|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Keeping You AfloatThis time I'm trying something completely different style from usual... Sometimes source for the inspiration is just a tiny image from a dream, in this case a look of a drunken person and then a thought that what if that look would belong to your special one and you couldn't change it anymore. I wrote this several years ago, now I finally managed to translate it. The translation was quite challenging, but yet very enjoyable process, because I found many times new ideas to smoothen the flow of words. I hope you enjoy the song despite the dark lyrics. Some have said that there is a strong contrast between the light music and tough lyrics, although to me the music is also quite dark. One commentator has said that he has been there personally... I hope that's not the case with any of you, although it's rewarding to hear that I have written something that people can relate to. RealDrums: BodhranCelticJig, GypsyJazzSw RealTracks: Nylon guitar #2714 Electric guitar #968 Acoustic guitar #1210 Organ #1467 Acoustic bass #1385 Acoustic piano #2733 Vocals by me Mixed in Adobe Audition 2020. Lyrics: I'm too understanding to withhold from you what you are thirsting for I'm standing still by your side when you founder beyond employment's shore. They fill every yard bench in the morning I still regard them with disdain when you found new fellowship among them I begged you to come home but it was vain. I'm keeping you afloat because I have vowed in sickness and in health to share with you life's rocky boat. You're my anchor, my lead that will drag me into your deep if I don't have strength to be the spouse in your need. You lived like a whirlwind to experience all that life could ever gush you couldn't be a passerby when days were numbered and time flew in a rush. Drunken empty look has given up now once I was love-struck by its drive now you have exhausted all your fire and my energy to help you to revive. I'm keeping you afloat... I'm keeping you afloat... -------- Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,351
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,351 |
Janne,
Interesting, I assume, supportive tune?
I thought this was pretty neat:
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
Musical bed work well with it. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I do not know why, but for some reason I thought that Finland had very strict alcohol laws... Maybe that was couple of decades ago?
Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,264 |
Nicely done! I thought the chord changes did a good job supporting the lyric, and the enjoyed the lyrics. I'd use "in" in this line: I begged you to come home but it was in vain.despite what the dictionary says.  Glad you managed to translate this!
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal 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
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708 |
Hi Janne
While thankfully I've no first hand experience, I know friends and family who've been in relationships with people suffering from an addiction. It's incredibly difficult. I like the musical style you've used for this one. (And while I appreciate all the work that goes into making a translation, personally I'd rather like to hear your Finnish version.)
Regards,
Leon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Really good vocal performance, and, as I've said elsewhere, I think it's interesting to see the word-chains that come from a person who is not a primary English speaker--you give us combinations and word choices that probably a native speaker wouldn't even think of--that's creativity!
Would love to see the chord chart for your chorus--lots of interesting changes there!
And that "wandering" solo, and slightly dark terminal chord--like a dissolute person walking wobbly away from you!!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,194
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,194 |
That's a fine tune Janne.
A sad and thought provoking lyric delivered with a good vocal.
The jazzy arrangement was initially a surprise but we think it
was a good choice. It works well.
Well done!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,300
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,300 |
Yes, that jazzy bed was a surprise, and I agree that it was dark like the lyrics. I like the description you shared for your inspiration process. Good work all the way around with this one.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Janne,
Interesting, I assume, supportive tune?
I thought this was pretty neat:
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
Musical bed work well with it. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I do not know why, but for some reason I thought that Finland had very strict alcohol laws... Maybe that was couple of decades ago?
Misha.
Thanks Misha for your positive comment  Sure the alcohol laws used to be very strict here before the 80's, but they have been liberated, some strange restrictions still (like you cannot buy alcohol in a shop between 9pm-9am). Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Nicely done! I thought the chord changes did a good job supporting the lyric, and the enjoyed the lyrics. I'd use "in" in this line: I begged you to come home but it was in vain.despite what the dictionary says. Glad you managed to translate this! Thanks David for your kind feedback, always pleasure to hear that my chord changes work I had 'in vain' there at some point, but it didn't fit the melody line, so I tried to express the idea differently, but obviously not smoothly. But thanks for pointing me out and giving me a reason to revisit that part, although I just can't add 'in' there, would break the melody flow, so I have to remove other words to make room for it... now I have come up with another line: I begged you to come back home but in vain. Hope that sounds better Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,357 |
Excellent tune. Loved the guitar strumming. Super vocal and lyric. Well dine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Janne,
To me you succeeded with your experiment of the song, instruments and, partly, the vocals. Why partly? Because your way of singing is getting familiair for me. Wherever I hear it, in whatever song, I know this is Jannesan!
The recording is very clear. I like that. And the melody itself is pleasant listening to.
And have I mentioned the lyrics? I had to laugh how you got the idea for it. Very creative!
Liked it,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Janne
Inventive and interesting chord progression. A complex piece of music well produced.
Well done.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Hi Janne
While thankfully I've no first hand experience, I know friends and family who've been in relationships with people suffering from an addiction. It's incredibly difficult. I like the musical style you've used for this one. (And while I appreciate all the work that goes into making a translation, personally I'd rather like to hear your Finnish version.)
Regards,
Leon Thanks Leon, I appreciate your nice comment Let's see, I may put the Finnish version also on SoundCloud one day. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,681
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,681 |
I'm really taken in by the instrumental combinations and your arrangements. Piques my ears! Nicely done.
I like it when the mood of the music contrasts with the lyrical mood--it makes the lyrics stand out more when done well. Good work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,289
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,289 |
Nice melody and arrangement.
I think the translation is very good but I can see that you had to bend some iron to make it happen.
Question...in the lines
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
does lead refer to the heavy metal (Pb) or the guide to follow/control ( pronounced leed)?
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Really good vocal performance, and, as I've said elsewhere, I think it's interesting to see the word-chains that come from a person who is not a primary English speaker--you give us combinations and word choices that probably a native speaker wouldn't even think of--that's creativity!
Would love to see the chord chart for your chorus--lots of interesting changes there!
And that "wandering" solo, and slightly dark terminal chord--like a dissolute person walking wobbly away from you!! Thanks for your encouraging feedback Yeah, strange combination of words can be called creativity, but does it sound good, that's another question The chorus chord chart looks like this: Bm | A#+ | F#m/A | GMaj9 Gm9 | D/F# G#m7b5 | F#m/A Em/G | D | / / / F#7/A#!| Bm | F#m/A | Em69 | Ebm7b5 | Dm9 | CMaj7 | F#m7b5 | B7 | Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
That's a fine tune Janne.
A sad and thought provoking lyric delivered with a good vocal.
The jazzy arrangement was initially a surprise but we think it
was a good choice. It works well.
Well done!
J&B Thanks Janice and Bud, I always appreciate your insightful feedback and no exception this time I'm glad you bought the jazzy approach Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
I wouldn't call the music dark... just deep. I like the tone and the atmosphere the whole track establish. Very well done, maestro!
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,078
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,078 |
Good song, Janne, I like the changes and also the arrangement. I agree with Leon, I would also like to hear the finish version. Not that there is anything wrong with the English version mind you Enjoyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Yes, that jazzy bed was a surprise, and I agree that it was dark like the lyrics. I like the description you shared for your inspiration process. Good work all the way around with this one. Thanks TuneMonger for your kind words Glad you liked the description, I always enjoy when songwriters tell about their writing and inspiration process instead of just putting out a song without an explanation, it helps to create more personal bond with them. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,371
Posts803,929
Members40,106
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean