Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036 |
Hi, all: Well, here’s another new one, with a huge assist from rayc, who laid down the bass track for this song. A few production notes for those interested: —I wasn’t quite sure where I wanted to go sound-wise with this one . . . but in keeping with my new approach of trying not to overspend my time on production, rather than auditioning endless RTs, I ended up going with a mash-up of two BIAB Styles: Spandex Retro Disco Rock and Zooms Prog Rock, the latter giving me some of the crunch I thought I needed in the chorus. —On the vocals, I kept the BGVs to a minimum, and found if I was much more aggressive on volume they drowned out the instruments, so hopefully I struck the right balance. Again, trying not to get too obsessive with hitting the sweet spot. In a demo I sent Ray early on, I found myself singing over the instrumental break, and I kinda liked it. So I kept it here, with the added bonus that the solo sits under the vocal and works (I think), where it might not if it were “on its own.” —Lastly, a big shout out to Ray for adding an awesome bass line. I think (and hope you agree) it really helps the song pop. Can’t thank him enough for his contribution here! Well, hope you enjoy the listen. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Stay well all! Deej Here’s the song:HARD TO KEEP LOVING YOU Here are the lyrics:I’m falling asleep Trying to keep My tired eyes from closing You’re out of reach I’m in the dark I’m waiting to see If you will be Here and home beside me But I’ve got a deep suspicion You won’t be for all my wishing So I’m thinking now that Something’s got to change You’re making it hard To keep loving you When I still do It might be an act I think I Read a book about it A way to attract Keep it distant and cool It may be just that Or maybe your heart Is really drifting Or maybe it’s indecision But whatever it is or isn’t I’m thinking now that Something’s got to change Should be no surprise How I’ve been wondering lately If you even know What you’re thinking of If you even really want my love Hey, it’s time Say your mine Or let me go And maybe I’m quite mistaken But baby my faith is shaken And here’s the band:Bass: Ray Cochrane Loop: House-Techno-Trance/Trance - kit3beat135b ev16 tempo.wav Loop: Pop-Soul-RnB/R n B - sweet_75_a drums ev16.wav RealTracks 1257: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningRock8ths RealTracks 697: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ElecRockDirty RealTracks 4130: Guitar, Electric Rhythm, ProgRockTODistortedSync RealTracks 4131: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ProgRockTODistChorusArp RealTracks 4137: Guitar, Electric, Soloist ProgRockTO Ev 130 RealTracks 1265: Synth Pad, PopShiningSoft Ev 120 RealTracks 1644: Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance SubduedHitsOffBeat RealDrums: SynthDrumsDisco^1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,116
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,116 |
Deej,
What a great song, great sound and great production!
I love your vocal - you really let it fly here. The solo with your sing-over is excellent.
Ray's bass really adds some nice propulsion.
I enjoyed every bit of this.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,705
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,705 |
That's a ripping vocal for a very nice song! Great production that allows the vocals to really shine all the way through. I'm a big fan of minimalist production for just that reason.
The Styles mashup sounds perfect and perfectly natural. Simultaneous loading of Styles should be a BiaB feature (if it's not already and just undiscovered by me). Ray's bass is perfect, too.
Think you absolutely crushed this one. Loved it!
BTW, been to the Mill Valley In-n-Out quite a few times while visiting relatives in Tiburon. It's a treat for us East Coast pilgrims...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
This is a great song. Well produced with a fine bass part by Ray. The two styles work perfectly together. Very well written and arranged but the real star of the show is the killer vocal! You’ve got some serious chops! Thoroughly enjoyed,Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,325
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,325 |
Deej...another super song...man I love those "chugging" guitars...they really drive the song along nicely...so well written and performed...love the band and the vocals are so cool (as usual)...Ray did a stellar job on the bass line...no suggestions from me...a great rock song indeed!
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 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: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,273
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,273 |
Its all been said: Super vocal! Those styles worked very well together. Singing over the lead was brilliant. Ray's bass was excellent. Perfect mix!
I also liked the chord progression.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735 |
Deej56, Sounds great! Bit different, in good way. Darker. Ace write and vocals! Ray's bass works really well and adds a whole new layer. Mix is super clear. Enjoyable listen and thank you for sharing.
Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382 |
Hi Deej,
This is a new favorite of mine from you. Love the style, arrangement, and performance. But, as mentioned already - your vocal is just so good!!!
Ray and I have collabbed on a couple of songs this year. He's great to work with. And his bass line is perfect for this - not fancy but strong and supportive of the style. TYotally loved everything about this one.
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: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,386
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,386 |
I was expecting something completely different from the Styles and RealTracks, but man, this is SO good. 80s in a very good way. "Spandex Retro Prog Rock Disco". Ha! You heard it here first! Production-wise, you nailed the sound of that era, I think.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469 |
Deej,
Zowie. Damn Good Music. This is a Radio hit. Everything is superb.
ray's bass is Killer. Great tone. Perfect in the mix. Excellent write. Amazing vocals. Good mix.
Might be one of the best things to ever hit the Showcase.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644 |
Deej
Excellent song - lovely production melodic and engaging. Superb vocal and nice bass by Ray. Would have been a hit back in the day.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468 |
Deej and Ray,
That's a tight rockin' sound! Your vocal work is always great but you really stepped up your game on this one (I feel one of your best)! Yes Ray's bass really does make it all come together and sound right! You will never go wrong with his help on a project!
Thanks, TB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980 |
Deej, you did a fab job on this. Your work flow changes are working well - freeing you to spend the time on creativity and capturing the excitement of your vocal. Thanks for letting me play along. It was fun, fast and ultimately fabulous.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,036 |
Bob, DC Ron, Tommy, Dan, Mario, Misha, Alan, BD, Floyd, Peter, Torrey and Ray:
Thanks all for the listens, and glad it seems to work well for everyone. Really appreciate the terrific feedback, particularly on Ray’s bass line, which added so much to the song.
Stay safe and well all,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,614
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,614 |
This grabbed my attention, chugged along, and didn't let go.
This whole "not overthinking things" seems to be working out quite well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,416
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,416 |
"80s in a very good way ... Spandex Retro Prog Rock Disco."
Hahaha, B.D. served up a most cool description.
Firstly, the write is engaging and, per always, you nailed the vocals. And in this case with a stadium filling delivery.
The arrangement is obviously well thought out and holds interest from the get go through the last note.
Ray provides a great bass track to glue together that fine group of session guys you summoned. And the mix more than does justice to all of the above.
Epic,
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: May 2023
Posts: 1,549
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,549 |
Great song and great lyrics, which right now I currently relate to 100%  Definitely a synchroncity my hearing it just now!
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,466 |
Honestly? Didn't like it at all, first time I listened to it  But, listened a second time, and had the complete, polar opposite reaction. I've said it before that some of your songs require more than just one listen, from me at least, to fully appreciate them - for good or for bad, this was particularly true here  I need to hear it a third time  But, seriously, great job. Mature, dark, complex writing. Listening to it again, now. This mustn't have been easy to write, from the technical standpoint, surely? If it was, wow. Either way, the end result matters, and this is different from your usual output (I think that that's why I didn't like it the first time, I let my expectations get the better of me, i.e. I was expecting a certain style from you, and this is so different to what I was expecting!), but brilliant, nevertheless. VERY well done. And a shoutout to Ray ... great, unobtrusive support - exactly how I think it should be, here. Congratulations to the both of you for a truly great end result 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 91
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 91 |
Hi, all:
—On the vocals, I kept the BGVs to a minimum, and found if I was much more aggressive on volume they drowned out the instruments, so hopefully I struck the right balance. Wow! Really great tune. The vocal quality was certainly the highlight of the song for me and the instruments supporting it were super too. I think you did balance this pretty well on vocal volume. I am a novice in terms of mixing, but I would experiment with adding a little more of the highs or treble on vocals and slightly set-back into the music more. Regardless, the vocals were fantastic! Best, Chad
Chad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,372 |
Excellent work Deej and Ray. The change of styles work great. Driving rhythm.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,382
Posts778,516
Members39,640
|
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|