Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#592990 04/19/20 10:31 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Say Goodbye

I've spent more on virtual instruments than I care to admit since lockdown...but I suppose I can't spend money on much else at the minute I suppose it's probably the best time to do it! I also bought a new, much better, microphone but understandably it's going to be quite a while until it arrives so I've used an Amazon Basics one to record the vocals. This song came about as one of the virtual instruments had a great violin sound so I put together a nice violin bit and then built the BIAB RealTracks around it.

I experimented a bit when arranging and mixing this. I'd definitely like a bit of feedback on mixing as I still struggle a little with it. People on here have been very helpful as I didn't have a clue about anything to do with mixing when I posted my first few songs.

Style is _BOWE110.STY. Acoustic Guitar w/ Even Bow Bass
All RealTracks. Quintet. Tempo=110 (85-140)
Instruments: Ac.Bass, Ac.Guitar, Ac.Guitar, Ac.Guitar, Drums
RD: NashvilleEven8^3-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat Open :Brian Fullen
RT2488: Bass, Acoustic, Bowed Held Ev 110 , Craig Nelson
RT405: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120 , Jason Roller
RT1677: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 120 , Brent Mason
RT522: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 120 , Jason Roller

I also added a midi piano supertrack - PopRootsyJohn. As well as putting together the violin midi and a little piano track as accompaniment for the supertrack.

Lyrics

To say that I
Didn't expect this To happen
Would be the understatement
Of the year

Sometimes things just
Happen so quickly
That you don't see them coming
Till they're here

I'm thinking of all the things
That could have been different
Even though I couldn't change
a thing

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

Maybe I'm still
Stuck in denial
And I think you're gonna
Walk back through the door

Maybe the signs were there
And I didn't want to see them
But that only hurts
Even more

I'm thinking of all the times
that we had together
Wishing that I could live
them over again

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

I'm thinking of all the times
that we had together
Wishing that I could live
them over again

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

What can I do
I know that I gotta accept it
Even if I'm breaking down inside
You might be gone but deep down
My love will never die
And I know I gotta say goodbye

And I know I gotta say goodbye

Last edited by RichardB1985; 04/21/20 02:29 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
My only problem with the mix is that I think the vocal is way too much up front. Turn that down and I you will have a winner.
Note that this is just my opinion and others may or may not agree.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
The strings need softening: that'd be some gentle reverb and roll off some top end in your EQ.
The band sound fine and the arrangement is solid.
You lyrics are good.
You're out of tune enough to be singing a different song and sound like you've a cold which doesn't help.
When you recover - retrack.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Richard,
I hear a good melody and like the strings/acoustic guitar opening.
Being on the cusp of out of tune can sound good on a rock song ( think Joy Division), but,though RayC is a little harsh in his comments above,I tend to agree: to do the song justice a vocal redo is a good idea.
Let`s hear this again with the new microphone!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Richard,

A lot of good feedback above, but just wanted to chime in that I really like the melody and approach of the tune . . . it conveys a real sense of what you were shooting for . . . and the musical bed is strong, though the mix could be, as others mentioned above, a bit more balanced. Keep working this . . . there’s a really good tune here.

Best regards,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Richard,
I definitely see the progress in your skills. Interesting tune and I think a good candidate to experiment with some mixing / singing techniques. I agree with Mario that vocals are a bit upfront.
What I also noticed, you doubled up your voice in places... I do not have musical training, so I will try to explain in simple terms. You sing this low and when you have two low voices in same field it sounds a little mooshi. I would try singing second voice octave higher or swinging second voice slightly. To me, it is all about experimenting and practice smile Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Thanks to everyone for the feedback. It's not always easy to get honest feedback so I'm really glad to get both positive and constructive feedback here. Thank you!

I was struggling with hay fever when I recorded it and I also rushed the recording which I think contributed to the pitch issues. I also managed to switch off autotune as my DAW was struggling when I was messing about with the settings on master bus plugins and I forgot to switch it back on when I saved the mixdown. It doesn't save the vocals so I'll be rerecording it. I also messed about with the backing vocals following Misha's advice by pitching them up and they do sound better (although obviously very artificial as I've just pitched them up using autotune).

I will definitely re-record this when I get a chance.

Last edited by RichardB1985; 04/20/20 02:20 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Hello Richard,

I fear I should take your title literally, because the link to your song wasn't working. It said 'oops, something is wrong'
Maybe you are working on another version, because of the reactions I see here?

Lots of success,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Hi Birchwood, Bandlab seems to do this sometimes, the link was working for me but for some reason it doesn't show up - not sure why. I have replaced it with a slightly updated version now but it still needs to be rerecorded.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,426
Posts804,911
Members40,122
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jho smith, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 129
DC Ron 102
rsdean 98
WaoBand 82
dcuny 71
vicarn 70
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5