Hello Folks, this one will probably have Terry's vocals once he can get to it, (life is in the way at present). V2 Dynamic changes in verse three. Tweak to the ending. Vocals a little more even & slightly louder - though, again, this will be Terry singing so I don't want to spend time on mine but will appease the chorus a little. Oh, I remembered to include the bvox in this one. TTAW Version 2 V1 To Tilt At Windmills
The title probably is a nod to my last couple of song though the origin "worthy". My main & harmony vocals are a guide for Terry but included here for completeness. Terry's vocal texture is close to what is presented so that suggestions regarding mix tweaks would be appreciated.
BIAB components: RealDrums popjazzfast Right hand guitar 4162 Organ 3993 My parts: Squire Mustang - guitars Left Vantage Bass Midi piano - piano roll written
LYRICS: V1 Upstairs, downstairs Too, too twain Top floor, closed door Same refrain. New tears, old fears Still unchanged. Fraught night, blurred sight, Rearranged. C1 Walk, walk up the stairs To tilt at windmills No, no dragon slain Walk, walk down again. Though I've lost the plot Of who who and what what No, not what I am But what I am not.
V2 Spoken unheard Utterance Written unread Happenstance New thought old ways Open closed Restart reject Now deposed
C2
V3 Upstairs, downstairs Two, too insane Top floor,red door We trained in vain. New tears, pain sears Still deranged. Fraught night, old blight, Now estranged.
C2 Walk, walk up the stairs To tilt at windmills No, no dragon slain Walk, walk down again. Though I've lost the plot Of who who and what what No, not what I am But this misbegot.
Last edited by rayc; 07/25/2508:27 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, like this a lot. The bass and left channel guitar are really popping. Especially like that opening bass section. Your progression is very slithery and cool, too. And I quite like your vocals and where you've placed them in the mix. Plus you used "misbegot" in your lyric, that's something.
Don't have a lot of input for changes. Maybe make the organ section at 2:30 an even more dramatic excursion before returning to your theme? Or not. Like it as-is just fine.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Ray - I love the staccato feel of the bass and guitar throughout and really suited the enigmatic chord progression. That midi piano solo hit the spot.
Suggestions? Maybe a different texture in the final verse - stripped back to drums, bass and vocal, then everything back in for the chorus. The outro - I found the held closing chord to almost feel out of place with the feel of the song - maybe a closing ‘shot’ might be more akin to the rest of the song? Dunno.
It took me back to listening to Madness, Split Enz and XTC - which I love all fondly.
Really fun! I love the bounce of the lyrics/vocals, bass and guitar. I can't wait to hear it evolve but I already really like it. I second Andrew's reference to Madness and XTC.
Sounds like a song with great potential. It reminds me some of Syd Barret's early material. My only criticism is the same as previously: you clearly favour subdued vocals, while I like to hear what's being sung.
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.
Ray, like this a lot. The bass and left channel guitar are really popping. Especially like that opening bass section. Your progression is very slithery and cool, too. And I quite like your vocals and where you've placed them in the mix. Plus you used "misbegot" in your lyric, that's something. Don't have a lot of input for changes. Maybe make the organ section at 2:30 an even more dramatic excursion before returning to your theme? Or not. Like it as-is just fine.
Thanks DC, I added some phasing etc to parts of the solo for variety.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, Love this sound. It has elements of punk, pop & rock. It sounds great turned up. I also like where your vocals are placed in the mix. Excellent stuff! You have a good one here! Bob
Thanks Bob, Yeah, it does need volume to BLOOM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray - I love the staccato feel of the bass and guitar throughout and really suited the enigmatic chord progression. That midi piano solo hit the spot. Suggestions? Maybe a different texture in the final verse - stripped back to drums, bass and vocal, then everything back in for the chorus. The outro - I found the held closing chord to almost feel out of place with the feel of the song - maybe a closing ‘shot’ might be more akin to the rest of the song? Dunno. It took me back to listening to Madness, Split Enz and XTC - which I love all fondly. Andrew
Thanks Andrew, I've done some work on the final verse, thinned it, but was wary of going too far as I've done that with several songs this year. I've done a bit of what exists and as you suggested. My last song had a sudden ending and there were several complaints about it so opted for no going that way initially. I saw Madness a couple of times & the same with XTC. Split Enz - I walked up to the door of their gig in Armidale Town hall 1976, (Phil Judd era), but was convinced to go to the pub instead by my companion - more fool me.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Since you asked for, I will only address mixing for now:
there's humming from the bass amp audible during quieter passages
the bass has a lot of low end, which might be a problem with some playback systems
the snare could have a bit more body
I remember Terry's voice being a little brighter than yours, so you might need to duck the organ a little when he sings
Overall, the song sounds pretty good already
Thanks BD, *there's humming from the bass amp audible during quieter passages - I don't hear it but will check. It's D.I.'d with no amp sims etc. There's an gate on the track as well...may be something else. *the bass has a lot of low end, which might be a problem with some playback systems - I've done check listens on ear buds and cheap headphones &, so far, I'm getting away with it. *the snare could have a bit more body - yeah, probably. It's a balancing act with a stereo Real Drum track. I'll have another go. *I remember Terry's voice being a little brighter than yours, so you might need to duck the organ a little when he sings - yes, my voice in all mids & low mids. I've done some EQing to better match him but that sort of tweaking will have to wait for him. Ta for the detail. I'll look, listen & learn.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Really fun! I love the bounce of the lyrics/vocals, bass and guitar. I can't wait to hear it evolve but I already really like it. I second Andrew's reference to Madness and XTC.
Thanks BYOB, You're very kind.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Sounds like a song with great potential. It reminds me some of Syd Barret's early material. My only criticism is the same as previously: you clearly favour subdued vocals, while I like to hear what's being sung.
Syd's nice. Vocal level is fairly high in this for MY voice. I sang this in Terry mode...quietly & close to the mic.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I liked this, both musically and lyrically. The overall volume seemed really low to me. The five users' songs I listened to before this one were much louder, and you won't believe how loud the song was that followed this on Soundcloud. Othwerwise, your usual brilliant work.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Ray, this is a winner. Super bass and guitar staccato. I liked the drums as is, IMHO no need to change anything about them. Nice ending! I think your voice sounded excellent for this song but as usual I would have liked them louder, but that is just me.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Since you call it a work in progress, I went to the V2 assuming it would show the most progress. Terry is a very is fine singer, but you know I enjoy your vocals, so I'm happy to hear the song at this stage. I REALLY like the bass. To me, it subtly drives the whole piece. Cool organ solo. You know, I'm not good at giving you advice or suggestions. I listened a couple times and nothing came to mind but a smile. SO don't change a thing.
DRUMS sound great! Bass, too. Nice rhythm guitar! (both sides). The left one (main one) is overly bright on my speakers - constantly pulling my ear from the vocal. I quite like the vocal.
I liked this, both musically and lyrically. The overall volume seemed really low to me. The five users' songs I listened to before this one were much louder, and you won't believe how loud the song was that followed this on Soundcloud. Othwerwise, your usual brilliant work.
Thanks Mr Monger. It was rendered at -14LufsM something I've been doing to ensure gain matching of versions.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, this is a winner. Super bass and guitar staccato. I liked the drums as is, IMHO no need to change anything about them. Nice ending! I think your voice sounded excellent for this song but as usual I would have liked them louder, but that is just me.
Thanks Mario, Vocal level noted.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Since you call it a work in progress, I went to the V2 assuming it would show the most progress. Terry is a very is fine singer, but you know I enjoy your vocals, so I'm happy to hear the song at this stage. I REALLY like the bass. To me, it subtly drives the whole piece. Cool organ solo. You know, I'm not good at giving you advice or suggestions. I listened a couple times and nothing came to mind but a smile. SO don't change a thing.
Thanks Marty, You quote the only INXS song I can listen to without running away.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Diggin' this. DRUMS sound great! Bass, too. Nice rhythm guitar! (both sides). The left one (main one) is overly bright on my speakers - constantly pulling my ear from the vocal. I quite like the vocal. Tons of good stuff. fj
Thanks fj, My left ear hearing is a little duller & quieter than the right. You've made the same observation two songs in a row so it must be getting worse. I address that in the next iteration.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Trying to get back in the music groove. That's my WIP.
Cool song with lots of good stuff in it - particularly the bass and snare. It is very softly recorded, so I cranked up my speakers, and the song blossomed! the snare really popped and the bass filled the bottom without covering everything else. Your vocal sounded just fine. I think you have a winner here!
Once I turned up the volume, I let the song wash all over me, and it was so darn good! I don't see much that needs changing other than the overall volume.
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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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