|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309 |
Hello Folks, sorry I've been quiet of late - life gets in the way sometimes and chaos often is a part of that. I've been visiting when I can & working on stuff when I can squeeze the time. These two tracks are evidence that I'm still "doing" stuff but nothing, at present, is ready for a big reveal. This one, Blundertown, is waiting on a real singer. I have someone who wants to do it but the when is uncertain. BIAB provides drums & organ. Draft vocal, (heavily tuned), bass & guitars are by me but the lead playing is by Stephen Hutter (Louisiana Steve) a professional musician by trade & a generous collaborator by turns: Here's a slightly updated version...the vocals are a little tidier and the bass n drums nexus more certain: BLUNDERTOWN vii V1 This town, my town This brown, my brown I swim, you frown Don't tear it down Working, living Talking, giving Walking, driving, Still surviving C1 Something calls, I can't hear Calls far, calls near Not quite home Not quite fear. I can't hear Something near Life in Blundertown. V2 This place, our place This case, our case You think, I pace In a rat race Working, living Taking, sieving Running, diving, Just surviving C2 Something calls, I can't hear Calls from afar, calls near Not quite home Not quite fear. I can't hear Somewhere near Life in Blundertown. V3 Living, dying Consuming, buying Faking, trying Making do Working, slaving Seeing, craving Always behaving We've been trained to. C3 Something calls, I don't hear Calls out loud, calls quite near Not my home, feel my fear. A different gear Someone near Live in Blundertown. C4 Something calls, all along Calls out loud, sounding wrong Not my home, feel me drown. Different tread Someone bled Life in Blundertown. This one, PsychB, has BIAB drums, solos, organ and held piano chords. Strings and piano bass are midi while guitars, lap steel n bass are the real thing. No vocals or even lyrics yet. I'VE REPLACED THIS WITH THE MELODY REMOVED SO YOU CAN HEAR THE ARRANGEMENT BETTER. Lap Steel is used quietly to add texture in the transitions mainly. PSYCHB sans melody No need to listen or comment unless you want to. Ears and advice on both are welcome, (except for the vocals as they won't be staying), as these are Works In Progress.
Last edited by rayc; 11/22/25 06:45 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845 |
Hi, Ray.
Blundertown has a cool vibe and sounds like it's shaping up nicely. Really like the bass on this one. Also like the melody of the scratch vocals and the lyrics I can make out. Assume the ending is a WIP as well.
Psych B also has a cool vibe (ok, so I think you have a LOT of cool vibes). The opening blossoms nicely. That string pad provides a lot of glue. Very nice lead and rhythm guitars. Not hearing a lap steel, but might not be listening for how you're using it. Super arrangement. A grand, cinematic feel to my ears. That's a great ending.
Thanks for sharing, you're doing some nifty stuff.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922 |
Hi Ray,
Blundertown - Outstanding bass line and a super groove. Nice guitar chording and leads also. You vocal is really good for a demo. Super mix.
Psych B - Another super bass line. A fantastic intro. Great lead guitar. A great start and I'm sure that the finished product will be fantastic.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,306 |
Hi, Ray.
Blundertown's got a good, bouncy feel. Looking forward to hearing how it turns out.
-- 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: 1,279
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,279 |
Hi Ray!
Both songs are really interesting and in genres that I haven’t heard a lot of on the Showcase since I’ve been here. I like how you take the chord progressions to unexpected places, but make the melodies smooth out the changes. I can hear your use of major to minor chord changes (e.g. B - Bm) - always sounds cool. I’m really looking forward to hearing the finished songs!
For Blundertown, I love those ‘stabbed’ guitar strums, and in style, it is a similar sound to Augie March ‘Thin Captain Crackers’ - in style, not in melody or harmonically.
For Psyche, I reckon you’ve wonderfully captured an 80s Brit romantic sound with the synth - I could hear whiffs of OMD or maybe even Split Enz True Colours or Blondie Atomic.
Lovely stuff.
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
Morning, Ray,
Blundertown has a nice feel, bass sounds good, and Steve did a fine job for you. Couldn't make out much of the vocal, so looking forward to hearing it with the final singer.
PsychB has tons of potential, I like the melody line on top. It actually really works well as an instrumental, so I think it will be really powerful once you add vocals. Is it also Steve playing the solo? Nice!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,157 |
I really like Blundertown (I live close enough to one here). It's got a good feel. Yes, I can hear the "heavily tuned" Melotron vocal, but I like it. Steve did a fine job and I like the bass. SOunds like southern Louisianna --thinking NOLA.
I like the wild drums on Psyche B, and as Dave says, that melody tells me it's gonna be a great song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,143 |
Blundertown:
I like the overall mood and the vocals (at least the parts I can understand).
The musical part could be a little more varied, with some dynamic changes and, above all, a direction in which the song takes me.
However, it could be that this feeling changes once the final lyrics guide me somewhere.
PSYCH B:
Even without vocals, this song is MUCH more interesting and has much more potential.
I'm looking forward to the lyrics.
I would even go so far as to change the outro, which is really interesting and has a strong Pink Floyd vibe, into a bridge and then add something afterwards (a final chorus or something).
I'd continue with this one first!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309 |
Hi, Ray.
Blundertown has a cool vibe and sounds like it's shaping up nicely. Really like the bass on this one. Also like the melody of the scratch vocals and the lyrics I can make out. Assume the ending is a WIP as well.
Psych B also has a cool vibe (ok, so I think you have a LOT of cool vibes). The opening blossoms nicely. That string pad provides a lot of glue. Very nice lead and rhythm guitars. Not hearing a lap steel, but might not be listening for how you're using it. Super arrangement. A grand, cinematic feel to my ears. That's a great ending.
Thanks for sharing, you're doing some nifty stuff. Thanks DC, What are your thoughts on the ending? Lap Steel is pretty quiet & subtle - most prominent at the end as an FX thing.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309 |
Hi Ray,
Blundertown - Outstanding bass line and a super groove. Nice guitar chording and leads also. You vocal is really good for a demo. Super mix.
Psych B - Another super bass line. A fantastic intro. Great lead guitar. A great start and I'm sure that the finished product will be fantastic. Thanks Mario, The bass part for Blunder was fun to do.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309 |
Hi, Ray.
Blundertown's got a good, bouncy feel. Looking forward to hearing how it turns out. Ta, it was less so until the "jaunty" intro & solo were added. The final chorus solo is a little more tense and I wrote the lyrics to reflect the change.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845 |
Hi, Ray.
Blundertown has a cool vibe and sounds like it's shaping up nicely. Really like the bass on this one. Also like the melody of the scratch vocals and the lyrics I can make out. Assume the ending is a WIP as well.
Psych B also has a cool vibe (ok, so I think you have a LOT of cool vibes). The opening blossoms nicely. That string pad provides a lot of glue. Very nice lead and rhythm guitars. Not hearing a lap steel, but might not be listening for how you're using it. Super arrangement. A grand, cinematic feel to my ears. That's a great ending.
Thanks for sharing, you're doing some nifty stuff. Thanks DC, What are your thoughts on the ending? Lap Steel is pretty quiet & subtle - most prominent at the end as an FX thing. Ray, on the ending, well...it may have been "a feature, not a bug". The organ after the quick (and cool) fadeout seemed to linger at un-faded volume for too long and sounded like an editing artifact which one might expect in a WIP. Or it might be an intentionally adventurous ending. So ignore if the latter. 
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,130
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,130 |
Ray,
I really like Blundertown - excellent song. I also think your vocal fits really well.
I like Psych B as well. Some great bass and a cool tune overall.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,379
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,379 |
Cool bouncey groove Ray. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,241
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,241 |
Blundertown is another very cool lyric.
We enjoyed the progression of the “life in Blundertown” as the choruses roll by.
You and the session guys provided a great groove indeed.
And, as others mentioned, your bass and guitar work and Steve’s guitar are super.
Enjoyed it!
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: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,983
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,983 |
ray,
Bass, drums, guitar - a solid base. All sounds good.
I actually like the vocal.
No advice. I don't hear anything "out of line".
(I do have to turn your stuff up to really hear the mix. Quite "soft" compared to others. That might be a good thing?)
fj
I listened to Sancho as well. Also sounds "done")
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,455
Posts805,311
Members40,125
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean