|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Do you ever hit that point of no inspiration? Well..... I can relate. I've been living there apparently. So I have a bunch of ideas started that seemed brilliant at the time but on second glance.... what was I thinking? I clicked into a new style.... bluesy and ... this came out in about literally 10 minutes. Even so, I didn't feel particularly inspired.... No Inspiration Blues The band: all of 5 tracks. Intentionally it was kept pretty sparse. You can hear everything in it. Upright bass 531.... which, I rarely ever use an upright bass Drums.... jazz brushes...and again.... brushes? Those are for combing hair..... this actually sounded dirty and noisy but I realized on a closer examination it was the brushes being dragged around the snare head..... Dobro....569.... more like a drone track in the back. ... Doing what it does Vocals.... me.... and it was literally one take and the punches were to change the words.... certainly not for vocal fixes in fact, no melodyne was used on this track. Guitar.... The Spark amp.... I just did a firmware update and waaa laaaa, I got several new amp models and this is one of them. It's called Fishboy and it is pretty sweet when you drop a couple of things upfront on the signal chain and don't make it too dirty. THe guitar is my Tele on the strat pickup. Words of wisdom...... I've got the finest guitars that money can buy I got the coolest tools anyone could possibly try Staring at a blank sheet no ideas seem to come Might as well just take my old black dog out for a run Oh yeah, I got those no inspiration blues I sit down and start to write another song It's hard to find the words and I don't feel like singing along That second verse ain't like the first one and the groove just isn't right I reckon I'll got to bed and come back fresh in the morning light Oh yeah, I got those no inspiration blues Solo Another one for the trash can, that old digital circular file Maybe I will come back later and try again in a little while That screen still looks the same like it did an hour ago I know there's gotta be a better way, but Lord I just don't know Oh yeah, I've got those no inspiration blues Hope you enjoy it.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 02/24/22 09:41 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447 |
This is really cool Herb. I guess no inspiration is inspiration, too.
Wow,that is a paradoxical black hole, ain't it. I am about to disappear into a vortex.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Works for me. This is kinda my understanding of what "the blues" is supposed to do: fix itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,173
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,173 |
Yeah, I know what you're talking about.  I enjoyed it!
-- 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: May 2019
Posts: 4,936
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,936 |
SO grindingly cool, Herb. Inspiring really. Man, that guitar of yours is fine. Love those lyrics because I've been there; in fact, I own a big spread there. Your singing to the choir, and I love it. Well done. "That screen still looks the same like it did an hour ago" <-- that's says it all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411 |
I have a buddy that sang like that on a session. It took several punch-ins to finally lay it all down, but he got through it... We had a gig next night, and my buddy couldn't sing a lick... his voice was shot, for the whole weekend...
You pulled it off, very skillfully.
This is a cool production, I love your vocal treatment, and guitar playin'
Last edited by bloc-head; 02/25/22 04:42 AM.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
This is really cool Herb. I guess no inspiration is inspiration, too.
Wow,that is a paradoxical black hole, ain't it. I am about to disappear into a vortex. Oh the irony of it all. A lack of inspiration creates a flash of inspiration..... Glad you liked it. Thanks
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Works for me. This is kinda my understanding of what "the blues" is supposed to do: fix itself. Interesting point there Mark. Thanks for listening.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,833
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,833 |
Herb,
A good slow-jazzy-blues groove with the right BAND to back it up.
Mix sounds good. I like that your solo includes a good amount of space - as i should.
Inspiration from no inspiration.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Yeah, I know what you're talking about. I enjoyed it! Thanks for dropping in and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
SO grindingly cool, Herb. Inspiring really. Man, that guitar of yours is fine. Love those lyrics because I've been there; in fact, I own a big spread there. Your singing to the choir, and I love it. Well done. "That screen still looks the same like it did an hour ago" <-- that's says it all. Thanks Babu..... I appreciate that you mentioned the guitar. I'm really partial to that model's tone. Clean with just an undercurrent of grit when it gets pushed. Just stating the facts..... that screen.... come on man.... gotta figure something out somehow, someway..... I got songs to write. Thanks again.....
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Really good blues Herb!
Guitar is terrific.
And you've got exactly the right voice for this kind of song.
If no inspiration leads to this, you've got nothing to worry about.
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
I have a buddy that sang like that on a session. It took several punch-ins to finally lay it all down, but he got through it... We had a gig next night, and my buddy couldn't sing a lick... his voice was shot, for the whole weekend...
You pulled it off, very skillfully.
This is a cool production, I love your vocal treatment, and guitar playin' Interesting.... yeah, that can grind on a vocal cord depending on how it's done. The way I do it doesn't seem to affect me. Of course, I'm not pushing it hard either. Vocal treatment is one take, no melodyne, and only reverb with a touch of compression. No special FX. I appreciate the kind words.... Thanks
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Herb,
A good slow-jazzy-blues groove with the right BAND to back it up.
Mix sounds good. I like that your solo includes a good amount of space - as i should.
Inspiration from no inspiration.
fj Yep.... I tried to keep the guitar parts sparse and relatively simple. It's amazing where inspiration comes from and when you least expect it. I had actually closed my programs and was getting ready to hit the off button when I said to myself.... Let me see about something bluesy..... Oh hey, that looks good lets see what it sounds like.... Thanks for listening
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Really good blues Herb!
Guitar is terrific.
And you've got exactly the right voice for this kind of song.
If no inspiration leads to this, you've got nothing to worry about.
Rob and Anne-Marie I tend to worry all the time about the next song.... well, maybe worry isn't the right word.... That's my blues singing voice.... humbly in the spirit of Dusty or Billy..... How would DH/BG sing this? Thanks for listening.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
Inspiration or not, that was damned enjoyable. Good write. Good song. That's some sweet blues guitar you are playing. Nice one.
Last edited by jptjptjpt; 02/27/22 05:50 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,212
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,212 |
An ode to a flat, unending road.
The lead guitar parts are ace BUT there's a little of the ice pick to them...it may well be my tinnitus letting through a freak freq though.
Really nice playing and singing that makes it seem all the more human.
There're some spikey bits in the vocal as well...could well be me.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,052 |
"Might as well just take my old black dog out for a run Oh yeah, I got those no inspiration blues" Oh yes. Those lines say it in volumes. This is blues
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,986
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,986 |
Man, that vocal is perfect for blues, wish I could do that Guitar right on the money too, great tone and I love the way you play the "spaces". Really enjoyed this one, Herb!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,750 |
Inspiration or not, that was damned enjoyable. Good write. Good song. That's some sweet blues guitar you are playing. Nice one. Inspired or not inspired.... that's the question we all deal with ...right? thanks for listening and your comments.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,924
Posts797,714
Members39,984
| |
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