|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
This is a new demo of a song we originally wrote in '91. I'm using the Bluegrass RT set and Nashville drums. Hope you enjoy it. Willadeen (Lyrics especially for you Ian, grin...) Willadeen ©1991,2010 J. Beck, C. Grant All rights reserved. Willadeen folded a piece of paper Stuck it between the salt and pepper shaker One last look at these old rooms And she was out the back door on her honeymoon All her mama could do was clean and clean While her daddy paced the porch He never felt so mean Aww Willadeen Willadeen What you gonna do with the rest of your life What you gonna do another poor man's wife God willin' and the creek don't rise What do you think you're gonna find Willadeen Willadeen signed her name at the lawyer Piled three kids all they owned in a junker One call home to say goodbye Headin' out for the city and a brand new life All her mama could was clean and clean While her daddy paced the porch He never felt so mean Aww Willadeen (repeat chorus) Dreams are all that matter at seventeen She's gonna do things mama never dreamed Ol' grandpa drives her crazy When he calls her Willadeen Willadeen picked up the piece of paper Folded between the salt and pepper shaker In tears she reads her daughter's note So like the lines that she once wrote All she could do was clean and clean Then she went and paced the porch She never felt so mean Aww Willadeen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,586
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,586 |
Hi Josie,
You've done a great job with this song. The arrangement is excellent in my book. The fiddle really puts the icing on the cake.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Josie,
believe it or not, I knew a woman named Willadeen, and your song sounds exactly like her life! (But, that may be comparable to writing a song about a guy named Billy-Bob who got drunk and went to jail. )
I like your lyrical style... you have a way of inserting your storyline into the everyday details of life . The salt and pepper shakers become more than random items in a room; they become key players in the story.
I think your use of RB to build a song is very good. The songs sound well-composed to me, not redundant or lacking in structure. I like the way the song thins out when you sing, and the fiddle kicks in when the vocals drop out. The style suits the content.
I also liked the way your harmony added variation and texture to the song.
There were moments when I couldn't understand what you were saying... if not for having the words posted, they would have been lost to me. But, I have found that depending on the frequency of a person's voice I have trouble understanding some people, and so the problem may be mine, not yours.
All in all, another nice song for Josie!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
 ah gee, Josie . . . . thanks. I really don't know where to begin with this song of yours. If you're feeling up to it I'd like to hear the original. I loved this version - it is so "understated" it is powerful. A wonderfully built arrangement. Not a note without a purpose or distracting from the lyrics. Even the harmony is subtle. No edginess to it. I'm betting you didn't use much in the way of compression. The lyrics are amazing - they just tug - too true to life right down to the salt and pepper shakers - that was masterful. I'm really happy you posted that Josie. I can't see that there wouldn't be a spot on a country playlist for it. Was it ever released before? I can't see that it wouldn't have been. Always room for traditional. Well done. Ian 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,704
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,704 |
Josie, there is only one word that can describe this song and that is PERFECT!
Perfect vocal, harmonies, backing tracks and fiddles.
This is air play ready!
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Hi Josie. I've come to expect crafty lyrics from you, and this does not dissapoint. The only thing I might take a look at is the chord structure in a few spots- namely the end of the verses. There are some spots where the timing isn't the most supportive it can be. I chalk this up to either some limitations of biab, or perhaps you're not coaxing it out of biab in the right way- which may not even be doable. But I think it's generally limitations in biab. I have noticed that it's difficult to stray too far from generic structure when using RT's. Things like syncopated timing or quick time sig changes can be difficult to make sound smooth and 'right'. Often you must go with a phrase just because it works, and let go of what you really had in mind. But this one is another good one Josie! You should be on the heels of Dolly Parton, quite frankly. I know she's an accomplished writter, but your material could give her some new life in the country scene.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Thank you Noel. I've always enjoyed a little bluegrass so it was fun adding in that mountain music fiddle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Pat,
That was too funny. She was a girl from school that I never met but liked the way her name sounded.
I appreciate your kind words.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Ian,
For compression I used the PG Dynamics Gentle Opto 2 preset. I also used the ten band eq to tame all that mid range going on and peaklimit to bring up the volume a bit. I'm still experimenting with the production side as many of us here are I think.
My co-writer was a blessing and responsible for part of the lyrics. We didn't get a cut on it - yet. grin.
Thank you for your thoughts. I'm so glad you like the song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Mario,
Consider yourself hugged. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Dan,
Maybe I've heard it too many times this way at this point but I don't hear any problems with chord structure. Altho I understand the limitations you're talking about and am by no means an expert on working out everything exactly the way I want it on every song with RT's yet, I'm overall happy with the way this one turned out. That's not to say further tweaking is out of the question. grin.
Thank you for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Not really a genre I know much about, but I can hear a pretty tune and a compelling story here Josie. Is it me or is the track mastered very quiet?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Josie,
Wonderful job - a real toe tapper. Truly liked the harmonies - and I am a real sucker for anything with fiddle.
Take Care
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
1st of what a great name for a country song! And the arrangement and use of real tracks were right on for the lyric and general feel of the story. I also thought the harmonies were not only spot on but well placed throughout the song. On a closing note I can picture Dolly singing this tune on some TV special.
Wonderful work young lady!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728 |
Wow...Josie...you're a great songwriter! Very visual lyrics and a wonderful voice too! Very "musical" song title. Keep 'em coming! Bob 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
I think you have to be American (especially from the South)to write lyrics like this Brits like me aint got no chance no chance at all.In my ear I could here a slapped echo in the hook which would give it that "haunting" feel but Im a romantic at heart.Im sure Dolly Parton would do a great job with this song not saying you havent but she is a million seller and we could all do with the big bucks right! cheers Frankie
AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
Very well done! It has that down home country feel. Very well mixed. Thanks for sharing! My MusicRead My Blog
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Marc, I'm glad you liked it, thank you for commenting. Yeah, it may be a tad quiet in comparison.
Powderman, thank you for listening, I love that fiddle too. The voicetone does a good job on the harmonies and saves me a ton of time. I've gone from a purist to a convert. LOL.
Danny C., thank you listening and for the kind words. I was thinking more of Allison Krauss than Dolly but hey....
Bob (Hawgly), I appreciate that, thank you very much.
tributeman, yep, I guess this one is pure southern fried - grin - but I sure learned a lot about songwriting from the Brits. Thanks for listening and posting.
PgFantastic, Heaven knows, I still sweat it out over the mixing but I'm learning - thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278 |
Great writing and a great flow. Loved the fiddle and banjo. Super harmony and superb editing. Soothing vocals Josie!
Marty
Music is what feelings sound like.
Band In A Box (current) Sonar Producer X2, Windows 7, 16 Gigs Ram, Quad Core, AMD Processor, Alesis MK2 Monitors, Roland Quad Capture Audio Interface,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613 |
Josie, I listened to this when you first posted it, and to be honest with you it didn't really do much for me at the time.  However.... There was something about it that kept making me come back and listen again, and again, and again. (I've lost count now) Whata ya know, the more I listen, the more I like it! I love it when a song does that to me. It's almost like you enjoy it a little more evey time you listen. Anyway, thought I'd share that with ya. Oh and the bridge part after the 2nd chorus is a nice touch.  Good Job, Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,211
Posts801,978
Members40,071
| |
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