|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
A song for my old writing teacher. Always Better to Make a Mistake by Mark Rhodes Always Better To Make A Mistake Words and Music by Mark Rhodes (c) March 2021 My old writing teacher Taught wearing a black gown To show his commitment He never let me down He said nothing useful Comes to those who wait And those who seek perfection Will die outside the gate. Son, it's always better to make a mistake Than sit on your [*****] and do nothing For fear you'll make a mistake--- That's the one mistake you can't unmake... [Make] a mistake Make it early in the day Make another right after lunch And pretty soon you'll be on your way [Interlude] Stop giving yourself credit For the things that you despise God lies in the edit A blank page can't be revised [Chorus]
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
It's a good song and narrative Mark.
You could blend your guitar into the backing a little more and treat the sibilance but they aren't mistakes so much as things that may or may not be.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,379
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,379 |
Very cool tune.. I like your singing voice. neet guitar licks too...
well done.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
It's a good song and narrative Mark.
You could blend your guitar into the backing a little more and treat the sibilance but they aren't mistakes so much as things that may or may not be. Thanks, Ray. This is one that has been around for months and but the chorus wasn't quite right. I had to drop a word to get the flow right. That idea just came to me the other morning and I did this. Next year, I'll refine the whole thing. (Adding more guitars, no doubt. Maybe a solo section.) I always appreciate your comments. The past few months have been a real challenge in other areas (-had to move mom, 92, from one assisted living facility to another and help her adjust, which is a real challenge. Mom's motto is, "I hate change!") I'm hoping to spend next year focusing more on the finer points of recording and mixing and actually submit some songs to publishers.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Very cool tune.. I like your singing voice. neet guitar licks too...
well done. Thank you! I always hated my voice. Can't say I love it now but I've come to terms with what it can and cannot do.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015 |
Nice tribute! Plus, darned writing good advice. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677 |
Hi Mark,
liked that one very much - fine lyrics.
And the whole thing has a nice Tom Petty feel, I think.
Take care,
Stefan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Very cool song!! I really like your voice and your vocal delivery!! Mix sounds really good to me! Nice work!!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Very cool song!! I really like your voice and your vocal delivery!! Mix sounds really good to me! Nice work!!! Take care. Greg Thanks, Greg. That means a lot to me.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Hi Mark,
liked that one very much - fine lyrics.
And the whole thing has a nice Tom Petty feel, I think.
Take care,
Stefan
Thank you. Funny you should mention Tom Petty. I hadn't thought of this song having a Tom Petty feel but another one I'm working on==="You Can't Put Down Roots In Sand"===has a strong Tom Petty feel. To me, anyway. I like a lot of Petty's songs.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,159
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,159 |
Cool tune. Nice tribute to your teacher. Well done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,520
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,520 |
Your old writing teacher would be proud of your lyric writing.
What a wonderful tribute! Teachers like to know that have had an impact on their students.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193 |
Dear Mr. Rhodes...
A slow-tempo song, especially if it's bluesy, usually captures my attention right away, because it promises music and lyrics that will take their time to reveal their pleasures. Your lyrics are intriguing and imaginative, and if that was your singing voice I heard, to my ears it was clear and declarative, in-tune and in-time, as though you were the writing teacher delivering a lesson to your listeners. For a moment I thought I heard the optimistic, yet melancholy tone of John Lennon's singing voice, filtered through your unique vocal stylings. The Real Tracks were 'on the money', too.
Last thing: did you perform on an electric guitar in this production? What I heard didn't sound like a Real Track. It was too spontaneous and expressive in its phrasing, too casual and comfortable in its feeling.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527 |
Hello Mark
Very good singing
The voice fits the song very well
Good mix
Thanks for sharing
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Dear Mr. Rhodes...
A slow-tempo song, especially if it's bluesy, usually captures my attention right away, because it promises music and lyrics that will take their time to reveal their pleasures. Your lyrics are intriguing and imaginative, and if that was your singing voice I heard, to my ears it was clear and declarative, in-tune and in-time, as though you were the writing teacher delivering a lesson to your listeners. For a moment I thought I heard the optimistic, yet melancholy tone of John Lennon's singing voice, filtered through your unique vocal stylings. The Real Tracks were 'on the money', too.
Last thing: did you perform on an electric guitar in this production? What I heard didn't sound like a Real Track. It was too spontaneous and expressive in its phrasing, too casual and comfortable in its feeling.
Thank you, bluage. I'm always surprised to hear anything positive about my voice. Years ago I was told point blank years ago by a noted producer, "No one will ever listen to a demo with your voice on it." It's always nice to know someone can tolerate it. ;o) Yes, I played an electric guitar here, my Squier Affinity Tele. It's what I play on almost everything these days.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Your old writing teacher would be proud of your lyric writing.
What a wonderful tribute! Teachers like to know that have had an impact on their students. Thank you. I have known a few teachers and they have said the same thing: they like knowing they've had a positive impact on a student's life.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 108 |
Cool tune. Nice tribute to your teacher. Well done. Thanks, Scott. I appreciate that.
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,921
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,921 |
Liked what you've done here. Especially like the line "God lies in the edit." 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: 4,796
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796 |
Stephen Lee Pearce seems like a very influential, inspiring, and memorable fellow. I like the song, Mark, and your use of the BiaB gals. The chorus is very catchy. No mistake about it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193 |
I'm always surprised to hear anything positive about my voice. Years ago I was told point blank years ago by a noted producer, "No one will ever listen to a demo with your voice on it." It's always nice to know someone can tolerate it. ;o)
Mr. Rhodes... I gotta comment on what that producer told you about your vocal talents. I feel VERY strongly that when certain people offer their opinions about the quality of someone else's singing voice, they speak as though they had declared themselves to be absolute experts in that area. To my mind, they are only being mean-spirited because they know how anxious a performer is about pleasing their audience, and they take advantage of that to ruin that performer's day. As far as I'm concerned, if a person can sing with a reasonable amount of pitch control, and has an ability to phrase lyrics with just enough of a sense of drama to set the mood, then, dammit, that performer can 'sing'. It's the feeling that matters most.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,294
Posts790,681
Members39,854
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean