We usually keep our songs simple, chord wise. However, this one shifts and modulates a little bit and it took some work to get the vocals right. Particularly in the chorus section, since the pre-chorus had a tendency to 'lead' me in the wrong direction .
I built the basis mostly around the 1305 CelticReel Rhythm Guitar and then added more real tracks (trial and error!).
This song had been on the shelf for quite a while. We decided to give it the "RnAM treat" with layered vocals and additional real tracks and percussion.
Anne-Marie created the video.
We hope you all like! Feel free to leave your comments
Rob
Song specifics: Style is _WESTGTR.STY (Spirited Country Strumming) RealTracks in song: 379:Bass, Electric, Country DoubleTime Ev 088 RealTracks in song: 2778:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm TrainBeatMike12-key Ev16 090 RealTracks in song: 378:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming DoubleTime Ev 088 RealTracks in song: 1305:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticReel Ev16 110 (Drones only) RealTracks in song: ~2200:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2667:Pedal Steel, Background DreamySingleNote Ev 075 RealTracks in song: 2508:String Quartet, Rhythm PopEvenHall Ev 120 1946: Mandolin, RhythmModernCountrySyncEv16 100 RealDrums [in Song:CountryEven16: a: Brushes b: Snare, HiHat RealDrums [in Song:CongasEv16[single]: a: Congas b: CongasEv16[single] RealDrums [in Song:AfucheShakerEv16[single]: a: Shaker b: AfucheShakerEv16[single]
We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.
This is some really great work! Usually when someone tries to incorporate a vast amount of chord changes and modulations in a song, it doesn't have a very desirable effect, but you did in a very effective way that sounds great! Everything about this song sounds really good! Once again, nice work on the video. I also like that 1305 CelticReel Rhythm Guitar! I have used it myself a couple of times in songs. It really brings a song to life!
The RnMA treatment works - no surprise there. The pull of the progressions is strong but you've played that gambit well. LUSH. Oh, yes, the video - on point - illustrative without being tied down by the narrative.
Last edited by rayc; 03/02/2207:37 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
This is a song that makes you smile! But it also want you to make a long walk in the forest (with the song on your earphones of course)and sing along loudly. Then you don't mind the vultures (from J&B) anymore, or other bad things. A nice, good song with very good vocals! Like Josie said: "two thumbs up'!
What a great job putting this together, Ron and Anne-Marie. The modulation sounds perfect. Such a good song. That guitar is a very good driver. Your voices are sooo good, and so very good together. The video, too, is superb.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Hello Anne-Marie and Rob A great song Excellent sung A really good melody Plus the very good video Together a great experience Thanks for sharing Many greetings Andi ;-)
Yes, there should be about eight changes or so. Some were present in the BIAB song file, but most of them were done in Cubase (shifting semi-tones). Either because we got stuck on what should be "the chorus", or because copying sections from one place to another didn't sound right (that BIAB Melodist can be so subtle, modulating all on its own!).
About modulations and key changes. Back in the 90s, we had a real Master in that here in the Netherlands. Valensia, singer-songwriter uses multiple key changes continuously throughout his songs. Here's a good example:
We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.
Yes, there should be about eight changes or so. Some were present in the BIAB song file, but most of them were done in Cubase (shifting semi-tones). Either because we got stuck on what should be "the chorus", or because copying sections from one place to another didn't sound right (that BIAB Melodist can be so subtle, modulating all on its own!).
About modulations and key changes. Back in the 90s, we had a real Master in that here in the Netherlands. Valensia, singer-songwriter uses multiple key changes continuously throughout his songs. Here's a good example:
I need to listen again to see how many I can catch.
Watched your Valensia video! Remarkable musician, and he's still live 'n kickin.
Sad story of his near-total invisibility here in the US, where apparently he's only known as a Japanese pop star. His later albums are hard to find if they even exist, and I find depressing references to commercial failure, and a crowdfunding site:
But look at this perk! (I wonder where those three songs are?)
Your Song PRODUCED By Valensia – €1,000 EUR / $1,107 USD
This is where things start to get really exiting: Do you have a song and always wanted it to sound like a HIGH END PRODUCTION? Valensia will speed record your song, play and arrange it on the spot, all in one day! You will be going home with a finished and complete MASTER of your song! If needed, Valensia will provide his harmony vocals afterwards!
Included Items: Your Song PRODUCED By Valensia Estimated Shipping: September 2017 3 claimed
Musically, it is creative with very well presented and interesting structure throughout. Vocally it is equally superb.
The added vision gives depth to the creativity without taking anything away from the focus of the music.
I liked every part of this. Well done.
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.
Very good song. The "gonna, wanna" hook lines are very catchy. Wonderful vocal harmonies. Great mix. The band is super too. Nice professional sounding recording. Good one.
This is some really great work! Usually when someone tries to incorporate a vast amount of chord changes and modulations in a song, it doesn't have a very desirable effect, but you did in a very effective way that sounds great! Everything about this song sounds really good! Once again, nice work on the video. I also like that 1305 CelticReel Rhythm Guitar! I have used it myself a couple of times in songs. It really brings a song to life!
Thanks, Torrey
Thanks Torrey, your comments are always appreciated!
We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.
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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