|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
So I decided to try and do an acoustic version of Rivers Of A Strange Land , too. The drums have gone, altogether, and there are only two guitars and a bass, to accompany Eleanor Forte (of Synth V)'s solo vocal. I've also done a video for the song ... see what you think? Thanks for your patience with me, with this song. All feedback is very welcome, so that I may learn and be able to improve - thanks for listening. I've mixed all this in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10, and added the "Folk 2" preset in mastering it. THE LYRICS (once more) By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered my home town. Used to have a little fountain, By whose side we'd gently play, Used to have a little window, By whose sill we'd talk and stay. Then I slowly made my way here, And was asked to write a song ... How shall I now write and sing, Since all I know has gone wrong? Then they asked me: "Praise His Name!" And they pushed me on my knees ... How shall I open my lips When, on them, my tears just freeze? By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered you, my love. THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Rivers of a Strange Land - 15 May 2024 File:Rivers of a Strange Land - 17 May 2024.SGU Key=E , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:15 No intro. 53 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 53. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Key Signature, Style is _RED.STY (Red Folk Americana Ballad) RealTracks in style: 2877:Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16thsByron Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 3910:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking SongwriterSlow16DADGAD Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 2552:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Songwriter16ths Ev16 075 RealDrums in style:NashvilleRadioPowerBallad16^10-a,b:Tom Groove
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,004
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,004 |
James,
THIS is the version! Love the acoustic treatment. You have created a very beautiful piece here.
EXCELLENT!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062 |
Hi James,
I listened to the electric version first and then this one, and I agree with Bob, the acoustic version matches the mood of the song and the vocalist much better.
I can hear a few spots where the vocal articulation is a bit off, but overall it sounds good. Good write!
Nicely done!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,089
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,089 |
Oh, yeah, James. This one! I'm happy to Subscribe to your YT channel because I get these notifications. Good choice removing the drums, too. I didn't see any mention of the flute part, but, man, it sounds so good --coming from a strange land. The electric version was cool, but this one matches the song so well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,149
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,149 |
We agree with the above comments that the acoustic version fits the lyric, vocal and overall feel best.
This version allows one to focus more on the video imagery also.
Love those flowing stream images ... they are so supportive of the lyric.
Best to you on the synth vocal journey!
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 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
James,
Well, I’m guess I am going to be in the very small minority because I vastly prefer the first version. But that just underscores what we all know. Music is subjective. For me, in the first version, the strumming guitar and drums keep the song moving forward and provides a rich contrast to the lead vocal. So while I think this more acoustic version is great, it’s less compelling for me personally.
But you are the artist—trust your ears and instincts beyond any one else’s
The video is well done as well.
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,723
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,723 |
No preference here, the song is beautiful either way. Really nice mix, and the BiaB guitars sound nice together, as they should. Eleanor has a lovely voice, but a few of the pronunciations were off, and she seemed to be past the top of her range on one line. No idea how you guys work the synth vocal magic, but it's amazing.
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,742
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,742 |
James, this one is the best IMHO.
I think it emphasizes the vocal and the mood set by the lyrics.
Nice flute lead.
Consider this one finished.
I arrived early to a restaurant.
The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?"
I said no.
"Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,217 |
Hi, James.
I'll vote for this version - I just finished listening to the other, and this is a bit more "downbeat", which I think matches the subject a bit better.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal 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: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Really pretty song!!! The synth vocal is brilliant.......I remained stunned by how human this sounds!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks, Bob. Appreciated!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks, Dave. Yes, the word "fountain", for example, is mis-pronounced. Will have to fix that, when I get the chance - but thank you again for listening 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
I forgot to mention the flute, Marty. Oops I'm so glad you're listening, and subscribing to my YT channel, also. I mainly put videos up there for my Mum to hear ... she prefers YT links to any other kind of music link, so ... Thanks for every listen and comment!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,922
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,922 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,257
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,257 |
Lovely gentle song, What was the instrument you used for the solo?
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: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Janice, Bud: thank you. So very nice and kind of you, as always. I'd love to sing more, myself, on my songs ... but there's also no denying that the synths do a splendid, professional job. Let's see which way I go Thanks again for listening!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Deej: my Mum, my harshest and kindest critic, both in one, agrees with you completely in thinking that the other version is the better one I think that both versions have their own qualities and faults. I honestly like them both! I love the driving rhythm in the first one, but (as someone said to me) it can sound a little like riding cowboys, haha. On the other hand, as my Mum pointed out, this acoustic version can sound a little "drained of energy". Argh I'll let them both out in the public eye (and ear), and see what happens Thank you so much for listening and for taking time to comment!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Ron, thanks so much for listening and for your kind comments. Yes, a couple of the pronunciations were indeed off ("fountain", for one), and yes, in the C major section, I sent her up to a top F, which is at the limit of what she can do ... I initially wanted her to go to a top A, lol. "She" was otherwise absolutely excellent, for me, in this one, I thought ... so I'll let her off I didn't actually do much ... just set her on the "Tender" voice preset, and let her do her magic Thanks again for taking the time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Thanks, Mario. Really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments. I agree - this song does not need further work, now (apart from correcting the soloist's pronunciation on a note or two?). Thanks for listening!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,275
Posts802,596
Members40,079
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean