Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#652711 04/23/21 05:02 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Waiting

This song started as a Christmas blues with a thought about prison cell feeding hatch as an advent calendar. But Christmas went by and I still had only some bluesy chord progression. I started a new approach and wrote the lyrics quite easily, probably because the waiting has been a close theme lately. There is this pandemic going on, winter seemed to last forever and then I've been waiting for a work related resolution - feeling that the outcome doesn't matter, just that the wait would be over and I could go on. I managed to say everything I wanted, here is finally the end result, I'm back to my normal style smile Feel free to tell if something is not working smile

I used the _MY_AMP.STY style as the starting point and added some extra RTs. The most difficult selection was the soloist. The guitar soloists didn't work, I tried also a sax, but there were no good ones in this tempo/feel. Finally I found the harmonica which also fits the prisoner mood. After many multiriff generations I finally had a working solo.

Instruments:
RealDrums in style:BluesRock128^3-a:SideStick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
RealTracks in style: 2674:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Blues12-8Brent Sw 065
RealTracks in style: 1924:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasBluesRockSlow12-8Sol Sw 060
533:Bass, Electric, 12-8 Crystal Sw 065
2733:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm BluesSlow128Mike Sw 065
2856:Harmonica, Background CountrySlowSwingJellyRoll Sw 085
3278:Vocal Mmms, Rhythm RockNRollGospel12-8 4-part Sw 065

Vocals by me

Mixed in Cakewalk by BandLab (Neutron 3 used on drum and bass)

Lyrics:

Droplets falling down
on the stone floor
squeaking when opened
the hatch of the door
Still no decision
just my daily meal
somewhere in a court
my ultimate appeal
the exit or the chair
the end is all I care.

Waiting is a clock face
forever ticking round
when your days are numbered
but you don't know the count (you don't know the count)
Waiting's a horizon
only eyes can reach
when your March is a long wade
through the snowbanks on the beach (snowbanks on the beach)

Flakes are falling down
on the walled yard
winter prevailing
its grip is my guard.
Still no dismissal
I wish I could just walk
to the eve of no return
but the cold front doesn't talk
who's to make a move
one's portion to approve.

Waiting is a...

Most of the life waiting for
starting from Santa Claus
the summer's arrival
the end of the lockdown
the amnesty
exes to call.
In life's many prisons to sit
if the wait is the key
then in where does it fit?
Even if learned
how to cope with a puzzle
the next wait might
call for more grit.

Waiting is a...

------------
Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

jannesan #652754 04/23/21 11:51 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Janne,
The imprisoned theme is a strong one for the times and you explore it well.
I enjoyed the bluesy swing style - it gives that ticktockticktok feel of stretched locked-up time... which can lead to fantasies of calling those exes!
Yes, the harp is a good fit.
A thoughtful and original song.

Robert

jannesan #652904 04/24/21 10:47 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,218
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,218
Cool tune Janne. Loved the backtrack and excellent vocal and lyric. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
jannesan #652917 04/24/21 12:08 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,991
PG Music Staff
Online Content
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,991
This song has a really lovely tone to it, and I think that the particular arrangement you chose was an excellent choice! I'd be curious to see if you end up revisiting it again closer to Christmas time for a twist on the mix. Awesome job and thanks for sharing.


Cheers,
Ember
jannesan #652939 04/24/21 01:13 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Very cool!! You have such a unique and wonderful sense of melody......always love hearing the changes you come up with!! I really like the vocal arrangement and processing you used!! Nice work!! Take care. Greg

Greg Johnson #652941 04/24/21 01:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Super song! Great chord progression. Excellent choice and mix of RTs. Love that lead harp.

I would have liked to have the vocals a tad louder but that is just my opinion.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
jannesan #652977 04/24/21 02:53 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,142
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,142
Good job! It was all clever (and a nice listen), but I thought the ending especially so. laugh


-- 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.
jannesan #652990 04/24/21 05:20 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Excellent write Jan. Cool song and one of your best lyrics.

Josie

jannesan #652995 04/24/21 06:14 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192
"forever ticking round
when your days are numbered
but you don't know the count
Waiting's a horizon
only eyes can reach" very well written.
Well done.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
jannesan #653003 04/24/21 08:04 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,030
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,030
Interesting subject matter, juxtaposed against your unique progression. The harp was a natural, could have used even more of it, I think. Not sure how I felt about the ending, will go back and listen some more.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
jannesan #653009 04/24/21 09:37 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Hi Janne,

There's a heap of fine imagery in these lyrics. You've really excelled yourself! The "Blues" were definitely a great starting point for a song like this.

COVID sure is an experience that the whole world shares. Whatever country I watch shows from, there is a consistency in language surrounding COVID that transcends everything... flatten curve, quarantine, social distancing, etc. That feeling of imprisonment that you write about is also shared.

Nice work!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
jannesan #653028 04/25/21 01:17 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,947
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,947
Love the groove happening on this one. Very well written also!

Good production and mix.

Not sure about the ending, but, quite clever what you did there.

Overall very good, enjoyed!

jannesan #653051 04/25/21 02:45 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893
Captivating melody and well sung, Janne. Love the way your changes move the song in an enjoyable groove. The harmonica sounds great. I usually get lost picking pieces of Multitracks. I kinda like how the one guitarist doesn't realize the song is over, but feel it should be faded.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
jannesan #653139 04/25/21 01:54 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,601
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,601
For me, first lines are extremely important for drawing the audience in, and you have hit the mark with yours: "Droplets falling down/on the stone floor." That sets up the tone of the lyrics.

The music/instrumentation contrasts with the mood of the lyrics, yet it works so nicely.

Robertkc #653239 04/26/21 07:11 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Janne,
The imprisoned theme is a strong one for the times and you explore it well.
I enjoyed the bluesy swing style - it gives that ticktockticktok feel of stretched locked-up time... which can lead to fantasies of calling those exes!
Yes, the harp is a good fit.
A thoughtful and original song.
Robert


Thanks Robert for your nice feedback smile Glad you noticed the tick-tock feel, I was almost leaving out that guitar until I realized how well it fits the theme.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Scott C #653240 04/26/21 07:14 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Originally Posted By: Scott C
Cool tune Janne. Loved the backtrack and excellent vocal and lyric. Well done


Thanks Scott for your kind words smile I wouldn't call my vocal excellent, but I did practice more than usually before starting recording.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
This song has a really lovely tone to it, and I think that the particular arrangement you chose was an excellent choice! I'd be curious to see if you end up revisiting it again closer to Christmas time for a twist on the mix. Awesome job and thanks for sharing.


Thanks Ember for your nice comment smile Glad you liked the arrangement. Thanks for the Christmas idea, I thought blues is not a good style for Christmas song, but maybe with some decoration it could work smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

jannesan #653299 04/26/21 11:40 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Janne

Very strong write, especially the chorus.

As usual an interesting chord backing track and the harmonica works well.

I like the ending, seems to fit the song mood.

Well done.

Peter

Greg Johnson #653538 04/28/21 03:24 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Very cool!! You have such a unique and wonderful sense of melody......always love hearing the changes you come up with!! I really like the vocal arrangement and processing you used!! Nice work!! Take care. Greg


Thanks Greg, always a pleasure to receive your heartwarming positive feedback smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

MarioD #653540 04/28/21 03:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Super song! Great chord progression. Excellent choice and mix of RTs. Love that lead harp.

I would have liked to have the vocals a tad louder but that is just my opinion.



Thanks Mario for your kind words smile Always pleasure to hear that my chord progression is great smile Right, my vocals could be louder, it's always difficult to mix your own voice.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

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
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!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,750
Posts795,754
Members39,950
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26, Metro6
39,950 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 167
DC Ron 113
Noel96 111
rsdean 105
dcuny 99
DrDan 95
Today's Birthdays
Planobilly
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5