|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
I had this one finished by December last year - well, almost - the lead part didn't arrive until Monday of this week. This was built in BIAB which also provided organ & drums. I used JS Spectrum matcher to tweak the drums and vocals...it allowed me to correct the tone of both, making my voice a little less awful. Greg Loyacano played the lead guitar parts - he's the lead player for the Texas punk band Toxic Origin. He played a Les Paul through a phaser pedal into a Marshall full stack. Greg also gave some mix advice. I played a knock off of a Hofner "Beatle" bass through a BDI21 and a Squire Mustang through a Marshall Superbass & 4x12. Mic is a cheap Focusrite red thing. Tracked through an SSL2 interface to Reaper. The basis of this song is my wife's query of why I don't write happy songs. When mastered I'll let her listen and, hopefully, it will explain things for her. Mind you she spends inordinate amounts of time watching Dystopian movies & TV series. C'est l'guerre. PREMASTER: HAPPY SONG MASTER: HAPPY SONG mst MASTER adjusted for streaming She wants A happy song, please She wants the sort of one That isn't creepy One that's fun Happy song A happy song, please One that won't make her frown One that doesn't bring her down 1Happiness is Happiness to you Happy songs too Are not the sort of songs I tend to do What she wants Is what she wants to get She wants the sort of thing She doesn't have yet Clappy song A clappy song, please One that doesn't bring her down One that won't make her frown Clappiness is Clappiness to you Clappy songs too Are not the sort of songs I like to do What we want Is what we strive to get We want the sorts of things We don't have yet Happy song And clappy song, please Ones that don't bring us down Ones that won't make us frown Sappiness is Sappiness to you Sappy songs too Are not the sort of songs I care to do When we smile Is what we feel and yet They 're the sorts of things We should forget Happy songs Sappy clappy songs , please Ones that don't bring us down Ones that won't make us frown Clappiness is Clappiness to you Clappy songs too Are not the sort of songs I wish to do Happiness is Happiness to you Happy songs too Are not the sort of songs I like to do
Last edited by rayc; 01/13/23 05:37 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
That's telling 'em Ray.
Who needs happy songs when there's so much enjoyment in misery?
For me, the drums and vocal can come up a tad. Personal pref. maybe.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796 |
Oh, yeah, the first thing to hit me was that Beatle bass --not only the instrument, but the accomplished way you play it. You're using a pic, right? Your vocal is awful ly good. That guitar is perfect. Greg was an excellent choice and worth the wait. My guess is his advice was to turn up the vocal. We all usually say that, but either I'm getting used to your ways or it is appropriately featured. So happy this one is not sappy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031 |
Ha ha Ray, this was a fun one. Thanks for the backstory - it brought a smile the entire time I was listening. I always love the way you work those stereo effects, and this is yet another example. I have to say though, I thought the highlight of this one was the bass. I thought you did a great job!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Ray,
I listened to the Master . . . sounds great to me. Good mix and elements throughout. I think the vocal is sitting at just the right level in the mix. Happy songs are the hardest to write, IMHO. But this is good stuff (however happy or not happy one may fine it!).
All my best,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015 |
Ha! Vocal sounds clear, which voids my usual complaint.  Fun song! You just can't make everyone happy - but it made me smile. 
-- 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: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,438
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,438 |
Ray, I really liked this. The mix is excellent. It made me smile, and you can tell your wife, it made me HAPPY!!!!!! TOO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!  Off to write another song about death row now....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
That's telling 'em Ray.
Who needs happy songs when there's so much enjoyment in misery?
For me, the drums and vocal can come up a tad. Personal pref. maybe.
Vic Thanks Vic, I'll note that for next time BUT the vocals are appreciably louder than my usual on this so I'll advance that with care.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Oh, yeah, the first thing to hit me was that Beatle bass --not only the instrument, but the accomplished way you play it. You're using a pic, right? Your vocal is awful ly good. That guitar is perfect. Greg was an excellent choice and worth the wait. My guess is his advice was to turn up the vocal. We all usually say that, but either I'm getting used to your ways or it is appropriately featured. So happy this one is not sappy. Thanks Marty, I use a pick about 90% of the time. I'm a creature of habit. The Hofknockoff certainly does have the Hoff tone. The vocals are enhanced by use of the Spectrum Matcher VST. It rounded and bolstered my crass tone a bit. Greg plays a mean guitar for a drummer. In fact his current gig is as a guitarist. His advice was to not worry about the minutiae of the vocal and just sing loudly & have it present in the mix.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Ha ha Ray, this was a fun one. Thanks for the backstory - it brought a smile the entire time I was listening. I always love the way you work those stereo effects, and this is yet another example. I have to say though, I thought the highlight of this one was the bass. I thought you did a great job! Thanks Brad. I tracked the draft bass line with my easily at hand Hoffknockoff and then tried to retrack with my preferred bass but the rounder wound strings on my Vantage ripped my little finger tip to shreds on the slides so I stuck with the draft.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Ray,
I listened to the Master . . . sounds great to me. Good mix and elements throughout. I think the vocal is sitting at just the right level in the mix. Happy songs are the hardest to write, IMHO. But this is good stuff (however happy or not happy one may fine it!).
All my best,
Deej
Thanks Deej, The master added a little warmth and a bit more bass but I trust the ME's ears.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Ha! Vocal sounds clear, which voids my usual complaint. Fun song! You just can't make everyone happy - but it made me smile. Thanks sir, I thought this might please "the usual suspects" in that respect. Thanks - your grin put a smile on my dial.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Ray, I really liked this. The mix is excellent. It made me smile, and you can tell your wife, it made me HAPPY!!!!!! TOO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!! Off to write another song about death row now.... David, thanks! What they say of gallows humour, I can say, is just a rumour. The hangman's dad jokes don't crack a smile, When you're at the end of a rope a while. Knot on left, short & swift, Knot on right, hangs all night.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018 |
Ray, this is a super song!
Loved those lyrics!
I really liked your lead guitarist and the B3!
You have a very good voice.
Great mix.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
Ray, this is a super song!
Loved those lyrics!
I really liked your lead guitarist and the B3!
You have a very good voice.
Great mix.
Thanks Mario, you are very kind. I made sure the B3 & Greg balanced each other in the mix.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Ray, I appreciate the fact that you are trying to get the listener to smile. It worked on me! I enjoyed my time listening,Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,714
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,714 |
HappyClappySappy.
Pure Joy.
Killer Bass!
A great Pop Punk sound to the collection of guitars.
The vocal is Just Right.
My ear wants the Drums to be considerably louder.
But you knew that.
EarWorm.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715 |
I like this song. A lot! The chorus is very catchy, I can't get it out of my head right now. But I'm not 100% positive if it really makes your wife happy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,816 |
This was right up Bud’s alley as he had just said this morning that he really should write a happy song to go with all the smiling photos he has of me (Janice.) Bud also says Janice was clapping out the perfect rhythm on the “clappiness bit.” Sounded like a cajon track Great song, Ray, in the lyric and the performances and mix! This mix just pops on the monitors. Your bass lines are awesome and Greg’s guitar was worth the wait, it seems. This had us smiling the entire time and we hope it gave Kim a chuckle. Loved it! 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,915
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,915 |
Vocal level was good, say hallelujah! Lyrics were wryly inane and very entertaining. Production was ace all the way except drums could be louder for me. Guitar, bass - both super! Great job!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,287
Posts790,583
Members39,854
| |
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