Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Sorry Ray, I don't relate to this at all. Negative killer talk set to music is just not my thing.
(I'm not into horror films either.) I tried but I didn't make it past halfway of the short one - just too far from my taste so I can't help you with any meaningful critique. All I can say is since you use a mastering engineer instead of diy, I don't think overall sound quality is an issue for you so go with your gut. As popular as horror is, I'm sure there's plenty of audience out there.

Josie

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: rsdean

You do this music so well.
It's very difficult to capture and nail the vibe in this genre. You always totally succeed.
Loved it!
Bob

Thanks Bob,
I'm not sure what genre it is but it came to me quickly - just took almost a year waiting for a vocalist.
I'm pleased you enjoyed it.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: Sundance
Sorry Ray, I don't relate to this at all. Negative killer talk set to music is just not my thing.
(I'm not into horror films either.) I tried but I didn't make it past halfway of the short one - just too far from my taste so I can't help you with any meaningful critique. All I can say is since you use a mastering engineer instead of diy, I don't think overall sound quality is an issue for you so go with your gut. As popular as horror is, I'm sure there's plenty of audience out there.
Josie

No need to apologise Josie,
I think the label "negative" may mess up the sentence a bit but I get your drift.
The fictional narrative of a member of a demographic, that is becoming more & more abundant in the USA, is more a cautionary tale and, to relieve the tension, the denouement within the last two choruses, had you made it that far, may have alleviated the horror.
The songs are sonically identical but for the emergency call & gun shot in the longer version.
The M.E. preferred the shorter.
Thanks for making the attempt.

Last edited by rayc; 09/30/22 09:07 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi Ray ...

I personally enjoyed the shorter version slightly more. Both were excellent, but the mix on the shorter version sounded better in my ear. For me, the most prominent factor in the decision was that the bass line came across more dramatic to to me. It seemed to have had a slight more higher EQ (which I thought nmasde it more robust or definitive) and it was soightly more prominent in the mix.

Now, the 75 year-old ears might niot hear as some of the younger forum members might hear it. Over 50 years of a guitar amp in my ears hasn';t been helpful to my ears in these laster years. Thus, you muight want to take my comments with a grain of salt. But, nonetheless, that how it sounded to me.

Regardless of the version, I think this is the very best of anything you've post in this forum. I was a good listen either way,. Good luck with the project ...

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Ray ...
I personally enjoyed the shorter version slightly more.
Regardless of the version, I think this is the very best of anything you've post in this forum. I was a good listen either way,. Good luck with the project ...
Alan

Thanks Alan,
I still haven't made up my mind about which I prefer.
As far as projects go this song is done and dusted and will sit in a folder until I decide, someday, to do something with the stuff with it.
Again, thanks.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Hi Ray,

We agree with Brian, we like the shorter version a bit more.

That bass/guitar sounds a bit like the Cure's "A Forest".
W definitely like that!

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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: RnAM
Hi Ray,
We agree with Brian, we like the shorter version a bit more.
That bass/guitar sounds a bit like the Cure's "A Forest".
W definitely like that!
Rob and Anne-Marie

Thanks RnAM,
I was lucky enough to see pre A Forest The Cure...great live pub show.
Another vote for the short...ta!


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Very cool song!!! All of the production sounds great to me! Nicely done!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060

Ray,

Listened to the short version first. I like the whispered vocal; I think it works well and augments the sung vocal and makes it pop more. Great mix, well-executed. Nice punky, retro vibe for me. Pretty cool video—well done. Cool tune!

I moved on thereafter to the longer version, and I was reticent about the tune being longer . . . plus, I generally think shorter is better and at 3:36 it sits at a nice length.

Ok, so I’m surprised, I thought it would be longer. The difference is only 9 seconds? Is that right? I wouldn’t sweat that difference—go your gut and the version that works for you. And if I’m to be honest . . . I’m not sure I discerned the differences on my casual listen.

Great song, whichever version! Oh, and like Floyd, I love that "ping-ponging" effect at 1:30 . . . cool, creative touch.

Hope all is good with you,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: Deej56

Ray,

Listened to the short version first. I like the whispered vocal; I think it works well and augments the sung vocal and makes it pop more. Great mix, well-executed. Nice punky, retro vibe for me. Pretty cool video—well done. Cool tune!

I moved on thereafter to the longer version, and I was reticent about the tune being longer . . . plus, I generally think shorter is better and at 3:36 it sits at a nice length.

Ok, so I’m surprised, I thought it would be longer. The difference is only 9 seconds? Is that right? I wouldn’t sweat that difference—go your gut and the version that works for you. And if I’m to be honest . . . I’m not sure I discerned the differences on my casual listen.

Great song, whichever version! Oh, and like Floyd, I love that "ping-ponging" effect at 1:30 . . . cool, creative touch.

Hope all is good with you,

Deej

Thanks Deej,
Not much longer but the folley additions do make a significant difference to the song - some say spoiling it, some say signalling the surprise ending and some say it's simply unnecessary.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Hi Ray,

It was a very pleasant experience listening/watching your short video. I come back to that in a moment,
The other long video did not work. couldn't figure out what I had to do. It said it didn't work in the simple modus.
I didn't know I was in that modus myself, so.

That makes I can only respond to your short video/song, And my first sentence was how I felt and feel.
I liked everything you did, even the vocals. They were very strong here (although you whispered for sometime...)

I wrote a post to Floyd about his song, saying I was away for some time and that I noticed some things never changed, etc, etc
But I was wrong I see now; you changed! What a good mix and clear vocals/instruments. And yes, like B&J said; the reaction of Floyd nailed it. I think the same.

Nice day,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Very cool song!!! All of the production sounds great to me! Nicely done!! Take care. Greg

Thanks Greg.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
rayc Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,298
Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Ray,

It was a very pleasant experience listening/watching your short video. I come back to that in a moment,
The other long video did not work. couldn't figure out what I had to do. It said it didn't work in the simple modus.
I didn't know I was in that modus myself, so.

That makes I can only respond to your short video/song, And my first sentence was how I felt and feel.
I liked everything you did, even the vocals. They were very strong here (although you whispered for sometime...)

I wrote a post to Floyd about his song, saying I was away for some time and that I noticed some things never changed, etc, etc
But I was wrong I see now; you changed! What a good mix and clear vocals/instruments. And yes, like B&J said; the reaction of Floyd nailed it. I think the same.

Nice day,
Hans

Thanks Hans,
I'm pleased you like it.
You can thank the M.E. for the clearer vocal...he insisted it would better suit this song. It was his idea to whisper the 1st verse too.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,697
This is really good. Your vocal has presence, and I don't have to strain to make out the words. LOVE the guitar.

I don't have any preference between the two versions. Both work for me.

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Ray, this is hands down my favorite of yours so far! Everything you did here is super good! Love that syncopated stuff going on in the rhythm section! Instruments are mixed in excellent fashion! You really know how to put a song together! Thanks, Torrey

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 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
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,408
Posts804,505
Members40,116
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
therichestplat, willyMEZ, XGenesis, BillyK, Sam Leak
40,115 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 129
rsdean 96
WaoBand 93
DC Ron 90
vicarn 76
dcuny 70
Today's Birthdays
Curmudgeon, Romain, rwl7532
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5