|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Soundcloud - Down down down Youtube - Down down down The idea for this song is encouragement to avoid negativity - both from within and outside - and have belief in the course of action you have chosen for yourself. Naturally, I can be a pessimistic person, and I remember having a good, hard talk to myself in my thirties about cultivating a more positive outlook, and that has been my life’s work. For those watching the video, the idea for the text messaging came about upon realising that the lyrics were 'preachy', and the back and forth of the messages - as though two people are sharing wisdom by SMS - was an attempt to diffuse this. The song was written in September 2022 using BIAB and recorded in March 2023 using Cakewalk to record, arrange and mix. I am fairly new to DAW work, and learning as I go, so some of my 'areas of improvement' are evident in older works but still in my DAW work today. I am an impatient recorder/arranger/producer and can't stand fiddling and tweaking to get a perfect sound. (Can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear) so I usually aim just to illustrate what I was thinking creatively. Musically, I like the guitar backing on the repeat of the bridge (in between the reverse cymbals). This was inspired by the style of the bridge to ‘Don’t let me down’ by The Beatles (I’m in love for the first time …’). ****** BIAB Song Summary ************* Style is _DREAMYP.STY (Dreamy Pop Quintet) RealTracks in style: ~684:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 120 – replaced with my own bass, plugged directly into my Focusrite Scarlett interfaceRealTracks in style: ~686:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: ~405:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120 – replaced with my own guitarsRealTracks in style: ~543:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Dreamy Ev 120 – replaced with my own guitarsRealDrums in style:NashvilleEven8^8-a:Snare, HiHat Open , b:Snare, Ride ******************* LYRICSINTRO VERSE 1 Some people might be jealous of the things you have These people might want to see you go down, down, down Enjoy your time while you’re on this earth Make it count for all it’s worth And may you use your time quite wisely before it’s frittered away VERSE 2 Some people might criticise the way you live Be careful these people don’t drag you down, down, down Rise above it before you speak As they say in the classics ‘turn the other cheek’ Unless that person’s your partner, in which case, listen to what they heed BRIDGE Rise to the level of your own aspiration – don’t let your guard down Surprise yourself with your determination – get what you’re going for See yourself shine through – know what to do VERSE 3 Some people want to know what’s going wrong They don’t feel good until others go down, down, down Disingenuous beyond belief, beware the company of those we speak Keep your mind upbeat and focussed on small things that are good BRIDGE Don’t give negativity consideration – don’t give it any room Fill your mind with thoughts of regeneration – learn to be grateful See yourself shine through – know what to do Rise to the level of your own aspiration – don’t let your guard down Surprise yourself with your determination – get what you’re going for See yourself shine through – know what to do OUTRO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
Hi Andrew,
Love that back and forth treatment on the chorus, whatever that's called...sort of call and response. It works really well. I've known my share of 'downers'. I had to laugh at the "unless that person's your partner" bit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
I had to laugh at the "unless that person's your partner" bit. Hi Beth! My wife knows me better than I know myself sometimes (blind spots and all that). If you haven’t already picked it up in my lyric writing in my songs, I like a bit of quirkiness and a decent dollop of vulnerability. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,884
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,884 |
Andrew, loved that call and response in the chorus.
The groove reminded me of a 50's song while the lyrics are more contemporary - brilliant work on that blend.
Great vocal and mix
A super song
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: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,109 |
Andrew,
Good song. Very nicely produced. Great mix and I like your choice of tracks. And a very cool bridge.
Good stuff!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,965
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,965 |
Andrew,
Nice use of BIAB.
Good mix. Nice vocals and BGVs.
Bass sounds great.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
The groove reminded me of a 50's song while the lyrics are more contemporary - brilliant work on that blend. Thanks Mario - I didn't intend that blend nor a 50s style, but I can see how it sounds that way. I remember recording it and deciding it was time to use a clean strumming style. This is a good thing about this forum - listeners hear things that we ourselves are deaf to. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Nice vocals and BGVs.
Bass sounds great. fj Thanks Floyd! I have to confess I don't like my vocals and often have feelings of imposter syndrome. Most times, the BVs are an attempt to fill out or cover up. I remember I recorded the bass direct that day because my amp that I normally take a line out from was playing up. It's given it an interesting tone, which is also aided by half-wound strings on that bass - an Ibanez Artcore hollow body. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Thanks Bob! My favourite section of the song - bookended by the reverse cymbals! Given what inspired it musically, it came out sounding different to its inspiration, and I like how it transforms the second bridge into a different 'texture'. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,828
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,828 |
Andrew, very cool tune. Like the instrument choices and the breezy arrangement. Your vocal arrangement is excellent. Quite a nice little pop gem you've crafted here.
Spent many years being an impatient maker of music. At the time I had a full time+ job, a backlog of lyrics to work on and a willing vocalist. So I had to just be good enough for the vocalist to run with it. Easy-peasy! Have since slid into retirement and worked off the lyric backlog. And while the vocalist is still very willing, I've found that I enjoy working on the vocals until they're semi-presentable. It's a newish thing, but I figured I owed it to my musical growth and whoever listens.
Which is a long way of saying I quite like your vocals and am 100% confident you could tweak whatever minor imperfections you left behind. Love your stuff!
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: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Andrew, very cool tune. Like the instrument choices and the breezy arrangement. Your vocal arrangement is excellent. Quite a nice little pop gem you've crafted here.
Spent many years being an impatient maker of music. At the time I had a full time+ job, a backlog of lyrics to work on and a willing vocalist. So I had to just be good enough for the vocalist to run with it. Easy-peasy! Have since slid into retirement and worked off the lyric backlog. And while the vocalist is still very willing, I've found that I enjoy working on the vocals until they're semi-presentable. It's a newish thing, but I figured I owed it to my musical growth and whoever listens.
Which is a long way of saying I quite like your vocals and am 100% confident you could tweak whatever minor imperfections you left behind. Love your stuff! Thanks Ron! Knowing some of the good music you put out, it’s very generous of you to say that about this song. Also good to hear your back story, which has some similarities to my own - formerly a bedroom strummer, but when I got my hands on BIAB way back in 2002(?), my creativity exploded which I am only getting around to recording now I am retired. I am a late DAW bloomer. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,957
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,957 |
That has a cool poppy kind of vibe to it.
A couple of observations.
You have a volume drop there at the end of V3 (2:25) that makes it sound like it's fading to the end.... then it jumps back in. I'd recommend no volume drop.
The bass part in the first bridge fit well. In the second bridge it wasn't the same and seemed to lack direction and support for the music. It came back to the groove on the next verse.
Good job overall.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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 2010
Posts: 8,303
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,303 |
Hi, Andrew. Nice! There are a few rough spots, but getting a song completed is better than having a forever unfinished song. So impatience has some upsides. As for the vocals, I wouldn't worry about that imposter syndrome. I have some minor quibbles with producer about some of the harmonies, but none at all with the singer. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,141 |
Clever idea with the SMS lyrics. I find the lyrics more helpful than preachy. Harmony is so good and real. Man, I love these lyrics; like memo-to-self stuff. Cool hint of "Don't Let Me Down" too. Positively enjoyed this one, Andrew.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
You have a volume drop there at the end of V3 (2:25) that makes it sound like it's fading to the end.... then it jumps back in. I'd recommend no volume drop.
The bass part in the first bridge fit well. In the second bridge it wasn't the same and seemed to lack direction and support for the music. It came back to the groove on the next verse. Thanks Herb! My logic was that as I had two bridges, I wanted to create some variation in the song, and so came up with the different bass lines. Once I had that, I needed to find some way into it, so faded and applied the reverse cymbals. While (for me) I felt it worked, I recognise I’d already been listening to it for X hours and needed something different. However, to take your point as a first time listener, the second bridge was too stark/different. Something to keep in mind for future - what will the listener expect? I do recognise that I am well along the ‘surprise spectrum’ and don’t mind something unexpected which is why I will often break out of the diatonic, but best not stray too far. Thank you that in overall context you liked the song. I think I’ll settle with the notion that the song is a nice bit of imperfection. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Hi, Andrew. Nice! There are a few rough spots, but getting a song completed is better than having a forever unfinished song. So impatience has some upsides. As for the vocals, I wouldn't worry about that imposter syndrome. I have some minor quibbles with producer about some of the harmonies, but none at all with the singer. Thanks David! I’ll probably never be a production perfectionist. To use a metaphor, my aim is to reveal a window, but not be too concerned if the window needs cleaning. However, if a window is too dirty, what’s the good if the view is obscured? As a late DAW bloomer, I have listened back to some of my work from 3 years ago and gone “What was I thinking?”, so I think I’ve learned a few skills that has shown gradual improvement. Overall, for both composition and recording/production, I am loving the journey as the opportunity to learn is deep and ongoing, and feedback from members of this forum helps in that process. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,253 |
Clever idea with the SMS lyrics. I find the lyrics more helpful than preachy. Harmony is so good and real. Man, I love these lyrics; like memo-to-self stuff. Cool hint of "Don't Let Me Down" too. Positively enjoyed this one, Andrew. Thanks Marty! The video idea (I am teaching myself video editing at the same time as learning DAW) came about a week after the song was finished, and ended up being a useful way to present a lyric video. Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,424
Posts804,844
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean