|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Just wanted to drop this here ... my latest effort - "fresh out of the oven", as it were. Hope you like it! I'll be back tonight to listen to all the songs I've missed from everyone else whilst I've been away, but hope it's ok to post this in the meantime! Thanks for listening and for any comments! :-) https://soundcloud.com/jamesdelsono/you-were-the-bestYOU WERE THE BEST When we met, first time, that Sunday morning, That first time you softly looked at me, I felt mine own eyes slowly filling up with tears And, for some reason, I could no longer see. *** I can't fall in love, baby My soul's an empty nest I can't fall in love, baby ... My mind simply won't rest ... For I can't love another My heart won't take no guest And I can't love no other For you were simply the best. ***** Sitting here, visiting old memories ... It's been many years since I ever saw your face It's been e'er so long since I looked in your eyes ... Felt you close in a mutual tight embrace. Women come and go ... with passing glances, Smiling back, I let them go, each one ... I am grateful for all the second chances ... But my mind, my heart, my soul are done. *** I can't fall in love, baby My soul's an empty nest I can't fall in love, baby ... My mind simply won't rest ... I can't love another My heart won't take no guest; I can't love no other For you were simply the best. ***** Many years have passed since we first met Many years will pass 'till I see you once more But, until the day does arrive, I will always love you as before. Stunning roses do remind me of you Their perfume of your heavenly scent ... Travelling ever, we will be, once more, You, my lady ... and I, your gent. *** I can't fall in love, baby My soul's an empty nest; I can't fall in love, baby ... My mind simply won't rest ... I can't love another My heart won't take no guest; I can't love no other For you were simply the best. ****** Song Summary ************* Title: You Were The Best - 28 August 2020 File:You Were The Best - 28 August 2020.SGU Key=Ab , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=5:00 No intro. 121 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 121. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody Soloist track has 155 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0) Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _POETRY.STY (Poetry British Psyc Soul w Oohs) RealTracks in style: 1174:Bass, Electric, PopCalypso Ev 100 RealTracks in style: 1408:Piano, SynthLayer, Rhythm Soul70sHeld Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 3442:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BritPsycFunky Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 3027:Vocal Oohs, Background Pop3-part Ev 085 RealDrums [in style:FunkHalfNotePulse: a: Snare, Kickb: Busy Kick, Snare ******************* Voice recorded and mixed in Audacity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Wow, that's an ambitious song! I'm really glad to hear you sing it, versus saying the words. My favorite part of this are some of the lyrics, "visiting old memories" and "stunning roses". I also liked your addition of the horns near the end to give it some "ummph" as it closed out. Good work!
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: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks Tano - appreciate your really nice and kind comments!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
James ...
You once mentioned ... a year or so ago ... that you didn't like your singing voice. I beg to differ. I think you sound just fine. You have a distinctive and unique ... in a very good way ... voice that I enjoyed. One suggestion, FWIW ... a little bit of reverb on your vocal would add a bit more dimension to it.
Loved the lyric ... very beautifully crafted! You're an excellent writer/composer. Would really enjoy hearing more of you on vocal. That was a real nice listen!
Wishing you the very best. Be safe, my friend ...
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979 |
James,
Very nice.
A good song. A good backing band.
It is really nice to hear you singing this. You should do that more often (like all the time). It's great to hear the melody (since it is not "spoken"). Nice.
This would seem to show that the "boom-i-ness" that happens comes from singing too close to the microphone (proximity affect), because it only happens in the verses - and really only on the lowest parts. When you sing the higher parts in the first chorus there is no boom-i-ness at all - sounds great. I really like it when you reach for that falsetto!!
One of your best. I like it.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373 |
I loved this tune James. I agree with Floyd. Was very nice to hear you singing this tune. Very well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306 |
I agree with others - very nice. You've got a nice voice, and it's a good melody. But the mix... not so nice. The vocal is too loud relative to the instruments. Instead of sitting "in" the mix, it sounds like you're singing along to karaoke tracks. I'd suggest listening to some reference tracks (something I admit not doing myself) to hear how loud the vocal should be in comparison to the backing tracks. Additionally, you might want to add some reverb to your vocal so it fits in to the same space the instruments are recorded in. All in all, a pleasant listen... but it would be much better with some work on the mix. Good the hear you singing! 
-- 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: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
James,
There`s the voice we`ve known was there- especially when your falsetto is set free; please keep keep singing!
Its a catchy, warm love song- with a pleasant backing band and nice horns to close.
I agree with other listeners:the vocal levels and processing would be worth tweaking.
My tip would be to try a vocal rider initially to set a more consistent level in relation to your mix.
The takeaway though:This is very good!
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thank you so much, each and every one of you. It's really nice of everyone to listen and comment on my little efforts here.
The mixing: argh! haha. I really thought I got it ok this time - or, at least, better than other times, haha. But yes, what David C says rings true ... it sounds a little like karaoke singing - which means that I must work on the track again :-) Reverb is one of the things that I will try to add, for sure! I have to set aside some time, one day, to really experiment with things - it's the only way I'll learn. Thanks, therefore, for helping me out :-)
Again, bless you all for listening!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305 |
James,
This is a VERY strong, confident, effective vocal performance.
The essing & plosives have been minimized and the voice is clear.
There is the proximity effect which could be fixed easily enough.
I'm REALLY impressed with your recording progress.
The arrangements, structures and melodies have always been solid and well done.
The difference in vocals performance/capture is fabulous.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,624
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,624 |
I really enjoyed hearing you sing, your soft voice has nice nuances and fits magically with the romantic lyrics and the soulful arrangement. Beautiful melody and interesting chord progression have nice variations even in the end. I can hear some John Lennon's Happy XMas in the chorus, but that just made it more interesting because of familiarity  Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Wow - thanks Ray. If I have progressed, it’s only because of people like you that pointed the way on what to do to improve my mixes. I’ve only followed your and others’ advice. THANKS!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks Janne. Yes, that chorus sounds eerily pop-like, but I hope it works anyway! Thanks for such nice comments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
Nice work. Good lyrics. Good melody. Good use of the band.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,335 |
Wow, am I surprised and pleased!! This is a very good song and the vocal is pretty good as well. If you were able to mix it into the track, it would be super! Again, I'm impressed! Way to go!! (Work on learning to mix vocals, it will be worth the time. I'm only just starting to learn myself.)
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906 |
I agree about the mix and the vocal explosives. But all in all this is one of your best songs. Keep singing all things will get easier (look who's talking  ). I really liked your lyrics. You have a PM.
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: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks everyone! I'm going to continue to work on my mixing - I was even worse when I started, so I don't see why, with a little work, I may not get better! haha. Thanks for all your kind comments - and thanks Mario for the PM, I've just replied and will keep in touch on this for sure!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,235 |
"stunning roses..." That line is very memorable. Your voice is fine. Keep it up! Bring it down a touch and add some reverb. As mentioned that will enable it to still be out front but blend into the overall mix. And remember ... a mix is never finished -- just abandoned! Enjoyed the spin! 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: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
James, I really enjoyed the melody in this. It seems familiar yet brand new. Your singing is fine except for the mix. That’s easy to fix. Waves has a plug in called vocal rider that smooths out the volume level and is frequently on sale. Worth the 25 dollars. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks Janice, Bud and Tom!
Janice, Bud: Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments! It helps the confidence, and that's a major thing for me! I'm in the process of re-mixing the song, as per everyone's suggestions ... as soon as it's ready, I'll let everyone know! Thanks again!
Tom: thank you for your kind comments, too! Just had a look at the Waves plugin - it's priced at around $80 at the moment, it seems, which is a little out of my price range right now ("in one go", as it were), but it does look well worth saving for! Thanks for the suggestion :-)
Thanks everyone again, hope to let you know about the remix soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,442
Posts805,155
Members40,121
| |
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