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#822294 09/08/24 03:49 AM
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BYOBand Offline OP
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Well, I learned a lot (thanks to many of you) since my first project so here's song #2:

https://soundcloud.com/divinemetime/storyteller-1

As I listen to what you are saying, every word is a spell that you cast
Without care or concern you’re creating a nightmare I can’t get past
You are sleeping and walking in charnal grounds
Tripping over the dead as my heart pounds
And you think it’s alive but it’s been dead for years
And I’m sorry it’s just as you feared

Where is your faith?
And conviction?
Is your authority scattered in all directions?
Like a broken mirror, shards of your reflection
Beg you protection, put me back, put me back together again

Don't you know we're all just storytellers weaving tales.
If you do not like his story, you better jump the rails.

It isn’t a true reflection, if it barks yet it acts like a duck
It isn’t true incantation, if you’re putting in ifs ands and butts
You are sleeping and flinging your words like a child
Who is tantruming in the grocery aisle
If there’s something you want, there’s no need to scream
Just change the way that you dream

Where’s your love?
Has it faded?
Are you happy with what you’ve created?
Like a broken mirror, shards of your reflection
Beg you for protection, put me back together again

I used a style called LITEAIR. I'd hoped for a little more edge, but this served for the demo. I got a little more experimental (aka brave) with the instrumentation this time around. I added an extra guitar, piano and organ. I hope the reverb and overall mix are better in this than in my first song. Guess you'll let me know!

I wrote these lyrics and the melody back in 2005!! For all my initial frustrations and the continuing learning curve, I'm loving BIAB. It's fulfilling my need to create and that is a true gift. In this instance, it only took 20 years. LOL

Last edited by BYOBand; 09/08/24 10:52 AM.
BYOBand #822320 09/08/24 06:02 AM
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Oh, man, I'm loving your progress with the program. Good song, well written, and an enjoyable listen. Some of my favorite parts were the subtle harmony lines.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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BabuMusic #822330 09/08/24 08:13 AM
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BYOBand Offline OP
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Thanks for that. I decided to boost those harmonies.

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I like the lyrics and the "change the way that you dream" theme. Criticisms are difficult as so often it comes down to taste, but maybe adding some more harmony vocals might have filled the song out a little. Also even short musical interludes need a solo instrument. Once I have an idea for a song or instrumental I always start by searching my 'favourites' in BiaB for the rhythm section instruments I envisage - I very rarely have to check for other styles - but I probably spend more time searching for solos as the more experience I've gained I tend to collect at least 50 samples so I can find the very best to fit. We all have our own ways of working, but I only use BiaB for independent instrument samples and due to the dire lack of space in my retirement flat - there's lots of noise pollution, too - I'm limited to Audacity for everything else. I look forward to seeing how you progress as you'll definitely get better and better.


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.
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Really nicely done. Well crafted melancholy lyrics and a strong melodic flow. Love your vocals and harmonies, and that modulation in the bridge is very cool. You're DEFINITELY on the right track. Glad you've found BiaB and this forum!


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Well, you've certainly got a way with words. I can see that this song isn't simply for entertainment purposes, rather it invites the listener to indulge in self-examination, to search deep within their own souls, to discern between illusion, fantasy and falsehood on the one hand, and truth and honesty on the other.
The backing track was suitably restrained to let the lyrics shine and your voice conveyed the message with feeling and conviction. Well done!

Ghostgum


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Hi WaoBand,

Thanks for the encouragement, and I don't mind hearing different points of view (aka criticism). It broadens the mind. I'm actually still struggling with creating instrumental solos and learning how to use them properly. Maybe that'll be my next hurtle.

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Thanks, DC Ron. I'm glad I found this forum, also. It's so helpful to have the support of other ears.

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Thank you for listening so deeply, Ghostgum. I think words have a way with me more so than I might have a way with them. LOL

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Beth,

I really enjoyed this. Good rhythm and a great vocal. Good mix as well!

Bob

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Thank you, Bob!

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Originally Posted by BYOBand
................ I'm actually still struggling with creating instrumental solos and learning how to use them properly. Maybe that'll be my next hurtle.

I think you have already cleared that hurtle.
This is an excellent song.
Great vocal, harmonies, lyrics, and mix.


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
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Really nice vocals and harmonies here...I think Ghostgum's assessment of the song was well put...I think it's very well done and a fairly technical use of BiaB so that is quite impressive for a beginner...I think you will master it quickly and find the program can produce stunning tracks that enhance your songs...look forward to hearing more from you.


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You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
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What a lovely song!

You're doing fine with the program. There's a lot to learn. The more you work with it, the more things start faslling into place.

I particularly enjoyed the vocal harmony.

It's a terrific song and production.

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

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Thanks, Mario. I appreciate it.

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Very kind of you. Thank you!

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Thank you for listening, Alan. I'm enjoying myself immensely!

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Very nice. Creative intro (voice only), and I thought that bass was killer throughout. Good listen. Probably just a style preference, but I may have experimented with a litle more reverb. Good stuff.

Brad

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Beth - lovely to hear you having so much fun with music/lyrics and BiaB,
great stuff and very well done!!

Carl

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Thank you, Brad. You had to dig deep into the showcase history to find this one!

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