Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Nothing's Changed

you say nothing's changed, it's all the same
but the same day will never come again
it's been and gone

so there's no going back for us
it's the same way
we no longer seem to get along

i see the river burning bright
just another sign our world's on fire
it seems no way to set it right and too late to turn around
the net is gone, we're dancing on a wire

   it's a hard ground, let's not go tumbling down
   our house of cards, like london bridge, is falling down
   it's a game that takes two to play
   but only one to walk away

little children play, calling names, pointing fingers
but never taking blame when things go wrong

and we act just the same
who's to blame?
it's the same game
we know who's the one to blame it on

maybe it's easier to fight, turn away, and close our eyes

if we both try to set it right before it all comes down
will we lose anything except a little pride?

   [repeat chorus]

you say nothing's changed
it's the same
it's the same
well, maybe that's the thing that's going wrong


Instruments
SynthV (Arama)
SynthV (Felicia 2, Sheena 2)

1842:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
3150:Mandola, Background AmericanaFolk16thsAndy ev16 060
~2503:Piano, Acoustic, HeldChords 085
~~487:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Ballad Sw 085
2509:Cello, Background PopEven Ev 120 (1TrackStringQuartet)
2511:Violin, Background PopEvenHigh Ev 120 (1TrackStringQuartet)
2510:Viola, Background PopEven Ev 120 (1TrackStringQuartet)
Bass: Ibanez Gio (me playing)
RealDrums: PopPinkCandyElec^3-a:Snare , b:HardSnareClap
Drum Overlay: UJAM Hot

Effects
Main Buss: Curves AQ (Mix), Lurssen Mastering Console (EDM Warmer), HoRNet Tape (Swiss 15 IPS)
Lead Vocal: UAD LA02A (Ballad Vocal), Greg Wells VoiceCentric (Collar Grab Vocal), Capital Chambers (Vocal Main)
Lead Vocal FX: JS Delay With Tempo (Ping Pong)
Backing Vocal: Greg Wells VoiceCentric (Background), Capital Chambers (Chorus Vox Wide)
Bass: Ghz Vulf Compressor, EZMix 3 (Classic 8x10 Bass Amp)
Guitar: No FX
Piano: No FX
Piano 2: ReaEQ (High Pass), Finisher Micro (Flanger), Finisher Flux (Autopan Heaven)
Drum: Curves AQ
Drum FX: Finisher Dynamo (Backbeater)
Drum Overlay: No FX (using drum's built-in reverb)
Overlay Drum FX: Finisher Dynamo (Backbeater)
Mandola: Sound City Studios (Acoustic Guitar Ambience)
Mandola FX: UFX Delay (Doubling), Raum (Airy)
Synth Pad: Finsher Flux (Stringasm), Valhalla Vintage Verb (Concert Hall)
String Trio: Tape Mello-Fi (Subtle Width), Sound City (Ensemble - Strings)

The Story

Feel free to skip this bit. All comments welcome! smile

This was one of those songs that I didn't think would ever get finished. I'm still rewriting lyrics, and I may change the title as well. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

As usual, I looked through the style demos until I found something that I liked. CLIMB caught my ear - it had a fairly modern drum sound, and very cool mandola. It was also in a minor key, which was something I haven't used much.

I changed up the chords quite a bit. I avoided major 7th chords (although there are a few) and did a couple temporary modulations to try to keep things interesting. There are some neat inversions, and the chorus is in major to contrast with the minor verses.

Well, the mostly minor key verses. The first verse is in A minor, but the second (or maybe it's the prechorus) shifts to A major just because.

I then rendered out a backing track and imported into SynthV to work out a melody. I had purchased a new voice called "Amara", and decided I'd like to feature it on a song, so I used that. She's got a R&B sort of voice, but that's not really in my wheelhouse, or where the song went. But why let that stop me?

I did my typical "outline the chord tones" when working out the melody. But that's a problem with a lot of my melodies - they have lots of skips. So I went back and simplified the melody so there were a lot more repeated notes, which is more typical in pop music.

I went through a lot of ideas for lyrics, but none of them seemed right for this song. The problem with writing the lyrics last for me is that it's a process of trying to figure out who the narrator is, and what they would be talking about. So it's mostly a matter of listening again and again, trying to figure out what words match the mood of the music.

After about a week or more, I finally decided to just power through and write something, no matter how terrible it seemed. That got me the opening lyrics, but they lacked the sort of thing that songwriting instruction text tell you they should have, like images that set the time and place, or something compelling that grabs the interest of the listener.

But at least I had a POV and tone of voice, so yay, progress! I figured that I'd eventually replace those lyrics, but of course I didn't. However, I'm still re-writing them, even as I type this.

The only non-cliche line in the song is probably:

   I see a river burning bright

And that is a reference to the Cuyahoga River catching fire years ago. Because yeah, that makes sense in a song like this, right? wink

I went to RhymeZone looking for something that would rhyme with "fire", and ended up with "high wire". Yeah, it's been used many, many times. The Alan Parsons Project song immediately sprang to mind. But by this point I was ready to to embrace cliches, so after a bit of wordsmithing, the first verse was mostly complete.

It was time to start working on the chorus. But as usual, the melody I'd written didn't sound much like a chorus at all. So I went back to BiaB and changed some chords to make them a bit more pedestrian, and then listened to to songs to get an idea of what a real chorus sounded like.

As I start putting phrases into the chorus, I found I was using nursery rhyme elements - something I've done before. But while I was treading over old ground here, I was also getting desperate to finally get this song done, so I took what I could get. The idea of that and children taunting each other on the playground seemed material enough to fill the second verse.

I finally got to the core of the song when I came up with this lyric while I was - of all things - doing the dishes:

   it's a game / it takes two to play
   but only one / to walk away


With the core idea in place, it was pretty much a matter of just rewriting the first verses into the second verses. Fortunately for me, while getting ideas is painfully slow, rewriting is relatively easy.

At this point I considered: Is there a need for another verse? Structurally, it's rather short. But I'm not sure I've got anything left to say. I toyed around with the idea of putting in a bridge, but laziness struck hard. Instead, I decided to use an modified version of the first verse.

I thought about putting in a short instrumental, and then repeating chorus, before the final tag. I haven't ruled it out.

With the song lyrically complete, I'm faced with a problem: there's no obvious title for the song. That's a big red flag that I should go back and rewrite things. But I'm going to punt on it and maybe revisit it later.

Time for the fun part - harmonies! Staggered counterlines don't really make much sense, so I just duplicated the melody and then dragged the notes to chord tones, adding passing tones where it made sense. Then I did it again and added a top line. Nothing very fancy, so I added some counter lines.

Next, it's time to render out the vocals from SynthV and BiaB, and start mixing in the DAW. I hadn't rendered the mandola to the backing track for SynthV, because I wanted to make sure the vocals would stand by themselves. The mandola sounds really cool, so I'm pretty sure I won't need much on the track.

But the next morning, I decided that the tempo feels a bit rushed, and decide to change it from 90 BPM to 87 BPM. All the tracks are re-rendered in BiaB and SynthV, and I add a bunch more guitars, basses and pianos so I have more to choose from. The guitars are a bit too busy with some of the passing chords, so I removed the passing chords in BiaB and rendered the simplified guitars.

I threw Curves AQ on most of the tracks and let the AI offer up some EQs. Is it better than using a preset? I can't really tell, but I paid money for the plugin, I'm using it. The ping-pong effect is from Reaper, but I used a bunch of UJAM Finisher effects because I'd just bought them.

The ending effect comes from playing with UFX Delay and the Raum reverb.

I wanted to start with a simpler drum part, but couldn't edit the hi-hat out, and a low-pass filter didn't do the trick. The simplest solution was to just automate the drum volume.

My daughter suggested that the harmonies were a bit loud, so I dialed them down lower than I usually do. It made me sad, but she's probably right.

There are a relatively small number of tracks on this song. The string trio is buried behind the synth strings, so it's not even clear it needs to be there at all. The second piano is just to add a bit of shimmer and interest, and sits behind the main piano.

I'll probably go back and re-do the bass, possibly putting in a MIDI bass or just playing it myself.

Like my prior song, I put this one out before it's before it's 100% polished, so there's a good chance I'll be updating the track as time goes on.

Hopefully other people's songwriting processes are faster than this. laugh

Thanks for getting this far! Again, all comments are appreciated.

Edit 1: I replaced the line "Now I'm looking back at us" with "So there's no going back for us" because it was the same line The Indigo Girls used in "Closer to Fine". That's what I get for making a last-minute change to a lyric late at night just before posting the song. blush

Edit 2: I changed the bass and added a drum overlay on the verses. So I guess the song title is no longer accurate. wink I'll should eventually clean up some places where the bass is too busy. Credit to floyd jane for pointing out this needed work!

Edit 3: The mandola is now duplicated up an octave with some FX added to it to give is sparkle. The main piano has a high pass filter on it, and is run through some FX to give it sparkle, too. The guitar was muddying up the mix in the chorus, so I chopped some chords out of it and removed the FX on it. Credit again to floyd jane if it sounds better, otherwise blame me. (These aren't as drastic changes as the prior ones)

Last edited by dcuny; 09/05/25 01:14 PM. Reason: Updated the mandola and piano tracks.

-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
dcuny #861412 09/02/25 02:50 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 853
C
Expert
Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 853
David - I can barely get my head around how you (& BDT f. ex.) manage to come up with such elaborate productions & songs,
excellent lyrics and mega use of synth voices (all beyond me). Love the subtle use of the mandola and other BB files - the overall
arrangement is really excellent, great chord structure too!
You did a FAB job on this track - super well done,

Carl

dcuny #861413 09/02/25 03:01 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,250
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,250
David,

Great song. Love the voices and the selection of tracks. Those drums sound excellent.

You put an immense amount of work into this and it clearly shows. Awesome mix.

As always, I enjoy all of your work. Excellent stuff!

Bob

dcuny #861419 09/02/25 03:57 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 634
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 634
Hi David,

I love the mandola, the progression of the chorus and especially the lyrics of it with the nursery rhyme bits. Really suits. You seem to have showed more restraint with the vocals than in your last couple of tunes and its all easier for this ear to follow. I think your daughter made a good call too. I get it that it's a work in progress, how fed up with a song one can get, and that urge just wanting to get it out there. It's actually really helpful to hear songs in various different stages and also really interesting to read about your whole thought process, so thanks for including that bit too.

dcuny #861425 09/02/25 05:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 453
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 453
Hi David! I read your narrative before listening and glad I did. Cool to hear the journey you’ve been on with this one. Glad I’m not the only one that ‘just want to get this thing done’.

The chord progression and melody is instantly pleasing to listen to, but intricate enough that I’m gonna have to listen to that again to fully absorb it. I’m not a strong lyrics man so have nothing to offer in that regard.

I’m going off to listen again before I continue writing. [goes off to listen again] …
**** Likes, and adds to Playlist ****
[comes back again]

Yep, that minor to major is beautiful, and love those mandola fills, and I love that fade out at the end as well.

Andrew

dcuny #861435 09/02/25 11:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,053
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,053
David,

Outstanding production work here . . . clean, creative and engaging. Very smart write . . . love the use of internal rhymes throughout. Catchy chorus. And, no surprise, killer use of the vocaloids. Brilliant!!

Deej

dcuny #861443 09/02/25 12:35 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,837
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,837
This sounds really cool, David. That mandola IS quite nice and your new vocalist is sweetly non-theatrical, a huge plus from my perspective. That late shift to a major key chorus is very cool, too. Your narrative led me to expect something a little rough around the edges, but this is quite smooth and shiny, and sounds GREAT. You've squeezed a lot of musical excitement in 2:46!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
dcuny #861444 09/02/25 12:52 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,474
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,474
It's interesting to hear all the key changes; they add a lot to the song.
I'll have to try that myself sometime.

Good, clean arrangement with a good choice of instruments (I even like the Mandola) in a transparent mix.
Arama (who I didn't know) sounds good to me, and I really like the harmonies in the chorus (that's Felicia, right?).
I'm not entirely convinced by the snare sound; I think something more organic would suit it better.
But I really like your song, and thanks for all the details about your songwriting process - I LOVE reading that stuff smile

dcuny #861476 09/02/25 05:17 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,493
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,493
David, I liked everything about this song. Super groove and chord progression. Outstanding work with those synth voices. Great backing band and mix.
Loved it.


The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."


64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
dcuny #861518 09/03/25 07:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,545
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,545
HA! Just as I was reading how you didn't use Maj7th chords I heard one. Yeah, I felt free to skip The Story, but knew I'd enjoy it. It also had me play this cool song 3 times while reading. Man, David, we could talk for hours and hours about all this. We not only have the RhymeZone in common, but most everything you write about.

Okay, the 4th listen was not distracted by The Story... Man, there is some great changes going on in there. What an incredible job, first in picking the band, and even more amazing was in the mix. So much going on, but nothting goes on unnoticed.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
dcuny #861587 09/04/25 07:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,544
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,544
I enjoyed reading your thoughts concerning the write.
I like that you think long and hard about your choices.

Lovely vocals and harmonies.

I really like the piano and mandola.
The drums choice is interesting. (Interesting is an interesting word, don;t you think?)

I ALWAYS enjoy your songs/productions/musings...
I think I've listened 5 times now...

smile

fj

dcuny #861590 09/04/25 07:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,745
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,745
David,
Wow, what a detailed song summary!
Super chord progression here. Good balance between acoustic / electronic instruments. Clear mix and listens well. Two points:
I believe you might want to consider d-esser on main vocals. Maybe second harmony vocals slightly lower. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

camog #861601 09/04/25 09:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Carl.

Originally Posted by camog
David - I can barely get my head around how you (& BDT f. ex.) manage to come up with such elaborate productions & songs, excellent lyrics and mega use of synth voices (all beyond me). Love the subtle use of the mandola and other BB files - the overall arrangement is really excellent, great chord structure too!
Thanks!

The answer to "how to you do it" is mostly... It's the only way I know how. laugh

I suspect I'd save a lot of time if I'd just start with the lyrics, but too many times I've been stuck trying to set them to a backing track that I wasn't happy with at all. So I approach it as if I were trying to discover a song inside of the BiaB tracks. The advantage there is that I can be lazy and let the tracks guide the melody, so BiaB does a lot of heavy lifting for me. wink

Quote
You did a FAB job on this track - super well done
Thanks again!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Bob.

Originally Posted by rsdean
Great song. Love the voices and the selection of tracks. Those drums sound excellent.
Thanks! That's one of the things that attracted me to the style.

However... I'm getting suggestions from those who are more familiar with the style that perhaps a different sort of snare is called for here. So I'm going to do some experimenting with that.

Quote
You put an immense amount of work into this and it clearly shows. Awesome mix.
I'm starting to think they key to a good mix is use less tracks, but there's so much cool stuff in BiaB it's really hard not to go overboard. Hopefully I'll keep this in mind in future tracks.

Thanks again for your kind words! I really appreciate it. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Beth.

Originally Posted by BYOBand
I love the mandola, the progression of the chorus and especially the lyrics of it with the nursery rhyme bits. Really suits.
I'm glad to hear it! smile

Quote
You seem to have showed more restraint with the vocals than in your last couple of tunes and its all easier for this ear to follow. I think your daughter made a good call too.
Point taken!

It's fun to have a big, bombastic song, so I went a bit (or maybe way) overboard the last time. I'll try to keep my exuberant tendencies reined in. wink

Quote
I get it that it's a work in progress, how fed up with a song one can get, and that urge just wanting to get it out there. It's actually really helpful to hear songs in various different stages and also really interesting to read about your whole thought process, so thanks for including that bit too.
You're welcome. I think frustration is a normal part of any creative process, because we're being forced to go outside our normal thought process. Songwriting is an interesting combination - a bit of storytelling, a bit of puzzle solving, and often just hard work.

Thanks for listening and commenting!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Andrew.

Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi David! I read your narrative before listening and glad I did. Cool to hear the journey you’ve been on with this one. Glad I’m not the only one that ‘just want to get this thing done’.
I suspect that many of us go on similar paths when writing songs. When things are easy, it's fun and sort of magical. When it's not, well... it's a bit of a grind. laugh

Quote
The chord progression and melody is instantly pleasing to listen to, but intricate enough that I’m gonna have to listen to that again to fully absorb it.

The chorus is pretty straight forward, but the verse is:

A- | G/D / C/D D-7 | A- / / G/A | A- Cmaj7
A- | G/D / / D-| A- / / E– | A- / A-/F A-/G
A| G/D / A/C# A-/C| Bbmaj7 / Asus D- | E- E7/G#
A- / / C/G | G/D / A Fmaj7 | G-7/F / Eb Ebmaj7 | Asus Fmaj7


This bit was an attempt to walk the bass down to lead into the A major chord:

... A- / A-/F A-/G| A ...

Once there, I shift out of A major and use the bass to emphasize the change:

... A | G/D / A/C# A-/C ...

The bass descent continues, with the shift from the Emin to E clarified by the bass movement:

... Bbmaj7 / Asus D- | E- E7/G# | A- / / C/G ...

I repeat the A Fmaj7 move twice here. The Asus is a (mostly ineffective) way to give it a bit more motion. I'd originally been playing with diminished chords, but they didn't work as well as I'd liked:

... A Fmaj7 | G-7/F / Eb Ebmaj7 | Asus Fmaj7 ...

Hopefully that explains the logic of the progression.

Thanks for listening and commenting! smile

Last edited by dcuny; 09/04/25 10:14 AM.

-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Deej.

Originally Posted by Deej56
Outstanding production work here . . . clean, creative and engaging. Very smart write . . . love the use of internal rhymes throughout. Catchy chorus. And, no surprise, killer use of the vocaloids. Brilliant!!
Thanks! I appreciate the positive feedback! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Ron.

Originally Posted by DC Ron
This sounds really cool, David. That mandola IS quite nice and your new vocalist is sweetly non-theatrical, a huge plus from my perspective.
OK, I clearly went overboard with the last song. laugh

But thanks! The mandola is super-cool, and it was fun working with a new vocalist and trying to figure what would work with her.

Quote
That late shift to a major key chorus is very cool, too. Your narrative led me to expect something a little rough around the edges, but this is quite smooth and shiny, and sounds GREAT. You've squeezed a lot of musical excitement in 2:46!
Heh. It looks like I need to revisit the bass and drums, and I haven't ruled out adding an instrumental section, although no one's suggested it's needed.

I'm glad you enjoyed it! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, B.D.

Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
It's interesting to hear all the key changes; they add a lot to the song.
I'll have to try that myself sometime.
Looking into writings about The Beatles songwriting got me into this. I'm not trying to emulate The Beatles, I'm just trying to force myself to try something different.

Where they are most effective is where most people don't hear them, but I haven't got that level of skill yet.

Quote
Good, clean arrangement with a good choice of instruments (I even like the Mandola) in a transparent mix.
I'll have to give credit to whoever made the style I based the song on for that. Love the mandola, and it was hard not to put it everywhere.

Quote
Arama (who I didn't know) sounds good to me, and I really like the harmonies in the chorus (that's Felicia, right?).
Arama is a new voice that came out last month. It's got a nice tone and expressiveness. Less vocal modes than most SynthV voices, but I didn't feel anything was missing.

The backing vocals are Felicia and Sheena.

Quote
I'm not entirely convinced by the snare sound; I think something more organic would suit it better.
Ha! laugh

I figured it would be safe to use because it was part of the style, but I've gotten pushback on it from a number of people. I really like it, but I don't really have ears for contemporary music. I'll play around with other options.

Quote
But I really like your song, and thanks for all the details about your songwriting process - I LOVE reading that stuff smile
You're welcome! I suspect a lot of people can relate to it, because we're songwriters.

Thanks for the feedback - I appreciate it!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Mario.

Originally Posted by MarioD
David, I liked everything about this song. Super groove and chord progression. Outstanding work with those synth voices. Great backing band and mix.
Thanks!

I appreciate you listening and commenting. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Marty.

Originally Posted by BabuMusic
HA! Just as I was reading how you didn't use Maj7th chords I heard one.
I should have written "I tried to avoid Major 7th chords". wink

Quote
Yeah, I felt free to skip The Story, but knew I'd enjoy it. It also had me play this cool song 3 times while reading. Man, David, we could talk for hours and hours about all this. We not only have the RhymeZone in common, but most everything you write about.
It's funny - all of us are doing the same thing. Most of us are mostly invisible about it.

Quote
Okay, the 4th listen was not distracted by The Story... Man, there is some great changes going on in there.
Thanks! I posted an explanation of what I was trying to do with the changes a couple of posts back.

Quote
What an incredible job, first in picking the band, and even more amazing was in the mix. So much going on, but nothing goes on unnoticed.
blush I've got to confess - the BiaB style did most of the work here. That's the real magic. wink

Thanks for listening and commenting!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, floyd jane.

Originally Posted by floyd jane
I enjoyed reading your thoughts concerning the write.
I like that you think long and hard about your choices.
Probably a bit too long. wink

Quote
Lovely vocals and harmonies.
Thanks!

I really liked how I was able to get Amara to phrase the vocals. I'd lay down the scratch track with nothing but "la"s to make sure it was a good register for her. But when the lyrics were added, I'd tweak it again, to make sure it sounded natural and the words were intelligible. If it were a different SynthV voice, the melody would have ended up different.

Quote
I really like the piano and mandola.
That's why I picked the style. No credit to me on that one. wink


Quote
The drums choice is interesting. (Interesting is an interesting word, don;t you think?)
Hehehe.

Yes, it's an "interesting" word. I picked the drums because I figured the person who made the style was more "hip" to contemporary sound than me. It looks like my ears need to be schooled in the more "modern" sound, because you're not the first one who made the observation.

There are also issues with the bass, but since people were kind enough not to mention the anemic sound of the bass, I thought perhaps I'd be able to let that slide as well. cry

I appreciate the honest criticism. smile

Quote
I ALWAYS enjoy your songs/productions/musings...
I think I've listened 5 times now...
Thanks! That's high praise. laugh


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Misha.

Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Wow, what a detailed song summary!
Ha! I figured if I suffered while making this, then you should suffer while reading about it. wink

Although this wasn't the longest it's taken me to come up with lyrics. I recall burning a backing track and listening to it in my car every day for about three weeks before something finally clicked.

Quote
Super chord progression here. Good balance between acoustic / electronic instruments. Clear mix and listens well.
Thanks!
Quote
I believe you might want to consider d-esser on main vocals.
I've considered that, but I thought it was part of her vocal style. It's a bit more /sh/ than /s/ in places. But I'll have a look at it. Normally, I'll just reduce the amplitude using automation instead of using a de-esser, as it gives more control over the result.

Quote
Maybe second harmony vocals slightly lower.
On the second verse? I'll have another listen, thanks!

Thanks for listening, and all your helpful feedback! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
dcuny #861644 09/04/25 09:58 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,052
Well worth the read & listen.
Super work with the synth vox but the whole package is excellent.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 453
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 453
David,

I had to laugh ... 'Nothing's Changed (Updated)'. It clearly has!

I love the new bass and drums - and that mandola closing out with movement left and right. Really good. BTW - thanks for the chord progressions in your previous post.

Andrew

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,326
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,326
I like the title smile Nice lyrics, bit sad, but the conclusion is set nicely in "if we both try..."

Cool chord progression and intriguing melody, very original feel, like written by a very experienced guy who has been making hits for decades smile

Nice sounding lead vocalist, but there's something in those backing vocals that feels bit annoying, Felicia's tone perhaps?

Nice band, I liked the mandola intro and the effected outro. The drum sound fits well with the pop mood. Professional sounding mix, doesn't feel crowded and gives space to the singer.

BTW. You have used name Amara, Arama and Amaya (SoundCloud) for the vocalist... On Dreamtonics page, there are Amara and Ayame, bit confusing wink

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

dcuny #861726 09/06/25 04:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,750
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,750
Hi,David,

Interesting changes and a good write.

I really enjoy your attention to detail! Both with the track and the vocals, so many subtle things going on. That combined with a good mix makes for a great headphone listen.

Listened a couple of times, good stuff!

dcuny #861973 09/08/25 05:06 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,032
Excellent tune David. Boy you mastered the vocaloid. Makes the song such a cool listen. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
rayc #861975 09/08/25 05:26 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Ray.

Originally Posted by rayc
Well worth the read & listen.
Thanks!

Quote
Super work with the synth vox but the whole package is excellent.
I appreciate that. Amara was a fun voice to work with.

I was just happy when it finally came together. There were times I had some serious doubts about it getting off the ground.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Andrew.

Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
I had to laugh ... 'Nothing's Changed (Updated)'. It clearly has!
Yep, and I kept making changes after that! laugh

Quote
I love the new bass and drums - and that mandola closing out with movement left and right. Really good. BTW - thanks for the chord progressions in your previous post.
Thanks! I hope you find something useful in them.

And thanks for stopping to listen and comment.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Janne.

Originally Posted by jannesan
I like the title smile Nice lyrics, bit sad, but the conclusion is set nicely in "if we both try..."
Thanks - I'm glad that worked for you.

Quote
Cool chord progression and intriguing melody, very original feel, like written by a very experienced guy who has been making hits for decades smile
I wish! laugh

Quote
Nice sounding lead vocalist, but there's something in those backing vocals that feels bit annoying, Felicia's tone perhaps?
It's likely the high harmony part that you find grating. Felicia is on the vocal, and it's a bit aggressive, and it's set high in her register. I should probably dial her back a bit at some point.

Quote
Nice band, I liked the mandola intro and the effected outro. The drum sound fits well with the pop mood. Professional sounding mix, doesn't feel crowded and gives space to the singer.
Thanks!

Quote
BTW. You have used name Amara, Arama and Amaya (SoundCloud) for the vocalist... On Dreamtonics page, there are Amara and Ayame, bit confusing wink
Yeah, names aren't my strong point. It should be Amara, thanks!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Dave.

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Interesting changes and a good write.
Thanks! smile

Quote
I really enjoy your attention to detail! Both with the track and the vocals, so many subtle things going on. That combined with a good mix makes for a great headphone listen.
I've got to give credit to floyd jane for pushing me to make this better. I thought I was done, and he gently suggested it needed some more work.

Of course, he was right.

Thanks for stopping and commenting, I appreciate it. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
dcuny #861981 09/08/25 05:50 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,470
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,470
I'm curious how you realized you had copied the indigo girls. No, on second thought, nope, I don't.


Your songs are quite an undertaking and I really enjoy your story as much as the music, which, incidentally, was good.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Scott.

Originally Posted by Scott C
Excellent tune David. Boy you mastered the vocaloid. Makes the song such a cool listen. Well done
Thanks!

If there's a trick to using SynthV, I think it's to write songs to the strengths of the voices. It's a lot easier to have them sing songs they can sing, instead of trying to force them to sing something they can't. And if they can't... it's easy enough to change things.

The nice thing is they don't complain when you decide - yet again - to make some minor change to the vocals. smile

Thanks for listening and commenting!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Herb.
Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
I'm curious how you realized you had copied the indigo girls. No, on second thought, nope, I don't.
Ha!

As I mentioned, I changed the lyric while doing the writeup for this thread. The prior line felt a little clunky, so I made the change, re-rendered the song, uploaded it, and changed the lyrics in the writeup.

Later the next day, I was still trying to re-work the lyrics (which is easy when you've got an AI vocalist) when it struck me.

Funnily enough, neither of my daughters noticed it. And The Indigo Girls get a lot of play in our house, so they should have caught it.

Quote
Your songs are quite an undertaking and I really enjoy your story as much as the music, which, incidentally, was good.
Thanks!

I used to have a guitar book by Tommy Tedesco. He had a bunch of neat stories in it, because he figured most of the people wouldn't end up doing the guitar exercises, so he may as have amusing stories so they felt like they got their money's worth. laugh

Thanks for listening and commenting!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
dcuny #862014 09/09/25 12:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,933
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,933
Hi David.

What a fantastic song! I love what you've done. The lyrics and melody are great and the production is brilliant. Your use of Synth V is excellent. It seems to me that your creativity was most surely firing on all cylinders when you put this song and its production together.

I enjoyed my listen a lot.
--Noel

P.S. Thanks for the detailed insight into what you did and how it was achieved.


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
dcuny #862257 Yesterday at 11:38 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,054
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,054
David,

Great production! Very pleasant song.
As always, it's a very elaborate production and I was impressed.
The instrument selection is excellent and the effects are exquisite.
I imagine it must have taken a lot of time.
I would like to emulate that kind of effort.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,499
Hi david,

So, what's not to like about this one? Just one thing - I didn't write it. Dang!!!

I found the chord pattern to be very pleasing. You know, I'm pretty sure, that I play around a lot with chords and chord patterns. This was a delight in that regard and excellent in all regards.

I don't have an elaborate system. I hear something in my head and go straight to the chord input sheet. Chords come to me pretty quickly and easily. I then finish the song by filling out the melody I hear in my mind as the chord pattern plays. As I listen to the demo of the song that BIAB creates, I start imagining what instruments would fulfill what my mind is hearing. That's about it. Not fancy, but it seems to work - just like my recording process. Now lyrics don't come as quickly or as easily in most cases. Di was just the opposite - she wrote the entire lyrics to two songs in one 30-minute session using a tablet and a pen. We only changed three words - two in one song and one in the other. They were two of our very best songs!

Sorry, I got a little off-track with that diatribe. Your process is very intricate and well thought out. I'd probably go crazy trying that! I once told Di, "You're driving me crazy!" Her reply was, "Talk about a short drive!". Ha!

Your music always showcases the effort and skill you put into it. I always enjoy y\our work and your efforts. i really like the percussive elements of this one.

Nice stuff!

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: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,516
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,516
Hi David,

Well, I'm impressed with everything you did to create this song. What a story!
And then I listened to your song four times. Not to even begin to appreciate your efforts, but because there's so much going on in the song, that I like.
The mandolin really stood out sonically!
The vocals were very good, although I agree with Janne (and others) that more differentiation in the vocals (lead and backing) could have been more exciting.
And since you're such a whiz at working with AI vocals, you could easily have tried that ;-)

And by the way, a nice rhyme for "Fire" could have been "Desire." Bob Dylan knows all about that...

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Noel.

Originally Posted by Noel96
What a fantastic song! I love what you've done. The lyrics and melody are great and the production is brilliant. Your use of Synth V is excellent. It seems to me that your creativity was most surely firing on all cylinders when you put this song and its production together.
Thanks!

Although I should say that what "creativity most surely firing on all cylinders" often feels like panic and despair. wink

It seems that despite typically coming out with something, I've got trouble trusting the process. I suspect that subliminally I'm wishing the song is going to turn out a different way, so I keep fighting it.

When I finally stop being a whiny baby, sit down and do the hard work, something eventually happens.

But once the lyrics are done, if the song feels coherent, it starts being fun again because I can put on my Producer hat and go through all the libraries I spent good money on and try to figure out how to justify the purchases by using them in the song. laugh

I appreciate your positive comments!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Shigeki.
Originally Posted by animarorecords
Great production! Very pleasant song.
As always, it's a very elaborate production and I was impressed.
.
Thanks! smile

Quote
The instrument selection is excellent and the effects are exquisite.
I imagine it must have taken a lot of time.
I would like to emulate that kind of effort.
You're too kind! I appreciate the kind words.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Alan.

Originally Posted by Al-David
So, what's not to like about this one? Just one thing - I didn't write it. Dang!!!
Ha! laugh

Quote
I found the chord pattern to be very pleasing. You know, I'm pretty sure, that I play around a lot with chords and chord patterns. This was a delight in that regard and excellent in all regards.
Thanks, that's one of the things I've been working on in my writing.

Quote
I don't have an elaborate system. I hear something in my head and go straight to the chord input sheet. Chords come to me pretty quickly and easily. I then finish the song by filling out the melody I hear in my mind as the chord pattern plays. As I listen to the demo of the song that BIAB creates, I start imagining what instruments would fulfill what my mind is hearing. That's about it. Not fancy, but it seems to work - just like my recording process.
There's nothing the matter with that - your results are excellent.

Quote
Now lyrics don't come as quickly or as easily in most cases. Di was just the opposite - she wrote the entire lyrics to two songs in one 30-minute session using a tablet and a pen. We only changed three words - two in one song and one in the other. They were two of our very best songs!
I suspect that for most people, lyrics are the most difficult part of songwriting. But that's not always true - sometime everything just works, as you mention seemed to be the process with Di. That's occasionally happened with me as well.

But unfortunately, it's not something that typically happens for us.[/quote]

Quote
Sorry, I got a little off-track with that diatribe. Your process is very intricate and well thought out. I'd probably go crazy trying that! I once told Di, "You're driving me crazy!" Her reply was, "Talk about a short drive!". Ha!
Ha!

I love diatribes!

Thanks for listening, commenting, and diatribing. wink


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
dcuny Online Content OP
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,726
Hi, Hans.

Originally Posted by Birchwood
Well, I'm impressed with everything you did to create this song. What a story!
I suspect that the path for most people to get to a song is more crooked than not. We've just got different strengths and weaknesses.


Quote
And then I listened to your song four times. Not to even begin to appreciate your efforts, but because there's so much going on in the song, that I like.
I'm glad it (mostly) holds up to repeated listens.

Quote
The mandolin really stood out sonically!
Yeah, that mandola is something special. The demo caught my ear, and it makes the song.

Quote
The vocals were very good, although I agree with Janne (and others) that more differentiation in the vocals (lead and backing) could have been more exciting.
I've got the background vocals going through a different FX chain, and I toned them down vocally from where they were before. It's a delicate balance between to little and too much, and I guess I'm still trying to work it out. Oh, well. smile

But I took one more more notch after reading your comments.

Quote
And by the way, a nice rhyme for "Fire" could have been "Desire." Bob Dylan knows all about that...
Heh. Don't forget quagmire!

Speaking of Bob Dylan, someone on a different forum had mentioned they were had written a song about Suze Rotolo. That sparked some interesting ideas, and for a moment I was heading down that rabbit hole with this song. But it didn't pan out, which is just as well.

Thanks for listening and commenting!


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: 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.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

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

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

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!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

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

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,621
Posts781,819
Members39,703
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
charlamma, DiehlHouse, hughb, Bernd_in_a_box, wndrarepsns27
39,703 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 166
rsdean 109
WaoBand 109
Al-David 103
DC Ron 95
dcuny 86
Noel96 80
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5