Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#845914 03/11/25 04:50 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
Hello Forum friends, and a belated Happy New Year!! Also, congrats to all of the showcase award winners.....a wonderful and talented group! My Mac internal HD died around December and I've fought to get everything set up again....an amazing nuisance! I also did not have my PG password (on the old HD). Anyway, here is my latest release, a song I wrote last Summer, but may be even more timely now. I would love to know what you think, and I will catch up soon on listening. Take care all. Greg



The Great Divide

It’s hard to know where the fault lies
Hard to see where things went wrong
Not so long ago we were united
And we were strong

Maybe it’s just human nature
A mistake we must repeat
From the jaws of victory
Somehow we will snatch defeat

Everyone better run for the trenches
Show your loyalty and pride
This is your call to action
Your own midnight ride
We must gather all our defenses
Time has come to pick a side
Choose your truth and choose your weapons
In the great divide

Money flows from DC to Wall Street
Barely touching main street hands
And they both will spin their message
Say they understand

And the media thrive off the damage
Of the war they help create
Like parasites
They feed off discontent and hate

Everybody, run for the trenches
Show your loyalty and pride
This is your call to action
Your own midnight ride
We must gather all our defenses
Time has come to pick a side
Choose your truth and choose your weapons
In the great divide

We’ll pit brother against brother
Let go of all we had before
So keep your head down or take some shrapnel
In this uncivil civil war

We must gather all our defenses
Time has come to pick a side
Choose your truth and choose your weapons
In the great divide

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 222
Apprentice
Online Content
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 222
Hi Greg - great song! I love the use of 'ooo' backing vocals and also the slide guitar solo - reminded me of George Harrison's style. The vocals also remind me of Randy Stonehill - not sure if he's around the place nowadays.

I found it interesting the contrast of lyric theme with the musical style. The lyrics can be interpreted as a call to arms, whereas the music is very calming - the latter being something we all need right now. I am commenting from the southern hemisphere, but these issues bleed over to here as well. I think the real solution is the messy middle - coming together to recognise differences and find some common ground. Music is one of those things that can bring us together.


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,550
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,550
Greg, cool throwback to classics like "Eve of Destruction". Really well sung. Very nicely arranged for emotional effect. Sounds like all BiaB backing, is this right? Love your song!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,472
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,472
Greg, you often remind me of Jackson Browne, and the comparison is particularly apt here. (I will say that I think you're a somewhat better singer than he is.) This sounds like it came from the "Lives in the Balance" era. Then you add the David Lindley-like slide guitar and the illusion is complete. Great track, thoroughly enjoyed it.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,984
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,984
Greg,

Excellent song. Love your vocal as always. The production on this track is also a highpoint - awesome mix.

Loved it!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,326
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,326
I think it's a beautiful song and you sing it really well.
I like the contrast between the soft and positive musical style and the critical lyrics.
Well done!

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,336
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,336
Hey Greg,

This forum is always a better place when you're here. As always, your voice is to die for.

A very topical song that, as you mentioned, is probably very appropriate for today's insanity.

Nice mix and arrangement. You never disappoint!

Wishing you the very best!

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: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,812
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,812
Hi Greg,

Good on you for writing a "protest" song in these dark days in the USA.

I must admit, that from a very long way a away - it appears that the Media are the only ones taking a stand and the Democrats are largely in hiding.

Good luck to you in America.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,509
Hi, Greg.

It's tough to craft a good protest song, but you've done it here.

As Rob mentioned, the slide guitar has a strong David Lindley feel, which is only a plus.

Really well done! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,468
"And the media thrive off the damage
Of the war they help create
Like parasites
They feed off discontent and hate"

Yes sir! That paints an accurate picture!
Greg your voice is one of the best anywhere, not just here in this forum!
The background vocals are also really great in addition to your lead vocals! Love that slide stuff going on.
You've put together a great sounding track!
Here's hoping you get all of your tech issues sorted and that it doesn't hinder you sharing more beautiful music!

Take care, TB

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,057
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,057
Greg, what a fantastic song.
Great vocal and outstanding lyrics and mix

[quote=Greg Johnson.....................................
And the media thrive off the damage
Of the war they help create
Like parasites
They feed off discontent and hate
................................. [/quote]

Those lines are so true. If the main stream media were just honest journalist and quit pushing hate it would be a much better place.


My momma didn't raise a fool. And if she did it, was one of my brothers.

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: 3,026
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,026
Greg,

It's a very pop song reminiscent of late 60's folk rock.
The subject matter of the lyrics also vividly expresses the current world situation.
Your jazzy songs are wonderful, but your folk songs are just as great.
Your vocals are also very comfortable.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,644
Excellent song, Greg, and definitely timely! Troubled times to say the least.

Great vocal, write, and production, loved everything about this.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,290
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,290
Greg...as usual you have created a great piece of music stylistically and lyrically...your vocal work is always stellar and your musical sensibilities are always spot on...I agree with the sentiment of the song except for one line..."Not so long ago we were united"...not sure when that would have been...I recently watched a documentary about Thomas Jefferson and it seems to me that we have always been divided on one thing or another...one of the inevitable by-products of "freedom" is division...it's always been that way in the United States...it's incredible that we "manage" it as well as we do...okay off the political commentary...really nice song...love everything you post...best regards...Dan


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: May 2023
Posts: 1,397
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,397
Great protest song musically and lyrically. I like the lyrics "In this uncivil civil war", plus the use of the term "parasite" is very apt as I use that term myself for the same kind of persons!


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: May 2019
Posts: 4,350
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,350
I appreciate your amazing nuisance in resetting your computer. But, man, not as much as I appreciate your talent for writing and singing great songs. A terrific mix, too. Excellent lyrics. Man, I'm right with you on all you bring out with those outstanding lyrics. Sensational sounds. Your best song, Greg, but I say that with whichever one of yours I'm listening to.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,292
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,292
Strong, smooth vocal. I'm with Tunemonger, very Jackson Browne. A very listenable song and radio friendly.

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,227
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,227
I also got Jackson Browne vibe, always nice to hear an enjoyable and melodic pop song with meaningful lyrics. "Maybe it’s just human nature/A mistake we must repeat/From the jaws of victory/Somehow we will snatch defeat" nicely expresses the unfortunate dilemma.

Your smooth voice and the carefully constructed band create a winning combination to present the message. Those backing vocals sound also great.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,323
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,323
Hey Greg,

This is a pretty cool song man. As others have said, it does sound kind of Jackson Browne! Very nice!

I myself am actually feeling pretty positive about the potential for some pretty awesome changes this year, which will give more freedom to creative people to return to their own creative individuality and constitutional rights without a sense of fear. Live and let live. I actually feel the country is lightening up a bit, people are laughing more, comics are being funny again, nitwits are being ignored and mass insanity is on the decline.

Whenever someone tells me it's time to pick a side I say sure that's easy. I think I'll go with the creative and happy people.

But enough of my yakking! Spring time is here and it's time to get happy!!!

😃

Anyway a great Jackson Browne type song man! I really enjoyed it.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Greg, you have always had one of my favorite voices on the forum. You certainly have not lost a step. The style is reminiscent of JB as is the social political commentary. Very well written and performed. I liked it a lot! Stay well.

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 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!

Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Get the latest update today!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!

First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!

www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm

Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,140
Posts775,224
Members39,567
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
greypeter1, AudioQuestions, jl1, DKL, EdHumbleton
39,566 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 192
DC Ron 103
rsdean 95
WaoBand 93
dcuny 68
Noel96 68
BYOBand 68
Today's Birthdays
Hiram
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5