Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#679920 10/28/21 11:03 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Telling A Story

Two years ago, I thought that I should try to write a hit song, something like Ed Sheeran. Listened to his songs, but I quickly realized that his chord progressions and melodies didn't interest me. So, instead, I decided to write a song my own way, but with simpler chord progressions than usually and lyrics bigger than life but still relatively easy to relate to. I wrote the melody and the chorus lyrics quite fast, and had the story idea clearly in my mind, but it felt like too challenging task to write it down. Finally this year I had enough courage to finalize it.

Probably nothing like a hit on modern standards, but here it is anyway. Definitely more instruments than usually, but I had fun when arranging it, trying to capture several moods. I hope you like it smile

RealDrums & Loops:

DjembeKeitaEv16: a: Basic b: Busy
RumbaFlamencaBalladPerc^1-a:Ss, b:Snr
BongoEv 16 Single
MarkTreeFills
Loop:House-Techno-Trance\House - crunchy_120_b drums ev16.wav
Loop: House-Techno-Trance\House - main_room_128_drum_loop_c_sharp_minor ev16.wav
Loop: World Tabla-busy_120a ev16
Loop: MarkTree

RealTracks:

3278:Vocal Mmms, Rhythm RockNRollGospel12-8 4-part Sw 065
3064:Vocal Oohs, Rhythm Pop3-part Ev 085
1849:Bass, Electric, ModernCountrySync Ev16 100
2904:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100
3239:Guitar, Nylon, Rhythm RumbaFlamencaBallad Ev16 090
2932:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterAlternating8thsQuinn Ev 110
3642:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm DublinPopSlowLowSteady Ev16 105
1838:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveSync4s Ev16 075
594: Fiddle Chops
2549 Fiddle Soloist
3383:Fiddle, BackgroundSoloist OldTimeHappyDance Ev16 125
3385:Fiddle, BackgroundSoloist OldTimeBonfireAndy Ev16 110
3267:Cello, Background CelticAirFlowingNatalie Ev 085
1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
2338:Violin, Background, PopLow Ev 085 (1TrackStringSection)
2336:Viola, Background, Pop Ev 085 (1TrackStringSection)

MIDI/VST instruments: Garritan World Instruments, Elysion, West Africa, Cantus, India

Vocals by me (and some Vocaloids backing)

Mixed in Cakewalk by Bandlab

Lyrics:

Once upon a time
there was a blank page
a story about to be told
the quill of time
wrote the elegant title
in the cellular ink
Life began to unfold
from algae and ferns to all trees
through mammoths and queen bees
up to the thought of me.

I am telling a story
from the magical dawn
through the turmoil of times
to the next generations
I am passing it on.

Once upon a time
there was a book store
this young man about to be charmed
she was selling me a novel when
suddenly the wary eyes met
the prologue into her arms
connecting her story with mine
so much written about love
still we can fit new lines.

We are telling a story
from the magical dawn
through the turmoil of times
to the next generations
we are passing it on.

Once upon a time
there was a duet
a baby about to be born
another chapter in the
marvels of moments
where the pages of new days
she'll come to adorn.
The fables of bedtime we've heard
will be her source of verve
when growing in her own words.

You are telling a story
from the magical dawn
through the turmoil of times
to the next generations
you are passing it on.

We are telling a story
from the magical dawn
through the solace in sorrow
to the tales of tomorrow
we are passing it on.

we are telling an age-old story
of all the grace ever penned
it gives meaning to smiles
to the littlest lives
wishing for a happy end.

----------------------
Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,454
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,454
Really cool, Janne. Man, I really like the band you "hired," and the way you mixed them in so I can close my eyes and imagine the video. This must have taken quite a long time to get each track so perfectly played and blended. I really like the whole story in these lyrics, and you came up with a progression and melody that is far better (IMO) than the "hit" moguls can muster. Their angle is money, yours is music. I'm with ya all the way.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Love the vibe in one Janne! Super job with the melodic structure and production on this!
I would much rather listen to new tunes based on the more complex melody and chord structure from yesteryear any day! Maybe I'm out of touch and getting old but I make NO apologies for that! Keep on rocking! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Janne

That list of tracks is very impressive! Nicely put together and mixed.

Good catchy chorus and I liked the vocaloid singing along with you.

A clever and entertaining song.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Love the vibe you've captured here!!! A bit like some of Paul Simon's stuff! I have also thought of trying to write in the current "hit" styles, but realized that I can't get excited about writing something which has no interest to me. I'm an old school guy! You've come up with a really cool and interesting piece here!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
A really interesting narrative and a very up backing.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Really cool, Janne. Man, I really like the band you "hired," and the way you mixed them in so I can close my eyes and imagine the video. This must have taken quite a long time to get each track so perfectly played and blended. I really like the whole story in these lyrics, and you came up with a progression and melody that is far better (IMO) than the "hit" moguls can muster. Their angle is money, yours is music. I'm with ya all the way.


Thanks Marty for your kind feedback smile I fully agree with you, money talks not music in today's music world. I just wonder why they have to follow the same pattern all over again, ok maybe it sells and listeners are not asking for a change, but could they be more innovative, write at least some surprise chords etc per song. Well, same goes with movies, I'm tired of zombie movies and superhero movies, could we have something else, at least a superhero zombie smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Love the vibe in one Janne! Super job with the melodic structure and production on this!
I would much rather listen to new tunes based on the more complex melody and chord structure from yesteryear any day! Maybe I'm out of touch and getting old but I make NO apologies for that! Keep on rocking! Thanks, Torrey


Thanks Torrey for your encouraging words smile You have shown a very good example how to write very modern pop music with interesting melodies and chord progressions, and you don't sound old in my ears smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Don't let Ed Sheeran hear this, he's not worthy.

Nice one!

moto

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Awesome tune Janne. Loved the backtrack and instrument selection. Cool lyric and vocal. Well done.


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
PeterF #680762 11/03/21 06:55 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: PeterF
That list of tracks is very impressive! Nicely put together and mixed.

Good catchy chorus and I liked the vocaloid singing along with you.

A clever and entertaining song.

Peter


Thanks Peter for your kind and very positive comment smile I didn't have a female or child vocalists available, so I had to use Vocaloids, but I'm glad to hear they worked well together with my voice smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Love the vibe you've captured here!!! A bit like some of Paul Simon's stuff! I have also thought of trying to write in the current "hit" styles, but realized that I can't get excited about writing something which has no interest to me. I'm an old school guy! You've come up with a really cool and interesting piece here!! Take care. Greg


Thanks Greg, it's pleasure to read your nice words smile Thanks for mentioning Paul Simon, I like his music and appreciate him as a songwriter, he has had courage to experiment successfully.

You are an excellent 'old school guy', besides being one of the best singers on this planet, you are making ageless music that really interests me smile Just today I listened to your Imaginary Dance album once again.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,556
Great lyrics, nice progression, terrific use of BIAB. Wonderful work!


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 951
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 951
You told this story very well indeed, Janne. From your accent is suspect that English is not your 'mother-tongue'and yet you write so eloquently. I'm also impressed with the way all those instruments and tones were woven so skillfully into a cohesive and enjoyable soundscape.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Janne,

A good write. The chorus is very catchy.

Good use of BIAB. Big list of RTs, well mixed for a cohesive sound. The percussion loops really drive the piece well.

Good vocals and BGVs.

Well done.

fj

rayc #681084 11/05/21 05:43 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: rayc
A really interesting narrative and a very up backing.


Thanks Ray for your nice feedback smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Don't let Ed Sheeran hear this, he's not worthy.

Nice one!

moto


Thanks Moto for kindly commenting smile Yeah, I won't wink Actually, I listened to Ed's latest album and I think there was only one that had something interesting to me (melody/chord progression).

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Scott C #681534 11/08/21 03:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: Scott C
Awesome tune Janne. Loved the backtrack and instrument selection. Cool lyric and vocal. Well done.


Thanks Scott for your kind and positive feedback smile

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Great lyrics, nice progression, terrific use of BIAB. Wonderful work!


Thanks TuneMonger for your kind comment smile I'm especially glad that you liked the lyrics.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,342
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,342
Janne,

This is my favorite track so far from you. I love what you did with all those tracks, yet the production doesn't sound or feel overwrought. Love the rhythms, chords structure, and melody.

I'm glad you went with your instincts and not Ed Sheeran's.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,387
Posts778,571
Members39,642
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
arnold harris, Hyke, bestbushcraft, bokane65, Intelligent Crypto
39,642 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 151
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 88
dcuny 82
Today's Birthdays
Joncofy, noixdesmers, StephenP
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5