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,
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
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 12, 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif){kind=icon}
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean