Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Pretty song Hans!! I like the lyrics and the emotion in it! I think the drums sometimes are a bit too aggressive for the style of the song. Really nice work!!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Lovely ballad, Hans. Good lyrics (I particularly like the first two lines) and impassioned vocal. I also had flying dreams as a child, the memory of which came back to me listening to your song.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,525
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,525
The chorus really stands out for me: The lyrics, melody, and vocal are strong. A chorus that makes one stop what one is doing just to listen to it.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Hi Marty,Captain, Nigel, Gary and Floyd,

There was a little pause in my replies to you all, but I liked your post a lot. Thanks for them!
But I still have to find out how these dice fall...


Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Oh, yeah. Flying In Dreams. A lot of us did/do that. It's interesting to ask folks their method and there are a lot of them. WOW! I typed that while the song was cuing, and I was preparing to tell you what I REALLY think of it. Then it started playing and, man, it hit me. Had to stop it and start it over.

I REALLY think this song is outstanding in melody, lyrics, vocal and band, and the mix is perfect. It is so well developed and so emotional. Your vocal is your best. Those strings are so well arranged and played. When you asked how I really felt, I really wanted to give you the tongue-in-cheek response, but the song kept my tongue in check. Man, Hans, I gave it 3 spins so far, and still think it's one of the best songs. Really!


hi Marty, I was surprised to hear how many have dreams about falling, but manage to turn falling into flying. I did the same. I remember I was afraid of having these falling dreams again. But one time I spread my arms and yes! There I got up and twisted in whatever way I wanted to go.Then I longed for those dreams, but as it often goes, then they disappeared. Must have had something to do with those dice...
Thanks for your very nice compliments, especially about having one of the best songs, wow. My wife gave me a kiss for this. No, that's not true. She smiled.

Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
A great write.
The instruments fill the space and the vocal dances across the top.
I can tell this has some deep meaning to you, it shows in your passionate delivery.
Don't change a thing.
moto


Hi Moto, your prediction was right. Read my reply to Marty on that. But I also like to sing this kind of 'dramatic' songs. It can be about a cat, live or a mix of both. ;-)
But I did change some things, to get a better sound.
Thanks!

Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Hans,
This is an excellent song - music and lyrics.
I particularly like your vocals - lots of passion.
Best Regards
Nigel


Hello Nigel, thanks for your post. I'm pleased you liked it. It was not so easy for me to compose and sing this one, because of the different parts and moods in it. You saw that right.

Originally Posted By: Gary Weder
Hans.
A lovely production with excellent vocals . I very much enjoyed this. Well done.
regards
Gary.


Hi Gary, I'm happy you enjoyed it. And I'm also pleased you named the vocals, because they are getting older...


Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Hans,
A very good write. Both lyric and melody are good.
I like the production. I agree with Ray about the piano. It's a great choice, but there are a few "glitches" to the track. And the vocal is a "bit too crisp" in places (there is more high-EQ than you need). It IS well sung!!
An excellent song.
fj


Hello floyd, thanks a lot for your comment and compliments. About the eq thing: I changed some things in the song and I bet you would like it more now.
But about these 'glitches' I don't think i can agree with you, except for one 'glitch'somewhere in the beginning of the song. Couldn't remove it, that's how the dice fall (I would like to say on that).
I hope to improve my songs every time. There comes a time you don't have these eq complains anymore... I hope...

Regards,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
B
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
Hi Hans,

This is definitely a keeper! Your vocals sounded great, and strong writing on the lyrics. And you really picked the right musical arrangement for this song. It sounds somewhat theatrical at times, while at the same time, blending in some folksy sounding Neal Young or maybe even Al Stewart vocals. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed the listen.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Hi Janice and Bud, Jptjptjpt, Dave and Peter,

Thanks for your very nice compliments. I was hesitating a bit placing this song on the forum.
I liked it a lot myself, but it wasn't exactly a song where your toes go everywhere. It is a -kind of- dramatic song with the piano(s) and not a potential blockbuster.

Jptjptjpt, thanks for the nice words you used to tell me you enjoyed it!
And Dave, thanks for the award you gave me in your post. It is hanging on the wall of my studio!
Peter, thanks as well for what you said. I'm glad you enjoyed it! It made my day.

I only quote the post from from Janice and Bud, because of all the aspects it it:

Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
"I had my heart in my hands
And I stared at that worn out thing
There is some love inside it
Though I let no one in"

"But I ignored the child in my soul
Weeping on a wall
I was the one I neglected
That's how the dice really fall'

A few of our favorite lines ... great write.

John Lennon is back! We love this, Hans. The piano is lovely, as are the strings and the dramatic arrangement is powerful to go along with the powerful lyric. You are a master at dynamics.

And the mix sounds fine on our monitors.
Well produced in all aspects!

J&B


Thanks Janice and Bud that you noticed I'm back!
The lines you quoted are (in a way) the words my mother used when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
She told me about the child in yourself. You can ignore it, punish it or cherish it.
That's how you will become as a grownup. Well, in my fantasy I saw it all. And now i made a song about it! (the story is much longer but I don't want to push things too hard...

But I was really really pleased with all you said after John. Thanks a lot for that!
In my head it echoed "wow"!!!

All the best,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,442
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,442

Honest opinion, eh?

Well, the chord progression is flippin' gorgeous man, and the lyrics are fantastic.

Some of it gave me goosebumps.

For me the intro is too long and it takes almost a minute for the song to start, do I would shorten that a lot. But that is just me.

Other than that, this is great. Love it.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Hello Deej56, OM, Noel and Misha,

I appreciated all the kind words you wrote!
Individually I try to answer all the remarks you made on the song, the structure, the lyrics or other items.
A little late, but sincere!

Originally Posted By: Deej56
Hans,

I love a piano song . . . and this one is pretty darn sweet. At 45 seconds, I’m wondering whether the intro is a bit too long, but once the song kicks in it takes off. So perhaps fine as is. The vocal is stellar, crisp and magnetic. The melody on the chorus sticks the ear well. Like the strings behind the piano—just the right touch. A compelling emotion to this piece that resonates. Impressive work!

All my best to you,
Deej


Hi Deej, You are not the first one who made some remarks on the time of 'the intro'. I did this on purpose, not to put the listener on a wrong leg, but to pursuade them to listen to what is going on. The intro was meant as a nicy classical tune that got interupted by tension (the dark piano) and the singing that starts there. Both had to do with the kind of emotions in the song. That intro came back near to the end of the song in some bridge. But all was different compared with the intro. That's how life works, I wanted to tell with all this. And thanks a lot for your compliments!

Originally Posted By: justanoldmuso
Hans.
nice piano and lyrics mate.
i like it when you push yuour vocs.

nice ending .
happiness.
om


Hi OM, Nicely said. And I'm glad you liked the lyrics too. Always a challenge for a 'foreigner'!


Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Hans,
You've really done a great job, here. Piano is my instrument and it always makes me feel comfortable when I listen to it.
As I listened, I closed my eyes and simply let your singing and the music drift around me. There's nothing I'd change.
Another fine addition to your ever-growing collection!

All the best,
Noel


Wow Noel, that are very nice compliments. I was hoping someone would describe how she/he listens to this song like you did. And thanks a lot for your last line!

Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Hans,
I believe you achieved your goal. Nice piano lead ballad. Good use, not overly busy synths. Liked that sub bass synth. Good fit. Solid set of lyrics. Zero complaints on your vocals, which in my opinion were pretty good and mix is clear. Easy listen.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.


Hi Misha, Zero complains on my vocals!!! Well, you are much nicer than I am myself on my vocals (the horror of eq issues). But I'm not sure if I achieved my goal yet; you will probably hear that on other songs that will come from me. But thanks a lot, Misha!

Have a nice day, all of you,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
"In early dreams I was falling / Allways from a wall"

Is this autobiographical?

I've wondered if there's something hardwired about childhood dreams of falling.

Enjoying your music much while typing these thoughts.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Hi Greg, Leon, Ezekiel, Bawb, David and Mark,

Thanks a lot for your comments on the song. I saw it was almost faded away in the forum. On page 3 while I hadn't answered all of you. That goes fast on the forum!
But your reactions were very nice. I appreciated it all very much.

To Mark I can say, yes it was a bit autobiographical. But nothing to worry about ;-)

David, you were not the first saying -maybe- the intro was too long. But I did that on purpose. This opening comes back near to the end and was deliberately to build up the tension when the very sombre piano comes in. But you are so impatience... You want to hear the end when a song starts ;-). You can also enjoy what comes when it comes (not with everything!).

Bawb, you are right. That theatrical effect was to get a contrast with what came next. Nice words you used on it!

Ezekiel, That's a nice way how you wrote about the chorus. And so true. Thanks!

Leon, how did you feel about those dreams? for me they were scary in the beginning, until I learned how to fly. All in those repeated dreams. Then I longed for them, but they disappeared...

Greg, for me these drums needed to be more present. That is to accentuate the emotions. But not everyone is fond of that. Still I read you enjoyed the song. Thanks!

Thanks a lot for listening,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,560
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,560
Hans, your songs are always excellent and you've done it again! Your material always puts me in mind of some of the greats from years back! This reminds me of something Billy Joel would do! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,586
Hi Torrey,

Thanks for your very nice comment on the song. And you tried to let me blush, but then I need this kind of comments on ALL my songs ;-)
I just commented on your new song. I can't think of someone I can compare you with. I think it's because you are unique with your songs.

Regards,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 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 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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,377
Posts791,426
Members39,867
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
bob63, Pravetta, freshnote, Ripermarin4, cfloratos
39,866 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 279
MarioD 216
DrDan 162
DC Ron 149
Noel96 129
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5