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Soundcloud - Artefacts (now with a chorus) When I originally posted this song here, I had a recurring instrumental motif instead of a chorus, for the excuses listed in the original post. Thanks to Izzy Seriass ... … That “chorus”, though… it’s as catchy as a cold in winter, but it's playing it a little safe. It’s more of a recurring motif than a fully realized chorus, and I think a proper chorus would really elevate the song. You've already handled the often-tricky bridge, which is a huge plus. So, what we have here is a cracking good song... just needs a chorus that isn't afraid to show off a bit! (IMO, of course, because my musical opinions are older than sliced bread.) ... who encouraged me to add a chorus, I have now uploaded a new version to Soundcloud, but no Youtube yet. The song is in in E major, but I wanted to do something a bit different for the chorus - I just felt more of E major might lose something (is it writer’s fatigue?), so the chorus jumps to F# major, then back to E major for the verses and bridge and outro. I’ve retained the original instrumental motif for the intro and the outro. Other than that, all the normal shortcomings of my songcraft and production are there.  ****** BIAB Song Summary *************Title: Artefacts Soloist is saved with the song : Pop 16th. Guitar (126) Style is =AGRASCL.STY (Slow Ballad Strummed Guitar) Style MIDI Instruments are : Acoustic Piano (1), RealTracks in song: 784:Bass, Electric, PopCrossover Sw16 075 – used in the chorus only – my own bass in intro, verses, bridge and outroRealTracks in style: 625:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Rascal Sw 075 – not used – my own guitars used throughoutRealTracks in song: 1159:Organ, B3, Rhythm ReggaeSlow Sw 075 RealDrums in style:NashvilleSwing16^4-a:HiHat, Sidestick , b:Snare, Hihat LYRICSINTROVERSE 1I’ve become a different kind of man With my relics and artefacts on hand Excavated from the past describing who I am Manuscripts and carvings in the clay The key to deciphering who I am today CHORUS 1What have I become now that I’m old Has my character withstood the test of time? Will I find there are artefacts of gold And will I be pleased to say they’re mine? VERSE 2I was quite reserved when I was young Occasionally I’d talk out of turn Now I look myself up and down, via objects buried low I created them, collected on the road Testaments to shaping me. Where did that young man go? CHORUS 2What have I become now that I’m old Has my character withstood the test of time? Will I find there are artefacts of gold And will I be pleased to say they’re mine? BRIDGEThings have not come easy I’ve worked hard I feel unsettled now with what I have become Bring back that younger man with pieces of yesterday And hoping that the artefact is me OUTRO
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Soundcloud - Artefacts (now with a chorus) When I originally posted this song here, I had a recurring instrumental motif instead of a chorus, for the excuses listed in the original post. Thanks to Izzy Seriass ... [quote=Izzy] … That “chorus”, though… it’s as catchy as a cold in winter, but it's playing it a little safe. It’s more of a recurring motif than a fully realized chorus, and I think a proper chorus would really elevate the song. You've already handled the often-tricky bridge, which is a huge plus. So, what we have here is a cracking good song... just needs a chorus that isn't afraid to show off a bit! (IMO, of course, because my musical opinions are older than sliced bread.) ... who encouraged me to add a chorus, I have now uploaded a new version to Soundcloud, but no Youtube yet. ⎜ big ✂ snip ⎜............................................. Andrew, The alchemical process of songwriting can be a brutal affair . By the time I'm done, my own ears are ringing with Stockholm Syndrome. That's when the long-suffering significant other is dragged in for the "forest for the trees" analysis (usually involving sighs and pointed glances at the clock). 🙄 But your "Artefacts" was different. I saw a Formula 1 machine, sleek and powerful, just aching for that final, glorious surge. I'm flattered you considered my humble tinkering suggestions. And now? Well, now it's a bespoke banger of a tune that's practically demanding a podium finish. Congratulations on unleashing the beast! 👍 Izzy.
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Journeyman
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I like this a lot, Andrew. There's a Bowie-esque, Who-esque quality. The lyrics are very thought-provoking. It's so awesome to see how another member's suggestions can be just the thing that bring a tune out of its shell.
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… It's so awesome to see how another member's suggestions can be just the thing that bring a tune out of its shell. Yes I agree - this is what the forum’s purpose is. I am loving that I found it - hearing other people’s gems that inspire new songs in me, and hearing my songs and making great suggestions for improvement. Andrew D
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… And now? Well, now it's a bespoke banger of a tune that's practically demanding a podium finish. Congratulations on unleashing the beast! Thanks for your help Izzy!
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Yep, as others have said, quite Bowie-esque. The key changes are exactly what the song needed to be special. Really good ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif)
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Good lyrics, the chorus is fine, overall a solid effort. And yes, a bit of Bowie in it. Well done.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Andrew
Well done
Nice use of BIAB
Good vocals
Nicely mixed
Enjoyed the listen
.fj
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Wow, what a cool transition, Andrew. THANKS, Izzy, and well done, Andrew. I like the key change --it sets it off nicely. Well mixed, played and sung too.
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Andrew, I like this a lot better than the original, and I liked the original.
Adding that chorus key change did the trick, it took a good song and made it a great song.
I really liked this version
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi Andrew,
I didn't hear the original, but this sure sounds great! I have several songs in which I changed key for the chorus and/or bridge. It's pretty cool when it works - and it works perfectly here
Nice write, nice arrangement, great sound! A very nice listen!
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
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Well, I'll go with Bowie fronting Split Enz. Deliciously offbeat and undeniably cool. Sounds really nice, too. Great vocals and vocal layering. Super song!
I learn a lot from posters on this forum, too. They're a good bunch of folks.
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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I like the chorus and the key change works smoothly. I agree with BYOB that this is Bowie-esque, very much so. Well done!
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I like this a lot, Andrew. There's a Bowie-esque, Who-esque quality. Yep, as others have said, quite Bowie-esque. And yes, a bit of Bowie in it. Well done. Nice use of BIAB, Good vocals, Nicely mixed, Enjoyed the listen .fj Wow, what a cool transition, Andrew. THANKS, Izzy, and well done, Andrew. I like the key change --it sets it off nicely. Adding that chorus key change did the trick, it took a good song and made it a great song. I really liked this version I didn't hear the original, but this sure sounds great! I have several songs in which I changed key for the chorus and/or bridge. It's pretty cool when it works - and it works perfectly here Well, I'll go with Bowie fronting Split Enz. Deliciously offbeat and undeniably cool. … I learn a lot from posters on this forum, too. They're a good bunch of folks. I agree with BYOB that this is Bowie-esque, very much so. Well done! Thank you everyone for your generous comments. Bowie with a dash of Split Enz? I'm not worthy, but they both had significant impact on my early listening years. As you hear more of my songs, you'll find I'm not averse to straying outside the diatonic. And thanks again to Izzy for his gentle nudge to do more, and wholeheartedly agree with DC Ron regarding this forum. I discovered it way too late. Andrew D
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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