|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
https://soundcloud.com/mark_hayes/careless-logicI wrote the basic song here centuries ago, when I was 12, a little musical teabag with a new guitar, steeping in early-mid 1960s music and songwriting. This production is my first endeavor at using BIAB and I have to say, I am pretty happy with this puppy. There were lyrics, but they are so embarrassing they remain suppressed. This recording is the closest they have ever come and ever will come to being heard; I sang them into an audio track, used that track to create a Logic “flex pitch” MIDI track, then deleted the original audio. The “vocal” is now a tremelo-y electric guitar lead that sounds kind of tipsy against the well-dressed BIAB backup band. Technical: I started with BIAB, using the RealStyle listed below. I then exported both the audio tracks and the available MIDI tracks, and imported everything into Logic Pro. The MIDI tracks became brass, strings, and organ, which I freely messed with. I then added my own vocal-to-guitar track and here we have it, in all its bombastic teenage glory. *** BIAB Song Summary *** Style is _CSWFIDF.STY RealTracks in style: ~536:Bass, Acoustic, Pop Sw 120 RealTracks in style: ~974:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountrySwingCleanA-B Sw 140 RealTracks in style: ~977:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountrySwingGrittyA-B Sw 140 RealTracks in style: 1113:Fiddle, Background CountrySwingA-B Sw 140 RealDrums in Style: NashvilleSwing8^5-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279 |
Well Mark, that's a catchy melody and you need to stump up the moxy or convince someone else, to get a vocal into this interesting tune.
It gets a bit loud and crowded after the 1.15 point.
You might consider panning, amongst other things, to open the mix and allow individual instruments to have a place of their own.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Thanks for the comments, Ray! I actually kind of agree about the "loud and crowded", though the excess was intentional. I was going for a sort of "Phil Spector ruining Let It Be" sound. =8^)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761 |
Mark, I liked this a lot! Good dynamics, i.e. super build up in sound. A nice melody that was perfectly backed up via BiaB and your ingenuity.
Excellent work.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
I was starting to band them out at about the same age, so I had to give this a listen. The progression is classy and the melody is nice and open. The band you put together works well. As a fan of somewhat "busy" mixes, I appreciate the way this builds. Well done, all round, and barely a zit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,090 |
HAha. "...in all its bombastic teenage glory." I really like it, Mark. Good backing tracks (with a lot of "freely" working them). Some pieces seem to swell toward the end, but they never drown out the guitar, which is obviously important. Really cool melody, and, hey, we're all friends here, so a private showing of the vocal and lyrics would be well received. Great start on this amazing software, and now the seeds are planted. Glad you're here. Keep 'em coming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Mario, Tangmo, Babu, (and again, Ray) thanks so much.
You can tell I was going for a “wall of sound” effect, and possibly overdid it, but I’m going to… how did they put it on the Woodstock album cover? I’m going to leave the defects in as marks of authenticity, like those in “fine leather”.
I also wonder if the melody is a little TOO drunk-sounding, in front of the note-perfect backing, but if I’m going to work on something like that, I might as well just play it on a guitar!
About the unsung lyrics: here’s something a little spooky. I shared the tune with a friend, who said she heard (in her mind) the phrase “after all” repeatedly closing the chorus. Now in fact, my teenage lyrics had “care at all” at those exact same points. Ruling out some kind of psychic phenomenon, I have to assume there’s something about the melodic contour here that is evocative for her of, specifically, three word phrases starting with a pattern of A’s and R’s and ending with “all”. Did “flex pitch” somehow encode a blurred verbal message in the MIDI melody? Perhaps an experiment is in order!
Anyway, thanks again, all, I look forward participating here.
Mark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,294
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,294 |
Mark, excellent first tune. Solid arrangement. I think organ is a bit too loud, otherwise sound good. about "TOO drunk-sounding"... I think you can actually use exactly that to build out song character. Make it too perfect - will sound too common. Perhaps it is a signature  Thank you for sharing. Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,649
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,649 |
mark.
i agree with mario. nice build up of sound over time.
i think ..by a smidge.. i prefer the mastered version.
i also agree, maybe try some vocs.
every happiness.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,674
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,674 |
I really like the melody. As others have stated, I would like to hear the lyrics sung, but whatever you are comfortable with is fine.
The SC mastered version does sound cleaner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
justanoldmuso / Ezekiel's Storm – Thanks so much for listening. At this point, having made this recording, I kind of ache to hear this song sung myself. But trying to use the brief and goofy lyrics from when I was 12 would be painful in a different way, and I never did come to write lyrics in later decades. At this point it sounds to me like an old song I've forgotten the words to. Perhaps someday it can inspire a lyricist to create words to sing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,797
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,797 |
Hello Mark,
The first thing coming in my mind when listening to your song is 'what a nice melody'!
after that first impression I have to agree with others saying, you need a vocalist on this song. No matter what lyrics you had. If you are embarrassed by the original ones, make another, but this melody yells for a vocalist.
And after that I have to admit with some others, you could gain quality in the song by mixing it a bit better. Some instruments sound loud, some become very loud during the song and I had some doubts with the fiddle. At first I thought you used bagpipes, but didn't see you did. and sometimes they seem to be a bit out of tune (second half of the song).
But still the first impression stayed: 'what a nice melody'!
Cheers,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Hans, thanks for the comments.
Before I forget – I think the "bagpipes" are probably Logic's brass. They have a slow attack and perhaps slightly wobbly pitch; I will look into whether or not that track could be out of tune with the others.
This is so interesting to me, that multiple people find the melody especially "songy", i.e., in need of having sung lyrics.
I suspect that has a lot to do with the quirky way in which I recorded the melody, transforming a vocal into MIDI (see original description.) I bet the "songiness" of this song would be less pronounced if I'd moused in the melody using Logic, or played it on a MIDI keyboard, or recorded an actual guitar.
Anyway, I am really going to look into the idea of finding a verbal collaborator. The inspiration from comments here to do so is much appreciated. Oh, and likewise for the ongoing remix. =8^)
Mark
(This is great, by the way; I uploaded the revision and noted it in this thread really just for the "historical record" and totally did not expect immediate feedback for version 2.0!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
As your first job with BiaB I think you did an awesome job! It sounds really good!
I hope we will see more tracks from you soon!
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,042 |
Nice catchy tune. This composition has much potential.
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572 |
Hi Mark,
It's a very catchy and well-constructed composition. The arrangement, in my opinion, is, on the other hand, to be reviewed because too many frequencies are superimposed in the second part. You made more sober instrumentally speaking versions of them whose mix is clearly well done and which are also very pleasant to listen to.
Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665 |
Hi Mark,
I listened to this previously and thought I had commented on it but just discovered that I didn't. I feel you have the beginnings of a very nice tune! The melody is very good and is ripe for a vocal to take over! I would definitely keep working with it possibly exploring by swapping an instrument here and there. For instance, with the country flavor of the song, maybe a pedal steel could replace the organ. But that is just my taste and in the end it's your tune and you have to do what sounds good to you! Overall I feel it's an enjoyable tune! Thanks and take care, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,158
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,158 |
Version 1.0
As a Logic Pro X user I am amazed at what you did with your vocal.
Great experiment and a fine outcome ... all the way around.
J&B
Version 2.0
Having read about this process in another forum here it was fascinating to hear
the execution of it.
Ain't it fun when experiments work out well! It seems more seamless than I would have imagined.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Thanks so much to the folks who commented in the last week or so, I somehow managed to miss the activity in this old thread.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749 |
I have vague recollections of being 12 years old.
None of those memories included song writing.
Glad your recollection preserved this little gem1
moto
Last edited by CaptainMoto; 08/31/21 02:09 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,296
Posts802,873
Members40,085
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean