Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#654674 05/06/21 12:49 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Noel96 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Back in the 1960s there were a number of songs that were written with verses in a minor key and choruses in a major key. To demonstrate what I mean, here's a YouTube link to Engelbert Humperdinck singing "You're My World." I love the feeling of lift that comes as the song moves from verse to chorus.

I don't often write in minor keys. Inspired by the 1960s, though, I thought I'd try a minor-to-major write. The following song is the result of this journey. The verses are in D minor and the choruses are in F major.




Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production. I always welcome constructive feedback.

I hope you like it.
Noel



BIAB Band
RT 362: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RT 2903: Bass, Acoustic, BluesyPopByron Ev 100
RT 2904: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100
RT 2905: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100
RT 3249: Guitar, Electric, Background ModernFunkSingleNotesBob Ev16 110
Handclaps: Loop from internet


MIDI Instruments
Organ: Dimension Pro soft synth
Drums: EZ Drummer 2 – set to “EZ Drummer 2 Modern >> Tape Filter”


Effects & Production
RT 362: JS Channel Time Delayer (part of the Reaper suite)
RT 2903: Linear Phase Multiband Compressor (Waves)
RT 2904: JS Channel Time Delayer
RT 2905: CLA Guitars Stereo, MautoPan
RT 3249: CLA Guitars Mono/Stereo

Reverb: ReaVerberate (Reaper) and TC Electronic M30
Delay: Slapback delay using ReaDelay (Reaper)

Vocals: ReaFir to remove background noise, ReaTune as needed, Nectar 3
De-Ess: combination of ReaComp and ReaEQ with Nectar 3

Overall production output: Ozone 9


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,055
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,055
I will comment on all of the aspects of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production, I thought that they were all top shelf.

Excellent vocal, lyrics, backing tracks and mix. I really liked the major minor changes, great work on that.

This may be your best to date.


My momma didn't raise a fool. And if she did it, was one of my brothers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,260
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,260
Lyrically, this is absolutely extraordinary.

I don't think you have 'copied' any one else's style, but moreover delivered your own version of a very acceptable way to change minor-to-major, or major to major 3rd etc.

Clearly, you put in a great effort with the lyrics. They are outstanding, and it shows through with the clever phrasing.

Great job Noel. Congratulations.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Excellent peace of music very engaging in all areas great mix thanks Noel for sharing 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: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,388
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,388
Noel,

Nice!

Good production. The BAND works well. Nice vocals. A solid mix.

Good write. One of your best, I think. There is a "freedom" in the lyric...natural, comfortable. That is also reflected in your vocal...

In fact, I think it is one of your best in all regards. Very much enjoyed.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,509
Hi, Noel.

Melodically, this is different than other things what you've done, in that it's a bit more rhythmically driven.

The minor/major works seamlessly. As you said, it gives a nice lift to the song.

I didn't hear a change in feel at the transition at 3:35. There's a shift in rhythm at "So" that feels a bit like a lurch like might be handled better - a drum fill or something.

Good and interesting lyrics, although the some language felt a bit dated, sort of of early 70's. (I say this with some irony, as I'm certainly not hip to the language them youngsters use these days).

I know what you were going for at the end, but it didn't work for me - it felt like it was running out of steam, especially the last cymbal hit. I'm sure that others will - rightfully - disagree. smile

So that we're clear - I liked the song! It's always good to hear what you're up to, and I appreciate hearing the thought process behind the song. laugh



-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,977
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,977
Noel,

I think every aspect of this song works so well. It's great lyrically, but the arrangement is really something special - it has it all!

Outstanding vocal - I also think this is one of your best songs. Love the lift in the chorus.

Excellent!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,223
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,223
Really touching lyrics, confusion in the first verse and optimism in the second verse described very beautifully. The minor key in the verses works very well, gives sort of a dreamy feeling (what just happened...what should happen next).
Nice chord to rise to the catchy chorus.
Great vocals also this time. The band and the mix are top quality, the acoustic bass is especially nice and I like how the organ is introduced.
Nice slowdown ending ("slow me down").

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,731
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,731
Noel,
"I don't often write in minor keys." I think you should write more in minor (->major) smile Probably one of the best tunes I have heard by you to my taste. Excellent lyrics, super vocal twists. Overall a tasteful composition and mix. Good listen.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,472
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,472
Nice story to the song sung over a comfortable melody. All the elements were there for me. Great work!


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Hi Noel,

Nice intro, pleasant lyrics. The whole is well done.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,640
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,640
Noel

A nice big ballad that works on all levels.

The minor major change suited the song perfectly and enhanced the lyric.

Strong dynamic vocals and a clear clean mix.

Enjoyed the well written and performed song.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,288
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,288
The changes from minor to major to minor, etc. were seamless and worked well. As Mario said, good aon all levels. Vocal sounds clear and crisp, very pleasant.

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Noel96 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Originally Posted By: MarioD
I will comment on all of the aspects of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production, I thought that they were all top shelf.

Excellent vocal, lyrics, backing tracks and mix. I really liked the major minor changes, great work on that.

This may be your best to date.

Hi Mario!

It's brilliant to see you smile

Thanks for jumping into the thread and having a listen. I really appreciate it.

Just the other day I was thinking that I'll have to revisit those couple of song we put together ages ago. It would be interesting to see what BIAB 2021 along with Nectar 3, Ozone 9 and a more musically competent Noel96 can turn out!

I hope all is travelling well for you and yours!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Noel96 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,791
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Lyrically, this is absolutely extraordinary.

I don't think you have 'copied' any one else's style, but moreover delivered your own version of a very acceptable way to change minor-to-major, or major to major 3rd etc.

Clearly, you put in a great effort with the lyrics. They are outstanding, and it shows through with the clever phrasing.

Great job Noel. Congratulations.

Hi Trev!

I always smile when I read that you've visited smile Thanks for the uplifting comments.

In case you're interested, here's the chord progression I used. As I see it, the chords in my chorus strongly "hint" at F major rather than clearly establish the key.

VERSE: Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| Am|
Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| C9sus|

CHORUS: Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus| Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus|

TURNAROUND: F| Gm7| A9sus| A7|

The last two chords of the verse are what got me to the chorus. As you'll have already worked out, no doubt, the Gm7 is the pivot chord because it's a IV chord in D minor and a II in F major.

Similarly, the Gm7 in the turnaround pivots between the major and minor modes. The A chords are chord V in D minor and so they shoot me back to that key.

It was a fun exercise!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,434
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,434
Beautiful! There's plenty to analyse if I wanted to, but some of the best songs are those that make you just sit back, listen and just enjoy - and this one's one of those for me. Loved it - the modulations are seamless and natural. Bravo.

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
That minor - major twist does and some interest.
Nice write.

moto

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Noel,
An interesting structure which brings a very different feel to the song from your other work; the verses have a nice late 60`s feel with uplifting, philosophizing lyrics I enjoy;

And if we meet life’s oceans
We should sail them with all we’re worth
And together, let’s reach for the stars
No matter how high or how hard or how far

The chorus is more recognizably pop ( and Noel) in style .
You`ve done excellent work arranging and producing here.
I like the shift in your creativity and enjoyed the message!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,323
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,323
Love this Noel!

Outstanding mix and vocals.

Great, great, great sound man!

Love the little cymbal hit at the end.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,293
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,293
Your productions have been outstanding from the get go. On this one you nudged that high bar up a bit with your very nuanced vocal. You seem to be exploring new territory in a very good way.

"And if we meet life’s oceans
We should sail them with all we’re worth
And together, let’s reach for the stars
No matter how high or how hard or how far"

YES!

The band is a great choice for the lyric and vocal...very supportive.

Your knowledge of chords and progressions is way above our pay grade smile but we liked what we heard.

No need for further parsing. It's a fine production. Kudos!

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.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!

Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Get the latest update today!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!

First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!

www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm

Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,131
Posts775,135
Members39,565
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
AudioQuestions, jl1, DKL, EdHumbleton, sindanform
39,565 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 192
DC Ron 99
rsdean 90
WaoBand 86
Noel96 74
dcuny 68
BYOBand 68
Today's Birthdays
barrywear
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5