A Work In Progress. Another psychish/proggyish meander I'm afraid. BIAB Elements ORGAN 2692 PIANO 811 DRUMS Alt Rock Slow Steady 8ths45 (stems) as well as some cut n paste for the change section. Lead Guitar 1 3438 Lead Guitar 2 1835 Lead Guitar 3 2248
I did rhythm & appegiated guitars, bass, lap steel, eBow drones, synthy sounding guitar washes etc.. Tracked & mixed in Reaper. No mastering - just some compression & limiting on the master bus. NEEDS a real singer obviously. CAROLPSYCH W.I.P.
Last edited by rayc; 06/21/2409:19 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Weird stuff of nightmares--I like it a LOT! Cool intro, and the guitars sound great throughout. I LIKE the subdued vocals and where they are placed in the mix. Like somebody trying to croon their way out of the song. (Hmmm. That sounds like I think it's bad, but I didn't mean it as bad.) Anyway, think you're on to something uniquely cool again. BTW, did a reverse Google search of your graphic and ended up with a bunch of stuff I can't unsee. Ha! That's CRA-ZY...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Weird stuff of nightmares--I like it a LOT! Cool intro, and the guitars sound great throughout. I LIKE the subdued vocals and where they are placed in the mix. Like somebody trying to croon their way out of the song. (Hmmm. That sounds like I think it's bad, but I didn't mean it as bad.) Anyway, think you're on to something uniquely cool again. BTW, did a reverse Google search of your graphic and ended up with a bunch of stuff I can't unsee. Ha! That's CRA-ZY...
Thanks DC. The graphic is a combo of two images I designed in the 80s. The blue critter with drum sticks is a pun on the band name Pygmy Beat and the one on the right is for the band I was in during the mid 80s - Naked Igwanaz...(deliberate mis-spelling) - of a Lizard man and woman. II bunged them together because it encapsulated 80s bands I was in.. though it doesn't include the Teutonics or The Talented Few but they weren't as significant I suppose as i didn't do any design work for TTF and the work I did for The Teutonics is, stylistically, very different:
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I had a chance to listen to this one driving the other day. It kept me out of the passing lane, enjoying the sound of the ride. This is a wonderful and strangely relaxing song, Ray. Very cool backing band, especially that bassist who plays EVERYTHING well. You know I always prefer your vocals. No one can deliver the lyrics you write and the melody your create for them as compelling as you. Piano 811 seems to know the song they way you want it. All so good, Ray.
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
I had a chance to listen to this one driving the other day. It kept me out of the passing lane, enjoying the sound of the ride. This is a wonderful and strangely relaxing song, Ray. Very cool backing band, especially that bassist who plays EVERYTHING well. You know I always prefer your vocals. No one can deliver the lyrics you write and the melody your create for them as compelling as you. Piano 811 seems to know the song they way you want it. All so good, Ray.
Ah, Marty, you're always exactly what the shattered ego needs. I made all the necessary steps in production to excuse this vocal draft: no name dynamic mic, sitting in a chair at the desk, hand held, messy double tracking etc. I've asked my original Pygmy Beat partner to have a go at this one as Terry has the sort of theatrics free, close miced, round tones it needs. I've been using an outboard compressor/limiter for bass on the last couple of tracks. It certainly makes a difference. I've had it for decades but couldn't get my head around it, ( an Alesis Micro Limiter), but now I can see & hear what it does so it may get a regular run. I've also stopped using my BDI21 as I've been addicted to it for FAR too long.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Nice performances by you and the Wrecking Crew. Did you DI those solo guitars for that sound of continuity?
We tried to understand the technical response you gave to Marty but it quickly went over our heads.
Looking forward to further editions.
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
Understated mystery with a touch of mystique. That's a very cool sound! You have some of the most original and interesting (interesting in the best of ways) sunds on the forum. I never know what to expect when click onto a new one from you, but I always know it's gonna be a good listen.
The opening laid the groundwork for the rest of the song and transitioned nicely into it.
Meander away! I love the total sound--all the musical elements. You buried the vocal, didn't you? Buried into a whisper beneath my consciousness. I looking forward to the next iteration.
Prog is always good, and I enjoyed every second of it. The best part (you're probably surprised by this statement) are your vocals, your voice is _perfect_ for this kind of music. Keep them! The weakest part are the drums, they could sometimes have a bit more variation and generally sound a bit thin. Nothing that cannot be easily fixed.
This a really interesting soundscape - almost early Pink Floydish in vibe - though I would have mixed the tracks very differently. But really good to have something like this posted.
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.
[quote=WaoBand] though I would have mixed the tracks very differently. /quote] Being that this is a Work In Progress now is the time to elucidate. I'm interested in how & why as it may help me.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray...very cool intro...an ethereal soundscape and wash of instruments...interesting and mystic...love your guitar work and the piano cuts through beautifully...I enjoyed the complexity of your work here...a lot going on and sown together very well...I enjoyed the ride!
www.soundclick.com/firesong BiaB 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.
Well if this is a work in progress, you're making great progress. I could tell it didn't have your usual polish in the mastering, but the sound and the way you put it all together is really good. I particularily like the guitar leads and the way the piano cuts through. The intro was great and left me expecting a competely different vocal. It left me with a very nice surprise. The vocal is so laid back it was difficult for me to understand, but I really liked the soothing sound. I'm looking forward to the end product, this is good stuff.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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)
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean