Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Cold Plate

An attempt at a harder hitting production … at least for Janice’s vocal from the solo on. Peter plays some very complementary solos, fills and rhythm tracks. The title was inspired by the saying “revenge is best served as a cold dish” that dates to the 16th century.

Yep another “I’m outa here and done with you” theme. 😀 Lyrics are on SoundCloud and below. Thanks to Peter & PG Music and if you choose to listen your time is appreciated. Comments are welcomed.

Janice Merritt: vocals, arrangement & melody
Bud Merritt: lyric, mix, arrangement, mastering & photo
Peter Fulham: solo/rhythm guitar, mix & arrangement

Tech Stuff:
Bass: RealTrack 1036 Electric, Northern Rock Ballad > Izotope Neutron 3

Piano: MIDI SuperTrack 3102 Electric, Rhythm Americana > Logic Pro Grand Steinway sound > Waves CLA Effect

Pedal Steel: RealTrack 2542 Background Modern Ballad Atmosphere > Logic Pro Grit Pedal

Drums: RealDrums Nashville Even 8ths > Waves CLA Drums (multiple fills comps)

Snare: RealDrums Nashville even 8ths kit > Waves Magma BB T > Izotope Neutron 3 > Logic Pro ChromaVerb

Cymbal: RealDrums Nashville even 8ths kit

Mixed in Logic Pro X
Mastered via six Izotope Ozone modules starting with a Lucinda Williams reference song.

Cold Plate
© 2024 J. Merritt, B. Merritt & P. Fulham
V1
How many times have I been told not to leave
Guess I need to find a long bridge to burn
Wanna see glowing embers in my rear view mirror 
You’ve shoved me past the point of no return

Chorus
I think I could make a profession out of revenge
But folks say it’s best served as a cold plate
So I need a little distance, I need a little time
Your days coming but it may be a long wait

V2
I’m not going to worry if my past defines me
In a few minutes I can leave where I lived my whole life
No more you  no more them  only me and the horizon
Any direction will carry me away from the strife 


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 2003
Posts: 24,567
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567
You always produce winners.
As always the perfect style for the song, an outstanding vocal and guitar leads, and mix.
I noticed a slightly different chord progression from your norm - sounds great.
When I see that you three are on the same song I know I'm in for some sweet ear candy!


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233
I can't comment on the sound much as I'm using a 15 year old laptop with bad converters and a dull sound...still waiting for my replacement computer...
The song & arrangement are excellent.
The narrative is personal but universal.
The bite in the solo is classic rock at its best.
The vocal after the solo is a little more up front and IYF as suits the story.
It's a lovely thing.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Originally Posted by MarioD
You always produce winners.
As always the perfect style for the song, an outstanding vocal and guitar leads, and mix.
I noticed a slightly different chord progression from your norm - sounds great.
When I see that you three are on the same song I know I'm in for some sweet ear candy!

Thank you Mario. And we appreciate the mention of the progression. It grew from Janice experimenting on her old Martin box with some suspended and diminished chords. Not something we’d play back in the bluegrass days. 😀

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: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
I only noticed the "interesting" chords after seeing Mario's comment. I was too focused on the lead guitar and Janice's vocal. That's probably where that "early Jackson Browne" vibe is coming from.

To my ears, this seems a very bright mix... but my ears are still congested, so there might be some weird attenuation going on there. But it's very clear, and there's nothing that distracts from the vocal or lead guitar, which makes it perfect in that regard.

Despite the length, my first impression was that the song was short. Also another great sign in my book.

Nice work, y'all. laugh


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,086
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,086
It's a beautiful song, very beautiful voice and the guitar part in the middle is very pleasant.
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Originally Posted by rayc
I can't comment on the sound much as I'm using a 15 year old laptop with bad converters and a dull sound...still waiting for my replacement computer...
The song & arrangement are excellent.
The narrative is personal but universal.
The bite in the solo is classic rock at its best.
The vocal after the solo is a little more up front and IYF as suits the story.
It's a lovely thing.

We hope the new tech arrives soon. Your comments are much appreciated as you mentioned several of the objectives we had hoped to achieve. We tried to orient the mix and mastering into a more rock direction … so thanks!

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: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
Great arrangement, production and performance. Enjoyed this from start to finish.


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Originally Posted by dcuny
I only noticed the "interesting" chords after seeing Mario's comment. I was too focused on the lead guitar and Janice's vocal. That's probably where that "early Jackson Browne" vibe is coming from.

To my ears, this seems a very bright mix... but my ears are still congested, so there might be some weird attenuation going on there. But it's very clear, and there's nothing that distracts from the vocal or lead guitar, which makes it perfect in that regard.

Despite the length, my first impression was that the song was short. Also another great sign in my book.

Nice work, y'all. laugh

Howdy, thanks for all the positive comments. Yeah, it’s long for two verses and a chorus but we didn’t want to raise the tempo or shorten the solo. 😀 The brightness may be a bit due to the register Janice is singing in. It harkens back to the bluegrass days. Also I felt some of my mixes of late have lacked an “edge” so hopefully I didn’t overdo 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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Originally Posted by MarioD
You always produce winners.
As always the perfect style for the song, an outstanding vocal and guitar leads, and mix.
I noticed a slightly different chord progression from your norm - sounds great.
When I see that you three are on the same song I know I'm in for some sweet ear candy!

Thanks Mario
Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,577
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,577
Oh my. I try to listen before reading the credits, and I was going crazy trying to figure out how a RT could do those guitar parts. Ha! Nice one, Peter!

Beautiful write. Janice, you really crushed these vocals. Reminds me of Linda Ronstadt without sounding exactly like her. Just a beautiful, big emotional punch.

Bud, the mix is perfect. This is a fabulous song every way I think about songs.

Really enjoyed it!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Janice, Bud & Peter,

Rock n Blues at it's absolute best... An awesome production!

I love the way Janice comes out swinging on this one - gritty and edgy. She sings everything here with a great intensity. Really excellent.

Love Bud's production - clear and glassy with edge to match Janice's vocal. I also really love the reedy tones Peter is getting from his guitar. That's a great sound.

Just great music all around!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,599
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,599
This one grew on me 😀 At the beginning, I was just relaxed, but, as it went on, it really grabbed my attention. Mrs Merritt: really beautiful singing, you know I love the way you phrase. A great production all round, with the singing as its crowning glory. Loved the guitar tone colour, too. Well done!!!

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,003
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,003
ALL of your productions are hard-hitting, J&B. Really like the write, Peter's solo and fills, then Janice nails the vocals like no one can. Bud, you should hold a class on mastering, Mastering The Master Like The Master. I like the rearview mirrow, too. Yep, everything you guys do is a little above what others would call top-notch.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,494
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,494
Janice can add that sparkle to any song.
Guitar is a nice addition too.
Not so keen on that "in your face" drum rhythm at the beginning but that's an easy fix if you feel the need to change it.
Maybe that's just a personal thing with me though.
Good job.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Originally Posted by vicarn
Janice can add that sparkle to any song.
Guitar is a nice addition too.
Not so keen on that "in your face" drum rhythm at the beginning but that's an easy fix if you feel the need to change it.
Maybe that's just a personal thing with me though.
Good job.

Vic

Thanks Vic. I guess by “drum rhythm” you mean choice of components. The drums have a snare on all solos and choruses while the verses are sticks. So there is no difference in the intro from the above. And the gain and processing is the same throughout. It all works for us as our objective was an in your face vibe. 😀

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: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
PB&J,

Excellence from every angle.
Janice has never sounded better.
Peter is in top form.
The mix is impeccable.
There is a brewing tempest in the singer that is a bit scary. smile

Music.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 194
Love the lyrics and vocal. the style quite reminded me of Jackson Browne whose songs I like very much.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,069
Originally Posted by laurent4114
It's a beautiful song, very beautiful voice and the guitar part in the middle is very pleasant.
Laurent

Thank you for the nice comments!

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: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,962
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,962
Man, the first verse plus chorus plus Peter is longer than most of my songs and yet I wasn't bored for a second [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]
Definitely a winner!
Great chords, killer guitar, and I have yet to hear a Janice vocal that I don't like.
And, Bud, what you do with the faders is as good as it gets.
Winners all around!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,084
Posts799,914
Members40,030
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Airllines, roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985
40,031 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 158
rsdean 94
DC Ron 93
WaoBand 86
DrDan 70
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5