|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Well I thought I would join in with contributing a Christmas song. I'm excited about this one, because I was able to coerce my wife into singing with me on it. (Although she sings with me all the time, I think it is easier to get a personal phone call with the queen of England than it is to get Rachel to slow down enough to stand in front of a mic in my little studio and sing!) The instruments are RT's/RD's, and I threw in some organ, percussion, chimes and bells. Hope you enjoy this! It's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year) - VIDEOIt's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year) - SOUNDCLOUD It's Christmas Time (My Favorite Time Of Year)© Stephen W. YoungThe frost is on the ground, and the days grow short And the children dream out loud of all they're hoping for And the embers in the fireplace are crackling as tender as a prayer There's a sound of carols ringing in the air And it's Christmas time, my favorite time of year When the meaning of this life becomes so clear And the angels sing, the hosts of heaven Rejoice before the throne 'Cause in Bethlehem, the Savior has been born I love to hear the laughter in the afternoon When the smells of a home cooked dinner fill the room And the mistletoe starts working, and love is flowing in the air And the joy of Christmas time is everywhere And it's Christmas time, my favorite time of year When the meaning of this life becomes so clear And the angels sing, the hosts of heaven Rejoice before the throne 'Cause in Bethlehem, the Savior has been born Here are the RT's/RD's...RealTracks in style: ~~519:Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2933:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterFolkSlapQuinn Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2930:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent Ev 100 RealTracks in song: 3162:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm BluesyPopHeldEmbelBrent Ev 100 RealTracks in song: 2681:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Pop8thsZaneLow Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 646:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopRockBritEdgy Ev 120 (A:arp) RealTracks in song: 2904:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100 RealTracks in song: 2618:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Funk16thsMutedWahWah Ev16 100 RealTracks in song: 2906:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm BluesyPopMike Ev 100 RealTracks in song: 3203:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist RnBPopBrent Ev 110 RealDrums in song: NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride [b][/b]
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833 |
Hi Steve, This is really, really wonderful listening. When I looked at the musical ensemble, my first thought was, "How on earth does Steve manage to get such a warm, cohesive and inviting musical sound using such a wide range of Realtracks!" If I was wearing a hat right now, I'd tip it towards to you in acknowledgement. Without doubt, you are are the master  I feel bubbles of panic rising in me when I only have 4 tracks to mix and arrange! Back to the music... I thoroughly enjoyed this. It has commercial quality and is so very, very friendly on the both the ears and the psyche. As I listened, images of all that makes Christmas special for families drifted through my mind. The duet between you and Rachel really is the icing on a very fine musical Christmas cake. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296 |
Surprise, great vocals! lol. Man, top notch all the way around. Love the song! It just sounds so good. The perfect song for this time of year!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 804
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 804 |
Nice one Steve. This feels like a genuine paean to Christmas.
As usual the production is first class. Rachel's voice is indeed a pleasant surprise - solo and harmonising. In fact, you sound great together.
Merry Christmas,
Mike
Mike Garry BIAB 2025/RealBand, UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Hybrid 3, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7. https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,962
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,962 |
Harmonies made in matrimony - your voices were a treat.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,449 |
Steve & Rachel,
Everything about this is good. No surprise there.
A beautiful Christmas write. Exceptional vocals throughout.
Exquisite production - with a "modern" flair... nice! So many nice, subtle touches...
Sounds like a classic right out of the gate.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
Excellent Christmas song... I really enjoyed listening... Rachel has such a lovely voice... And it compliments your own voice so well... That I look forward to hearing more duets from you two . Merry Christmas to you & your family.
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,265
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,265 |
Wonderful Holiday tune, full of warmth, light, love and vivid Christmas images. Super vocals from both of you. All wrapped up in a sweet flawless musical package. Thanks for this ear candy, merry Christmas!
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,527
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,527 |
Wow, super good production, excellent voices, great Christmas song
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Hi Steve, This is really, really wonderful listening. When I looked at the musical ensemble, my first thought was, "How on earth does Steve manage to get such a warm, cohesive and inviting musical sound using such a wide range of Realtracks!" If I was wearing a hat right now, I'd tip it towards to you in acknowledgement. Without doubt, you are are the master I feel bubbles of panic rising in me when I only have 4 tracks to mix and arrange! Back to the music... I thoroughly enjoyed this. It has commercial quality and is so very, very friendly on the both the ears and the psyche. As I listened, images of all that makes Christmas special for families drifted through my mind. The duet between you and Rachel really is the icing on a very fine musical Christmas cake. All the best, Noel Thanks so much Noel! Always enjoy reading your very thoughtful comments. Glad you like this one! Surprise, great vocals! lol. Man, top notch all the way around. Love the song! It just sounds so good. The perfect song for this time of year!
Really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment! Glad you enjoyed this! Nice one Steve. This feels like a genuine paean to Christmas.
As usual the production is first class. Rachel's voice is indeed a pleasant surprise - solo and harmonising. In fact, you sound great together.
Merry Christmas,
Mike Thanks, Mike! Your comments are very appreciated. Yep, Rachel has always been one of my favorite singers. We've been singing together for 45 years now. But I really married her for her money. (Her maiden name was Nichols.)
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,333 |
Nice melody. Your wife has a lovely voice. I enjoyed the whole package here. What a joyous holiday song!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,954
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,954 |
What a fantastic holiday song! The vocals suited the song wonderfully. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,034
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,034 |
Steve,
Great vocals on this—nice production touches on it, and it really fits in the mix. A fresh take and feel on a Holiday song . . . warm and genuine. This is polished to a shine; first rate all around on the production.
I’m not sure my next comment is going to make sense or that I’ll say it right . . . but I’m just going to put it out there for what little it may be worth. The verses tend to be very new world (almost commercial) while the close of the choruses strike me as a more traditional carol. That is, there’s a contrast in tone between the verse and the more traditional “Bethlehem” references at the end of the chours. Again, not sure that makes sense, nor that there’s anything to change—it just struck me, is all. And as it doesn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the song, not sure it’ve even worth raising . . . but there it is for you to ponder, and most likely, rightly dismiss.
Admirably done, Steve. Enjoyed it!
Regards,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,588
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,588 |
Catchy chorus, with excellent harmony. You two sound really nice together. I love like how your vocals are always up front, but never harsh. Great production - instruments are supportive and clear, but never get in the way. The tubular bells are a nice touch. Thanks for the Christmas present!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975 |
Awesome Christmas tune Steve. You are one of my favorite vocalists on the forum. Love it when you post new tunes. Your wife has a lovely voice as well. Such perfect harmonies. Well done. Guitar was very cool
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468 |
Wow Steve that is fantastic! What great pure sounding vocals all around on this! A really top notch Christmas song! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,401
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,401 |
Stunningly beautiful. At the risk of contradiction...it's a modern classic!
You have one of the finest voices on the forum and now what a joy to hear Rachel...wow!
Great band and that rhythmic chime sound is perfect for the theme.
One to play for the family!
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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043 |
BEAUTIFUL!!! JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! Absolutely love this line:
And the embers in the fireplace are crackling as tender as a prayer
And it stands out even among lyrics which are all wonderful! Glad your wife could lend a hand.....great voice, and the song works so well as a duet!!
LOVE IT!!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139 |
Love hearing all the holiday/Christmas songs this time of year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
I've been in and out of town for the holidays, and working a lot in between! Just want to say thank you to all who posted such nice words about this song! I hope all of you had a great Christmas, and a Happy New Year (and Happy New Decade)! I pray you all have a wonderful year this year, and look forward to sharing and hearing a lot of great music from you all!
All the best,
Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,323
Posts777,757
Members39,619
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean