Lovely work, Noel. Beautifully constructed song that works exactly as intended. The band sounds great and I'm a big fan of your vocals; always so clear in the mix. Really well done. Regards, Leon
Terrific work Noel, changing keys, changing gears work well in this song. I frequently change between verse n chorus but not so often minor n major. Good band and a terrific treatment of the bass. Wonderful song - wonderful.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Great sound. The relative minor/major change works a charm. Let’s disappear our fears And build us new tomorrows like pioneers is my favorite line in a long list of candidates. The band is cool and just that little extra bit quirky...really kept the ears entertained. I like this a lot.
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
Hi floyd,
It's always great to see you!
I really appreciate that you had some time to spare to have a listen. You've got me thinking. I wonder what that "freedom" is? It's probably a result of throwing caution to the wind. I used to worry a lot about my vocals: nowadays, not so so much. I've also got a lot more experience now in both lyrics and singing. Maybe that's it. Whatever it is, though, I'm glad it's there Thank you for saying that.
Thanks for taking so much time to pass on your thoughts. I appreciate it. If you don't mind, it's probably easiest if I address your comments one at a time...
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Melodically, this is different than other things what you've done, in that it's a bit more rhythmically driven.
This is probably because I created the backing before even considering melody and lyrics. In this sense, the creation of this song was like the "top line writing" that floyd has mentioned a couple of times. Normally when I write, lyrics, melody and harmony all come together at the same time (a bit of "this," then a bit of "that" and then that inspires a bit more of "this," etc.).
Originally Posted By: dcuny
The minor/major works seamlessly. As you said, it gives a nice lift to the song.
Thanks, I was hoping that it was smooth
Originally Posted By: dcuny
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.
I'm glad you pointed this out. At one point in time, I clearly remember thinking similar thoughts and then following that up with the thought that I need to attend to it. I never did. I guess my brain just got used to listening to the song and stopped analysing it.
Originally Posted By: dcuny
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 hear what you say, but there are too many generation gaps between me and modern language. I'd only embarrass myself if I tried to emulate today's pop world.
I'm never fussed about how my language sounds. I write entirely around note length and syllable length while trying to get my meaning across: that is, short notes need short syllables and long notes can have either short or long syllables. For example. If I said, "Sit on the floor," the first three syllables are short so can have quick'ish notes. "Floor," however, is a long sounding syllable so it needs a longer-timed note.
Originally Posted By: dcuny
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.
Again, I totally understand what you are saying. I'm also in two minds about the end. Because I couldn't think of anything better, I left it as it is. If something better comes to mind sometime, I'll definitely change it.
Thanks for taking so much time. I'm honestly thankful because I sincerely value thoughts on how others hear my work.
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
Hey Janne!
I'm glad you had a chance to visit. Thanks heaps for all your thoughts.
Your comment, "The minor key in the verses works very well, gives sort of a dreamy feeling (what just happened...what should happen next)", really made me think. It never occurred to me at all before but I wouldn't be surprised if this is why the lyrics became what they did. I spent a long time on these words and I found it difficult to get the right meanings. I know that my lyric writing is affected by the ambience of the music I put them to. On reflection, I think that you've hit the nail on its head.
Thank you for taking the time. I honestly appreciate it.
Noel, "I don't often write in minor keys." I think you should write more in minor (->major) 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.
Hi Misha,
It's good to see you. Thank you for dropping in. I'm still smiling from your comments. I'll definitely try and use minor keys more often.
For some reason, as I started replying to you, I was reminded of Ivan Rebroff. I need to listen to some Russian folk songs to get the sound of minor keys into my head, I think.
A lot of people don't know that The Seekers "Carnival Is Over" was actually based on the Russian folk song "Stenka Razin." I hope you don't mind my sharing these two clips with you. (Love the bass balalaika!)
HERE'S THE ORIGINAL RUSSIAN SONG...
HERE IS WHAT IT BECAME AFTER TOM SPRINGFIELD CHANGED IT...
Really good song, Noel. Very well developed and produced. Intriguing title, the lyrics fully delivered, and the vocal was pot on. You instrument choice and arrangement worked very well.
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
You carried out your minor/major experiment in a memorable way! First of all, you got some great bluesy, funky mileage out of your well-chosen Real Tracks. To my ears, it seemed to cause you to deliver your vocal performance with just a little bit of an after-the-beat swagger that made you sound rather soulful. Also, the way you slid upward in pitch on phrases such as "open your mi-i-i-nd" and "reach for the sta-a-a-rs" was a surprisingly expressive vocal effect that added a taste of R & B to the production. Finally, your lyrics tell an interesting and truthful story about the way the nature of our relationships can change. This is quite a distinctive song.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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.
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!
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.
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!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
And having heard this I hope you explore minor keys more often!
Thank you for saying that.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean