Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Here's a song I wrote in February 2023, and recently finished the recording.


I was inspired by Floyd's recent use of the cello RT, but I couldn't get it to work for me on this song, so ended up using a viola RT, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

All RT's are listed below. All lead, plus a rhythm track are my Tele being played through a Boss GX-100 processor that I recently got. I'm doing all the vocals as well.

I did use my MODO Drum plugin for some additional drum parts.

I mastered with IK Multimedia's T-Racks 5.
I also used a number of module processors (plugins) from that same program in my DAW (Reaper) when recording.

As always all comments are welcome.


https://soundcloud.com/greg-achord/when-im-around-you



RD Drums_NashvilleEven8 + IK Multimedia Modo Drums
RT 701 Bass
RT 642 Guitar Elec
RT 364 Guitar AcouFP
RT 368 Guitar AcouStrum
RT 2825 Piano Acou
RT 2921 Piano Acou
RT 2336 Viola

©2023 Greg Achord


When I'm Around You


I don't wanna let you see, the way you make me feel... When I'm Around You
I thought I could never find, this joy I feel inside... When I'm Around You
Who knew it would be this way,
I'm just so afraid of what I think you'll say
I don't wanna let you see, the way you make me feel... When I'm Around You


Sometimes I find it hard, to say the things I want... When I'm Around You
'Cause even though it's in my heart and mind, I'm just so shy... When I'm Around You
I wish that I could let you know,
You had me from our very first hello
Yea even though it's in my heart and mind, I'm still so shy... When I'm Around You


(Solo)


I pray some day I can open up my heart
And make you see we should never be apart
Then I hope you say the words I've longed to hear
Come hold me close to you yea always keep me near


That'll be the day I let you see, the way you make me feel... When I'm Around You
Yea then I'll wanna let you know, the way you make me feel... When I'm Around You
When I'm Around You

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,349
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,349
Greg...Beautiful country/rock ballad...I really like the track and your use of the viola...stellar writing...your vocals are super and the solo instrumental is perfect for the song...really, really nice!


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,540
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,540
AC.

nice vocal emotion n' lyrics mate,...
liked the cello.

i really like those doubled vocs,

only idea ...maybe try the lead guitar with a higher harmony part ? ie low n' high ?

i just heard it that way in my mind.

great slow rock effort mate.

best

om


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.)
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,661
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,661
Nicely done man, I enjoyed this ballad.
A good write and your voice has a Dave Mason vibe.

Well done.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2025 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,818
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,818
That’s a good ballad, Greg!

The heartfelt vocal and fine harmonies served the lyric very well.

The viola does sound great, as does your guitar work. Nice solo!

And you wrapped in all in a fine mix that sounds GREAT on our monitors.

Kudos!

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: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715
Good love song.
The viola definitely works, that was a good choice.
And you have a good voice, really a very emotional performance.
Well arranged and mixed!

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,796
An excellent write and production, Greg. SO pro all the way. Your lyrics are so relatable, and your vocal matches them in emotion. The harmonies are perfect. Great band, especially that Tele player.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,934
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,934
Greg,
Nice, big sound tune. Excellent vocals and guitar work! Liked your progression. Viola RT works very well. The only thing, to my taste I would like
to hear vocals a little more upfront. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020
AC this is such a professional sounding Nashville country song it should be on the radio today.
Loved that viola.
Super heart felt vocals and guitar chops.
Super groove.
Loved it.


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: Feb 2023
Posts: 60
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 60
Nice song and vocals. and nice use of instruments. And the solo instrumental parts really fit nicely into the song.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Originally Posted By: firesong
Greg...Beautiful country/rock ballad...I really like the track and your use of the viola...stellar writing...your vocals are super and the solo instrumental is perfect for the song...really, really nice!


Thank you very much firesong!


Originally Posted By: justanoldmuso
AC.

nice vocal emotion n' lyrics mate,...
liked the cello.

i really like those doubled vocs,

only idea ...maybe try the lead guitar with a higher harmony part ? ie low n' high ?

i just heard it that way in my mind.

great slow rock effort mate.

best

om



Thanks for the listen & comments om. Not sure what you mean about the guitar part... there is no harmony part, do you mean I should add one?



Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
Nicely done man, I enjoyed this ballad.
A good write and your voice has a Dave Mason vibe.

Well done.



Hey BT, thank you very much!



Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
That’s a good ballad, Greg!

The heartfelt vocal and fine harmonies served the lyric very well.

The viola does sound great, as does your guitar work. Nice solo!

And you wrapped in all in a fine mix that sounds GREAT on our monitors.

Kudos!

J&B


Thanks J&B! I certainly appreciate your taking the time to listen and comment.



Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
Good love song.
The viola definitely works, that was a good choice.
And you have a good voice, really a very emotional performance.
Well arranged and mixed!


Thanks for the nice comments B.D. I'm pretty happy with the viola part... Wanted to use the cello, but it just wouldn't work, no matter how many times I regenerated!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Great arrangement and vocals. Thanks for posting

Mike B.


Music should be part of your life
http://www.soundclick.com/blackcatjazzcafeband
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,884
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,884
Great sound you have here!

I really like your vocal, and nice guitar work also.

Well done, enjoyed.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
An excellent write and production, Greg. SO pro all the way. Your lyrics are so relatable, and your vocal matches them in emotion. The harmonies are perfect. Great band, especially that Tele player.



Thank you Marty for the very nice comments!


Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Greg,
Nice, big sound tune. Excellent vocals and guitar work! Liked your progression. Viola RT works very well. The only thing, to my taste I would like
to hear vocals a little more upfront. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.



Thank you Misha, I've been experimenting lately with having my vocals a little furhter back in the mix.


Originally Posted By: MarioD
AC this is such a professional sounding Nashville country song it should be on the radio today.
Loved that viola.
Super heart felt vocals and guitar chops.
Super groove.
Loved it.



Thanks so much Mario! I have a band mate who's a DJ at one of our local country stations and he's going to put in the late night rotation... So it will actually get some radio play soon.


Originally Posted By: Joe Stroffolino
Nice song and vocals. and nice use of instruments. And the solo instrumental parts really fit nicely into the song.



Hey Joe, thanks for the listen and nice comments. I appreciate it.

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hi Greg
Very nice song
Sounds really good
The background track is well done
Also the vocals are convincing
Great work Greg
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Originally Posted By: cubanpete
Great arrangement and vocals. Thanks for posting

Mike B.



Thanks for the listen Mike.


Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Great sound you have here!

I really like your vocal, and nice guitar work also.

Well done, enjoyed.



Hey Dave, thanks for the nice comments.

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
One of the BEST BIAB backing tracks I've heard here. Loved the vocals/harmonies as well. Keep rocking my friend.


Trax

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,015
Nice all around - good singing, nice lyric, solid backing.

I'm with Misha - the vocal placed so far back make the mix feel "flat" to me, even though I can clearly hear the instruments in the left and right channels. Weird.

Viola works quite nicely! smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Man Greg, you've got an excellent sound here. The viola was an excellent choice. Your guitar work was really good too. Fits the song perfectly. Your vocal really shines in this one. I also think it it's a good write, very relatable. If I had to be extremely nit-picky, I thought it might sound a little more intriguing if the words "Around you" didn't rhyme with themselves quite as much. Another "oo" rhyme might give it a little more kick and anticipation? As is though, it's very strong.

Brad

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Originally Posted By: PROJECT M
Hi Greg
Very nice song
Sounds really good
The background track is well done
Also the vocals are convincing
Great work Greg
Many greetings
Andi ;-)



Thanks for the listen and nice comments Andi.



Originally Posted By: Muzic Trax
One of the BEST BIAB backing tracks I've heard here. Loved the vocals/harmonies as well. Keep rocking my friend.


Trax



Hey Trax, thanks for the very nice comment!



Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice all around - good singing, nice lyric, solid backing.

I'm with Misha - the vocal placed so far back make the mix feel "flat" to me, even though I can clearly hear the instruments in the left and right channels. Weird.

Viola works quite nicely! smile



Hey David, thanks for the listen & feedback. I've been experimenting lately with where I put the vocals in the mix... As long as all the words can be understood, I don't feel like they're too far back.


Originally Posted By: Brad Williams
Man Greg, you've got an excellent sound here. The viola was an excellent choice. Your guitar work was really good too. Fits the song perfectly. Your vocal really shines in this one. I also think it it's a good write, very relatable. If I had to be extremely nit-picky, I thought it might sound a little more intriguing if the words "Around you" didn't rhyme with themselves quite as much. Another "oo" rhyme might give it a little more kick and anticipation? As is though, it's very strong.

Brad



Thanks so much Brad! I did consider another rhyme "since I found you", but eventually decided to leave it, since it was the title & hook.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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®!

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,292
Posts790,635
Members39,854
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 321
MarioD 217
DrDan 214
Noel96 163
DC Ron 145
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Kara Music Production, Алик
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5