|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
The Best Ever GiftThis is just a silly seasonal song  The best ever gift is of course the latest version of BIAB (although another year without my big wish - bagpipe RealTracks, but maybe next year!), but here is another take on the subject. Originally composed in 2017 using BIAB instruments of that time, I think I've never used only 4 instruments before! I created English lyrics and Synthesizer V vocals during this year. The choice for the dueting vocalists was easy: Natalie's warm sound and Jun's deep sound fit well together. Disclaimer: all characters in the story are adults and fictious, including Rudolph  Happy Holidays! RealDrums: Motown60sPopEven RealTracks: #2588 Electric Bass Punk 8ths #2584 Electric Guitar Muted #1534 Acoustic Piano Sample: "Poron kellot" by Yle Vocals: Synthesizer V Natalie & Jun Backing track mixed in Adobe Audition (Delay, Multiband Compressor, EQ, Studio Reverb) Vocal mixing & Mastering in Cakewalk by BandLab (Aurora, Nectar 4, Ozone 11) Lyrics: [Verse] I wanted to charm him by making up my hood I could not pretend anymore that I'd been good I have missed my dear Santa, one gift left to trim I only wanted to swing quilts with him. [Chorus] In the warm, romantic light of Rudolph's Ruddy Nose I had a chance the red suit's secret slightly to expose I packed a cuddly gift of socks to see them on his paw the best ever gift I've got from my Santa Claus I got I got from my Santa Claus I got I got from my Santa Claus. [Verse] The eve of suspense butterflies danced in my guts hung your stocking filled with a sweet cane and nuts I'll remind it's the best time to give, not to skimp sneak in and I'll fill your cup to the brim. [Chorus] In the warm, romantic light of Rudolph's Ruddy Nose I had a chance the red suit's secret slightly to expose The satin string around her wrap I managed to uncurl the best ever gift I've got from my Santa girl I got I got from my Santa girl I got I got from my Santa girl. [Bridge] Snow is whirling, festive fuss we went to hide the wool rugs beneath the stars have had their wildest ride a long trip still ahead, maybe once more in the sleigh the magic flight will continue through the Milky Way. [Chorus] In the warm, romantic light of Rudolph's Ruddy Nose I had a chance the red suit's secret slightly to expose I got to kiss your frosty lips I felt the greatest glee the best ever gift I've got beneath the Christmas tree I got I got beneath the Christmas tree I got I got beneath the Christmas tree.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,162
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,162 |
...although another year without my big wish - bagpipe RealTracks, but maybe next year!)... That's because my PG wish every year is “please never publish bagpipe RealTracks”, Janne. I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas songs, but I like your song because it's funny, especially the discrepancy of the style to the lyrics. The lyrics sound a bit rushed and are hard to understand in places, but I guess that's the trade-off you have to make when you have so many lyrics in such a short song. But, as I said, I like it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845 |
Janne, well, if "swing quilts" means what I think it means, that's a new one for my English vocabulary of euphemisms for sure. So...Kudos! Like the playful theme and the inventive harmonic twists. The vocalists do quite well, but their grand performance styles probably contribute to my hearing this as a Gilbert and Sullivan stage piece. A quite good one, mind you.
Anyway...GREAT job at an inventive take on Christmas cheer!
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: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,194
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,194 |
Janne, Very clever and quite funny. Great mix and an excellent production overall. Nice work! Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,063
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,063 |
Janne,
Original and clever . . . as I've come to expect from you. No disappointment. Christmas songs are tough to write, simply because they've all been done before. But nothing like this . . . and that's a good thing. A fun song to listen to from start to finish. Excellent work on the write, production elements, and AI vocals. Good stuff!!
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,658
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,658 |
Haha loved the ingenious idea of the song, so well produced. Nice one - have a great Christmas!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
...although another year without my big wish - bagpipe RealTracks, but maybe next year!)... That's because my PG wish every year is “please never publish bagpipe RealTracks”, Janne. I don't normally quote someone else's review, but that line from Brain made me laugh, couldn't resist!  Fun song, Janne, always enjoy your lyrics. Clever and original as all your songs are. Enjoyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,326
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,326 |
Hi, Janne. No bagpipes this year? Is there a secret pre-release version of BiaB that you've got access to? Inquiring minds want to know! Fun, silly song. After swinging quilts and Santa's "paw", I gave up trying to make too much sense of the lyrics and just enjoyed the ride.
-- 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 2012
Posts: 8,708
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,708 |
Janne,
A fun Christmas rocker!! You get a lot of music from four instruments.
As always, a pleasure to listen to. excellent work!
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: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
...although another year without my big wish - bagpipe RealTracks, but maybe next year!)... That's because my PG wish every year is “please never publish bagpipe RealTracks”, Janne.  Hahaha glad to know who to "thank", I'll ask Santa to send a Scottish pipe band to play on your backyard on Christmas night I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas songs, but I like your song because it's funny, especially the discrepancy of the style to the lyrics.
The lyrics sound a bit rushed and are hard to understand in places, but I guess that's the trade-off you have to make when you have so many lyrics in such a short song.
But, as I said, I like it. Thanks B.D. for your nice feedback Yep, fast paced "action movie" needs machine gun lyrics Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
Janne, well, if "swing quilts" means what I think it means, that's a new one for my English vocabulary of euphemisms for sure. So...Kudos! Like the playful theme and the inventive harmonic twists. The vocalists do quite well, but their grand performance styles probably contribute to my hearing this as a Gilbert and Sullivan stage piece. A quite good one, mind you.
Anyway...GREAT job at an inventive take on Christmas cheer! Thanks DC for your very pleasant review  Yep, euphemism for Christmas cleaning, remove dust from the unused covering Gilbert and Sullivan are unknown to me but I take your words as a big compliment Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
Janne, Very clever and quite funny. Great mix and an excellent production overall. Nice work! Bob Thanks Bob, I appreciate your kind and positive feedback Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,663
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,663 |
Hi Janne. What a great creative composition. I don't remember hearing this before. If it was first published in November or December (or January even) in 2017, that would explain it. It was in December 2017 that I had my prostate removed because of advanced cancer. I was a long time recovering from the damage the cancer and its removal caused me. I really enjoyed listening to this. You are an immensely inventive and talented musician. You had me smiling from start to finish. I love that line about "swing quilts" with Santa. That's one of the best euphemisms I've heard! You did a good job with Natalie and Jun. You inspired me to get hold of Jun. He sounds great! I hope you have a terrific Christmas and a prosperous and productive 2025. --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,189
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,189 |
What a woinderful fit here, Janne. (Good to know no children were hurt in the making of the beauty.) "I only wanted to swing quilts with him." Haha. Very creative song, man. Of all the Christmas songs ever written, nothing comes close. So far I had to listen 3 times just to soak it all in. Not done yet, so I'll be back. Yeah, great choice on the vocalists, cool harmony and a hopping melody. Man, is there a tongue-twister those synths can't get through with ease. Well, they say the 3rd time is the charm, but it just makes me wanna go back for a 4th. Happy Christmas, Janne!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
Janne,
Original and clever . . . as I've come to expect from you. No disappointment. Christmas songs are tough to write, simply because they've all been done before. But nothing like this . . . and that's a good thing. A fun song to listen to from start to finish. Excellent work on the write, production elements, and AI vocals. Good stuff!!
Deej Thanks Deej for your wonderful review Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,654 |
Haha loved the ingenious idea of the song, so well produced. Nice one - have a great Christmas!!! Thank you very much for sharing your positive thoughts Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,001
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,001 |
Janne, a very clever write!
Super synth vocals however they were hard to understand as they sounded rushed. But that may just be my old ears.
Great backing band.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,228
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,228 |
Janne,
Great Christmas song!
And your originality is on full display.
The sound effects match the song perfectly.
It's fun to listen to.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,410
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,410 |
Loved the lyric Janne. Excellent backing band. Really well done...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,292
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,292 |
Very funny!
With those lyrics we could hear some of the old blues masters doing a slow version of this. 😉
Natalie and Jun work well together indeed.
The punk guitar RT provides a good driving rhythm for the sleigh ride!
Excellent session guys, great arrangement and a nice tight but dynamic mix.
Happy Holidays! And we look forward to your upcoming productions.
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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,557
Posts806,644
Members40,155
| |
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