Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490

So Herb Hartley came to me with a song title and a verse and asked if I could come up with a chorus. smile

When we finished the song I asked if I could bring in a friend named Jeff Newton to sing vocals and Jeff kindly agreed—so I created a Soundcloud channel for him. After hearing what Jeff did with this, we have decided to write more songs Jeff can sing.

smile

Tracks at the bottom

MY HOME TOWN

Performed by Jeff Newton

https://soundcloud.com/jeffnewton/my-home-town

V1

Nothing ever seems to change
every day is just the same
they roll the sidewalks up, when the sun goes down
Barber shop and a liquor store
my best friend lives right next door
Ain't nothing but a one lane crossroads town

Pre CH

It's my home town....and I plan to stay around

CH

We got girls with smiles that will break your heart
Secret kisses after dark
People who spent their lives on solid ground
We've got steeples that reach towards the sky
Hearts that never learned to lie
Friends that will never ever leave your side
And it's only two miles wide
But it's my home town

V2

It's where I'm from, where I was raised
those red dirt roads through the summer haze
We have fields of green and clear blue skies
whippoorwill as the sun goes down
friends and family gather round
yeah grab the guitar
and lay it down

Pre-CH

It's my home town
and I plan to stay around

CH

We got girls with smiles that will break your heart
Secret kisses after dark
People who spent their lives on solid ground
We've got steeples that reach towards the sky
Hearts that never learned to lie
Friends that will never ever leave your side
And it's only two miles wide yeah it's my home town

Tag:

Friends that will never ever leave your side
And it's only two miles wide yeah
it's my home town
It's my home town

Music and Lyrics Copyright 2022
Herb Hartley and David Snyder

All rights reserved

Jeff Newton: Vocals

Herb Hartley and David Snyder, Arrangement and Production


Bass 3501
Real Drums rock thrash halftime even 16
Guitars 2643 & 2644 distorted rhythm
Guitar 2911 picked chords
Steel 2540
Piano 891 (low in the background)
B3 689

Vocal tracks (3) Jeff Newton Lead and 2 doubles down low.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,862
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,862
Wow. What a super song. Great arrangement and production. Jeff is spot on with the vocals. Good job all around.

Charlie


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
David,
I liked the ringing guitars, the vocal and especially the write- sounds like a Tom Petty inspired classic.
Very well done.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490

Hey thanks Charlie! We had another good time down at Kill Branch and we missed ya man!!

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,901
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,901
D&H&J,

A good song. Especially like the chorus.

Really like your drum track choice.

Might just be my speakers...but the vocals are a bit loud and too-up-front for the overall band style.
And they sound like they are in a "different space" compared to the tracks.
The overall mix has a pretty high "EQ signature".

Glad y'all are having fun. Keep 'em coming.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,042
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,042
Outstanding in so many ways, guys. Herb, great idea bringing in David, and David, great idea bringing in Jeff. Love the very pleasant story you tell; it reminds me of my childhood, although we had dirt roads and no sidewalks. What a great coolab --yeah, that was a typo, but it fits so well.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,851
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,851
I sent a partial verse and chorus to Dave asking if he could do anything with it....and to consider the lines as fillers or not until we could come up with something better. After a few back and forth with the ideas and lines and musical versions.... and then trimming it down in length.... So imagine my surprise when I sent him a new lyric for a part and Dave says... Man that's a hit! Anyway... we stumbled through the process and finally ......

This is what we ended up with. And then Jeff was brought in to sing it....and we were changing things in that recording session....

It was a fun and interesting project as the different parts and aspects came together. It's always fascinating to me to watch it happen in real time.

A pleasure to be a part of this from the writing, to the recording, and mixing, and calling it done after Dave's final touch at his studio. A nice group of stand-up guys to work with.

It's nice to see so many folks are enjoying this song as well.... Thank you all for listening.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 06/15/22 05:10 AM.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,664
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,664
David, Herb and Jeff

"After hearing what Jeff did with this, we have decided to write more songs Jeff can sing." Uh....YES definitely!!

What a great job you all did here! Jeff sounds a lot like Herb to me. His vocals are certainly a great fit for this song! And speaking of the song, it's a very good one! The chorus stays with the listener for a while!

Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,926
David,

Great song and a great singer! Well done all!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,319
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,319
Very cool collaboration David, Herb and Jeff. Cool Americana song. Super vocal. Loved the jangly guitars. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Wonderful collab.
Tastes like more.
Great music and vocals.

Rob and Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Fantastic song guys! Great writing with a feel good sound all the way through. I'm jealous!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490

Thanks Robert! I sure did enjoy your last as one, you can tell!

Yeah, I have been having fun working with Herb and Jeff.

Herb has a real ear for modern country, I think, and has an excellent feel for the brand new real tracks that capture that sound and vibe. His instinct can be uncanny at times, and he is proving to be a real master of reason and rhyme and music, as well, in addition to be being able to play the guitar like a freak. (I mean that in a good way. He can tear it up.)

I am fully convinced that BIAB has about all you need for a solid Nashville demo in the hands of someone like Herb, if you have someone who can sing like Jeff.

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,255
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,255
in the 1st verse particularly the vocal is LOUD & there's either proximity effect or reverb build up in the low end.
It's less pronounced in the chorus but still keeps that "other room" thing.
Generally the top end is a bit crisp.
REALLY cool song, the voice is a great fit and well done chaps.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Very nice collaboration, gents. Well written, good band sound and excellent vocal.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490

Thanks Floyd. We will keep working on it.

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,643
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,643
Man, Jeff can sing and David and Herb write fantastic songs.

A super collaboration

Fantastic job on everything

Loved it


Forbidden fruit causes many jams!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,237
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,237
David & crew.
A well written tune. Neat musical bed. Jeff's vocals are excellent, but I believe they need to be mixed in a bit deeper as they feel a bit separated from the rest. I think FJ is correct. In any case, A+ collaboration!
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hi David, Herb and Jeff
Great cooperation
Sounds really great
Jeff sings the song excellent
Really fun to listen to
Thanks to all involved
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,490

Thanks Mario!

We intend to revisit this about 12 times if necessary. Our Nashville Songwriter group has been giving some feedback and we already seen space for melodic improvements in the chorus.

So, we plan to keep working on it, because we see potential in working with Jeff and doing multiple versions of songs we are working on together.

I guess the main point is we are WORKING and we see some potential ahead and like what we can hear in our heads.

Now he have to be able to print that.

smile

But we will....we will.

smile

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts800,689
Members40,053
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
JamaicaBob, csgul, mamad, carl schwindeman, Palgreen 1
40,053 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 129
DC Ron 111
rsdean 92
Noel96 60
Today's Birthdays
90 dB, jestlykme, Joop Witteman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5