|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
This idea has been lounging around in my head for a couple of months. I already changed the BIAB style 4 times, lyrics a number of times and changed all the instruments a few times. Also deleted the drums because I felt the rhythm guitar handled that ok. One thing I'm not sure of is whether the mandolin solo is right. Maybe a moody electric guitar solo would be better. Thank you all for your ears. Vic https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/bounce-the-ball?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharingBounce the Ball © 2022 Vic Arnold V1 Somewhere in a far off town I saw a mountain tumble down Dark and heavy thunder sound Oh, how the mighty fall Try to stop it rolling on You will find it can't be done But someday it'll all be gone Down a big black hole V2 Let your mind fly to the stars Wave goodbye to Earth and Mars Find out where the aliens are Say you've come to call Waited all my life it seems But I've seen you in my dreams I'm the King and you're the Queen In our hallowed hall Ch. Bounce the ball and follow through Do the things you want to do Do for those that do for you To yourself be true Inst. V3 There are things I've never seen and places that I've never been. Sometimes I feel I'm in between a long climb and a fall Up and down's the way life goes Up the fast lane, down the slow Where it ends nobody knows Like a bouncing ball Ch. Bounce the ball and follow through Do the things you want to do Do for those that do for you To yourself be true Ch.2 Bounce the ball into the air Try to catch it if you dare Jump out of that easy chair Into the big wide blue Bass 2474, Mandolin 2033 Guitars 2547,2534,3113,2666
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185 |
The change at 1.57 is a bit abrupt.
It may be that the two new instruments enter on the same side and the same beat.
I'd be inclined to lead in with the steel (?) just a beat or two earlier to introduce the dynamic change.
The mandolin does a fine job...I would've expected the steel to take that role...but busting expectations is a good thing.
Good song. A calm observation of existential dread.
Terrific package.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Vic,
Love the feel of this one. And a great write with some memorable lines . . . particularly for me those last lines of the second verse. From a production standpoint, that single strum guitar panned right was at first a bit jarring, less so once I got used to it, but perhaps dial it down a db or two? For me, the mandolin works just fine (just a bit buried by that single strum guitar). I get your decision on deleting the drums and generally agree with it. Did you try having them kick in just on the last verse and/or last chorus? Not sure it would work, but might give some added depth to the close. All in all, a terrific tune.
My very best to you, as always—
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Thanks Ray.
I missed that and hope I have now smoothed it out.
This is why we post our efforts and it helps a lot.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 69
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 69 |
Hi Vic, Sometimes less is more, i personally try to spend time listening to song styles and realize for me if a guitar and vocal is more powerful i need to stay out of the way of it. nice job
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,590
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,590 |
Vic,
It's a lovely sounding folk song! That sparse arrangement sounds great, and I agree that the drums are not needed! They would detract not enhance. I think the mandolin was an excellent choice for the solo! Great lyrics!
Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Thank you for the call on guitar strum, Deej.
I toned down the strum a bit now.
I had previously had the drums kick in before the chorus but it was too intrusive.
I didn't want choruses crashing in like a rock or pop tune so I left it out completely.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,867 |
I appreciate your explanation, Vic, and I can definitely empathize with it. It's cool how we have the ability to try our creations in so many different ways. I really like what you decided on here for this song. It probably wouldn't be as intimate with any kind of drum. I also hear what Ray mentioned about the held guitar and pedal coming in on the right. Is what I just heard the "changed-thanks-to-Ray" version? The mando works well in the solo. Did it require multiple takes to stitch together? I probably would've lowered the held guitar, especially through the solo, but that's an opinion. Ain't no opinion gonna change how well this song is written.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,353
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,353 |
Vic...this is a terrific tune...great write...I love the less is more approach...the single strum is great but as I listen it seemed too loud and became distracting especially panned too far IMO...I would pan it to the middle so it comes from behind the vocal and mandolin...I really like the steel guitar but I think ghosting it a bit with some reverb would give it a more haunting sound....the mandolin solo is right on in my book...well that's my $.o2 worth...really like the song and your vocal is very cool!
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 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
I really like this one Vic. Great composition and very expressive vocal!
Your voice and singing style fondly remind me of Johnny Cash.
The pedal steel on the chorus is very effective.
The mandolin soloist works very well. I know that sometimes it can be somewhat of a journey to find a soloist that genuinely fits the song's emotion. Anyway, I think this was a good choice.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Thanks Billy.
You're right there.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Cheers Torrey.
I have come to believe over the last few years that less is usually more in most BIAB songs.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Thanks Marty.
I put into place some of your suggs.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,644
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,644 |
Vic,
This is an absolutely great song. Your performance is great as well. Very John Stewart-like.
My favorite of yours to date...
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,492
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,492 |
Haunting song. Although the story has some optimistic lines, the overall mood is quite sad and grinding. I like that and how your low and emotional vocal delivery supports it. The simple backing band works very well and nothing wrong with the mandolin solo, although it feels bit busy, but that is a problem with many BIAB soloists.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527 |
Hi Vic
Beautiful song with a great melody
Sung with a lot of feeling
Good job Vic
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Fair comment re panning, firesong. I overpanned because it was a stereo track but I’ll have another look at it.
Thank you for the Suggs.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Rob.
I saw Johnny Cash on tv back in 1959 singing “Cry cry cry” and “I got stripes”. I was hooked on it’s simplicity.
Simple is always best imho.
Over the years my voice has cracked up to the way Johnny’s did at the end so I have to make the best of it as he did but I don’t try to emulate that.
It’s just the way it comes out.
Thank you for your appreciation.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621 |
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for not pitch correcting your vocals! They sound honest and real and perfectly complement the morose existential feeling of the song. Pitch correction would have ruined them.The arrangement is perfect as is the mandolin.
Funny thing you would mention Johnny Cash because one of the first things I thought of when I heard you sing was the way that Johnny Cash sang Hurt.
Last edited by Byron Dickens; 07/28/22 12:58 PM.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,225
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,225 |
Vic, this is absolutely an outstanding song.
Loved your vocal and your lyrics.
The band was spot on, less is more and I think you should do more like this!
Great mix
Loved it.
My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,637
Posts794,171
Members39,926
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean