|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hello everyone, I was away for a while. I see a lot of songs I have to listen to. But I hope you also want to take a listen to my first new song of 2021 and also first contribute to our forum this year. The song is called LISTEN, not only because I want you to do so. It's mainly because of the story of the song: https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/listen-240121-v18aIt is some kind of lovestory and has a bit a French setting. I used an accordeon for that. I also used a Koto, a Japanese snare instrument that one cannot use so easely in a song. But here it does and also on a solo part. I think you won't have any difficulty with the French words I used  Let me know what you think of it; what is good or what can I improve. Thanks, Hans (Birchwood) The song: Style is _NATURAL.STY (Natural 1990s Indie Folk Pop) I used: RealTracks: 3468:Bas RealTracks: 1757:Accordeon RealTracks: 3703:Guitar, Acoustic RealTracks: 3708:Guitar, Acoustic RealTracks: 2327:Koto, Synth RealTracks: 3236:Guitar, Nylon RealDrums : Congas and Shaker [Multi] Keyboard for 'house-sounds' in choruses The lyrics: Listen (c) HWBerkhout (Birchwood) 24-01-2021 She came from Paris on her own It's the place she calls home She speaks English with a French accent But whatever I say she'll understand A week ago she came to visit me And she loved to stroll near the sea "Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud But she puts her finger on my mouth Chorus Then she whispered in my ear: "I love your voice I want to steal that smile of yours But at the sea is more to hear than just some noise So listen Listen" =solo= Oh, she speaks English with a French accent But whatever she says, I don't understand "Je t'aime"! I only wished to shout out loud But I didn't had the nerves Chorus Then she whispered in my ear: "I love your voice" And I listened I listened "But at the sea is more to hear than just some noise" So I listened I listened Oh, we had nothing much to say now Silence can be sweet, I know how "Je t'aime" I tried to say to her, but I kept my mouth shut She went back to Paris that day "Je t'aime" she smiled and drove away Maybe one day she will call I have her picture on my wall And I listen I listen Listen...
Last edited by Birchwood; 01/27/21 01:01 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,715
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,715 |
Hans,
This is excellent.
A very good write. Actually, the fact that English is not your native tongue, it is an amazing write!!
""Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud
But she puts her finger on my mouth"
Nice!!
"Then she whispered in my ear:
"I love your voice
I want to steal that smile of yours
But at the sea is more to hear
than just some noise
So listen
Listen""
Nice!!
Your production is your best - ever! Terrific arrangement. Great use of BIAB instruments. The koto is an inspired choice. The entirety of the production keeps the ear happy all the way through.
And a solid mix. Your vocal is (perhaps) your best. And it sits in the mix nicely.
Excellent!!
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,916
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,916 |
I really liked the restraint in this. You gave some details and allowed for some very effective mystery. And the arrangement and mix were so pleasing to the ear!
Maybe your best yet. Listen...
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708 |
You certainly got me listening, Hans. Lovely song and great production. The Koto really suits the mood - an inspired choice indeed.
Regards,
Leon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
Hi Hans,
Very well done. You captured the "French vibe" quite good with your choice of instruments. Nice production!
Thanks for sharing and happy 2021 to you!
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
SOLID,
pleasant vocal.
There're, from my limited experience, two approaches to saying "Je t'aime" one has a delayed soft ah, "je tem ah" at the end and the other doesn't say any ah as in "je tem". I'm uncertain which is more "romantic".
Either way the song's a cracker . I enjoyed it - the arrangement, the story and your performance.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106 |
such an interesting and beautiful song! Its not often that I hear a song that doesn't instantly remind me of ten others, but this has a very unique and exotic sound to it. I like it a lot. Excellent choice of instruments. and the lyrics say what they must while still leaving a few holes into which my imagination can wander...
Thanks for posting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677 |
Hi Hans,
that's very beautiful! Nice lyrics, very well-sung and another marvellous backing track. And a superb soud , too !!!.
So French that I immediately lit a Gitanes...
very good, indeed, Hans.
All the best,
Stefan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hi Floyd,
I was super proud reading your post!
Thanks for your very nice compliments. Especially those about the lyrics.
I was hesitant to continue making this song;
The theme was a bit 'overaged' on my age, although I liked the idea of conga's, an accordeon combined with a kind of 'House' rhythm and still associate it with France, if you know what I mean.
But on the other hand, I like challenges (in songs).
When do you come to the Netherlands again?
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hello TuneMonger,
Thanks a lot for your comment.
It was nice you mentioned that restraint. It was on purpose, but I had a battle in myself according to it. Normally I want a story to have head and feet while here it stayed in between.
But the 'mystery' was succesful, I understand.
Thanks again,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hi Leon,
Floyd gave me some 'proud' feelings, but your nice comment came close to that.
It's nice to read I got you listening to Listen...
Thanks man,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hello Will,
You said it very nicely in your post. I really appreciate!
I was concerned the variety of instruments would be too much for some, but luckily that doesn't seems the case.
Of course a happy 2021 for you too with lots of new songs, Will!
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,818
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,818 |
"Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud
But she puts her finger on my mouth"
floyd beat us to quoting that but it is a tremendous line in a great write.
Listen is a good title because we just did ... three times!
Everything about this is inspired -- the band, your vocal, the mix and
the creative arrangement.
Janice said she could picture the two on a sidewalk at a small French cafe.
The aura of slight mystery throughout is creative and engaging.
Excellent!!!
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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664 |
Nice imagery in those words. I like the way you tossed in a few major thirds from time to time in what I was expecting minor thirds. It kept me guessing and wondering.
The Japanese Koto was an interesting opposing point to the french accordion and the french imagery of the lyrics.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,159
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,159 |
Beautiful song Hans. Lovely feel to song. Excellent choice of instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,019
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,019 |
You placed me in a cafe in downtown Paris with this song.
Excellent choice of instrumentation combined with a super groove.
Everything about this one is top shelf, especially since English is not your native language.
This is your best to date IMHO.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Hans
That was very nice indeed. Excellent mix and choice of band & instruments. Good vocal and lyric.
Enjoyed.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,520
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,520 |
This is a cool song. I like the atmosphere that you created with the rhythms and instrumentation. It's quite inviting, which brings the listener in to your story.
I enjoyed this a lot!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633 |
Hans,
I've been to Paris twice - one in the 70s and once in the 80s. You took me back there again. Thanks for the reminder of those two fabulous experiences. The koto was a big surprise but it works so nicely! I was expecting a mandola or accordion. Nice choice.
The lyric (which is wonderful), combined with the music, leaves the listener with a sense of mystique and romance. And your vocal is wonderful. That was a really nice listen. It is my favorite of all your songs I've heard. Very well, conceived, arranged and executed.
Wishing you the best. Take care ...
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: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Very cool!! I love the mysterious sound of the music.....fits perfectly with the story of the song!! And the solo is also a perfect addition!! Certainly one of your best, if not your best!!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,292
Posts790,618
Members39,854
| |
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