|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579 |
How am I going to follow my last song?  With this one, it seems. See what you think?  Thanks for listening and for any comments! This Melody THE LYRICS: When we first met, we were so young, You were the girl with golden hair, I was that boy, so highly strung, You kissed me, soft, I gasped for air. When you held me, I'd only cry, When I held you, you'd only shake; I never stopped t' ask myself why ... Perhaps that was my one mistake. And many years have now passed by;
I cannot write without you
In my own mind, as I now sigh,
And pen these lyrics, feeling blue.Why you left me, I still don't know; Why hate me so, I'm none too wise; Perhaps others told you to go, With words of lies, in noble guise. And now it's late, you're not with me, And I sit here, all alone, My mind's a broken symphony ... My soul is empty, to the bone. And many years have now passed by;
I cannot write without you
In my own mind, as I now sigh,
And pen these lyrics, feeling blue.And since I know not where you are, And if, at times, you think of me, I sit, and wish, upon a star, That you may hear this melody. To have you back, I do not dare To hope, for that's perhaps too much; I'd just want you to know that I still care ... And that I miss your gentle touch. THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Feeling Blue - 8 June 2023 File:Feeling Blue - 8 June 2023.SGU Key=C , Tempo 60, Length (m:s)=4:48 No intro. 68 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 68. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _ROSEATE.STY (Roseate Pop Ballad) RealTracks in style: 3501:Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioBalladAB Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 2813:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm GospelSlowBalladMike Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 3906:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterSlow16DADGAD Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 3874:Guitar, 12-String Electric, Rhythm BalladPickingBrent Ev16 060 RealDrums in style:MalletsSlow16ths: a: Tom Groove b: TomGroove HiHat ******************* Mixed in Mixcraft Pro Studio 9.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,788
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,788 |
James,
Great song and an excellent vocal. I really like your tracks selection. Great mix as well.
Nice job with this project!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,221
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,221 |
Very close to the vibe & sound of Rod McKuen's Jean on this one.
I like the backing but also think you can afford to venture a little more boldly in that area as McKuen did on If You Go Away etc.
Nice one.
Last edited by rayc; 06/08/23 11:43 AM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
James
Very pleasant melody, gentle song, sounds good.
Well done.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi James ...
Such a pretty song with a relatively simple but very effective chord progression in the verses, while the chorus offers some very nice variations in the pattern. Your vocal is very good. Very nice selection of backing tracks. And the key modulations in the last half were so nice. Very nice, indeed!
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: May 2019
Posts: 4,958
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,958 |
You're right, James. Your last one was so good it can't be topped. But this one rides alongside, and I like that we're back to your musically speaking vocal. Your progressions are unmistakably yours. Very clever in their movement and quite melodic. I like the modulation. I sure would like to meet this gal that write about. She seems very inspirational. Rod McKuen was an interesting suggestion, but I like it just the way it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455 |
James, those outstanding backing tracks are fabulous and they are perfect for your spoken word.
Super mix.
Two thumbs up.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,843
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,843 |
James,
Nice write.
Good tracks.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,628
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,628 |
You have a knack for writing lyrics that one can easily identify with, at least I can. Good backing tracks for your recitation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451 |
Hey James,
I love this, very emotive!!
Really pulls at the heart strings!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579 |
Thank you so much, each and every one of you, for such kind comments. This may be a good song, or not, I don't know; all I know is that it's not quite as good as I wanted it to be. I should have waited until the morning, before posting it, but ... I finished it late at night and it sounded good enough to me, then, so ... Anyway, many of you seem to have enjoyed it, which is a big source of comfort, for me ... but it seems I'm going to have to reflect hard on my musical direction ... which way I want to go with my songs, etc. . On one hand, I've had more than enough of heartbreak songs ... on the other hand, I don't know what else to write about, these days. Something to reflect upon, for me. But thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind comments. And Marty, yes ... if I could, I would gladly introduce you to this gal! Maybe you could talk some "sense" into her, and succeed where I've clearly failed? haha Only joking ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,025
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,025 |
As Ray said, "Very close to the vibe & sound of Rod McKuen's Jean on this one." "I've had more than enough of heartbreak songs ... " They spring eternal. This one has your Victorian feel on the rhyme scheme which gives it, at least for us, different imagery. Like a late 19th century scene in a tv series. And that's all a sad love song needs ... just a different take on the theme. FWIW, etc. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,259
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,259 |
Excellent vocal and lyric James. Backtrack was excellent as well..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,674
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,674 |
Hi James,
A long time since I hear a song from you again. But it could be me who missed the former songs.
I'm glad too you returned to these kind of songs where you talked in a sensitive way the beautiful lyrics only you can write this way.
Good song, good fibrations!
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,181
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,181 |
Hi, James. Sounds good! But I can relate to the feeling that you're writing the same song over and over again. Some thoughts you can ignore... I heard you almost sing on "with golden hair". So I know you can sing a little. And a little is all you need. How about just singing the chorus? And by "chorus", I means something really simple, like repeating "You don't know" or "You broke my heart". Not many words, only a few notes. Make the chorus more up-tempo than the verse, so it's a strong contrast with the verse. Drums, shakers - all the standard tricks that pop songs use to give the chorus a lift. You could even mix the sung part with spoken word in a call and response, such as: (sung) My one mistake... (spoken) Not telling you. (sung) My one mistake... (spoken) What can I do? (sung) My one mistake... (spoken) That's my one mistake. That way, you're only singing a few notes - but making them count! I've mentioned William Shatner's "Has Been" album, which has the "problem" that he doesn't sing. For example: That's Me TryingAnd if you don't feel comfortable singing, you can do what Shatner did and have someone else sing it for you. 
-- 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: May 2018
Posts: 2,579
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579 |
Janice and Bud: thank you. I'm taking a small break (or so the plan is, at least) from writing, in the hope that recharging the batteries will bring new inspiration. Thank you, though, for the wonderfully kind words! Scott: thanks Hans: too kind! thank you! David: brilliant suggestions. I just don't think the song is up to par, though - or, if it is, it's no better than what I have already written. So I'll see if I spend any more time on it, improving it ... if I do, I will seriously consider your suggestions, but I really think this one may be better off put away, into an imaginary box of some sorts Thanks, though, so much for such truly thoughtful suggestions!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,908
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,908 |
This is the second song of yours (that I've heard) where you sing a melody instead of spoken words, and in both cases I liked it.
You should do that more often.
The arrangement is good, but could benefit from some dynamic changes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,527
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,527 |
Beautiful melody and very enjoyable chord progression (I really like the change in "I was that boy, so highly strung").
Pleasantly warm vocal delivery. But most of all, I can hear lots of personal feeling in the touching lyrics.
The arrangement could be more interesting if, for example, strings were used to highlight important/dramatic sections.
Your talent shines, keep on writing these unique pop songs.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,579 |
B.D. Thomas: thank you. I'll try to sing more! Janne: thanks so much. Ever so kind! Yes, as B.D. also said, the arrangement could do with improvement. But (as I already said, above), I think I'm going to put this song aside, for a while If I do come back to it, I will see what can be done, though, by way of working on the arrangement - thanks again
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,961
Posts798,281
Members39,996
| |
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