After (finally) watching Floyd's "The Birth of a Song" video where he mentions that every song should be a love song I decided to, well, write a love song. A simple, cheesy love song. With a simple, cheesy video. Blame Floyd, it's all his fault!
The song is basically about the same problem as in the movie "Harry and Sally": a boy and a girl are best friends until one of them falls in love with the other and from then on everything gets complicated.
Feedback (the good, the bad and the ugly) as always highly appreciated.
Some background information that no one asked for:
I'm sorry to start 2 songs in a row with a piano arpeggio, but that was the only way my chord progression for the intro (C#m A D G# G#m G) creates this enchanting mood that made me write this song.
the arragement started with tons of instruments (mostly guitars, as usual), and during the mixing/production phase the song became better with every instrument I removed. Now I know how John Cage wrote 4′33″ :-)
I was never 100% happy with the song, but not 100% unhappy either. But it wouldn't make sense not to release a finished song just because of the author's usual doubts.
As always, a BIG "thank you" to Marty for linguistic advice. Love ya'
Some technical information: Style: BACH_1.STY (yes, really!)
Title: A Fool (How to Cause a Complete Disaster, Part 1)
(Verse 1) I look at the sky At the fading sound Of what I never said Never said to you Sadness all around The unspoken thoughts That never found a home A home in your heart In your heart Can't look you in the eye Afraid to say a word Ashamed of what I feel
(Chorus 1) You've always been my friend My little brother from another mother That is why I thought I can't love you But I do I don't wanna stay Your sister from another mister I want more, I want your love I'm a fool Such a fool
(Verse 2) When I am at home and the night is long I feel alone, but it's different from before We know each other so well But you never realized That there's something deep inside That friendship can't satisfy
(Chorus 2 ) That's why I don't wanna stay Your sister from another mister I want more The worst case that could be for me That I would be the master of a big disaster Then I'd lose it all, my friend, my love I'm a fool Such a fool
What a marvelous song (again) you made here, wow!!! In all what happened in the song, What I most admired was the ending with different twists in Natalie's singing as she sang 'a fool' several times and always a little differently. I am really impressed by this song, and I already was impressed by your former songs... And I almost forgot the very nice video-impressions and the lyrics. Yes, I enjoyed this song!
Floyd was saying that the song should be in the key of G with a maximum of four chords, and should focus on an egocentric but heroic male character who drives all beautiful women crazy so they leave him and then beg him to come back to him because they miss his greatness, but he says he is too busy for them now and writes a Band-in-the-Song about them as punishment.
The song you wrote is more in line with the lessons provided here:
You should be thinking:
Tight silver spandex pants An over-inflated Codpiece a Trapeze Act A five minute synth solo hair implants Groupies Gratuitous Sex The Max Martin secret hit song recipe* * If you do not know what that is please stop writing songs
However, I think you are getting very close, and your wife should be pleased that you are very close to being the Eurovision winner of 2024.
Good job old bean.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Brain, this is really good. Great job on that vocal synth, she sounds so real! There are really good dynamics in this one. Great backing band! Super 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
Yeah, I think that Birth Of... post should be required listening. You are one of the masters of controlling those synth vocals. Really outstanding, Brain. I like how you worked in the "master from disaster," but my all-time favorite is "sister from another mister." Very cool vid, too. In our discussions about the lyrics did I ever mention how muc I like th song. Very good write. I like how the melody keeps bringing us in, and then we are rewarded with the lyrics.
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
This is excellent. I didn't realise it was vocal synth until after it finished and I read the background in your post. Wow! I love the tone you managed to create for Natalie. In addition, the way you shaped her performance was superb. The production is awesome! You've amazing arranging chops. Loved it! --Noel
You’ve done a great job on this . . . your arrangement and production is super clear . . . and your use of the vocaloid is first rate. Very moody, rich sound. Yeah, simply and cheesy are two words that definitely do no apply to this. Excellent!
I enjoyed everything but two lines... "My little brother from another mother" & "Your sister from another mister ". Those lines took my brain away from the narrative and music to a place where i self debated the use of them. Probably just a thing I do - sorry. fab arrangement, good general narrative and well mixed. Natalie was very well done.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
What a marvelous song (again) you made here, wow!!! In all what happened in the song, What I most admired was the ending with different twists in Natalie's singing as she sang 'a fool' several times and always a little differently. I am really impressed by this song, and I already was impressed by your former songs... And I almost forgot the very nice video-impressions and the lyrics. Yes, I enjoyed this song!
Hans
Thank you for your kind feedback, Hans. Synthesizer V sings the same word differently depending on the context, but you can also do it by hand, and I use that extensively. And when the instruments play different chords each time (here G Gm F Fm), the perception of the vocals also changes.
That’s a fine love song. We love the piano arpeggios and they help set the mood.
The build and dynamics throughout are the signs of a great arrangement and mix. And this is one indeed.
As always, your video is very supportive.
Natalie sounds great!
Enjoyed 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.
This is neither simple OR cheesy. A very original Love song.
LOVE those guitars!!! A great sound, well done!
You always make Natalie sound good.
Excellent Mix. Nice Drums. An Excellent Arrangement, too..
I'll gladly take the blame for that.
fj
Glad you like my little love song, Floyd. This time the guitars were quite a job to make them sit well the mix, they were EQ-ed to death, and then some...
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.
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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
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SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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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)
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!
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!
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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!
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!
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!
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.
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