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 are here on our website.
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 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, 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; 03/07/2211:05 PM.
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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