Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#817352 07/19/24 02:27 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
A new one, from me. I'm not too sure about this one, to be honest ... then again, I'm never too sure about new songs I write until a week or so elapses from when I've finished writing them. A week hasn't elapsed, just yet, so I'll let you all be the judges on this one, instead - all feedback is gratefully received! Thanks for listening!

Have You Ever Been In Love?

THE LYRICS:

You may laugh
As you look at me,
Lost in song
As you hear me,

Hopes all dashed
As you pity me,
But tell me:
Have you ever been in love?

***

You may smile
When my memory
Bittersweet
Comes back to me

You may think
I've lost my mind,
but have you ever been in love?

***

Laugh,
If it pleases you,
Smile,
If it cheers you,

Judge,
If that's what you do,
Have you ever been in love?

Pity me,
If that's all you see,

Patronise me,
If that's what you think of me,

But please tell me ... please tell me,
Have you ever been in love?
Have you ever been in love?

THE BAND:

Soloist: Synth V's Eleanor Forte
Solo Guitar: Strummed Guitar from EastWest/Soundsonline

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Have You Ever Been In Love - 17 July 2024
File:Have You Ever Been In Love - 17 July 2024.SGU
Key=C , Tempo 75, Length (m:s)=3:37
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 Key Signature,
Style is _DELIVER.STY (Deliver Sweet Pop Ballad)

RealTracks in style: 3501:Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioBalladAB Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 1730:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopRootsyJohn Ev16 100
RealTracks in style: 3700:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist SlackKeyBallad Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 1840:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveMellow Ev16 075
RealDrums in style:ModernPopBallad16ths^05-a:Sidestick, Sync-kick , b:Open hat, Sync-kick

*******************

Mixed and mastered in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,355
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,355
James...this is a lovely melody...the instrumental interludes are well done and compliment the song vocal melody very well...I'm working with Synth V almost exclusively and they have lovely voices but it's a challenge to get a human nuance out of them at times...my only suggestion would be to sustain the notes on the final "have you ever been in love" line...perhaps not so staccato...IMO it would show off Eleanor' beautiful voice...a very pretty song!


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,728
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,728
These synthetic voices are getting better all the time. And I like your chord progression.
Well done.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,404
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,404
James, really nice song, and very interesting harmonic movement. Also like the halting phrasing of the title line. Might not work for everyone but I think it's kind of cool. Well done!


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: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Good question, James. So let's start with a discussion of what is love. Well, I love this song, and that counts. Hey, I'm not alone in saying I miss your vocals in these, but you are so darn good with those synths. I like the modulation and your signature changes that always elevate my interest. Very creative. That piano is so perfect for this. Love it.


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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
James, to answer your question yes, to the same woman for 60 years
This an outstanding song
Super use of that synth vocal - it sounds real
Great chord progression, instrumentation, and mix
Great ending
IMHO your best to date


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

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: 8,143
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Hi, James.

I hear you snuck in some of your favorite chord changes. wink

Pretty music, although I think the halting delivery works brings out the "synth" in the synthetic vocal. I think the short notes at the end diminish the cadence.

Still, a pleasant listen. smile


-- 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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
I like what I'm hearing. Nice mellow melody. And yeah, some really nice and unexpected chords and that key change was really nice.

I'm with David Cuny on the short staccato sung notes. Especially the ones at the end. Let the singer hold it.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Hey very nice James.

Very pretty!

I see everyone is doing and learning those synth vocals now. I guess I will be the last remaining holdout and Fred Flintstone, defiantly oblivious to the march of time!!

smile

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
firesong: thanks so much for listening! I will have a look at the staccato section, for sure ... you are not the only one to have mentioned it, it seems smile

Bass Thumper: thanks!

DC Ron: thanks! The halting staccato seems to have been a subject of controversy, haha - glad you liked the song smile

Marty: what is love? I was worried I'd have a Paul of Tarsus quote coming up wink Seriously, though, thank you. I'll be back singing, soon enough, but I thought that this song needed a softer, female voice singing it. I'm lucky there are those synths in existence, these days ... smile Thanks so much for listening!

Mario: 60 years!!! Wow - CONGRATULATIONS!!! and thank you for such efusive praise for the song - really glad you liked it, and so grateful for such kind words!

David Cuny: yep ... wouldn't be a JD song without one or two of my trademark progressions wink but I'm glad you liked the song! I will have a look at the staccato stuff for sure ... I'm 50/50 right now on what to do with it, keep or let go ... anyway, thanks so much for listening! smile

Herb: thanks!!! As I wrote above, I will have a look at the staccato section smile

David Snyder: yes, but you can sing properly, so ... smile Thanks for listening and for your really nice words! smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,708
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,708
James,

You make some really great music... This one works very well. Great use of Synth V and a great mix.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,800
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,800
Lovely
Smooth
Enjoyed the listen

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
HI James,

Your music is always so interesting and butter-smooth. You nailed that vibe here. the synth voices are getting so much better, and you use them as good as anyone.

I enjoyed the staccato delivery of the vocal with the exception of Herb's note - the last "Have you ever been in love" might seal the deal a wee bit better, as it would add emphasis to the preceding story. Just me thinking out loud again.

A very, very nice listen!

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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Sounds like James' music without James. I do miss your voice but the synth does give you a wider range and you have really come to grips with the how of that instrument.
Well done.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,975
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,975
Nice progression and melody James.

Excellent BiaB session group ... they all sound very cohesive.

We also like the sparse lyric. Nothing left to add or take away.

The synth vocal works well. We do agree that the tag might be more effective with the last note sustained.
Elsewhere the staccato feel well accentuates the hook.

A lot of effort, we would guess, that has paid off!

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: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Bob: wow ... what a compliment, especially coming from someone like you. Thanks - and thanks for listening smile

floyd: thanks smile Glad you liked it smile

Alan: thank you for taking the time to listen. "Butter-smooth" ... I'll take that smile Take care of yourself.

Ray: thanks so much. I'll keep singing, from time to time, but you've nailed it ... the synth voice gives me a much, much wider range, not to mention better quality of vocal tone (which I'm grateful you were far too kind to mention smile ), so ... I'll probably alternate between the two ... maybe I'll write a duet, one day, with my vocals and Eleanor Forte's? smile

Janice, Bud: "nothing left to add or take away" ... thank goodness smile That's a great compliment! As for "effort", I wrote, arraged, mixed it, etc., in one evening, in four hours - but they were very intensive (work-wise) four hours smile Thanks again for being so kind as to listen and comment smile

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,098
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,098
Lovely song and melody. Excellent arrangement and instrumentation.


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: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,603
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,603
Very nice melody! Pleasant sound all around. Lyrics are sure to have popular appeal.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
WaoBand: thanks! Glad you liked it! smile

Ezekiel's Storm: Thanks. The lyrics were deliberately sparse and simple ... hopefully people do like them smile Thanks for listening!

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,411
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,411
Clever use of the synth, James.
Nice idea too.
Vic

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

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
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!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,776
Posts796,038
Members39,957
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
jwagner51, thecabinfever, astroashton, hweiffen, NeedyJay
39,957 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 171
Noel96 116
DC Ron 111
rsdean 104
dcuny 97
DrDan 90
Today's Birthdays
bapu
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5