he published the song „The Folk Song Army“:

„The tune don't have to be clever,
And it don't matter if you put a couple of extra syllables into a line.
It sounds more ethnic if it ain't good English
And it don't even gotta rhyme... excuse me: rhyne!“


That sounds pretty easy, don’t you think... And I might add:

‘It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that sting!’.

So I already pictured myself sitting around a camp fire with my friends (maybe on chairs - the hip, y’know...), strumming my good old Ovation I hadn’t played on for decades.

But that good old Ovation and me - we turned out to no lomger be buddies, because that beautifully rounded body of an Ovation simply doesn’t go together with a (admittedlly far less beautifully) rounded German beer belly - it simply kept slipping away.

Obviously I wasn’t meant to write and perform a good old camp fire style protest song, so thinking of a solution I remembered my old motto:

‘Writing songs? When in doubt
make them fast and make them loud!
And if fast and loud is not enough,
you can still make them sound rough.“


So - at 140 BPM, meant to be cranked up, performed by my alter ego band ‘Alternative Lies’ - here’s my first (and most likely last) protest song:

JUST FOR THE RECORD.

Video on my website (with lyrics)

Video on YouTube

Audio (on SoundCloud)

Enjoy (if you can cool )

Stefan

These are the musical data:

Key=Bb , Tempo 140, Length (m:s)=3:08

ReakStyle is _RRTWIST.STY (Rock n Roll Twist Band) using the following RealTracks

RT 1731:Bass, Electric, TexasBluesRockNRoll Ev 165
RT 2353:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm RockabillyRockNRollKevin Ev 165
RT 882:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasBluesRockHighOffbeat Ev 165
RT 2352:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockabillyRockNRollBrent Ev 165
RealDrums: RocknRoll^02-a: Swinging Ride, b: Two Beat Cymbal

RT602:Harmonica, Soloist Train Ev 130

Vocals and that arthritic guitar solo: Me

Maha had huge fun appearing in the video and most of all working on the sound and mix. Like usually she used Realband + the following plug-ins: PGMusic Dynamics, PGMusic Reverb, EasyQ Parametric EQ and modestly mastered the song in Ozone 8 advanced.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
I watched the video and that is one heck of a production. Great use of BIAB. Fun song. Great video. Well done all around.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,147
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,147
Hi Stefan,
That's a very good rock protest song and your guitarist fingers aren't so arthritic ! Your song is very well produced. Thanks for sharing. Christian

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,723
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,723
Man, that's quite a write! Loved the lyrics.

"band" sounded great, as did your vocal and guitar solo (your fingers seem to be moving pretty good to me!)

Killer mix as usual, and I always really enjoy watching your videos! Nice to see Maha in there too.

Great stuff, Stefan!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,512
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,512
Stefan,

Excellent write!

Super BAND. Good vocals. Good mix.

Terrific video. That must be SO much work...but, well worth it - for our entertainment!!

Stay Angry!

smile

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,645
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,645
Stefan
Amazing production your videos are always superb and the amount of work in them is incredible.
Enjoyed the band guitar solo and song.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Hi Stefan
I enjoyed this a lot (not least because I'm similarly angry). Love the lyrics. Amazing work on the video as usual. And that solo doesn't sound at all arthritic to me.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,014
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,014
As an occasionally angry, old man and frequent curmudgeon I offer my thanks for a laugh and head bopping session.
That was a treat - well done Maha & your good self.
Most enjoyable.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
What a tune! Got my foot tapping from the get go, and I love how light hearted it is. Not only that, but the tune is terrifically well put together. The production is right on the money, and it flows effortlessly.

Thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,487
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,487
This is BRILLIANT. One of the very best songs I've heard in a while on here, and the lyrics play no small part in that - but the whole concept and execution is incredible, from start to finish. That instrumental bridge with the guitar and the harmonica are as marvellous as your voice, both in quality and interpretative execution. Keep protesting - BRAVO!!!

and that's just me listening to the audio. The video made me smile (particularly the credits, haha). Well done - what a début in the genre!

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Stefan & Maha
Where is Bill with his saxophone? I was getting ready to see him play sax solo on the stage.
Fantastic, seriously positive stuff! I am both jealous and inspired. A+

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,497
Hi Stefan,

I was in the lucky position to hear this song couple of times while you were still busy making it and that super-swell video. Before you had the video I told you what good song it is. I really love the lyrics. But -of course- your video is the piece of the cake. Very strong, funny and to the point. Still don't think the orange one will like it much. but as long as we do, the better!

I also noticed your fingers look like they play gitar, drums, keyboard daily.
But in particulair I liked the end of your movies, the credits. All kinds of Stefans and Maha's were presented there with those funny names. So from start to finish a well cared for product!
And now Maha and you must enjoy your well-earned huge beer (the German one!)

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Another smash...
Really cool music & video...
BTW...
That Orange Amp looks mighty good!


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,496
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,496
That is some very creative work Stefan! So many clever little changes in this! What a lyric (that had to take some time to construct)!! I love the instrumentation choices especially what you did with all the drum parts! Also those clever chord changes thrown into certain spots! Great vocal! You always bring it with every production! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,366
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,366
I always am happy to see your latest song on the forum list. And you did not disappoint with this one. Wow, your anger produced a deluge of clever lyrics.

"Every now and then a little lie may save your day,
but are 12,000 lies within three years still okay?"

I couldn't have said it better.

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Wow! Bet you had some doing this.
Excellent work. Rob4580

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,670
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,670
Great write!

And, of course, fantastic production, and audio and visual treat, all the way to the end credits. 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: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,047
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,047
Stefan,

First off, an awesome write. Second, accompanies by an incredible, energetic, blitz of rocking music. Third, terrific vocal, killer harmonica. Wow, beyond impressed--totally appreciated the effort and talent it takes to pull something like this together. Do you play this live anywhere? It would absolutely slay the room. Great video to boot!

My beyond humble regards,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,608
Awesome job, vox are terrific, lyrics are a blast, the whole thing came together perfectly. Entertainment value is off the chart. Video a hoot! Enjoyed listening to this multiple times. Keep em coming.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 362
E
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
E
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 362
This is an outstanding creation. The musical parts are hitting on all cylinders and the lyrics are just a blast, and work perfectly with the tune and the style. As others have commented this is one of the best songs that I've heard on the showcase for a while.

Now, I'm going to shamelessly break it down and hopefully pick up a few tricks from your masterful use BIAB for myself!


Ed Z

Soundcloud profile
https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494
BIAB user since 2019
iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts


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
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

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 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.

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.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,529
Posts780,531
Members39,682
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
smeet, Bob Mesquita, rchovin, Troxy, Spudlink
39,681 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 142
WaoBand 107
DC Ron 86
rsdean 84
Today's Birthdays
John F.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5