I was rapidly approaching peak-melancholy when I decided that composing a "cheer me up" song was the only cure. This little ditty is my weapon of choice against the blues. If you are kind enough to give it a spin I hope it offers you a moment of levity and perhaps a little positive energy will rub off. ֍ 💨 If it doesn't land, at least you can laugh at my earnest (and possibly misguided) attempt. 😭 Please sharpen your pencils, folks! All feedback (sweet, sour, or somewhere in between) is welcomed with open ears and a slightly frantic heart. I'll chew on every word and offer my sincerest replies. (•‿•)
As always- Thanks to BIAB for enabling me to bring my songs to life. Lyrics on SC. Key is Ebm Tempo 125 Style is _TEXASRK.STY (Texas Rock Even) RealTracks in style: 1419:Bass, Electric, TexasRock Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 657:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockChop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 660:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockCrisp Ev 120 RealDrums in style:RockTexas^1-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Loose Sync 4546 Horn section Background R&B Funky Intro drop-samples on my HD.
Got me right from the title, Izzy. Once in the 60s a friend kept his pot in a Life ceral box just to give a new meaning to the expression. You got it, sir!! THis song is quite the happy vehicle. I'm sitting here bouncing around with a big smile on my face, and I haven't even had my ceral yet. The lyrics grabed me right in the first couplet: "Worn-out shoes but I’m walking tall Empty pockets but I’ve got it all" and it keeps getting even better. "I’m short on cash but i'm high on life." Yep, I'm diggin' your ernest attempt and declaring mission accomplished. Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?
I thought the best cure for the blues was the blues.
Cool intro, horns sound great. Nice harmonies. The bridge and modulation worked like they should. The final harmonies at the end sounded a bit reminiscent of the Steve Miller.
Hey Izzy! Another great addition to your catalogue! I’m loving the variety in styles you put out.
Some things that tickled my ears … - love the rhythm guitar on the left side just doing its thing - the step up of dynamics and addition of a second rhythm guitar for the second verse - some really big interval steps in the vocal melody makes it really catchy - the first line jumped out at me - the pushed vocals on ‘compromise’ - a nice bit of rawness - subtle yet complementary harmony vocals - a bit of bling - really good lyrics - each line was worthy of consideration in its own right
An unexpected thing for me - my ear and natural inclination is to hear the line ‘I’m high on life’ rise up in melody - with it heading down, it gives me the impression that the highness is not authentically felt? Of course it could be a sign of contentment. Consequently, it took me a couple of listens to realise *that* was the chorus. (This might be MY problem in always thinking that the chorus has to be some kind of stand out.) While the horns are a great addition to the chorus, their use was in the form of punctuation between lines, and in a small way, I was waiting for each horn phrase to pass so I could hear the next vocal line. This is all personal preference, so take it with a pinch of salt.
This one’s going straight to my ‘favs’ playlist! Good job.
Terrific, Izzy! It sounds like you're looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing. Everything about this sounds great to me. I've worked with BIAB horns a lot and I know they often involve a lot of cutting and pasting. Sometimes you get lucky, but not usually, (no matter how many times you regenerate). Vocal was superb and that's always a given. Def a winner here!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Man oh man this forum is confusing me man. I know I responded and I know that I pressed enter so I don't know why I didn't show up but here I go again.
Absolutely totally love this from top to bottom and all around.
The vocals are awesome and it's catchy as all get out.
I think you should get depressed more often. Robert Smith often said that he liked to get depressed and sit in the bathtub.
Funny that he should say that because your song actually makes me feel the same way that I feel when I listen to the link below. And that's a good thing.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Wow! That is an awesome song! The arrangement, the vocals, and the mix are all top-notch. A really infectious groove.
BTW, those horns sound amazing. Loved it!
Bob
Hi Bob Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! Hearing that you dug the tune – and called the groove "infectious," which is exactly what I was going for, really makes my day. Thanks for taking the time to listen and leave such a fantastic review. It’s reviews like yours that make all the blood, sweat, and tears (and the occasional instrument-throwing temper tantrum) worthwhile. 😎 Cheers, Izzy
Got me right from the title, Izzy. Once in the 60s a friend kept his pot in a Life ceral box just to give a new meaning to the expression. You got it, sir!! THis song is quite the happy vehicle. I'm sitting here bouncing around with a big smile on my face, and I haven't even had my ceral yet. The lyrics grabed me right in the first couplet: "Worn-out shoes but I’m walking tall Empty pockets but I’ve got it all" and it keeps getting even better. "I’m short on cash but i'm high on life." Yep, I'm diggin' your ernest attempt and declaring mission accomplished. Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?
Marty, you are a magnificent cereal-box-philosopher, your review is the best thing since they put marshmallows in Lucky Charms! 👋 And I'm absolutely stealing your "Life cereal" pot-stash anecdote. Pure gold, Marty, pure gold. It's going straight into the Izzy Hall of Fame, right next to my worn-out shoes. Seriously though, your comment about the lyrics hitting home? That's what it's all about. Sometimes, you just gotta embrace the walking-tall-with-empty-pockets vibe. Glad you're digging it. "Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?" Not a lot because the BIAB RT Horns are so good that it was only a matter of cut and paste. Thanks a million, Marty. You've officially made my day! Now go have that cereal, you deserve it! 👍 😁
I thought the best cure for the blues was the blues.
Cool intro, horns sound great. Nice harmonies. The bridge and modulation worked like they should. The final harmonies at the end sounded a bit reminiscent of the Steve Miller.
Thumbs up from me!
Dearest Mr David Thanks for the thumbs up! I'm so glad my musical attempt to punch the blues in the face with more blues actually worked for you (i think). And extra glad the horns were up to snuff - they can be divas, you know. Mr Gannon secretly told me they demand imported reeds and they only speak in a register he can barely understand. (official lie).🙄
As for the Steve Miller comparison at the end…thanks muchly. After all, who doesn't want to be cruising down the highway feeling like the Space Cowboy? 🤑
Seriously though, your feedback is hugely appreciated. Knowing the bridge and modulation "worked like they should" is surprisingly thrilling. It's like a tiny, perfectly executed plumbing job in the metaphorical house that is my song. So, thank you for noticing the small victories as well as the big ones. I'm off to celebrate with a slice of pie and a deep dive into the Steve Miller discography!
Much luv and gratitude, Izzy (and the occasionally temperamental horns)
Hey Izzy! Another great addition to your catalogue! I’m loving the variety in styles you put out.
Some things that tickled my ears … - love the rhythm guitar on the left side just doing its thing - the step up of dynamics and addition of a second rhythm guitar for the second verse - some really big interval steps in the vocal melody makes it really catchy - the first line jumped out at me - the pushed vocals on ‘compromise’ - a nice bit of rawness - subtle yet complementary harmony vocals - a bit of bling - really good lyrics - each line was worthy of consideration in its own right
An unexpected thing for me - my ear and natural inclination is to hear the line ‘I’m high on life’ rise up in melody - with it heading down, it gives me the impression that the highness is not authentically felt? Of course it could be a sign of contentment. Consequently, it took me a couple of listens to realise *that* was the chorus. (This might be MY problem in always thinking that the chorus has to be some kind of stand out.) While the horns are a great addition to the chorus, their use was in the form of punctuation between lines, and in a small way, I was waiting for each horn phrase to pass so I could hear the next vocal line. This is all personal preference, so take it with a pinch of salt.
This one’s going straight to my ‘favs’ playlist! Good job.
Andrew D
G'day Andrew You bonza, grouse music Sherlock, you! Thanks a million for the deep dive into the sonic depths of my little tune. I feel like you've just performed an autopsy... on a song that's still alive... in a good way! A very insightful and complimentary way! 😳
The "rhythm guitar just doing its thing" - I'm so glad you noticed! It's basically the musical equivalent of that friend who's quietly awesome but never seeks the spotlight. Glad it resonated!
"Bling harmony vocals" - YES! That was the goal! A subtle sprinkling of sonic glitter to keep things interesting. 🎜 ♫ ♬
And the "high on life" conundrum! You've touched on something I hadn't consciously considered. That descending melody line... maybe I'm subconsciously admitting that I'm only moderately high on life. Like, "moderately intoxicated" level high. Perhaps contentment is the new high. Or maybe I just need a bigger trampoline. I appreciate you flagging that up! I feel like I should now go and write a deconstruction of that line, and the philosophical meaning of it all.
And the horns... you were waiting for them to shut up so you could hear me sing! That's... brutally honest and hilarious. I'll tell the horn section they're officially "punctuation," not "stars." They'll be thrilled... I think. 😕
Seriously though, thanks for taking the time to dissect the song with such attention and humour. I REALLY appreciate you adding it to your "favs" playlist! You've made my day. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to ponder the true meaning of being "high on life" and to have a serious talk with my horn section about their punctuation habits. Thanks again for your ripper review Andrew!😎 ɹǝpunuʍop ʎzzI
Terrific, Izzy! It sounds like you're looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing. Everything about this sounds great to me. I've worked with BIAB horns a lot and I know they often involve a lot of cutting and pasting. Sometimes you get lucky, but not usually, (no matter how many times you regenerate). Vocal was superb and that's always a given. Def a winner here!
Hi Bob "Looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing" - I was all prepped to bravely face the firing squad of constructive criticism, bracing myself for tales of wonky intonation and rhythmic trainwrecks... and you hit me with this? "Nothing"? You've robbed me of my existential dread! I'm practically useless now! 😬 Seriously though, thank you so much. Your words mean the world, especially coming from someone who knows the trials and tribulations of wrangling those BIAB horns. It can be a wee bit like playing Russian roulette so I may or may not have offered my laptop a blood sacrifice to the algorithm gods for this one. And to call the vocal "superb"... well, you've just single-handedly fueled my ego for the next month. I might even start wearing a monocle. 😉 Thanks again, Bob! You're a legend. And if you ever do find something constructively critical, please, for the love of all that is holy, keep it to yourself. (- ‿◦ ) Best,
When that finished, I thought "Could that be That Good?" So I listened again. And....again.
Yes. It really IS - That Good.
Respect.
fj
Hi Floyd Always a thrill to hear from you! ♕ 💗 That kind of feedback is like rocket fuel for a songwriter. I'm just glad it resonated.Thanks for the multiple spins and the respect; it means the world from someone whose insights could make even the Muses jealous. Maybe I owe you a royalty check...or at least a beer. 😉 Best tunes and warm regards, Izzy
Man oh man this forum is confusing me man. I know I responded and I know that I pressed enter so I don't know why I didn't show up but here I go again.
Absolutely totally love this from top to bottom and all around.
The vocals are awesome and it's catchy as all get out.
I think you should get depressed more often. Robert Smith often said that he liked to get depressed and sit in the bathtub.
Funny that he should say that because your song actually makes me feel the same way that I feel when I listen to the link below. And that's a good thing.
David, thanks so much for taking the time to listen and for the incredibly kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
And wow, comparing it to The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" is a serious compliment! I'm blushing. Maybe I should invest in a good bathtub and a steady supply of melancholy... for artistic purposes, of course! 😉 Seriously though, that means a lot. Thanks again! best rgards Izzy
What a fantastic groove. The bass introduction really caught my imagination and then, when the horns came in, your really grabbed hold of me. This is excellent listening. I love lyrics. Everything about this presentation is infectious in the best musical way possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Great vocals and lyrics, plus the song is very excellently orchestrated.
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.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean