BIAB covers the drums, lead guitar & gospel vox. Marty & Misha provided great ears, mix and structure advice. Misha also ran the piano midi through a far better set of VIs. Thanks fellows.
Mastered by Fran as usual.
BIAB stuff: 65bpm Vox. 3530 bgv Gospel Cool High Lead Gtr. 3438 BritPsychPopBallad RDrums. RockNorthern^4 OTHER STUFF: Piano - Kontak Grandeur & Noir Felt- provided by Misha Cello & Stings - Redtron Midi Bass DI (used Melodyne to create a slide in one spot), vocals AT2020 & guitars, (through a Yamaha FX900), are my fault.
Last edited by rayc; 09/06/2512:04 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Did you serve your apprenticeship with Pink Floyd, Ray? Very reminiscent of PF. Very topical and worthy subject matter, and done in a thought provoking way without stepping on anyone’s feelings. I have an upcoming song that, in part, is topical but I’ve dumbed it down a bit as I know the topic polarises people, especially in the US. But you’ve produced a song that has mood and reflects the subject appropriately. Loved the solo guitar, works really well. Great job.
One of your best vocals. The mix & production here is also outstanding - so many textures, layers and overall just a beautifully executed piece of music.
I'm almost speechless...but that I want to let you know how incredible that listen (and video) was. You made great use of forum resources (and Marty & Misha made excellent contributions). The phrases you chose to reiterate, well selected. I wonder if you've ever heard Nordic Giants? They use speeches from Martin Luther King Jr and other wise folks like Alan Watts in their songs. It's a great way to get people thinking. Applause all around.
Well done Ray. Very thought provoking, and a piece that almost couldn’t exist without the video. Some of the chord moves created an empty desolate feeling to my ear, and well illustrated the message. That solo guitar sounded like it was weeping at one point. The sparseness of the vocals allows the music and video time to speak. Why have we not learned? Andrew
As a Pink Floyd fan, this is right up my alley: great lyrics and vocals (your best yet), a dark mood, and even darker images. Great work by everyone involved.
BTW, Native Instruments' Noir Felt Piano is my go-to for dark and atmospheric songs - gone are the days of spending endless hours trying to create that specific sound with a "normal" piano.
Yeah, Beth said it... SPEECHLESS. Ray, you know I've heard this beauty as it blossomed (and thanks so much for that), but WOW what a final result. Fantastic, my friend. Yes, I appreciated the drastic difference after Misha got involved with that piano. Pink Floyd comparisons aside, this song stands alone in a incomparable niche that requires worldwide views. Excellent job on the video, too. Dang powerful stuff.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Very reminiscent of Pink Floyd (as I've just seen others have said); great song theme, plus it's good to hear someone doing a song that's longer than any of mine! My only criticism is as before: I want to be able to hear what's being sung, particularly as the lyrics I could hear are really excellent. Great video, too.
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, epic. Ambitiously visioned, exquisitely executed. Such a cool vibe, and sustained (what sounds like) effortlessly across a long form. Nice outro wraps it all up neatly indeed. All this and a message. Hats off, sir.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Did you serve your apprenticeship with Pink Floyd, Ray? Very reminiscent of PF. Very topical and worthy subject matter, and done in a thought provoking way without stepping on anyone’s feelings. I have an upcoming song that, in part, is topical but I’ve dumbed it down a bit as I know the topic polarises people, especially in the US. But you’ve produced a song that has mood and reflects the subject appropriately. Loved the solo guitar, works really well. Great job.
Kind regards
Thanks Wobbs, I quite like the non twee stuff on their 1st album, Meddle & DSOTM but not too much beyond that. Mind you I'm very old so have had osmosis tweak my DNA. Yes, I'm perfectly capable of loud, splenetic exhortations but know that with these matters at hand winning over is better than bludgeoning so I've opted for the soft gloved hand.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, Excellent song... One of your best vocals. The mix & production here is also outstanding - so many textures, layers and overall just a beautifully executed piece of music. Bob
Ta Bob, I took a presented opportunity & "sang" a little louder - makes all the difference. I had written full verses but it was all polemic and bad poetry so I opted to save the one line that worked and steal the voice of others.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I'm almost speechless...but that I want to let you know how incredible that listen (and video) was. You made great use of forum resources (and Marty & Misha made excellent contributions). The phrases you chose to reiterate, well selected. I wonder if you've ever heard Nordic Giants? They use speeches from Martin Luther King Jr and other wise folks like Alan Watts in their songs. It's a great way to get people thinking. Applause all around.
BYOB, PHANQUE VEYYY MUSH I'll look into Nordic Giants - thank you - I LOVE finding "new" music. Marty & Misha are past & future collaborators so I was comfortable asking their advise and accepting their help.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Well done Ray. Very thought provoking, and a piece that almost couldn’t exist without the video. Some of the chord moves created an empty desolate feeling to my ear, and well illustrated the message. That solo guitar sounded like it was weeping at one point. The sparseness of the vocals allows the music and video time to speak. Why have we not learned? Andrew
Ta Drew, the piece did exist without the video ... luckily I located video clips that matched well and decided to fill in the gaps/make the case more fully with them. I finally had a chance to listen, uninterrupted to the mastered audio and it hangs together just enough to make me pleased I finished it.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
As a Pink Floyd fan, this is right up my alley: great lyrics and vocals (your best yet), a dark mood, and even darker images. Great work by everyone involved. BTW, Native Instruments' Noir Felt Piano is my go-to for dark and atmospheric songs - gone are the days of spending endless hours trying to create that specific sound with a "normal" piano.
Thanks B.D., It started life as me trying to get a better grip on piano roll midi writing then unpleasant reality took over.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Yeah, Beth said it... SPEECHLESS. Ray, you know I've heard this beauty as it blossomed (and thanks so much for that), but WOW what a final result. Fantastic, my friend. Yes, I appreciated the drastic difference after Misha got involved with that piano. Pink Floyd comparisons aside, this song stands alone in a incomparable niche that requires worldwide views. Excellent job on the video, too. Dang powerful stuff.
THANK YOU Marty, M & M made this song happen both with advice and encouragement.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Very reminiscent of Pink Floyd (as I've just seen others have said); great song theme, plus it's good to hear someone doing a song that's longer than any of mine! My only criticism is as before: I want to be able to hear what's being sung, particularly as the lyrics I could hear are really excellent. Great video, too.
Thanks Wao, Length is always an issue for me - I don't end a song until the story's told so, sometimes, it can become a marathon. There aren't many words in this song - just the choruses and one line per verse. In terms of level this is the loudest I've placed my voice i a mix - uncomfortably so but M & M made it happen. This is the 2nd of my tunes where you've expressed concern over the vocal level. BOTH are louder than usual. I'm beginning to wonder about perception.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Ray, epic. Ambitiously visioned, exquisitely executed. Such a cool vibe, and sustained (what sounds like) effortlessly across a long form. Nice outro wraps it all up neatly indeed. All this and a message. Hats off, sir.
Long form indeed... I'm pleased you like the outro - I figured, early on, that some relief would be required after such an unpleasant journey. THANKS.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
My only criticism is as before: I want to be able to hear what's being sung, particularly as the lyrics I could hear are really excellent. Great video, too.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean