The Maldives The Dream Islands become the scene of the karmic love of the soul mate of the tour guide Salia and the local Mohamed. In an odyssey, she battles her heart against culture and religion, and ultimately against herself, against the backdrop of one of the world's last paradises. Love knows no fear. Let your faith in it grow like a flower. Give it water, let the sun shine on it and take care of it. At night you will not be able to see it, but it is still there. It will take time, but you will get a sign ... - "
The song is based on the book PARADIESLEBEN by my girlfriend and author PETRA RIEWE. LIVING IN PARADISE shows only a part of this incredible true story.
When I told DJ LEKICH about my new project, I could only present him with a relatively poor demo. But he went along with it right away anyway. With his help, we first put the song on a completely new musical foundation. When DJ then presented his first vocal track, it was clear that we were on the right path. As a bass player, only Marty came to mind. I knew his great playing style would give the background track the right touch. But I also needed string accompaniment. Especially for the big finale of the song. Since my musical skills are not sufficient for something like that, I asked Shigeki if he would like to join the project. Fortunately, he said yes, because his brilliant work was the missing piece of the puzzle for a fantastic song. I hope you like it as much as we do.
This project has been an extraordinary amount of fun. I would like to thank everyone involved for the great collaboration. ANDI ;-)
Can you hear the waves of the ocean They’re telling us all about our life There are so many fantastic emotions And the love between us must survive
But it’s not too late To say the words to you And I’m feeling happy Cause the words are true
And now I’ll wait Wait for your answer I’ll wait for your smile
We are living in paradise And now I’m ready to sacrifice I’m still loving you Still loving you
I hope that you can change your view So that our dreams can all come true I’m still loving you Still loving you
Look to the sky stars are shining for us Every light a reason for our love Fate’s the only thing that we can trust And for a perfect life you are enough
But it’s not too late To say the words to you And I’m feeling happy Cause the words are true
And now I’ll wait Wait for your answer I’ll wait for your smile
We are living in paradise And now I’m ready to sacrifice I’m still loving you Still loving you
I hope that you can change your view So that our dreams can all come true I’m still loving you Still loving you
We are living in paradise And now I’m ready to sacrifice I’m still loving you Still loving you
Our emotions are jumping high Flying fishes for a lullaby I’m still loving you I’m still loving you
****** Song Summary ************* Title: LivingInParadiseV2 File:LivingInParadiseV2.SGU Key=D , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=4:45 1 bar intro, 90 bar chorus, from bar 2 to bar 91. Repeat x1 chorus Melody has 2429 notes, Melody harmony is <no harmony>(0) Soloist track has 524 notes, Soloist harmony is <no harmony>(0) Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Styles,Volume Changes,RealDrums Changes, Style is _HARTBRK.STY
RealTracks in style: 1839:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 RealTracks in song: ~~365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 1831:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopModernGrooveBrightA-B Ev16 075 RealTracks in song: 1037:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev 065 RealTracks in song: 3438:Guitar, Electric, Soloist BritPsycPopBallad Ev 065 RealTracks in song: 1543:Synth Pad, PopBelieve Ev16 065 RealDrums in song: RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Pretty song with a great intro! I like the different type of chord structure in the verses! Nice work with your synth sounds! Vocals sound really good Deej! Marty once again delivers some great bass work! Andi, I feel this is some of your best work that I've heard! It's a very good song!
Thanks, Torrey
Edit: I didn't realize that the strings were done by Shigeki. They are wonderfully done!
We enjoyed the backstory and know you must be very proud of your girlfriend’s book.
Deej’s passionate lyric interpretation is great. Marty’s bass is smooth as butter. Shigeki’s strings truly were the icing on the cake.
And, of course, your lyric and BiaB tracks are the wonderful cake. Great drums and a very good mix.
Awesome collaboration!
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
Andi...what a gorgeous piece of music...and super arrangement...Deej's vocals are killer and you can never go wrong with Marty playing bass...I love ethereal songs with sound effects if their done right and the ocean sounds are so appropriate to lead in and out of the song...love the melody and you're right the strings always cap off a soaring chorus...just super all round!! BRAVO!...Dan
www.soundclick.com/firesong BiaB 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.
Great collaboration. The vocal is a little strident and could be EQ'd to deal with that, (some where between 750Hz & 1.2Khz), though it might also be the result of limiter clipping - it's a hot mix.Lots of dunamics - so not brickwalled or crushed but HOT. Shigeki's strings are cool & inventive as always, Marty's bass is solid with the right notes in the right places and cool phrasing, Deej's voice and expression are always a joy. Very cool song Andi. The backstory made me think I was reading a Justanoldmuso post for a moment but it didn't end in caveats so was refreshing.
Lyrically the "...I'm still loving..." bothers me as it suggests impermanence or, even worse, a situation that'll change if circumstances don't suit the narrator. That's just me grinding against modern idioms like impermanent verbs and "being there".
The whole mix is solid though the rhythm section does come in quite strongly & suddenly plus the rim shot is really loud and dominant.
The intro sound FX were, to me, vaguely amusing/ominous given that The Maldives is slowly, but inexorably, being inundated by rising sea levels.
I came back to listen again as it's a sweet song. I tried to tame the distortion/clipping and the rim shot with EQ across the stereo mix. It was interesting that with everything flat and no gain it popped into the red a fair bit. with the EQ subtraction it wasn't as often so the unpleasant sounds may be in the player rather than the mastering but the high level would cause that in most players until the volume is reached for. I've inserted an image of the EQ I used. The deep notch for the rim shot is over doing it but all I could do in a stereo mix...in the mixing project it's be a simple level thing I assume.
Last edited by rayc; 07/18/2205:30 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Well you did it again, finding the right musicians for your song. You are very good at that! And they are very good in what they did, Marty, Deej and Shigeki!
I enjoyed the song and it's build upo very much. At first Deej sings a bit under his favorite key, but that was needed for the finale. And what a finale it was! Marty is always steady in what he does. Playing the bass creativly. And Shigeki's strings were indispensable in this epic song. Still, the thunder at the end didn't promise much good...
Hi Andi really great work on this peace the best to date so well done love it thanks for sharing Eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
Very nice to read that you have got so many talented musicians to join your project. The end result sound really good, excellent collaboration, everything and everybody works together, romantic story with beautiful melody, enjoyable chord progression and great selection of instruments and artists. Deej's vocals are great as always, but I agree with Hans that the song key was bit low for his range.
Fantastic Andi. Great ideas and loved the process - two writers to draw from with you and your girlfriend make a great and original story. You cannot ever go wrong with Deej on vocals. The mix was perfect (IMHO). Marty always puts down a great bass line, but I loved the way you had it stand out in the mix - and the strings - terrific! The modulation at the end was great, and though I didn't understand if the thunder was trying to bring out something more of the story, but I hadn't expected the ocean outro and it sounded good. Another great collaboration project!
3m12secs on very nice....loved the high vocs at the song outtro.
happiness. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 07/20/2201:14 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Hi Torrey Thanks for your great words To get praise from such a top musician is already great I think I speak for everyone involved when I say I'm glad you enjoyed it. By the way: If I had composed the string accompaniment, your feedback would not have been so positive ;-)))) Many greetings Andi ;-)
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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