Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#810137 05/12/24 02:43 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Another instrumental from me. See what you think? Thanks for listening, and for any and all comments!

Flight of the Heart

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Flight of the Heart - 12 May 2024
File:Flight of the Heart - 12 May 2024.SGU
Key=D , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:53
No intro. 64 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 64. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Volume Changes,
Style is _MYSTERY.STY (Mystery Cinema Songwriter Ballad)

RealTracks in style: ~902:Bass, Electric, SmoothCool Sw16 075
RealTracks in style: 3791:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm CinematicMelancholy Sw16 060
RealTracks in style: 2779:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterSwingBalladBrent Sw16 065
RealTracks in style: 2779:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterSwingBalladBrent Sw16 065
RealTracks in style: 1543:Synth Pad, PopBelieve Ev16 065
RealDrums in style:FolkModernSw16^01-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Ride

*******************
Mastered in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10. I added a little EQ sharpening (preset), to make it all more transparent and clear in texture.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,314
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,314
Lovely - classic JDS progressions/changes.
Personally I think the bass & drums are too loud.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,063
D
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,063
James,

My first immediate thought on hitting play is that it's bit too much too soon. That is, you have the synth, bass and panned acoustics starting all at once. It strikes me as an abrupt start. I would prefer (and, hey, this is all subjective right?) that there be a little more build on the opening. Maybe start with one acoustic panned left, and the bass . . . and at some point shortly thereafter have the second guitar come in, and then the synth. The drums come in at just the right point for me, which embodies the kind of build I'm suggesting. It's just a thought. Love the change up at 1:50 or so, where you drop the drums and quiet things down. It's the ebb and flow of sound that keeps the listener engaged, and you have a lot of those elements in this mix. I'd try to embrace it more.

But all that aside, it's a darn good instrumental as it stands. Well done!!!

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Ray and Deej: thank you! I've been messing around with the volume buttons, on each separate track - the other day - until I almost went (figuratively) blue in the face, Ray ... so I'll give it another shot smile Deej: absolutely spot on, I think. The beginning is not only kind of abrupt, on a fresh listen, but - if I start like that, it has nowhere to go. So: I'll deal with these modifications later in the week, when I'll have some time to sit down at the computer, once more ... but just wanted, in the meantime, to say thanks - your comments are noted, and will be worked upon smile

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
James, funny, this sounds like you even though your voice is missing. Ray and Deej have much finer ears than I do, so I'll defer to them on the mix. I think it's a lovely instrumental and sets a pleasant, peaceful tone (as do most of your songs). I'll mention that to my ears this pad doesn't sound great at times with the quarter note chord changes, so you MIGHT want to hold the chord on the pad while the other instruments change. Or not. Enjoyed your song!


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: 9,190
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,190
James,

I'll second what Ron said - this absolutely sounds like you. It has your touch and feel. Love the progression, and choice of tracks. Mix and arrangement is subjective, but it works for me.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,997
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,997
Originally Posted by rsdean
James,

I'll second what Ron said - this absolutely sounds like you. It has your touch and feel. Love the progression, and choice of tracks. Mix and arrangement is subjective, but it works for me.

Bob

I agree also.
This has your signature chord progressions all over it.
Its funny that I can hear your voice even though you are not singing. I guess I'm just weird!
Great song James.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Ron: good thought re: holding the chord on the pad. I'll see what I can do with it smile I'm not sure how good this song of mine is, i.e. whether it's worth re-working, but ... I'll listen again, and give it a shot, I think smile Thanks for listening!

Bob: thanks so much!

Mario: haha, re: hearing my voice sing, though it's not there. Marty said something similar, so you're not the only one, lol wink but, seriously, thanks ... don't know about weird, but you are certainly kind.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,326
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,326
Hi, James.

Sounds like you're signature chords, all right. smile

However... I have trouble following them - it feels like the progression is going one direction, and then suddenly pivots to another.

Some of the transitions are... bad, like at 1:51 where BiaB seems to just fade out one chord, and fade in another, like the tape was spliced. That happens a lot in the beginning of the song. It's usually not that bad when it only happens to one instrument, but when it happens to a couple, it really stands out.

While it's pleasant to listen to, it feels to me that it's just not crafted enough. My ear wants to hear something more structured than just chords strung together, such as a melody. Without that, it lacks that feeling of journey that a good song takes me on.

But that's just me and my expectations. 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: May 2019
Posts: 5,189
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,189
Sweet signature sounds from someone so gifted at creating them. Your changes always grab me, James. These are so quick in movement and sometimes land unexpectedly, yet so appropriately placed. You make magic in music, and I am always wowed in audience.


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: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,653
David C: for what it's worth, I think you're (mostly wink ) right. It's not my best work, this one. And yes, there is a particularly bad chord progression at some point, during it (where it goes unxpectedly into D major again), where I think I just wrote down the wrong chord, full stop. So ... this will go under the: "experiments" folder, for now, until I deal with it, at least. It has potential, and I disagree that a melody is always needed, but this one does need a little more crafting, as you say - that much, I agree with smile Thanks for your honest and perceptive comments smile

Marty: you're kind. Extremely kind smile Thank you so much. As I wrote above, to David, I was more or less experimenting with this one, and it shows. But ... the next one, which I hope to post soon, will hopefully be a different matter, haha. Not saying more, for now, in case I jinx it, haha, but ... let's see smile Thanks so much, once more!

P.S. I've just noticed your kind comment on YouTube, Marty ... thank you, and shhhh!!! haha smile That one will be ready for posting, soon ... as soon as I add some more reverb on the trumpet, perhaps? smile

Last edited by musician17; 05/16/24 07:09 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,401
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,401
lovely song James. Very cool chord progressions. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,553
Posts806,583
Members40,153
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
lucdaron, JuanFontanez, Danibel, MathieuB, CTS65
40,152 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 109
rsdean 79
WaoBand 56
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5