|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
New song. Thanks for listening and for all your comments! https://www.beatstars.com/beat/mercy-9666703MERCY There are times I sit down by the river And I beg, I beg the Lord to be merciful to me, There are times I sit down by the river And I cry until I can no longer see. "Why, oh why Lord, do I suffer?" Does the sound of my cries bother you? The pedestrians pass by, life gets rougher, My sighs, by now, to them are nothing new. "Mercy, mercy, Lord", we all cry, In the hope of a better tomorrow, "Mercy, mercy, Lord", we all sigh, From the depths of our deepest of sorrow. "Why, oh why Lord, do I suffer?" Does the sound of my sighs bother you? The pedestrians pass by, life gets tougher, My tears, by now, to them are nothing new. *** There are times I sit down by the river And I beg, I beg the Lord to be merciful to me, There are times I sit down by the river And I cry until I can no longer see. ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Mercy - 26 October 2021 File:Mercy - 26 October 2021.SGU Key=C , Tempo 85, Length (m:s)=3:00 No intro. 60 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 60. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _HEART.STY (Heartfelt Gospel Ballad) RealTracks in style: ~700:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 2813:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm GospelSlowBalladMike Ev 085 RealDrums [in style:PopRock8ths^04-a:Closed Hat, Sidestick, b:Closed Hat, Snare ******************* Voice recorded and mixed in Mixcraft Pro Studio 9, with added reverb, radio spot effect for the voice track, and spectral balance effect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716 |
James, this is excellent!
Your voice is perfect for this song. Loved the mix and the lyrics.
Outstanding job!
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825 |
Hi James,
Nice song and I quite like the spoken vocals (not whole song). However it would be improved by rolling off the vocals at around 130 Hz - they are very boomy.
No need to re-record - just a 2 minute tweak in your DAW.
Best Regards
Nigel
Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Mario: thank you so much. What more can a songwriter ever expect than that kind of glowing review? especially as it comes from someone as good a musician as you. Thanks! :-)
Nigel: thank you! I've just edited it, as you suggested. One question: how do you know exactly which frequency to roll off, etc.? You went straight for the 130Hz and, to my ears (when I went to edit it), it made a massive difference. How does one learn to know exactly where to go, frequency-wise, when one wants to edit a track like this? Thanks!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749 |
Nice write, well put together and performed.
Hope the character portrayed in the lyrics is not expressing your personal suffering.
moto
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294 |
Hi James,
Really good musical arrangement and heartfelt lyrics. It is kind of your trademark to have spoken lyrics instead of singing them and it fits your prayerful theme well.
Psalm 56:8 says "You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.".
Yes, he hears your cries and your sighs. And you can find comfort in God.
Take care and God bless!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Excellent tune James. Super backtrack and your vocal sits just right in the mix. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,136
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,136 |
Well done James. We anticipated a glimmer of hope but upon a second listen feel that the mood was too well established to break. Sad indeed. Nice vocals, track choice and mix. FWIW, re your comment about EQ I have no idea what fx package you are using on your vocal; however assuming you are able to save your fx settings I would establish an EQ that you and others agree works for your vocal and use it as a starting point each time with any needed variances dictated by the mix. I've used the same EQ on Janice's vocal for 10 years and rarely ever vary it. Others will likely disagree with my approach  Enjoyed it, 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: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665 |
Nice job on this James! Sad lyrics that I hope you aren't living out at the moment but if so, hopefully won't last long! Take care, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Captain Moto: thank you so much for your kind words. Thankfully, I'm not actually living a period of personal suffering myself, although, of course, every song I write is drawn at least partially from personal experience - in this case, memories (thankfully).
Bawb: thank you. Beautiful Psalm - I'd forgotten about it. Thanks for quoting it to me!
Scott: thank you. Really appreciate it that you take the time to listen to my songs ... so genuinely grateful.
Janice & Bud: thanks for your kind comments and for your EQ suggestions. Yes, I try to do the same: save an EQ preset and then play with it, tweak it from song to song. Trouble is: every song is different, so I find that every song needs its own tweak in order to sound at its best. Argh :-) but that's just life. In any case, yours is a great idea - I'll try to make sure I refine my own starting point, even ... and then it's just a question of adapting things to each individual song, I feel ... right?
Torrey: thank you. Like I said, above, to Captain Moto, I'm thankfully ok ... but yes, my songs are drawn, at least partially, from personal experience - otherwise I wouldn't be able to write at all, I feel! Thankfully, this is not current experience, but thanks so much for asking! Take good care and thank you for listening!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264 |
James,
This is begging for you to add some melodic variation to the vocal.
A sad story needs a little bit of sad melody too.
Nice arrangement, good re EQing too.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,784
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,784 |
Hi James,
This is a wonderfull song, with impresive lyrics!
Ad the good part of it all is that you sing/tell it in that specific way that characterizes you.
As I can recall we all gave you advises on how to improve your presentation, but in this song I heard that you don't need to. This is you!
Hans
PS: I tried to write something on that site you're on, but that failed.
Last edited by Birchwood; 10/29/21 11:20 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921 |
James,
A nice backing track. Good song. Would have liked to hear you singing this one.
Your vocal sounds good. Might be your best ever (no "boom-i-ness" heard here). Good job.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Ray: I WAS going to sing, but it got too difficult, so I decided to speak it, instead - argh, right? :-) So lazy of me. But THANK YOU for your kind comments!
Hans: that site is capricious at the best of times, but the sound quality on there is good, I find, so ... :-) THANKS for such nice comments, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. The mix was Nigel Spiers's suggestion, so I can't and won't take any credit for it - but, otherwise, all BIAB and me :-)
floyd: thanks. If you're happy with a song, I'm happy, too :-) Yes, maybe I should have sang it ... yes, the mix is good thanks to Mr Spiers' idea, not mine ... but I'm glad you liked it anyway. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,666
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,666 |
Love the piano accompaniment and chord changes. Fits right with this.
I agree with Ray. Singing these lyrics would be a plus. I hear a melody that goes with this when I listen.
Great lyrics!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Nice one James!!! I really like the band you picked and the progression you wrote! And, technically, the production is one of your best, maybe number one!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,072
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,072 |
Excellent, James. I really like your voice. It's perfect for these wonderful songs you write. Sing or speak and it cuts to the soul. Still, I often sing the apparent melody along with your spoken words. You write some nice melodies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Ezekiel (and everyone that suggested I sing): First of all, thanks Ezekiel for such kind comments! Yes, I ought to sing these, I agree. The reason why I don't is simple: if I sing, I feel I have to write down the sheet music first, in notation format. Otherwise, I forget which notes I'm supposed to be singing! haha ... especially at the speed of recording. I'm incredibly lazy, and therefore I just speak it. But yes, one of these days I shall give myself a well-deserved kick up the so and so, and do a proper job of it, singing and all. Until then ... I can only embarrassedly apologise :-)
Greg: thanks! The production is good thanks to Nigel Spiers of this website - he deserves the credit, not I :-)
Marty: THANK YOU. Your words mean more than you may imagine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,044
Members40,070
| |
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