Yep.... when you say " this is a strange one for me" I gotta know because your music is always out there on the edge. This is no exception. Dark and a little more than slightly psychotic. But who hasn't had those thoughts. The scary thing is the fact that there are people sitting around in their basements and bedrooms thinking this very thing. Takes courage to write something like this. I caught the James Bond movie song feel that someone else mentioned too. In that light, it is redeemed.
Psychotic - yeah, but it started out with the ending in mind so I'm probably not quite evil Yes, basements, bedrooms and barstools with variations from thrill to serial killers...what a world. A bit of twang & trem always bring a Shadow of Bond. Thank you sir.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hi Ray, Yes, James Bond vibe. But that has been said before. Good song, but ominous with a war going on, a 20 hour road trip from our place! Rob and Anne-Marie
Rob n Anne Marie, Thank you. I expect Europe is an unsettled place at present and that vibes will be hard to shake - stay safe.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
That is some project (music and video). The song is very good. I am impressed that you created all the music by playing the instruments your self. The music is very good. Well written lyrics. The video is superb too. Good one.
Thanks jptx3, I didn't play the drums though...that's a set of skills too far.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Wow Ray! IMHO that is your best sounding track ever! Everything sounds up front and crystal clear! Love the rhythm bed and the vocals are excellent! Thanks, Torrey
Sounds like the outro to the finale of a grim but well done series.
Hey, loved that vocal up more in the mix!
Much rather be a friend of the protagonist as difficult as that might be than a stranger indeed.
As to quote Janice: "Excellent but scary video!"
Great production but now we gotta go outside and walk around some lovely scenery.
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
Wow Ray! IMHO that is your best sounding track ever! Everything sounds up front and crystal clear! Love the rhythm bed and the vocals are excellent! Thanks, Torrey
Thanks Torrey, Short n sweet I hope. You can tell I've very little facility with lead guitar - bass lines played on a guitar more or less. When the singer gets his part done I expect this will get quite a lift.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Sounds like the outro to the finale of a grim but well done series. Hey, loved that vocal up more in the mix! Much rather be a friend of the protagonist as difficult as that might be than a stranger indeed. As to quote Janice: "Excellent but scary video!" Great production but now we gotta go outside and walk around some lovely scenery. J&B
I could probably point the finger at the Casefile podcasts. I listen to a podcast about past crimes while labouring at the treadmill...I think some of it seeped in. Beware...I've just finished a series about The Zodiac Killer. Thanks Bud, Thanks Janice.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Musically, just continually repetitive with little variation throughout.
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.
This is quite different from the one before. But a very intriquing one too! At first I thought; 'the vocals need to be louder', then; 'the song seems to be getting a bit monotonous', then; 'where is the song leading to?' But then: 'what intriguing lyrics!' And 'hey, singing in this way reinforces the tension that already speaks from the lyrics'. I then listened again and the song grabbed me like, like... i don't know like what, but it grabbed me. And then I noticed I hadn't watch the video. So i played it again. Conclusion: very well done, Ray!
but, your voice could have used some more volume...
This is great! It reminds me of the stuff they played in NYC in the 80s and 90s.
Very clubby!
I am trying to think who this reminds me of so much. Maybe the Replacements. But it is really, really good. Well played.
With this sound, you might like check to out these guys. They were from my town back in the day and were the Kings of Jangle Rock. He recorded R.E.M.'s first album in his garage.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Musically, just continually repetitive with little variation throughout.
Thanks AudioTrack, I can rely upon you for this sort of analysis. Repetition is a good right? "Repetition makes it true" after all.
It's a simple verse, prechorus, chorus construction with a basic melody build on chord tones. It's certainly not constructed from jazzy extended/augmented chords or an exotic form. I write to my limited abilities to play...I try not to use BIAB to guild my Bulbine Glauca.
I can live with writing simple things and being stodgy in the eyes of some, even many. It is fun to write, play and post my songs and to then read the responses, suggestions and recommendations of other writers and players.
You might note, for future use, that "just" is redundant within your comment as are the last three words of that same sentence. You'd have had more impact, and save the reader's time, since the case isn't advanced, by writing "Musically: continually repetitive." Even then "continually" isn't required unless the writer feels the need to amplify their thoughts. Perhaps something like "fruitless monotony" would serve.
Few things is life are constant, fewer still are reliable, so it does my heart good to know that you're ready, willing & able to insert a little passive aggression into any thread. Your contribution, as always, is welcome.
Stay safe Stay well.
Last edited by rayc; 03/08/2212:05 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
This is quite different from the one before. But a very intriquing one too! At first I thought; 'the vocals need to be louder', then; 'the song seems to be getting a bit monotonous', then; 'where is the song leading to?' But then: 'what intriguing lyrics!' And 'hey, singing in this way reinforces the tension that already speaks from the lyrics'. I then listened again and the song grabbed me like, like... i don't know like what, but it grabbed me. And then I noticed I hadn't watch the video. So i played it again. Conclusion: very well done, Ray!
but, your voice could have used some more volume...
Hans
Thanks Hans,
I tried to place the narrator as detached and unemotional, (dissociative?)...you heard and understood well. Thank you.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
This is great! It reminds me of the stuff they played in NYC in the 80s and 90s. Very clubby! I am trying to think who this reminds me of so much. Maybe the Replacements. But it is really, really good. Well played. With this sound, you might like check to out these guys. They were from my town back in the day and were the Kings of Jangle Rock. He recorded R.E.M.'s first album in his garage.
Thanks David, I'm a bit of a Mitch Easter fan and have a couple of Let's Active albums, a few Replacements (& a couple of Westerberg solo albums too). Easter did a couple of Australia band's albums in his garage as well. The SOUND of young REM is the reason I bought their early albums. From his Oz production list I have The Hummingbirds, DM3, Coronet Blue as well as other US bands like the superb Velvet Crush, Chris Stamey and well, you know he fellow so you probably know the bands well.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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!
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