|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Hi, all: Here’s something new. I was recently reminded I hadn’t done anything soft and sad in a while . . . which seems to have been enough to prod me out of my song-writing slump. Thanks in advance for the listen and feedback. Hope you enjoy it! Stay safe, stay well all— Deej Here's the song:
WHY DO YOU BREAK MY HEART
Here are the lyrics:It’s the look in your eyes The casual steps The subliminal sighs In your every breath And the way they shade Your every point of view It’s the things that you say The things that you don’t The things that you do And the things that you won’t They speak to me Like you never do And I’ve tried so hard to give you all my love Now I just don’t know what I was thinking of Why do you break my heart Baby, why do you pull my world apart When all I ever do I do for you Why do you always tear me down When I finally feel we’re on solid ground I find you running round with someone new You say our love deserves a brand new start But then you run, baby Why do you break my heart I should move right along Leave you behind But I’m just not that strong It feels so unkind Cause I know you need Someone to lean upon And I want be there And it’s hard not to be When I think that you care More than you let me see And I just don’t know How free I’ll be if gone And you always seem the storm I’m bracing for So I wonder why I open up that door And here's the band:RealTracks 2475: Bass, Acoustic, HeldSimple RealTracks 2914: Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Folky16thsBrent RealTracks 1767: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16 RealTracks 2337: Violin, Background, PopHigh RealTracks 2785: Flute, Background CroonerBossa RealTracks 2335: String Quartet, Rhythm PopHall
Last edited by Deej56; 04/13/22 06:44 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,419
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,419 |
This is a sweet song... well written & performed.
Really nice arrangement and production.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
I absolutely love what you've done with the arrangement. It's serious and draws you in immediately.
I know that some people flinch from praise, etc. etc. etc. But this song is a masterpiece, and that must be said, I feel. Otherwise, what's the point, if we hide our light under a bushel all the time?
BRAVO. What musical storytelling abilities. There's nothing I can say here that praises this song enough, or articulates that praise for this song well enough to deservedly fit it - if that makes sense. I'd say that you're a genius, but then either you wouldn't believe me or be modest about it :-)
I want to hear this again and again. I may come back with even more to say (ha!), once I've had a few more listens. But the first thing that strikes me now: the orchestration. Its (seeming) simplicity and seriousness had me from beginning to end. Hats off to you - I mean this utterly and completely.
And to everyone else: this guy's a genius, and I have a feeling he's far too modest ;-))) Regardless, come on ... this song alone is top notch, right? Back me up here, lol ... please!!! :-)))
P.S. the lyrics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067 |
Lovely song, Deej!
Nice arrangement and melody, and man, your vocal gets me every time.
Well done!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,936 |
Deej,
A sweet sounding song (with a not-so-sweet story line).
A beautiful, heartfelt vocal.
Have to say, I don't care much for the bowed acoustic bass. It creates a drone-like muddy-ness to the production which almost hides the acoustic guitar and the high strings (and muddies the vocal a little).
I listened through speakers that have a lot of high-end clarity (Presonus E3.5) and then switched to earbuds (Apple) and had the same reaction with both.
Since neither Dave nor bloc-head made any mention of it, perhaps it's "just me".
And it is just an opinion, after all.
I like the song and love your vocal.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
bloc, musician17, Dave and Floyd:
Thanks for the listen--appreciate the comments.
Floyd: Actually, I think you are right about the bowed bass. I had thought about switching it out mid-way through the process for the same reason you mention, and then in the mixing process I think I kinda got used to it and never did. I'm going to switch it out in the next iteration. Thanks for the suggestion!
EDIT: I switched out the bowed bass for RT2475 Acoustic, Held Bass, Simple. Sounds much cleaner, I think. Thanks Floyd!
My best to you all:
Deej
Last edited by Deej56; 04/13/22 06:43 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,629
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,629 |
Very nice flow, sound and performance Deej.
My only sugg would be to pause in the chorus on "do" before "I do for you".
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,605
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,605 |
Lyrically very strong song, especially the first verse creates enjoyable imagery.
Excellent beautiful melody and chord progression. The simple arrangement leaves room for your heartbreaking interpretation.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
Very sweet and enjoyable. At the moment I'm thinking something about the tone of the bass fits really well here, it sounds particularly gentle, if that makes any sense. Very well done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,249
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,249 |
Hi, Deej. I always enjoy your vocals, and this song is a lovely setting for them. Good singing as well - a no holds barred heartbreak song. Excellent write. The mix feels a bit brittle on the top end, but otherwise well-defined. Then again, I'd trust anyone else's ears on the forum over mine!  I enjoyed listening!
-- 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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285 |
Nice one Deej,
excellent lyric.
There are some noises that need editing - some from your mouth but some from the acoustic guitar...often they're fine but a couple of string squeaks occur close to but not on a beat or are particularly loud.
The falsetto bits are a nice touch.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,512
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,512 |
Dude, You are the undisputed master of the gutwrenching, heartbreaking monster hit! You have done it again. Love it. If the title had not already been used I would say this is a Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Ever read that??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787 |
WOW this is absolutely fantastic
Love the violin crying in the background
Super vocal and outstanding lyrics
Great mix
Loved it
PS - I was going to say that I do not agree with Floyd about the bass until later on I read that you had swapped it out, smart move!
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,037
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,037 |
Deej,
Great song - stunning vocal and phrasing. You have a real gift.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Both beautiful and cool!
Different from what we've heard from you since we're back on the forum, but just as good.
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,349 |
Lovely song Deej. The acoustic was so warm on the intro. Very cool backtrack. Vocal was sweet as well. Lyrics were excellent. So much emotion. Well done..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108 |
I like the lyrics,
I like the music,
I like the phrasing,
I like the delivery,
I like the clarity,
I like the fact that the lyrics are understandable.
You have really put together a quality production. Nothing wrong with this perofrmance. Excellent effort.
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: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,173
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,173 |
The RT’s chosen provide such a sweet, light touch for this sad song. Your melancholy vocal delivers that heartbreak feeling so well. We agree that the falsetto was very effective. You definitely got over your writing slump with this one. And, as anticipated, an excellent mix. Well one! 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,361
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,361 |
Deej...you "hoped we would enjoy"...well we did...this is a most excellent song but I don't think it would be quite as good as it was without your delivery of it...not to diminish in any way the quality of the song itself...so well written and phrased...its very cadence was filled with angst and heartache but your delivery of it put it over the top...yes, hope no more...we (speaking for all of us) absolutely enjoy it!
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10 You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,104
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,104 |
Soft and sad, but a terrific break-out song, Deej. Your vocal is so good for this. Such good lyrics. The mix is smooth and with the instruments you chose so perfect for this one. Well written.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,317
Posts803,304
Members40,097
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean