Man, I love how you work with history to make these outstanding creations, Steve. I like how the piano immates sub sounds. Speaking of sub sounds, your bass is perfect with just the right taste and execution. Did you ever spend any time in a submarine? Yeow, I toured one at harbor in Baltimore. No thanks. Now, if they piped in your music. it would've been so much better.
Hey Marty, No one here on the the forum has a better set of ears than you. I did try to immitate sub pings on my keyboard. At about 1:00 I toggle between the lowest C and highest C using an acoustic piano voice, then later on I try to fold-in something a bit different using an e-piano. I'm not nearly as musically perceptive as you!
I never spent any time on a sub, but I am fascinated by all the technology that has to come together to make such a thing work, from life support, to navigation, to weapon systems; all while being as quiet and undetectable as possible. The engineering challenges must be immense. But it's the submariners I really admire. If we ever visit Baltimore, we'll do that tour.
Many thanks for the kind and perceptive review!
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Very cool musical soundscape you've created here!! Would be a great soundtrack! I've always been terrified at the idea of going down in a sub. Take care. Greg
Greg thanks so much for the feedback. Truth be told, I'm not sure if I could operate in a sub either. . . . but I sure am grateful for those that do.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Steve, this sound great. Nice playing and effects Outstanding drums! Another great song added to your WWII playbook.
Thanks for the listen Mario. Yeah, I was pleased on how the BiaB drums turned out; basically a happy accident. I knew I wanted to bring them in after the Roland percussion so a distinction would be noticed but the happy accident was that I didn't design where the fills were located. When I heard them in the mix for the 1st time it took me by suprise and liked the unexpectedness of it.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
You have a very cool concept going with your WW2 tributes. Great sound effects and a terrific mix. Congrats on a job very well produced.
Alan
Thanks so much Alan, I always appreciate your reviews. There are not enough tributes for the Greatest Generation; we owe those guys and gals much.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
When I read the title, I was immediately expecting cool effects and I was happy to get them. And the bass melody, that was nice surprise The drums and the synths remind me of certain Brit new wave artists in the early 80's.
Quite unique mood, enjoyed the use of the effects and instruments and how they kept telling the story. Nice visit to the past and deep down, I felt the claustrophobia and fear in the low notes and excitement in the upper notes (reminded me also of a computer game Silent Service).
Enjoyed it. The somewhat Eastern/exotic melody mid way was a change up. The percussion, before the kit came in, reminded me of the late 80s when Elvis Costello use similar sounds in his side projects as The Imposter. Australia has subs too...not quite as problematic as the ones we've now bought on the never never.
Hey Ray, thanks for the listen and feedback. I’m not that familiar with Elvis Costello, the only one that comes to mind is Alison. I’d be interested in what songs my percussion is similar to if you happen to know.
I realize that Australia currently has subs; I believe 6 Collins-class diesel electrics. And I read that soon you’ll have 8 or so nuclear powered under the AUKUS partnership. These should be a real game changer. We certainly don’t want our brothers and sisters from the land of roo to be speaking Chinese anytime soon
The countries I listed in the original post pertained to WW2.
Also, I don’t understand what “bought on the never never” means in your reply.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
A lot of creativity and imagination went into this piece. Loved the sound effects.
A good listen through the 'phones, enjoyed!
Hey Dave, I appreciate your feedback. Glad you enjoyed this. --Steve
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
...Hopefully DC Ron can tell us if it aligns with his knowledge since he interacted with the sub community.
Cool video. A little dated but the basic structure of submarine life aligns with my understanding. From my visits on non-deployed submarines, the aspect of the scarcity of work and living space is the part that's perhaps hardest to convey. If you need personal space, this ain't the life for you...
Originally Posted by Bass Thumper
...A fact that the general public may not know is that (in the US) every major military contract has a HIGHLY qualified military officer in the programs office to oversee the project. Often these have a rank of Major General and have a Masters or PhD in the relevant technical domain; physics, software, aerodynamics, engineering, etc. I learned this years ago while working on satellite systems...
Spent close to 30 years working for the Navy as a civil servant, and worked quite a bit with the Program Executive Officer (PEO) community, including PEO Subs. It's a fascinating and somewhat imperfect acquisition model, but it still produces the world's most powerful defense force. So that's something...
Hey DC, it's nice to hear the video basically aligns with your knowledge. Even though it's dated, I found it educational.
Today my latest read arrive on my doorstep Nimitz at War
I've got several questions regarding the Pacific theater I'm hoping this book will answer. For starters, who was responsible for the long range patrols off of Pearl Harbor and why were we so vulnerable?
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
...I've got several questions regarding the Pacific theater I'm hoping this book will answer. For starters, who was responsible for the long range patrols off of Pearl Harbor and why were we so vulnerable?
Well, that was before my time for sure. Got to know the Naval History and Heritage Command folks a bit back in my time, and I always enjoy reading their research. Possible Navy biases for sure, but interesting reading here.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
A coolly creative composition. I admire your attention to detail and how you add the bits and pieces to paint your aural picture. Fantastic! If you hadn't provided a description or that title, I would still know the subject.
Enjoyed it. The somewhat Eastern/exotic melody mid way was a change up. The percussion, before the kit came in, reminded me of the late 80s when Elvis Costello use similar sounds in his side projects as The Imposter. Australia has subs too...not quite as problematic as the ones we've now bought on the never never.
Hey Ray, thanks for the listen and feedback. I’m not that familiar with Elvis Costello, the only one that comes to mind is Alison. I’d be interested in what songs my percussion is similar to if you happen to know.
I realize that Australia currently has subs; I believe 6 Collins-class diesel electrics. And I read that soon you’ll have 8 or so nuclear powered under the AUKUS partnership. These should be a real game changer. We certainly don’t want our brothers and sisters from the land of roo to be speaking Chinese anytime soon
The countries I listed in the original post pertained to WW2.
Also, I don’t understand what “bought on the never never” means in your reply.
Pills & Soap would be the EC song to check.
Subs...yes old Collins class but they still work. New subs - not for 20 to 40 years according to the contracts so the US & UK are getting quite a bit of money up front, and the US is trying to negotiate a nuclear waste dump here as an add on. I can tell you, quite honestly, that the policy, the purchases, the waste dump and the AUS$368 BILLION price tag are very unpopular down under. The previous govt. did the deal, spent 60 billion getting out of deal with the French, (we received nothing because of it). The biggest hurdle is that each sate & territory has a no nuclear power/waste policy, aside for the small Lucas Heights medical facility south west of Sydney, that means that legislation to enable to purchase and use to come into effect will be needed to be passed indep. by each state & the federal govt...no mean feat. The current govt. are very unhappy to be tied to the deal by the previous mob, (they did the deal as they were leaving govt.), but have no option unless they want to add the the billions spent buying out contracts.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
When I read the title, I was immediately expecting cool effects and I was happy to get them. And the bass melody, that was nice surprise The drums and the synths remind me of certain Brit new wave artists in the early 80's.
Quite unique mood, enjoyed the use of the effects and instruments and how they kept telling the story. Nice visit to the past and deep down, I felt the claustrophobia and fear in the low notes and excitement in the upper notes (reminded me also of a computer game Silent Service).
Janne
Hey Janne, I always enjoy your thoughtful reviews.
I don't know if you have experienced this but sometimes I reach a point in some of the songs I produce where they seem to take on a life of their own and I'm a sort of bystanding observer. That's what happened here. And what's also funny is that Ray mentioned Elvis Costello and you mention Brit new wave and neither of them I listen to. Subconsciously I may have been influenced by them or by happenstance my mashup of sounds just aligned with them by chance. Either way it's fun to think about even though I'll probably never have the true answer. This I do know. Not every element of every song of mine is carefully and methodically designed. "Happy accidents" happen all the time.
Many thanks for the listen.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Excellent work once again! Your compositions and productions are always engaging . . . no exception here. I will agree with B.D about those first two minutes, but it looks like you'll give that look. Great use of effects throughout. Really well done!
We spent some time years ago exploring the interior of a WWII US submarine. The confines were overwhelmingly tight -- narrow passages and stooping through door ways. Brave folks indeed.
Creative idea, creative performance, creative arrangement and an excellent mix.
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 are here on our website.
Well, that was before my time for sure. Got to know the Naval History and Heritage Command folks a bit back in my time, and I always enjoy reading their research. Possible Navy biases for sure, but interesting reading here.
Thanks for the website, I've bookmarked it and will definately explore it.
I'm into chapter 2 of the Nimitz At War book and man is it good. The author was a professor in the History Dept. of the U.S. Naval Academy and brings you into the world of the 1920s -1940s. I'm being introduced in new ways to the military leaders of the time such as Admiral E.J. King, General MacArthur, Admiral "Bull" Halsey, General George Patton, General George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, Admiral Harold Stark, Admiral Husband Kimmel and many others.
Interestingliy enough, Nimitz was into classical music. He had a private collection on the old, brittle, shellac discs.
This is definately a good read so far, maps, photos, war records, etc.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Thanks for the website, I've bookmarked it and will definately explore it...
Sounds like quite a reading adventure. The link provides a Navy version of who was responsible for the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Spoiler alert: It was the Army (naturally)...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Your song played right after Scott's "A Sound of Thunder", so for a moment I thought he had an FX tag at the end of his song.
Nice instrumental! Creative and fun to listen to.
I saw your response to Ray. Elvis Costello has some pretty amazing songs, and although the feel is different, "Shipbuilding" seems Costello's obvious nautical-related song. No submarine effects on it, but it's go Chet Baker on trumpet, so well worth the listen.
For submarine-themed songs with submarine inspired sounds, there's always Thomas Dolby's "One Of Our Submarines" and Al Stewart's "Life In Dark Water". So you're in good company here!
A coolly creative composition. I admire your attention to detail and how you add the bits and pieces to paint your aural picture. Fantastic! If you hadn't provided a description or that title, I would still know the subject.
Thanks so much Storm, I always appreciate your reviews and we owe so much to that generation. Glad you enjoyed it.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Pills & Soap would be the EC song to check I never heard this song before thanks for sharing. And yep, I can hear similarites in the percussion.
Subs...yes old Collins class but they still work. New subs - not for 20 to 40 years according to the contracts so the US & UK are getting quite a bit of money up front, and the US is trying to negotiate a nuclear waste dump here as an add on. I can tell you, quite honestly, that the policy, the purchases, the waste dump and the AUS$368 BILLION price tag are very unpopular down under. The previous govt. did the deal, spent 60 billion getting out of deal with the French, (we received nothing because of it). The biggest hurdle is that each sate & territory has a no nuclear power/waste policy, aside for the small Lucas Heights medical facility south west of Sydney, that means that legislation to enable to purchase and use to come into effect will be needed to be passed indep. by each state & the federal govt...no mean feat. The current govt. are very unhappy to be tied to the deal by the previous mob, (they did the deal as they were leaving govt.), but have no option unless they want to add the the billions spent buying out contracts.
20 to 40 years???!!! WWIII may be in the rearview by that time. I understand that 2027 is the planned acquisition date. AUKUS
I have little calibration of the money involved (except that it will be big) for these subs. But imho, I'd like to see Austrailia and other allies grow this and other design/manufacturing capability. Doing so could result in better, smarter designs for all of us.
I wonder what opinion the Chief of the Defence Force (Admiral Johnston?) has. Anyone who reaches such levels is mighty smart.
Regarding Austrailian politics, I'm WAY out of my league. In my own country we have our own problems and are on the brink of flipping from a democracy to an autocracy.
As for the waste sites, I'm not sure if that will involve only the waste from the subs you'll operate or the waste from the larger international fleet. In any case, to the physicists and engineers of the allied nations I say:
"Come on guys, sharpen your pencils and develop compact fusion energy sources . . . you can do it!"
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Excellent work once again! Your compositions and productions are always engaging . . . no exception here. I will agree with B.D about those first two minutes, but it looks like you'll give that look. Great use of effects throughout. Really well done!
Hey Deej, I appreciate your feedback and the area for improvement is duly noted. --Steve
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
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The drums and the synths remind me of certain Brit new wave artists in the early 80's.
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