|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
Soundcloud: Not guilty
Youtube: Not guilty See notes below. I probably wouldn't call myself an introvert - probably more likely an ambivert - but I like a healthy dose of 'alone time', otherwise I get a bit [insert sound of electrical buzzing]. I can remember when I was younger (so much younger than today) I liked looking out the window to the world outside and drifting off in a daydream. So, this song is about that. I deliberately matched the style and backing to be pedestrian and melancholy, although time by myself does not feel melancholy. The strings and electro-flutes help that. I wrote this song in response to a songwriting challenge to use ascending and/or descending lines. I used Band-in-a-Box to provide the backing in response to my chords, melody, tempo, style and instrument choices. I used two favourite chord types: m7b5 and mMaj7. I think the song moves from C major in the verses and pre-chorus to G major (or E minor?) in the chorus. I'd be interested to hear what others in theoryland interpret it as. For the video, I used a theme of cross-stitch being a solitary kind of interest – but not of mine – and used Pixel-Stitch to create a cross-stitch effect on all the images used. ****** SONG SUMMARY ************* Style is _DUETPOP.STY (Latin-Beat Piano Duet Pop) RealTracks in style: ~~700:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 1275:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopUpliftHeld Ev16 120 RealTracks in style: 2933:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterFolkSlapQuinn Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1276:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopUpliftPulsing Ev16 120 RealTracks in song: ~1215:Vibes, Rhythm Bossa Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2364:Synth, ElectroFlutes, Rhythm Pop Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2334:String Quartet, Rhythm PopChamber Ev 085 RealDrums in style:Pop rock drum beat and salsa percussion [Multi] Vocals – lead doubled; harmony track; ooos/ahhs x 3 Mixed in Cakewalk Sonar ******************* LYRICSINTRO VERSE 1 I sometimes am guilty that I feel so tall I become this by making my problems feel small Before I could walk, I perfected a crawl And I’m lucky that I’ve made it overall VERSE 2 I position myself to catch the warmth of the sun While I’m looking outside, I become undone And I ponder life’s mysteries without solving one But I guess that is half of the fun PRE-CHORUS There’s nothing dishonest as I look far away Alone with my peace of mind My fears are no danger to me, nor is contentment I really don’t worry if my world’s left behind CHORUS So I’m learning I can give it all away Preferring to imagine life is great I know I’ll be happy on the other side If I still can retain a place to hide The time to myself won’t be denied I’m not guilty if I’m set aside SOLO OVER VERSE VERSE 3 Time is no import as I stare at the rain Safely protected by this window pane My breath fogs the glass as though with disdain For the problems seeking someone to blame PRE-CHORUS My mem’ries come and go like trains at a station I never pay the fare Words aren’t required and there’s no explanation My feelings aren’t central, I deposit them there CHORUS So I’m learning I can give it all away Preferring to imagine life is great I know I’ll be happy on the other side If I still can retain a place to hide The time to myself won’t be denied I’m not guilty if I’m set aside OUTRO CHORDS Intro and Outro: C / Em / C / Em / C / Em / C / Em / Verse: C / Em / F / C / Am / Em / Dm / G / C / Em / F / C / Dm / Dmmaj7 Bm7b5 / G / Pre-chorus: F / G / Em / Am / F / G / Am / / / F / G / Em / Am / Em / Cmaj7 / B7 / / / Chorus: Em / / / Gsus / G / Cmaj7 / / / Bm / / / Em / / / Gsus / G / Am / / / D7 / / / Em / Emmaj7/D# / Em7/D / Em#6/C# / D / Dmaj7/C# / D7/C / / / Em / Emmaj7/D# / Em7/D / Em#6/C# / Bm7b5 / / / G / / /
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,695
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,695 |
Andrew,
I really like the gentle feel and flow of this song. Your vocal is excellent, as is your choice of tracks and mix.
Great stuff!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 302
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 302 |
Hello Mr Dee
I saw this first on YouTube before seeing your post on this Forum, and thought that’s very wistful and melancholy, and sure enough melancholic was how you described it in your intro. Love the use of strings, it gives the whole song a sense of light, freshness and a reflective feel. I love what feels like a modulation on the first line of the chorus. I know you like using your obscure chords Andrew, but it all fits well. If it sounds good, then you’re good. Don’t probe me to hard on the theory side, for me it’s more about feeling and you’ve captured that sense of alone time expertly.
Good job, matey.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
Andrew, I love the groove on this one. Super backing band and vocal. The lyrics were great also. I really liked the chord progression.
Loved it
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900 |
A wonderful thought so well developed. I used to watch everything go by while in a car and imagine ---wait, I still do that. I really like the bouncy feel, and the strings are a perfect choice to keep it even. Great job creating such a fun song for wandering daydreams.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
…I really like the gentle feel and flow of this song. … Thanks Bob - that was the mood I was after. … Love the use of strings, it gives the whole song a sense of light, freshness and a reflective feel. … Thanks Lee - the strings were added after the main parts when looking for an instrument to carry the solo, and I decided they would be nice touch elsewhere - for the reasons you mentioned. Now, about my non-existent ballad … … I really liked the chord progression. … Thanks Mario - I really am a chord progression kind of guy. It’s where most of my writing starts, albeit quickly pursued by melody, then lyrics bringing up the rear. … I used to watch everything go by while in a car and imagine ---wait, I still do that. … Thanks Marty! You still do that? While driving? That could lead to a NASTY BUMP. (Shameless cross-promotion! Guilty!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Andrew,
That was a very nice listen. A lot of thought put into a song about a lot of thoughts! The strings were a very nice touch. Vocal and arrangement are fine. There's a bit to contemplate in that lyric.
I'm anything but an introvert. I enjoy being around people - the more the better. The largest crowd I ever performed before was in Frankfurt, Germany in the late 1970s There were about 4,000 people in the audience. I loved every minute of it! My wife often said I would talk to a tree if it were capable of hearing. Ha!
Enjoyed my listen very much.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394 |
Cool li'l pop gem. Nifty progression and great BiaB backing track. EletroFlutes make everything better. SUPER vocals/harmonies/etc. Nice dynamic flow built into the arrangement. All your tunes have an instantly likable buzz. Or insert your own sound there. 
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: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
… A lot of thought put into a song about a lot of thoughts! ... There's a bit to contemplate in that lyric. … Thanks Alan! I place less importance on the words than I do the music, and have mentioned elsewhere that ‘the words are just the vehicle for the music’, but of course they need to make some sense. As I continue my songwriting journey, the lyrics are an area I am working most on. I am drawn to lyricists that are cryptic or metaphorical in their writing style (Neil Finn of Crowded House and Split Enz is a favourite), but also realise that for some listeners, the words need to make sense. In this song, the words meander just as daydream thinking might. Thank you for the like – here and on Soundcloud! Cool li'l pop gem. Nifty progression ... All your tunes have an instantly likable buzz. Thank you Ron. Your words here mean a lot to me and are the reason I write – to put out likeable pop songs built on interesting chord progressions. Good enough to whistle to. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626 |
Andrew,
Very nice arrangement! Lots of loving hints of 60's goodness in here! British invasion influences are evident! Nice job with the vocals especially the background stuff like the oohs and ahs! The strings are a lovely addition!
Take care, TB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
... Very nice arrangement! Lots of loving hints of 60's goodness in here! British invasion influences are evident! Nice job with the vocals especially the background stuff like the oohs and ahs! The strings are a lovely addition! ... Thanks Torrey! I've been simmering in the soup of British influences my whole life, so no surprises that's what comes out. Maybe a case of 'out of the heart, the mouth sings'. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Andrew, well-done response to the challenge...I think you accomplished it very well! Nice lyric, excellent rhyming schemes, and overall a pleasant, listenable work. Only one suggestion--I think the latin perc doesn't fit, a little distracting from the relaxing flow ...I would exchange it maybe for a simple shaker on the quarter notes. Great work, glad I listened in this morning!
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: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
Hi Andrew,
Well, I had to laugh out loud at the lyrics seeing perhaps a bit (or a lot) of myself in them. Loved how the strings came in on the melodious pre-chorus. Great work. Really interesting layer of sounds with the band.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
… Nice lyric, excellent rhyming schemes, and overall a pleasant, listenable work. Only one suggestion--I think the latin perc doesn't fit, a little distracting from the relaxing flow ...I would exchange it maybe for a simple shaker on the quarter notes. Great work, glad I listened in this morning! Thank you Tom - I’m glad you liked it. Yes, I think you’re right - that conga player is not a team player! Over the weekend, I’m going to swap it out. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
Hi Andrew,
Well, I had to laugh out loud at the lyrics seeing perhaps a bit (or a lot) of myself in them. Loved how the strings came in on the melodious pre-chorus. Great work. Really interesting layer of sounds with the band. Thank you Beth. When writing this song, I wondered why I don’t spend more time in reflection. I was really happy how the strings and electro-flutes work together. I hope all your computer troubles are now behind you. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143 |
Hi, Andrew. A nice 60's feeling stream of consciousness sort of tune. The strings and mellotron flutes fit nicely. I'll have to start with the minMaj7. I've run across it a couple of times, but never really tried to use it. I enjoyed the song.
-- 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: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
… I'll have to start with the minMaj7. I've run across it a couple of times, but never really tried to use it … Thanks David! I can only think of 2 or 3 songs of mine that I’ve used that chord type, and I think they are all ‘line cliche’ songs, where I am moving up or down by a semitone - as in this song. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,157 |
Hello Andrew,
This is a gentle and beautiful song reminiscent of 1960s pop.
The bass's semitone descending progression starting with E strongly evokes that era.
Your singing touch is also very soft and pleasant.
Pre-chorus ends with B7 chord and Chorus begins with Em chord, so theoretically this could be said to be a modulation to E minor.
The cross-stick effect in the video also fits this song very well.
Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947 |
Hello Andrew,
This is a gentle and beautiful song reminiscent of 1960s pop.
The bass's semitone descending progression starting with E strongly evokes that era.
Your singing touch is also very soft and pleasant.
Pre-chorus ends with B7 chord and Chorus begins with Em chord, so theoretically this could be said to be a modulation to E minor.
The cross-stick effect in the video also fits this song very well.
Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot. Thanks Shigeki! I am rather partial to ascending and descending lines - I’ll need to make sure I don’t overuse them. I did aim to have calm in my voice, so I am glad you heard it. Cross-stitch is not my scene, but I felt it reflected the slow, individual, contemplative mood of the song. Thanks for listening and your comments! Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808 |
I am certainly NOT the right person to answer questions about music theory, but I recognize a good song when I hear it.
At first I thought, "that's okay-ish", but when the violins and flute kicked in, they really took the song to a whole new level.
Good choice of instruments!
Enjoyed my listen!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,752
Posts795,795
Members39,951
| |
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