Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Scott C Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Here is a new song for April. A folk rock tune with sea shanty. This song is about a ship that went down in 1915 and an excursion to Antarctica.

Here is a link to the full story on the ship Endurance - Wiki

Endurance - Video

Endurance - Soundcloud

The Band:
There was allot of experimentation and switching out of RTs for the song.
Military Drum loop from the free samples on the Internet.
RealDrums-ShakerSlow16ths_1
RealDrums-MetalSlowBigTomGroove
RealBass 700 Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085
RealPiano 3156 Fiddle, 5-string, Rhythm AmericanaMountai
RealSoloist 3267 Cello, Background CelticAirFlowingNatal
RealStrings 3230 Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeld
RealGuitar 3758 Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm PalmMuteRockSlo

Robert Cordrey, lyrics, vocals, video production
Scott Collingwood, lead guitar and fills, soundtrack production
Band in a Box, Leonardo.ai, Kaiber.ai
Mixed and Mastered in Studio One 6

The Endurance

say goodbye to sunny nightmares
hoist a gunny sack of mucker`s misery
you walked through frozen hell already
it`s your icy halos I see
your icy halos I see

with a sextant, prayers a compass
calling time to the oar
we may reach South Georgia`s fortress shore
saved for another war
I`ll save you for another war

trust to luck boys trust to luck
leaving The Endurance
to climb the Weddell Sea
boys oh my boys
it`s such a brutal journey
we`ll meet the naked soul of man
before we`ll see the land

a task to last beyond these hours
the gallows mast will witness
leave your broken boots your cups your sickness
say farewell for we`re not witless
we are men we are not witless

trust to luck boys trust to luck
leaving The Endurance
to climb the Weddell Sea
boys oh my boys
it`s such a brutal journey
we`ll meet the naked soul of man
before we`ll see the land


© Robert Cordrey Oct. 2024

Last edited by Scott C; 04/03/25 08:45 PM.

Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,303
There's a click at the 14 second mark of the video - over on the right - probably the reverb jumping on a pick sound or sting noise as there's a fair bit of that from 3758.
Sextant disappeared from the vocal.
The lead guitar work is loaded with your signature tone & licks - well done.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,255
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,255
Hi Robert and Scott
I loved the verses of the song and could feel the isolation, cold and danger of the journey. However, I found the sections 'Trust to luck boys trust to luck ...' to be quite disorientating in a tempo/beat sense (did you intend to create this stark difference), and only the second time with the drum accompanying did I feel it tie into the verses. In saying this though, this section did have a very 'other-worldly' feel to it.
You have a knack of creating a feel with the music that supports the theme in the lyrics.
Andrew

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Ambitious project! I read the story, so interesting! This is a what I call a "long-form epic" song, almost a type of musical poem that tells the whole story with various "movements" or sections--that's really difficult! My listener feedback: I agree that the "trust to luck" section, while needing to be different, would be better served if you dropped the strumming and instead used the military drumming, which would nicely tie it to the next section. That's just my opinion. If you have the interest in refining it, that's the aspect I'd work on--how to keep that section different 'enough' but not too far afield from the mainline. In any regard, I love this type of musical exposition of a historical epic event. Thanks for sharing it!


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,835
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,835
Superb stuff! History is one of my favorite song topics (THANKS, Al Stewart!) and I absolutely love this. Piercing guitars, snarling lyrics, shanties(!), what's not to love? I quite like the arrangement, but I'm maybe referencing back to my impressions of the perilous and improbable Endurance adventure. Think this song is a fitting tribute.

Read Lansing's book on the subject probably 25 years ago but it seems like only yesterday. How they didn't lose anyone is beyond me...


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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Robert and Scott, this is a great song
Super lyrics and an outstanding supporting video
Great vocal and lead guitar
Great arrangement
Mixed perfectly
I loved it.


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: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Sounds great to me Scott, loved the drums, and your guitar work is perfect.

As I said over on YT: Very different, totally unique, and very cool. I'm a fan!

Cool video too.

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,374
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,374
Scott & Robert,
This was quite a project. Very entertaining and artistic take on historic journey. Robert has some of the most interesting lyrics for songs, which I admire greatly. Excellent guitar work. Surprising mood changes work very well. Neat backing video. Enjoyed it and thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,351
Really interesting theme and the music production is excellent. Spirit Level always manages to produce something wholly original.


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: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Scott C Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Thanks Ray, Andrew, TM, and Ron. For checking out the song.

This was one of our most ambitious productions. We wanted the song to take you to different places visually and sonically. The Shanty section was the most difficult with the tempo change. It takes you from the present back in time.
We move between different technologies to piece the songs together. BIAB > Realband > Studio One > Reaper > Studio One. Making all the pieces fit together can be challenging but went the bow is tied to the final iteration then all the work was worth it. It is wonderful the we have the technology to be able to do this in our own homes..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,321
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,321
Huge Spirit Level fan here and this is the kind of uber creative piece you gotta expect from the duo. I think the shanty section would be better if it sounded more like The Wellerman and other typical shanties, but that may have been a tall task. No complaints, 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: May 2019
Posts: 5,141
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141
Endearing tribute. Love how you open it with that guitar line. Although I believe Soundcloud has a slightly better sound, I always go straight to your videos. Man, I can't imagine the hardship. Excellent video images. Scott, your guitar work is always such a special lift to the spirit. The harmony lines are perfect, and I really dig the isolation parts. An incredible song with an outstanding production.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Scott C Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,373
Thanks Mario, Dave, Misha, and Waoband for checking out the song. Your comments are very much appreciated..


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,620
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,620
Spirit Level continues to explore uncharted territory musically and what would be a better topic than this one based on an interesting story about a ship carrying explorers of Earth. Scott paints another wild adventure with his guitar, Robert's poetic lyrics are beautifully rendered by his unique voice. And the arrangement is full of nice details like those differently used drums. You are ambitious sailors on your creative ocean, this was not a brutal but a very enjoyable journey. And the video supports the travel alongside with you, I admire the effort you have put on this work of art.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,228
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,228
Excellent production in all aspects.

Great arrangement and the drum/percussion changes are very effective.

We are familiar with the history of the Endurance and this line is perfect:
“we`ll meet the naked soul of man
before we`ll see the land.”

Scott’s guitar, Robert's vocal, the video and the write all presented/supported the narrative so well.
No doubt a LOT of time and effort was spent on this outcome.

This is an enjoyable history lesson that capture’s courage well!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520
Hey Guys,

This is really unique. Quite the epic journey!

Musically it reminds me of Tom Waits in some of his experimental phases just a little bit. A lot of really cool musical experimentation going on here and quite captivating.

Great job. Love the vocals and the haunting guitar lines.

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,201
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,201
The music and video are superb. A journey and a reflection on the courage of these men.
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,964
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,964
Unique, Interesting, fascinating, whatever word you wish to use to describe it, your work is always out there at, or slightly over the edge. This is no different. As always, your work is interestingly fascinating and unique. Always worth the listen.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Hi Scott and Robert,

An intriguing song, with those impressive drums, followed by silences with just that acoustic guitar and then Scott on lead! Fantastic!
Roberts vocals are so cool in this song. You just feel the icy atmosphere of the place where the (poor) ship and the men were.
Very well done.
Enjoyed it all,
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,711
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,711
A tale I know well. Unique production and a haunting, forlorn guitar part. Excellent lyrics, Robert. I like the dreariness of the ending.

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
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!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,429
Posts804,959
Members40,122
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jho smith, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
DC Ron 105
rsdean 98
WaoBand 82
dcuny 69
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5