Hi Knee Wobler, Marty, Mario, David C, Chay, Izzy, Janice and Bud,

These have been very busy days for me, and I think for you too! But I'm not as organized as I should be: answering your messages as quickly as possible! You were all so kind to comment on my song, and what did you get in return? A complete silence!!! And while I can make excuses, I should have answered you much sooner. I'm so sorry! Maybe you won't comment on my songs anymore... but please, don't.

Originally Posted by Knee Wobbler
A really nice arrangement and a good choice of BIAB style Hans. Particularly like the opening, coming in lightly with the guitars and then punching in with the bass and drums.
Good job, Have a merry Christmas.

Hi Knee W; What you wrote is actually the kind of structure I like to try to use in more of my songs. It's a kind of thinking about saving the goodies for later. Thanks for that!
And a creative year too!

Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Hi, Hans. So happy to be the one you "bother" with your progress. I was getting a bit worried about the progress of your studio rebuild, but the progress on this song was never anything to worry about. It started out with a good idea, and your vocals can make any song better. THis is the best mix. Thanks for bothering me, and keep it up, Hans.

Hey Marty, yeah, I love pestering you with my ideas! You stay so positive about it, even when my version is... well, call it "just a rough idea." Then you reply, "I think this or that sounds good, AND I'm convinced you can do more with it in a new version." Like with this song. And look what happens? (Another) song you like! Thanks, Marty!

Originally Posted by MarioD
Hans, that new studio jump started your creativity.
Great song and lyrics
Outstanding vocal and backing tracks
Super mix
IMHO this is your best to date.

Hi Mario, thanks for your kind words! But I do have mixed feelings about your last sentence. I get what you mean, but is this my best song yet? Don't let my feelings get to you. This is how you feel about this song, and that's great. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Hans.
Congratulations on getting the studio done.
I love the attitude that comes through on your vocals. You've got a very distinct musical style.

Originally Posted by Birchwood
The lyrics are on SoundCloud, so I won't include them here, but you knew that already.
Ha! I see what you did there. laugh
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in 2026!

Hi David, I think you're the first to notice that line. I like to write things with a touch of humor. I'm hoping my new studio will lead to more nice songs, but don't count on it! It's the kind of song that helps, I think. And thank you so much for your kind compliment about my singing and style!

Originally Posted by WaoBand
This song had me form the opening guitar. It's a really nice mix, though I would have like the guitar solo to have gone on a bit longer.

Hello Chay, I agree with you on that opening. It turned out better then I expected it to be. And yes, if time isn't an issue in these kind of songs, I agree with you on that solo. Thanks for this post!

Originally Posted by Izzy
Hi Hans
I'm sorry to be late on this as I"m still catching up.
First off – big high‑five on finishing the studio rebuild.

Wow. Just… wow. From the very first note of that smoky, fingerpicked guitar intro, you had me hooked — it was like musical Velcro for the soul. And your vocals! You’ve got that rare gift of sounding both raw and polished at the same time — like emotional sandpaper wrapped in velvet. And those harmonies? Top-Tier my friend. The backing “mmms” from Marty (bless his soul for being “bothered”) added just the right touch of gospel-tinged guilt.

This track is a masterclass in mood. You chose RealTracks like a sommelier pairing wine with sorrow — every instrument pours into the next with such care and feel. That laid-back bluesy electric solo? Pure liquid regret. The pumping bass? My foot hasn’t stopped tapping since my first listen. Honestly, if this is just a soundcheck for your new studio, I can’t wait to hear what happens when you actually start recording — world, brace yourselves.

Massive kudos on finally completing your studio rebuild — I know it took longer than expected, but clearly, great art (and great cable management) can’t be rushed. This song isn’t just a comeback — it’s a statement. A heartbroken, beautifully arranged, expertly produced statement that says, “I’m back, my gear is working, and yes, I will make you cry with minor chords.”

Here’s to 2026 — may it bring you better love, better luck, better Wi-Fi… and at least one person who doesn’t already know how it ends.
Bravo, Hans. This one’s a keeper. Keep strumming, keep humming, and keep making us all wonder why we didn’t know it already!

Warmest (and slightly jealous) wishes,
Izzy

Hi Izzy, you really know how to write words that sound (or read) like pure honey and gold. Awesome! I got a huge smile on my face when I read it: "Wow!" Is this what they mean by "walking in the sunshine"? Because that's exactly what I did after reading your post.
You did make one small mistake though: Marty didn't sing those "mmms." I think he would have liked to, but no, those were actually from the BiaB gospel singers. I thought the song was ready to be released, and then—in the middle of the night—I thought: "No, I still want some extra vocals, just without the words." And so it happened. And my wife wasn't even jealous...


Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
“Sun shines bright today, yet I can’t feel it. 
Kids cheer and play, but I’m not there. Spring fills the air, but my mind conceals it,

Too clouded to care”

Excellent lines to describe the love lost feel.
Hans, for us you’re again definitely channeling John Lennon here, which is delightful.
The arrangement, your vocals and the RT’s you chose work excellently in creating powerful dynamics.
That Brent solo is great.
Your upgraded studio is working out great indeed.

Well done and we much enjoyed it.
Happy New Year!
J&B

Hi J&B, and yes, John is back again! I didn't realize he was gone ( the real one, ye, but even the 'fake' one?). I hope my studio did the magic, but it could also be this kind of song. Thanks a lot for your compliments!

So, now we are about 15 days in 2026. A lot of things (keep) going on, but so does our music, I hope.
Thank you all and till our next songs!

Hans

Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130