Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#648075 03/23/21 03:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
I heard this cool guitar riff and wondered if I could reproduce it.
I used the Ample Martin vst (free).
Once I had it, I thought I might as well write a song with it...



LOVERS' SECRETS

we should have an "our song"
we should have an "our cafe"
"our look" that we exchange each time we touch
we should have that night each week
curled up on the couch, i rub your feet
we watch those movies that we both love so much

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you

a funny story 'bout how we met
a joke that only you and i get
a special place we call our own deep in the park
a look that says it's time to leave
a dream that only we believe
and names we call we other only in the dark

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you

we're not that far away
i know someday soon we're gonna say
we share...

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you
   let's share lovers' secrets between me and you




Greg Johnson suggested a bridge instead of the original guitar solo I had.
That worked. Thanks, buddy!


The BAND bits:

RealTracks in song: 3502:Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioBalladA Ev16 075
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2066:Piano, Rhythm NewAgeAnswers Ev16 110
(rendered using EZKeys Upright)
RealDrums [in Song:ShakerSlow16ths: a: ShakerSlow16thsb: ShakerSlow16ths
Other single drum hits
Harmonies created in RealBand using Helicon harmony generator. And I sang one.
Acoustic guitar programmed using Ample Guitar M Lite II.


Comments welcome.
Thanks for listening.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Floyd,
First thing that strikes me is how good your voice sounds in the upper register ( especially with that nice depth the blend of harmonies gives).
The guitar arpeggio is hypnotic in a gentle way and you`ve programmed it very well- wish I could do that- maybe I`ll checkout that Ample guitar thing.
A good write - lots of lines that resonate in the "our"list:

"a dream that only we believe
and names we call each other only in the dark"

Very good!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,808
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,808
That's pretty cool. The acoustic VST sounds pretty convincing the way you are using it. Did you mouse the notes in or play them? Or create them some other way? That fingerpicking style is pretty decently convincing to what a real picker would do. It sounds pretty decent in the mix. The song is well done. Nice writing and nice selection of instrumentation. I've noticed you're exploring the softer side of things recently. Cool stuff you're doing there.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Always enjoy your work, but this has to be one of your best. Track, lyrics, vocals, mix - just magic.


ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Floyd,
First thing that strikes me is how good your voice sounds in the upper register ( especially with that nice depth the blend of harmonies gives).
The guitar arpeggio is hypnotic in a gentle way and you`ve programmed it very well- wish I could do that- maybe I`ll checkout that Ample guitar thing.
A good write - lots of lines that resonate in the "our"list:

"a dream that only we believe
and names we call each other only in the dark"

Very good!

Robert



Thanks, Robert. I often wonder if that upper register "works". You should definitely try the Ample guitar. It has a great sound. It's not hard to add simple picking patterns manually. And there is a library of pattern (though I have not used any of them).

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,031
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,031
Very impressed with that acoustic guitar vst! Sounds real to me. I'm going to check that out shortly.

Vocal sounds great, harmonies too, especially the chorus section.

Another good song, floyd, I'm a fan.

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Man.............you keep hitting the mark with your songs Floyd!

This has a nice unique groove that makes it so nice to listen to.

You topped yourself with the vocals.

EXCELLENT

moto

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Man, I admittedly haven't been here in a while. I pop in and use the jukebox; but haven't really "been here."

I thought I would listen to a few throughout the day and happen to see you posted this not long ago! VERY cool!

THEN

I gave it a listen. Man, this song is beautiful in every sense. A lot of what I would say I've said about your other songs. Your attention and application are both at those same high levels, however you manage to have variation at the same time which keeps everything new!

If you haven't sung in your higher register much, you've been squandering a real gift. I absolutely loved it. I'm not just comparing it to your other songs either. If I never heard you sing before, it still sounds fantastic!

You managed to make those harmonies work REALLY well too!

I simply can't write a short reply to your works ever. I am holding back SO much!

I'll just sum it up as this a truly great song in EVERY aspect.

(still wanting to say more...lol)

-C


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Hi FloyD Wow great vocals on this tune really great job on all of it you really got control of biab you make it work for you so well loved it !!! thanks Eric


AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
I heard this cool guitar riff and wondered if I could reproduce it.
I used the Ample Martin vst (free).
Once I had it, I thought I might as well write a song with it...

Ha! Sort of like saying "I bought some tires, and I figured I may as well build a car to go with them."

I normally don't like to look at lyrics first, but for reasons uninteresting to this narrative, I read them first this time.

Man, you know how to write solid lyrics. laugh

Clearly sung, with vocals front and center. Yes, even in front of the guitar riff. wink

Jumps right into harmony. It sounded like Helicon, but it had me wondering, because yep - you did at least one of those tracks yourself.

I expected drums on the second verse, but real sparse use of the kick, and the drops out at the start of the final chorus. Making more with less. The hihat gets, what.. four taps? And there's some reverse sound coming in at 3:00?

So - nice attention to details, subtle arrangement to keep everything clear, excellent fj vocal... what a treat. smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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: May 2015
Posts: 3,193
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,193
floyd,

Acoustic guitar riffs by Ample Guitar M Lite II are really cool.
Harmonies by Helicon harmony generator are also great.
You are always doing various experiments with your music production.
I'm always impressed with them.
Your vocals are wonderful as usual.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
floyd

Lovely work. The acoustic is very pretty, and well "programmed".

The harmonies are excellent.

Top notch vocals throughout, beautiful set of lyrics and a wonderful melody.

Another in a long line of top notch songs.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
G
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
G
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
Hi Floyd
Nice.

Last edited by Gary Weder; 03/29/21 12:12 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
That's pretty cool. The acoustic VST sounds pretty convincing the way you are using it. Did you mouse the notes in or play them? Or create them some other way? That fingerpicking style is pretty decently convincing to what a real picker would do. It sounds pretty decent in the mix. The song is well done. Nice writing and nice selection of instrumentation. I've noticed you're exploring the softer side of things recently. Cool stuff you're doing there.


Thanks, Herb. The acoustic "programming" was done by mouse. Thanks fo r listening.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,731
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,731
Hi Floyd,

A song to to stay silent with. Beautiful!
Only a guitar and these vocals.
I enjoyed the harmonies in the vocals very much.
I read almost everyone wrote this too, so I think you have to believe them all.
Or at least me.

I'm impressed, but I won't say one of your best. That has still to come!

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,291
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,291
I loved this song Floyd. Super vocal. Very cool lyric. Intro was was excellent. I would have never thought that acoustic was a vst. Was perfect for the song. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi Floyd ...

Hypnotic in the best of ways. Wonderful, delicious vocals!!! The simplicity of the backing tracks gently supports the excellent vocal. And talk about a romantic lyric! This is romantic in the sweetest way. You can make the simplest ideas and thoughts sound so rich and full.

If for some mysterious reason I had to listen to but one song all day ... this would be my choice.

Best to you & yours. 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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233
The 1st question that popped into my mind was "Why program the acoustic when he plays so well?"
Then I figured it was a case of "..because I can..".
That's my little side bar to self.
Lovely song lovely arrangement and texture.
You've focused on the intimate, small moments and things that actually mean a lot to the participants while your vocal brings this listener in from being a voyeur to part of the story.
There was one kick drum hit that seemed odd but it didn't when I re listened.
Excellent.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Another superb song. Such a clear recording You have the process down pat. Lovely song. Well written. Instrumentation is great. I like it.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
No doubt, excellence continues to be delivered. Greg's input certainly has been advantageous.

Vocally sensational including the multi-part over-dubs.

The simplistic production within minimal instrumentation gives this song color and depth. A perfect selection. Most excellent indeed.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

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

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

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

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

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

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

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,083
Posts799,882
Members40,031
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Airllines, roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985
40,031 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 142
DC Ron 94
rsdean 93
WaoBand 86
DrDan 68
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5