|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,892
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,892 |
We like the poignant lyric and vocals.
“I want a day that doesn’t take away all my mind
A day that gives me the time to breathe
I want to spend more time with the people I know
A chance encounter while I’m on a walk - reading a book
I need to hide away, I need to learn to play without distraction”
YES!
The BiaB session guys fit in very nicely with your vocals and mando.
(Janice has a nice A style mando also.)
The mix is open and airy which is our favorite.
We much liked the change to A minor!
We enjoyed the vid and, yes, the guy at the end does look a lot like John Malkovic.
Your choice of clips worked very well in supporting the narrative.
Well done and enjoyed by us!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
Like many others, the mandolin was the highlight of this song for me. Chorus was pretty good, too. Nice job, Andrew! Thanks Rob! The mandolin turned out better than my rudimentary skills would suggest. I’m happy with that! … The mix is open and airy which is our favorite.
We much liked the change to A minor!
We enjoyed the vid and, yes, the guy at the end does look a lot like John Malkovic.
Your choice of clips worked very well in supporting the narrative. … J&B - I am glad you recognised the John Malkovic likeness - I was beginning to wonder if it was just me! Yes, the video takes a bit of work but I’m usually happy with the outcome and it opens up accessibility to a marginally wider audience that Soundcloud can be problematic for. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 289
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 289 |
Very nicely done, the Am in the bridge is a nice twist to a song in A Major, if I am right.
Donny
Donny G
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
Very nicely done, the Am in the bridge is a nice twist to a song in A Major, if I am right.
Donny Spot on, Donny. I like my songs to have a surprise element and usually do this by using a chord or two outside the diatonic, or switching a chord or bridge into a different key. It is uncommon for me to write a song fully in a single key. Thanks for listening! Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Andrew,
I love this song and the video too!
And yes, the man in the end looks a bit like John Malkovich.
Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,740
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,740 |
Andrew, A complex write from a guy looking for simpler things  Good, interesting lines all over the place. Thoughtful. Thought-evoking. Your vocal puts it all across perfectly. Marvelous change-up at the bridge. Very much enjoyed listening to this. A coupla times... fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,052 |
Hi, Andrew.
It's got a bit of early "America" (the group) feel. Loved the mandolin and the modal change at the chorus.
Nice write also - you covered a lot of ground, where it would have been easier to just write simple variations of the idea. It really elevates 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: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
I love this song and the video too!
And yes, the man in the end looks a bit like John Malkovich. Thanks Anne-Marie! I try and make the videos meaningful to complement the song lyrics. A complex write from a guy looking for simpler things
Good, interesting lines all over the place. Thoughtful. Thought-evoking.
Your vocal puts it all across perfectly.
Marvelous change-up at the bridge.
Very much enjoyed listening to this. A coupla times... Thanks Floyd - I’m glad you liked it. The complexity in lyrics was not by design, but the complexity in music was. With lyrics, unless I have a story to tell, my lyrics are often what J&B refer to as the ‘join the dots’ type. That is partly driven by just wanting a plausible vehicle to carry the melody over the chords without having to overthink it. Of course, they have to make *some* sense and have some cohesion - at least to the listener, even if they have to form that connection themselves but maybe not intended by me. I like the bridge change also - one that I personally haven’t grown tired of through production. It's got a bit of early "America" (the group) feel. Loved the mandolin and the modal change at the chorus.
Nice write also - you covered a lot of ground, where it would have been easier to just write simple variations of the idea. It really elevates the song. Thanks David! The complex write was not well thought through, and I did wonder a bit about if there was too much disconnect between the verse lyrics and bridge lyrics - why does longing for simplicity relate to missing a partner? I did not want the song to have to explain that. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 232 |
Hi Andrew,
This is the fourth time I’ve set about listening and reviewing Simpler Times. Sorry, I’ve been distracted and a bit absent from the forum for a couple of weeks.
I love the simple and open feel of the song. The mandolin as has probably already been mentioned, gives it an even paced feel and suits the melancholic, reflective sound. I can really relate to the lyrics, I wish we could return to simpler times but with all the positive things we have today….none of the bad baggage. Believe it or not, I especially liked the humming on the outro, it think it reminds me of a snippet from an XTC song.
Another gem Andrew, kind regards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
… I love the simple and open feel of the song. The mandolin as has probably already been mentioned, gives it an even paced feel and suits the melancholic, reflective sound. I can really relate to the lyrics, I wish we could return to simpler times but with all the positive things we have today….none of the bad baggage. Believe it or not, I especially liked the humming on the outro, it think it reminds me of a snippet from an XTC song.
Another gem Andrew, kind regards. Thanks Lee! I was hoping I hadn’t cluttered the recording too much. I think the mando and fiddle create a simpler image. I wasn’t an XTC listener, but would like to if you can remember which song. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,276
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,276 |
Hi Andrew. It's good hear a singer singing in Australian I felt right at home. What a great song. I love the way you have drafted the lyrics. Because there is no obvious rhymes until the last line of each verse—go/know, away/play, talk/walk—the lyric content sounds like someone speaking and telling a story. I found this very, very effective. It mesmerised me. This lyric technique fitted the style and presentation of the song perfectly. As Tano said, "the last line of the verse had a nice dual-rhyme that seemed to satisfy the listening ear for that rhyme...nice effect!" I wholeheartedly agree. Here in Melbourne at 11:30 am on a grey, overcast and somewhat cold November Saturday, your music was a perfect companion. You brought memories of me sitting in front of an open fire, warming my feet, sipping a glass of red wine and contemplating life. I'm a fan of what you've done! --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
… It's good hear a singer singing in Australian I felt right at home. Hi Noel! Now that’s a compliment! It’s taken me 60 years to shed my Brit accent and it still comes through from time-to-time. There’s been some references in this forum to The Kinks, Bowie and … I forget. I’ll need to check to see if I have any Adelaide-isms in there, like ‘dance’ or ‘chance’ with broad "a" sound (e.g., /ɑː/) as in "father". Edit: there is! Verse 1 ‘demand’ Verse 2 ‘chance’. … What a great song. I love the way you have drafted the lyrics. Because there is no obvious rhymes until the last line of each verse—go/know, away/play, talk/walk—the lyric content sounds like someone speaking and telling a story. I found this very, very effective. It mesmerised me. This lyric technique fitted the style and presentation of the song perfectly. As Tano said, "the last line of the verse had a nice dual-rhyme that seemed to satisfy the listening ear for that rhyme...nice effect!" I wholeheartedly agree. I was aware of the double-rhymes that Tom referred to, but I did not consciously write without rhymes in the first lines of the verses - pure fluke. I did want each verse to be around the desire for something simple. Other than that, because I am nearly always a ‘music first’ writer, I have to fit words to an existing melody, or modify the melody, and will often sing it and play guitar to find a natural cadence. … Here in Melbourne at 11:30 am on a grey, overcast and somewhat cold November Saturday, your music was a perfect companion. You brought memories of me sitting in front of an open fire, warming my feet, sipping a glass of red wine and contemplating life.
I'm a fan of what you've done!
--Noel I know - what happened to Spring? But, I don’t mind winter. I am glad my song took you to a favourite spot. Thank you for listening and your wonderful comments. Andrew
Last edited by Andrew Dee; 11/08/25 03:10 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Hello Andrew,
This song had me smiling immediately, since nearly all of what you said here are thoughts that cross my mind every day. I've reached the age where "less" is the new "more"
I like hearing how people arrive at their choices, so your details in the intro are very interesting to me. The process, to me, is at least as important as the end result.
Great job on the mandolin! I laughed at your comment: "Rhythm guitarist picks up a mandolin, thinks he can play" (I wholeheartedly identify, being a guitar player who also owns a mandolin but rarely thinks he can play it) Your comment could be interpreted as self-deprecating, except for the confidence you've exhibited by playing the mandolin in this song. (well done!)
I like it!
Last edited by Pat Marr; 11/08/25 06:05 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,574
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,574 |
The mandolin adds a uniqueness to your song. I really like the bridge. It's got staying power.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
… This song had me smiling immediately, since nearly all of what you said here are thoughts that cross my mind every day. I've reached the age where "less" is the new "more" Thanks Pat! My parents mentioned some time ago that when one gets older, it can seem like one grows invisible to younger folk. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but there are elements of that in this song. My mind is beginning to consider the merits of decluttering also. … I like hearing how people arrive at their choices, so your details in the intro are very interesting to me. The process, to me, is at least as important as the end result. I like the thrill of working on a new song, and that thrill is only seconded by stumbling across a surprise element that lifts the song. The bridge instrumentation was one of those. … Great job on the mandolin! I laughed at your comment: "Rhythm guitarist picks up a mandolin, thinks he can play" (I wholeheartedly identify, being a guitar player who also owns a mandolin but rarely thinks he can play it) Your comment could be interpreted as self-deprecating, except for the confidence you've exhibited by playing the mandolin in this song. (well done!)
I like it! Well, after all the kudos, I’ll have to pick it up more often, but will still play it in a pedestrian fashion - these fingers weren’t built for speed. I do have another mandolin song - at least in part - ‘Banging my head against the wall’ recorded a couple of years back. Thanks for listening and your encouraging comments! Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
… I really like the bridge. It's got staying power. Thanks for listening Scott! Yes, I still enjoy the bridge also, despite the mixing fatigue. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,478
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,478 |
Great subject, I can easily relate to it, those unnecessary things and distractions, I'm still learning to let go of hobbies that I used to enjoy but now only do out of habit... "The tyranny of wisdom is quite real" I haven't thought it that way, but now you made me see. The band sounds great, I like how the mandola and the mandolin bring fresh approach, the acoustic bass and the drums create an earthly mood. And your voice really fits the "old man weeping" theme, and that's meant to be a compliment Catchy bridge melody, even in minor - thanks for the major-to-minor idea, I'm already using it. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 853 |
Great subject, I can easily relate to it, those unnecessary things and distractions, I'm still learning to let go of hobbies that I used to enjoy but now only do out of habit... "The tyranny of wisdom is quite real" I haven't thought it that way, but now you made me see. Thanks Janne! When I was a younger man, I didn’t know much so didn’t say much. As I’ve grown older and accumulated more life experience, I can see I’ve become more opinionated - albeit moderately so. … The band sounds great, I like how the mandola and the mandolin bring fresh approach, the acoustic bass and the drums create an earthly mood. And your voice really fits the "old man weeping" theme, and that's meant to be a compliment Catchy bridge melody, even in minor - thanks for the major-to-minor idea, I'm already using it. Listening to my vocals in the raw could easily make listeners weep!  When switching from verse to chorus or bridge, my mind automatically looks for a change into something different and even if I repeat a device across different songs, usually the feel of the song and where the chord progression and/or melody goes provides the uniqueness. Thanks for listening and commenting! Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,536
Posts793,025
Members39,909
| |
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