|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
I wrote earlier this song early in 2025. It sprang from a fleeting thought that passed through my mind as I was trying to create something fairly quickly for a small songwriting group that I've been involved with since 2022. I've since worked on the lyrics, music and production a little more, and the song below is where my journey took me. Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song. All thoughts are welcome. I hope you enjoy listening. --Noel The BandBIABBass: 3588 Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioPopPushA Ev 110 Guitar: 4196 Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterGentleStrum8ths Ev 100 Pianos: (1) 920 Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Rumba Ev 110, (2) 1533 Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPowerPushArp Ev 120 Rhythm: Conga Drums, Afucheshaker MIDIPad: Synthmaster 3 – PAD Chasm AZ Arpeggiator: Synthmaster 3 – SEQ Tokyo Arp Harp and Chime: Miroslav Philharmonik VocalsLead: Synthesizer V – Kevin 2 vocaloid Background: Synthesizer v – Natalie 2 vocaloid Production InfoBass: Renaissance Bass Enhancer Vocals: iZotope Nectar 3 Overall production: iZotope Ozone 11
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,971
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,971 |
You have certainly figured out how to get the most out of the synth vocals, Noel! Both voices sound really good to these ears, love it when you bring Natalie into the mix.
Good write, and the track sounds great too, love the Congas.
Enjoyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,731
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,731 |
Noel,
This is a beautiful song... Great lyrics and awesome production. I really like this band. I also love the cool and gentle ending.
Kevin is an excellent lead vocal. The combination of Kevin and Natalie on the chorus is awesome. A great blend and balance of the two voices.
Excellent!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,447
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,447 |
Noel, gorgeous tune. Love the sentiment, rhyming scheme on the chorus, and the narrative that's relatable on more than one level. Also really like the harmonic movement. Super use of synth vocals and nice BiaB arrangement. The bell near the end was a nice touch. Superb song!
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: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,816 |
Noel,
Beautifully done.
A lovely production. Good percussion choice.
Good mix.
Love the positivity of your songs. The world needs a lot more Noels.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,923
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,923 |
Cool journey, Noel, and thanks for saving us a seat. Excellent lyrics and a great idea flying around in the clouds. The melody is perfect too, and fits the fun feel and lyrics so well. Good arrangement and mix too. It's got it all!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
You have certainly figured out how to get the most out of the synth vocals, Noel! Both voices sound really good to these ears, love it when you bring Natalie into the mix.
Good write, and the track sounds great too, love the Congas.
Enjoyed! Hi Dave. Thanks for the visit! Natalie and Kevin are a good team. The SynthV people really struck gold when they created these two voices. I've still got a way to go with getting vocals that sound fully human, but I'm getting better. As with everything, it's all about practising over and over. I appreciate your comments. Thank you. All the best! --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Noel,
This is a beautiful song... Great lyrics and awesome production. I really like this band. I also love the cool and gentle ending.
Kevin is an excellent lead vocal. The combination of Kevin and Natalie on the chorus is awesome. A great blend and balance of the two voices.
Excellent!
Bob Hi Bob. Thank you. I always smile when I open a song thread of mine and see that you've passed through it  Out of all the voices I currently have for SynthV, Kevin and Natalie are the ones that I feel most comfortable with. They work together superbly. Thanks for visiting and thanks again for your comments. I appreciate them. --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Noel, gorgeous tune. Love the sentiment, rhyming scheme on the chorus, and the narrative that's relatable on more than one level. Also really like the harmonic movement. Super use of synth vocals and nice BiaB arrangement. The bell near the end was a nice touch. Superb song! Hi Ron, It's good to see you. Thank you for taking the time to have a listen and to pass on your thoughts. I'm still smiling I hope that life is being kind to you! --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,150
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,150 |
Hi, Noel. The vocals are especially nice. Semi-sad lyrics, but with the positive spin that's your trademark. You're doing that asymmetrical thing with the meter, which disregards my lazy expectations and makes me actually have to pay attention.  I enjoyed it!
-- 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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Noel,
Beautifully done.
A lovely production. Good percussion choice.
Good mix.
Love the positivity of your songs. The world needs a lot more Noels.
fj Hi floyd. Thanks for dropping by and having a listen. I appreciate your comment All the best. --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Cool journey, Noel, and thanks for saving us a seat. Excellent lyrics and a great idea flying around in the clouds. The melody is perfect too, and fits the fun feel and lyrics so well. Good arrangement and mix too. It's got it all!! Hi Marty. Thanks for taking time to have a listen and to pass on your thoughts. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks again! --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
So much to like in this Noel...I especially liked the last line the the chorus--it has kind of an extension of syllables and notes that really catches your attention! The lyric is lovely, and the band is well-chosen. Did I hear a tubular bell there near the end--kind of like the presence of the Almighty? And the nice slow-down with the final notes. The vocaloids are really great--you did a nice job with them, especially the duet/harmony parts.
I have only one "suggestion"...I didn't like the word "quirky". I think it's very descriptive, but I have found words like this a bit of a clunker in an otherwise very smooth-to-sing song (I think it's the hard "R" followed by the hard "K"). If it were my project, I'd replace it with something like "silly" or "peculiar" or even "odd little". Just my thoughts.
Great work!
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,371
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,371 |
Noel, this is fantastic
Great rhythm section
Those synth voices sound so real that if you hadn't said anything I would have thought they were organic!
Great lyrics
Loved it
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,513
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,513 |
Very inviting title, who wouldn't like to fly around in the clouds. The tone is quite sad, but the spark of hope is there to lighten any heart. Touching.
Great work with the vocals, your voice shines through again. The female singer is beautifully used in the choruses, fully in the last one.
Enjoyed many small details like the conga intro, the bell and the slowdown at the end. The piano and the acoustic guitar create a nice, fragile bed for the story.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Hi, Noel. The vocals are especially nice. Semi-sad lyrics, but with the positive spin that's your trademark. You're doing that asymmetrical thing with the meter, which disregards my lazy expectations and makes me actually have to pay attention. I enjoyed it! Hi David. It's good to see you. Thanks for picking up on the asymmetrical thing. Although the word 'asymmetrical' never occurred to me, it's the best word. I tend to work with Pat Pattison's idea of 'balanced versus unbalanced'. I've done that in two ways (mostly) with this song. Firstly, I have a number of lyric phrases that begin after beat 1 and secondly, I have two bars of 2/4 in an otherwise 4/4 song – one bar at the end of the opening chorus, and the second bar as the penultimate bar in verse 1 (this is probably the bar that interferes with musical 'symmetry' the most, I suspect). I've heard the song so many times now that I can't appreciate how this strategy feels to a listener. I crossed my fingers and hoped it would be okay. Thanks for listening and passing on your thoughts. I appreciate it. --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
So much to like in this Noel...I especially liked the last line the the chorus--it has kind of an extension of syllables and notes that really catches your attention! The lyric is lovely, and the band is well-chosen. Did I hear a tubular bell there near the end--kind of like the presence of the Almighty? And the nice slow-down with the final notes. The vocaloids are really great--you did a nice job with them, especially the duet/harmony parts.
I have only one "suggestion"...I didn't like the word "quirky". I think it's very descriptive, but I have found words like this a bit of a clunker in an otherwise very smooth-to-sing song (I think it's the hard "R" followed by the hard "K"). If it were my project, I'd replace it with something like "silly" or "peculiar" or even "odd little". Just my thoughts.
Great work! Hi Tom. Thanks for dropping in. And thanks for having a listen and commenting. I appreciate that you noticed the last line in the chorus 🤩 As with many of my songs, draft lyrics were in progress well before I started putting the words to music. Originally, I planned to end the chorus with 'clouds' as it rhymed with 'loud' in the previous line. This worked. When the music came along, though, I had 'do' in the last line on a held note and it felt like a rhyme for 'do' had good musical value. In the end, I tried rhyming both 'loud' and 'do' and liked the effect it created so I stayed with it. As I'm thinking about it now, I'm wondering if this is another aspect of the musical asymmetry that David (@dcuny) is referring to. Also, thank you for your comment about 'quirky'. It's a really good point and one that I did not think of. One of the big differences between the American and Australian accents is in how the 'R' sound is used. In Australia, our R sound is a lot less pronounced. In 'quirky', the 'ir' becomes the vowel sound "er" (phonetically ɜ). With the American R, it tends to be an 'uh' sound followed by an R sound (phonetically ˈər') In other words, Australian English has no separate R sound attached to a vowel. If this song ends up in the hands of a non-Australian or non-British person, I can see how "quirky" is an uncomfortable word. I'll change it to something a little friendlier Thanks again! --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 978
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 978 |
Also, thank you for comment about 'quirky'. It's a really good point and one that I did not think of. One of the big differences between the American and Australian accents is in how the 'R' sound is used. In Australia, our R sound is a lot less pronounced. In 'quirky', the 'ir' becomes the vowel sound "er" (phonetically ɜ). With the American R, it tends to be an 'uh' sound followed by an R sound (phonetically ˈər') In other words, Australian English has no separate R sound attached to a vowel. If this song ends up in the hands of a non-Australian or British person, I can see how "quirky" is an uncomfortable word. I'll change it to something a little friendlier Hi Noel - I'm inexperienced (I have no experience) with Synth vocals. For us Aussies, does anyone produce non-rhotic accents for synth vocals - I guess maybe British? Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,444 |
Hi Noel - I'm inexperienced (I have no experience) with Synth vocals. For us Aussies, does anyone produce non-rhotic accents for synth vocals - I guess maybe British?
Andrew G'Day, Andrew. I'm only at the entry level of synth vocals and there is a great deal that I don't know. The English vocaloids that I have tried have all used the that American R sound that highlights rhotic languages. I suggest that you start a thread in the Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production Forum and ask. Many people on here have a much broader knowledge than I do. --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,549 |
This song is stunning. I think I may know what this song is about. In any case:
"You opened the door and waved goodbye
And then you stepped out into the rain
I blew a kiss and waved right back and said see you later, my friend
But life often surprises one when everything is going fine
I didn’t know then, no, I didn’t then
That life had other plans in mind"
Incredible.
You combine beautiful, beautiful music with incredibly moving lyrics, to powerful, devastating, stunning effect. Every song I hear from you is right up there. You have the technique, too, but (like with all the best songwriters) it doesn't show; you use it so well, it's invisible; the MUSIC and lyrics show, the message shows. And boy, do they show. You just communicate so (seemingly) effortlessly. It's heartwarming, and also tear and gratitude inducing - for want of clearer words.
I am genuinely in awe of what you bring to the table, each time. You highlight the best of what makes us human, in your songs. God bless and BRAVO.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,851
Posts796,946
Members39,974
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean