Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#765209 05/12/23 05:58 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Hi, all:

Here’s almost something new . . . and by almost, I mean that I’m not quite sure if I’m done with it . . . and by that, I mean there are other things that I’m thinking of doing with it but not sure if I should . . . which is also to say, that I’m not sure it’s even a song worth spending more time on--my answer to which changes from moment to moment. So, I figure, why not put out what I have so far for some input to help me decide? It’s about the only thing new I’ve got going, for better or worse. Thanks in advance for the listens and feedback.

My best to you all,

Deej

Here’s the song:

NEVERMORE

Here are the lyrics:

Hey, girl, there’s a raven at your door
Speaking truths that you’ve well heard before
A cheater’s proof in hand
Your man doesn’t love you anymore
And it’s high time you know it

And the answer to the question you
Have asked a million times
Is the same one you’ve tried so hard to ignore
There’s a message in this raven’s wings
Now scream it to the skies
Nevermore

Hey, girl, it’s a shout out from the dark
A true confession of a tell tale heart
You’ve been left guessing, but now you know
So blow it all apart
You’ve got the strength
Don’t be shy to show it

Walk away, but it’s okay if you need to cry
I’ll be here, ever near
You can take this feathered hand
And we can fly

(Never more waiting in the dark
Evermore in this raven’s heart)

And here’s the band:

RealTracks 1826: Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveSync4s
RealTracks 3182: Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm GrungeUnpluggedQuinn
RealTracks 1830: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopModernGrooveBrightDist
RealTracks 3520: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Americana16thsDelayBrent
RealTracks 1262: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopShiningHeld
RealDrums: RockNorthern^7

Deej56 #765219 05/12/23 07:14 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
HI Deej ...

I always look forward to a new one from you.

I enjoyed this from start to finish. I like the idea of using a raven as the messenger - unique and interesting in a most favorable way.

Nice chord pattern, too - especially in the chorus. There's just something about the I - 1V7 chord combination that piques my ears' interest. Good lyric, vocal, and arrangement. I enjoyed my listen very much. Spot-on mix, too.

This couplet is, in my opinion, the best in the lyric:

Hey, girl, it’s a shout out from the dark
A true confession of a tell tale heart

Take care ...

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

Deej56 #765222 05/12/23 08:34 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
I'm on my cell phone, so I may be more succinct than usual.

Where's the problem? smile Listened to it only once, but enjoyed every second of it. The form is excellent, you vary things in between repetitions of the chorus and the verses in between, and that more than keeps the listener's interest. The writing is very, very good. If I am to be INCREDIBLY picky, make sure you land that falsetto note on the word "okay" smile It's so high! But, look, this is an excellent, really excellent song. I would put it amongst your top ones. I wouldn't change a thing, me, but (as you yourself told me many times) don't second guess your own artistic instinct. I, myself, really loved it ... and its message is original, if only because of the way it's presented in. Maybe I am easy to please, but I can't see a problem, here. smile

Deej56 #765273 05/13/23 07:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,682
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,682
Deej,

This is superb! Your vocal is stellar and the production is excellent. Love the song and the arrangement. Great track selection.

This was definitely worth putting out.

Bob

Deej56 #765287 05/13/23 08:22 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Interesting and thoughtful lyric
Cool Melody that took you to the catchy chorus.
Good mix and production and your voice sounds perfect for this tune
Nice jobNice job


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







Deej56 #765292 05/13/23 08:53 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787
Deej,

A solid track. That BAND holds together well.
Vocals are excellent - as always. Well recorded. (Stellar falsetto in the bridge!)
A "clever" write. A bit esoteric for my tastes, though. Still...well done.
A VERY catchy chorus.

You are a talent.

fj

Deej56 #765300 05/13/23 10:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
I can't find anything I would change, so my advice is: leave it as it is smile

Love the lyrics and its delivery, the production and especially the chorus.
Very catchy!

Deej56 #765375 05/14/23 04:27 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hi DJ
WOW - Really good song from the beginning to the end
Excellent vocal work
You can't get the chorus out of your head ;-)))
1A work DJ
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Deej56 #765410 05/14/23 06:07 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192
Deej,
it's excellent as it is. The lighter arrangement contrasting with the dark associations with the lyric.
ACE melody and progressions.
Superb vocal performance.
I don't know - you could try it in the BIAB Doom style for fun.
I'm sure it work a treat...can't hurt but, as it stands, this is a cool thing already.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Deej56 #765431 05/14/23 11:40 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,825
Hi Deej,

Very good song, good lyrics and well mixed.

No room for an instrumental solo?


Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
Deej56 #765432 05/14/23 11:50 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,936
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,936
Hi Deej,

Love this! You got your inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe I guess? Great idea, works really well.

Man, that vocal! Especially love the bridge.

Enjoyed!

Deej56 #765446 05/15/23 02:43 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893
Keep at it, Deej, and soon everyone will be raven about it (couldn't help it). You know I like your voice so much that I'd listen to you sing the phone book. I really like the melody, and the band and mix are perfect. I've got nothing for ya to consider except I like Ray's suggestion to try other Styles. Not because the song needs it, but because it's fun AND it could inspire you to make a few changes --again, not that change is necessary. Next month I'll post the 3rd version of a song that will feature Ray on bass.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Deej56 #765458 05/15/23 05:54 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,504
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,504
Nice lyrics, I like the use of raven as the caller for liberation.
Really enjoyed the chord progression, especially the minor of verses and then the more major choruses. Catchy chorus.
Very strong vocal performance, very good work with the high notes and the backing vocals are tasty.
I don't have ideas for improvement, although reminds me of Aerosmith ballads, maybe stronger electric guitars in the chorus (+solo) might give some extra spice.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Deej56 #765470 05/15/23 06:56 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,353
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,353
Deej...I can't really add much to what has already been said but I would like to reiterate some of it...my first impression is what a clever write and hook...E.A.P. would be flattered...secondly I agree with Marty and Ray's thought of trying other styles for fun and you did say you weren't quite sure if it's done yet or not...I know there have been times I've done that and found something I liked better...in fact after I get my chord structure into BiaB as a regular practice I play them through as many styles as I can in search of the "one" that enhances the lyrics the best.

BUT, you don't have to change a thing to make this a great song with a cool hook and a killer vocal (as usual)!


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.
Deej56 #765495 05/15/23 12:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
DJ, if I were you I would be "raven" about this one!

This is one outstanding song.

Fantastic vocal, backing tracks, mix, and lyrics.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Loved it.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Deej56 #765829 05/18/23 06:44 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Alan, James, Bob, Elliott, Floyd, B.D., Andi, rayc, Nigel, Dave, Marty, Janne, Dan, and Mario:

Thank you all for the listens and really helpful feedback. As you may have picked up, I wasn’t too sure about this and had mixed feelings about it . . . so your positive comments are encouraging. I’ve tweaked the mix a bit based on your comments.

One of the things I was concerned about was the abrupt start—that is, no intro. No one seemed to mind it, but I decided to add a short sound effect driven intro. I also added some beefier electric guitars into the chorus . . . and lastly, a cello. All of those those tracks are from the Doomsday style that rayc recommended. I think it all works, but I’m sure you’ll let me know if otherwise.

Some thoughts on the specific comments:

Floyd: Yeah, “esoteric” is a fair word for to describe the lyric . . . and I think that’s in part what has worried me . . . it’s not easily accessible , particularly with the Poe references. But hopefully the sound and melody compensate, and it resonates more on a further listen? Dunno.

Ray, Marty and Dan: So I did play with a number of additional styles following your comment. The Doomsday style with the cello was really cool . . . unfortunately for the verses, the chugging guitars didn’t really play the diminished chord so it wouldn’t work all the way through. But as noted above, I added the Thrash electric guitars into the chorus, and used the cello as well (with some restraint occasionally conflicted with the melody). Hopefully a good addition.

Nigel: Perhaps a function of my not being fully confident in the tune, I wanted to keep this short and sweet . . . under 3.5 minutes. Another reason I skipped the intro. But beyond that, I couldn’t find a natural place for one. The best option would have been before the bridge, but I thought that would take away from some of the song’s momentum. So, opted to do without. A good thought though.

Dave: I’m not sure I can honestly say it was inspired by Poe . . . that is, I didn't start writing the song with Poe in mind. I fell upon that opening line during my usual writing process . . . which is me strumming away on guitar while I mumble random nonsense until a line or phrase jumps out at me. But once I had the first line, I knew I wanted to incorporate more Poe elements . . . leading ultimately to the title of the song and the “tell tale heart” reference.

Janne: See above . . . stronger electrics in the chorus added . . . great suggestion!

Thanks again all . . . hope the changes are for the better.

Deej

Deej56 #765943 05/20/23 03:09 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 2
W
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
W
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 2
The chord pattern is quite impressive, particularly in the chorus. Experience the captivating allure of the I - IV7 chord progression that is sure to capture your auditory senses. Experience the perfect combination of captivating lyrics, mesmerizing vocals, and flawless arrangement. Experience the joy of listening with our exceptional audio quality. Perfectly blended, as well.

Deej56 #766006 05/20/23 12:32 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,597
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,597
It all sounds good to me. No, that's wrong. It sounds great to me. Clever lyrics and use of Poe. Catchy chorus. Vocal is tops, as usual.

Deej56 #766069 05/21/23 09:28 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,048
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,048
Deej,

You are one of my favorite vocalists here. Never a disappointing experience. Actually, I liked this tune a lot. Probably would make first 3 top songs by you on my list. Excellent lyrics, vocal performance and arrangement. The "abrupt start" you mentioned did not bother me personally at all. However if you want an opinion, there might be an easy cheat/addition to make intro a bit more smooth. After the last "knock" consider a sliding note of a bass or other instrument that would lead into the tune. In any case amazing effort and thank you for sharing.

Misha.

Deej56 #766160 05/22/23 07:14 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Hey DJ,

Great song man. All of your stuff has a real classic old school radio vibe.

Love it..

Excellent production and vocals.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 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
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,459
Members39,942
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Jonnyfartpants, Gengiz, MarcAlanMichael, Kylie jen, klausmus
39,941 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 200
Noel96 116
DC Ron 108
rsdean 103
DrDan 103
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
baz66, joesarahh, prsings
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5