|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
https://youtu.be/oeIA77o0hYII wrote this song to mark a 40th wedding anniversary (my own to be precise). It's still work in progress and I welcome any comments or advice on how I might improve it. I've used various Realtracks from BIAB 2017, mainly the EMOTION.STY, with Irish Bouzouki plus choral voices on a Roland GR-20 guitar synthesizer, and piano and pads on a Roland RD-600 keyboard, all provided by me. My vocals were recorded through a Roland VE-20 processor. The editing and mixing was done using Audacity.
Last edited by Andyman; 10/13/21 10:16 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541 |
Andy.
i really like the tempo you chose for this.
its a cute song.
just a couple of ideas mate.
i hear the vocs more up front , and a stronger doubling effect.
really like that break around 2min29secs.
thats good songwriting...well done.
best/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: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Thanks for the suggestions, om.
Your feedback is much appreciated, and I'll increase the volume of the vocals in the mix.
I wasn't sure if the volumes of the angelic voices and synth pad were quite right during the piano break, but as the piano seems to cut through quite well, I guess they are. Glad you like the song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294 |
Hi Andy,
My honest review of you song is, well...
The vocals and music are kinda like a burnt steak...
REALLY WELL DONE! Ha!
JK, awesome job on this tune!
And yeah, that break...really cool.
Kind of like a Springsteen in his heyday.
Hopefully your Wife liked it. I would think it to be an outstanding anniversary present!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,040
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,040 |
This is a really good song. I liked the backing tracks and that break, brilliant!
I thought in spots the backing track volumes slightly overwhelmed the vocal in spots. Instead of raising the vocal volumes I would decrease the backing track volumes. It doesn't need much as you are very close in volume matching.
I would let this sit for a week, come back with fresh ears and critically listen. If you agree you will know what I mean. But this is just my opinion. YMMV
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Haha, great comment about the burnt steak.
Oddly enough, my wife likes the song but isn't that keen on the angelic voices in the piano break. Apparently they're "too old-fashioned".
Oh well, you can't win them all, but they're staying in because I like them. What does she know? Haha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Andy,
cool song.
The vocals are surrounded by a halo from the processor...not a big one but they seem to sit in a reverb/room separate from the backing.
Matching reverb is a way to put band and singer in the same room...even if you can only grab the parts you added and give them a little of the reverb from the processor they'll sit together better.
I'd have to agree with the wife. on the angels.
I reckon you could do your own oohs n ahhs.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Thanks MarioD. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the vocal clarity.
When I said that I was going to increase the volume of the vocals, I was actually intending to do this by slightly reducing the volume of some of the backing tracks in the specific places where they interfere with the clarity of the vocals.
I know that this is the right way to go because I've already had to deal with the vocals clipping here and there, and I had to reduce the volume on certain words in order to overcome the problem, and so the last thing that I want to do is up the volume.
Ironically, I finished all the recording last week, but then the preparations for our 40th anniversary celebrations prevented me from finishing it in time for the big day (ie. Sunday 10th), although I had a pretty good idea of how I wanted it to sound.
If you're anything like me you'll know how frustrating it can be to have your creative flow interrupted, even when it's due to an occasion such as your own wedding anniversary.
At least I got to perform a live acoustic version of the song to my wife on our night of special celebration in front of our family and friends, and I'm pleased to say that it was well received.
Last edited by Andyman; 10/14/21 11:35 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Thanks for the helpful feedback rayc. Your advice is appreciated and I'm glad to hear that you liked the song.
I understand what you mean about matching the reverb, and I will certainly endeavour to do this in future, but unfortunately I'm stuck with what I've recorded for this song as I don't relish starting again from scratch.
I guess that the vocal would have sat better with the backing track if I had recorded everything dry and then added reverb afterwards where necessary, but unfortunately I used the default reverb settings that came with each Realtrack and I also chose a reverb setting for the vocal track BEFORE recording it, so there's no way to remove the existing reverb from any of the individual tracks and therefore I can only work with what I've got.
I guess the angelic voices on the Roland guitar synth is a matter of personal taste as some forum members liked it and so do I, so I'm going to stick with it. My vocal range is pretty limited anyway, so I doubt that I could provide good vocal harmonies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749 |
Nice song Andy,
You're very close to having a winner.
I think I'm in agreement with Ray's commentary
A little this a little that and it's perfect.
moto
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Here is the revised mix of the song. I have slightly reduced the volume of some of the backing tracks (particularly in the final chorus) to give the vocals more clarity. The first mix is still available for comparison. https://youtu.be/rJDAPbqckbI
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,456
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,456 |
Great poetic pop song, nicely romantic story with stars and moon, of course  The chord progression is simple yet not too familiar. The relaxing instrumental section fits perfectly. The singing contains smile and soul. The band is suitably soft for the mellow confession of love, I especially like the use of the synths. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Thank you Janne. It is definitely one of my more upbeat songs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541 |
andy.
much nicer mate.
out of interest what plug ins did you use on this ?
just an idea, next song you do, as a test see what you can do with just the pg dx plug ins, before turning to anything else...my grandad used to say everything in moderation mate.
the reason i suggest carefull plug in useage is i feel often some are over used in songs these days.
(and yes ive been guilty in the past myself until someone in the past ...a big studio bloke...yelled at me plug ins are no panacea)
happiness.
om
ps i'm a hammers supporter...lol.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 10/15/21 06:46 AM.
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: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194 |
Thanks for the thumbs up. Most of the changes I made were to the piano break and the last chorus, and I've got to say that I'm a lot happier with the result. Thanks for the earlier advice.
I'm sorry but I forgot to make a note of all the Realtracks I used, but they were from at least four different styles.
I used Solo Acoustic Piano Ballad from the CPOPSAJ style in the instrumental break: RT2046 Acoustic Piano.
The bass and guitar were from the EMOTION style: 995 Elec Bass, 1526 Guitar.
I used a mixture of drum kits from three different styles, plus some drum fills from a Latin style.
I think that the subdued piano comping during the rest of the song was from the EMOTION style: 1535 Acoustic piano.
I couldn't agree more with your Grandad's advice. I've been recording my own music for over 50 years and it's only since BIAB came out that I started using plug ins. Before that it was multi-timbral synths and a Steinberg PRO24 sequencer running on an Atari ST micro-computer, and before that I had to rely on recording each instrument live using a 4-track analogue tape machine.
In fact, I remember how I first started building up songs by bouncing tracks from one cassette recorder to another, and of course the sound quality gradually deteriorated with each bounce.
I think that you're quite lucky to be a hammers supporter. At least you get to watch EPL footy.
I used to go to some of Boro's home games until about 10 years ago, but I lost interest when they were relegated.
I've only ever attended two Boro away games, and you may be interested to know that one of them was at Upton Park on 4/12/76 when we won 0-1. I was in London for the weekend to see a David Bowie concert at Wembley Empire Pool.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,925
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,925 |
Really nice song and well sung. A fine tribute. Good 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 2019
Posts: 4,801
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,801 |
What a good song, Andy. I'd also like to hear the vocal more out front. I really like the changes, and as mentioned by everyone, that break is superb. It's also the perfect Anniversary song. Not many make it to the 40th, and many who do would rather be somewhere else, but you are right where you want to be. Love it! Happy Anniversary to you both.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,541 |
andy.
hammers are an odd team. they beat big teams then loose to small ones.
brentford vs chelsea today. thats gonna be a hoot.
hammers everton sunday.
back to your song.
you wrote a good one.
a producer once said to me "hits were done before plug ins ya know". i would say go back to those old songs england exported to the world/usa invasion.
lots to learn studying those song mixes mate.
includeing song composition // arrangement.
just an idea.
they didnt have a lot back then. but it was the studio engineers that were exceedingly clever in lots of cases.
those songs are a great study. after many years i'm still learning/and still make boo boos.
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 10/16/21 02:27 AM.
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: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216 |
Great job on the songwriting and vocals.
Since you asked...
I think the main groove needs to be broken up with variation, i.e. fewer instruments at the beginning, a build in instrumentation, the drop that you did was great, and then another build.
I'd start with just fingerpicking guitar (no other instruments except voice) all the way through the 1st verse. Then maybe bass and drums for the 2nd section, and add more instruments from there. The sentiment of the song would be great with that sparse instrumentation at the beginning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,334
Posts791,034
Members39,858
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean