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Shortly after my previous song, I had another idea for a new one. I'd never experienced anything like it so quickly. While I was creating it, writing the lyrics, and practicing the vocals, I let Marty listen to it too. It turned out to be a nice song, but something was missing. So I came up with the daring idea of adding orchestral chops. At first, I was hesitant about whether that would work, and Marty thought the chops were a bit distracting. Then I increased the tempo and changed the arrangement a bit. Well, the rest is this song. I also made a YouTube video for it. I'm curious to hear your reaction. Oh, and of course, there's a political element to it again. I just wrote that to Andrew of the Antipodes. The lyrics are on SoundCloud and YouTube. The guy with the guitar on YouTube is me... Enjoy! SoundCloud: Digging a hole https://on.soundcloud.com/Ue0Ki57bR0NYN6teTsYouTube: Technical information: Style is _CHEST.STY (Chest Bluesy R&B), tempo is 95 bpm, key: Am RealTracks in song: 4838:Bass, Electric, Slap80sPopFunkFast ev 120 2548:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkSorrow Ev16 090 2904:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100 4984:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking ModernFolk16ths ev16 90 4904:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterCountryBallad ev16 70 4191:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking SongwriterPalmMuteSparseAlternate8s Ev 140 4698:Bouzouki, Rhythm Folk16thsMedium ev16 80 RealDrums in Song:FolkPopBrushes16ths^1-a,b:Kick-only The orchestrall chops are samples from my Daw, Logic Pro X Vocals: me
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Nicely done, Hans! Cool song, and I like the arrangement a lot. Also like how the orchestra turned out. GREAT vocals, too.
I only watched the video to see the guy playing the guitar. Hey, that was a long wait! Video has a pro-look to it.
Super song! Lots of holes being dug around us for sure.
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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One thing that I notice is that when a lot of songwriters choose a political topic their prosody suffers. You seem to be able to avoid that pitfall, which is very much to your credit. I like your vocal which is always good but the strings on this were quite nice as well. They were prominent but not overbearing, so, well done!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Hi there Hans,
That has a whole lot of texture and levels. I love it when orchestral and popular music merge, some think never the twain should meet. But I like the crossover and normally anything that is out of the norm and pushes boundaries I enjoy. On my first listen I thought the orchestral was too much over the vocal and really challenging. But with anything that is different it’s always challenging on the first listen. I then listened and watch the video on the second listen (video was great BTW), as is normally the case I relaxed into the feel for the song and enjoyed it and the layering better. My only critique is that perhaps the orchestra is a bit too loud over the vocal and distracts from the vocal, but the momentum the orchestra imposes on the song is brilliant.
Really well produced, written and sung. Enjoyed it a lot, kind regards.
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Hans,
This is an excellent song. Awesome vocal as always and LOVE the instrumentation and mix.
Bob
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Hi Hans!
This is really good! The style of the music takes on a ‘dark circus’ vibe - what could have been happy now has sinister undertones, and that suits and supports the message really well. There is a lot going on musically, and that demands several listens to gain familiarity - I’ve always enjoyed songs that grow on you or that need a deeper listen.
In moments of sleeplessness, I sometimes ponder a potential impending dystopia and a concern that I may not be able to count on neighbours. I once heard someone say that a test of who will have goodwill and you can rely on are those that have the decency and ethical integrity to return their shopping trolley to the designated trolley return, and not left recklessly in the middle of the car park.
I loved it!
Andrew (of the Antipodes)
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Good one, Hans! Good write, orchestra works, and great vocal as always. I watched the video 'cause I wanted to see you with the guitar  And great job on the video too!
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Hans,
Nicely done, Hans.
I enjoyed your orchestra chops. And your message...
I like your vocals in this.
Cool video. What are using to create it?
fj
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It's an interesting work of art when you watch the video and listen to the song with its somewhat strange string arrangements. It makes you feel a little uneasy, but it's very well done.
Laurent
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Hi Ron, Rob, Lee, Bob and Andrew, As I wrote in the intro: the song was almost finished, and then I added those strings. But they had to be faster, so that applied to the whole song. And then I started to doubt whether I'd made the right decision. Just like you, I had to listen to it a few times. And then I knew it was right. Marty confirmed this by saying it was now ready to be released. That man gives you the confidence you need! And you all confirm that with your comments here. Thanks so much! But I have to make one confession: I didn't make the video or the picture of "that guy behind the guitar". Someone else did. But I look like that guy! I just don't like seeing myself depicted so large. And the first version of the video even started with my image! I asked if it could be reduced in size and moved to the end. Nicely done, Hans! Cool song, and I like the arrangement a lot. Also like how the orchestra turned out. GREAT vocals, too.
I only watched the video to see the guy playing the guitar. Hey, that was a long wait! Video has a pro-look to it.
Super song! Lots of holes being dug around us for sure. Hi Ron, most of the time you are one of the first responders on my songs. And always so positive! In my intro here you can read what the "man behind that guitar" feels about that... The lyrics were, in a way, related to my work. I've fought many legal battles and had to avoid getting into trouble several times, but this song is more about the damage power can do when abused, and so on. Ultimately, they're digging their own grave, but unfortunately, so are ours. One thing that I notice is that when a lot of songwriters choose a political topic their prosody suffers. You seem to be able to avoid that pitfall, which is very much to your credit. I like your vocal which is always good but the strings on this were quite nice as well. They were prominent but not overbearing, so, well done! Hi Rob, that's very well said! And a huge compliment too!!! I was worried the strings would be too dominant, so I spent a lot of time on them to keep them supportive and not overpowering. Thanks for noticing that too. Hi there Hans,
That has a whole lot of texture and levels. I love it when orchestral and popular music merge, some think never the twain should meet. But I like the crossover and normally anything that is out of the norm and pushes boundaries I enjoy. On my first listen I thought the orchestral was too much over the vocal and really challenging. But with anything that is different it’s always challenging on the first listen. I then listened and watch the video on the second listen (video was great BTW), as is normally the case I relaxed into the feel for the song and enjoyed it and the layering better. My only critique is that perhaps the orchestra is a bit too loud over the vocal and distracts from the vocal, but the momentum the orchestra imposes on the song is brilliant.
Really well produced, written and sung. Enjoyed it a lot, kind regards. Hi Lee, see, that's exactly what I mean! You describe very well how you approach these kinds of musical "experiments." A bit like me, actually. I also like to do things "out of the box," but one has to be careful with that! What I meant with my first sentence here is that in my answer to Rob (above), I had just explained how I handled the violins to keep them from being overpowering, and you find them to do so, a bit. I actually find that quite funny! Thanks for your wonderful, detailed answer! Hans,
This is an excellent song. Awesome vocal as always and LOVE the instrumentation and mix.
Bob Hello Bob, your replies (to me) are always so nice and kind to read! Thanks a lot! Hi Hans!
This is really good! The style of the music takes on a ‘dark circus’ vibe - what could have been happy now has sinister undertones, and that suits and supports the message really well. There is a lot going on musically, and that demands several listens to gain familiarity - I’ve always enjoyed songs that grow on you or that need a deeper listen.
In moments of sleeplessness, I sometimes ponder a potential impending dystopia and a concern that I may not be able to count on neighbours. I once heard someone say that a test of who will have goodwill and you can rely on are those that have the decency and ethical integrity to return their shopping trolley to the designated trolley return, and not left recklessly in the middle of the car park.
I loved it!
Andrew (of the Antipodes) Hi Andrew, you also mention "listening multiple times" to let these kinds of songs sink in a bit more. And you're absolutely right. That also applies to this song we're talking about. You know, I've learned to utilize my moments, or hours, of insomnia. Initially, I created my first song through it, later I mainly used it for developing projects I wanted to work on and also for all sorts of problems. The situation you describe is unfortunately almost constantly on my mind, even though I can still enjoy life ;-) So thanks for your nice words! I've loved your reactions to the song and I'm sure we'll continue sending each other these kinds of supportive messages as long as there's music in it! Hans
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Very interesting song. I liked the idea of adding orchestral parts, but somehow it sounds a bit unfinished: too strong changes between parts and partly muddy vocals. Sometimes it's good to rest a while and then mix it again.
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Hi, Hans. The orchestra can be hard to mix, but I think it works well with the song. It all sounds a bit jagged and off-balanced (instead of being some smooth ballad), which works especially well. The instrumentation is also interesting, and your voice sounds excellent here. Nice write, effective 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.
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I think I'm with Marty regarding the orchestration but that's no prob as the song cuts through.
Excellent lyric & cool vocal.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Oh, yeah, this turned out brilliantly, Hans. I always like the strings you added, but, man they sound SO MUCH better ducked behind you wonderful vocals. So well written and crafted. I also like the cover pic with that handsome Dutch mug.
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I just listened to your song again. I think the orchestral parts are pretty good. It's amazing how much tension strings can create. In my opinion, they are a good choice and very well implemented. Important message, conveyed by really good vocals. Good stuff ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif)
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Great song, Hans. I think the orchestral input is excellent ~ very creative.
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.
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Wow, Hans, do you ever mix orchestration with rock! The staccato violins really give a stunning edge. You put that together very well. Melody sounds appropriately urgent. It's still in my head which is always a good sign.
John
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Hello Dave, Floyd, Laurent, Arri and David C, Thanks for the feedback! I already knew this track would be a challenge with the strings. I had to listen to it a few times before deciding to release it with them in. They sound really good, but also a bit pushy. But they do add that extra tension I was looking for. The piano also gave me food for thought. While composing the track, I had a different, more conventional piano in the track. But this "New Orleans" piano also gave me that extra feel I was looking for. That's how a song develops, as you - of course- know! Especially if you have the BiaB library at hand, and in my case, a bit of Logic Pro. Good one, Hans! Good write, orchestra works, and great vocal as always. I watched the video 'cause I wanted to see you with the guitar And great job on the video too! Hi Dave, I thought of you when I made this song because of the strings. You told me earlier that you have sensitive ears, so I was a little worried about your reaction. But it turned out that was really nice! About that video: someone else made it and did something with my photo, my guitar, and A.I. So that "handsome" man you saw isn't as handsome as he is in real life ;-) . I told the creator you really liked it! Hans,
Nicely done, Hans.
I enjoyed your orchestra chops. And your message...
I like your vocals in this.
Cool video. What are using to create it?
fj Hi Floyd, thanks for your kind comment. I'm so glad you liked the strings (and the message). Regarding the video: please also read what I wrote to Dave (above). This one was made by someone else. I don't know what program she uses, but it's much better than the program I normally use for videos (Canva). I'll ask her and pass on your compliments, okay? It's an interesting work of art when you watch the video and listen to the song with its somewhat strange string arrangements. It makes you feel a little uneasy, but it's very well done.
Laurent Hey Laurent, did the song make you feel uncomfortable, or both the song and the video? I already mentioned that the song isn't very accessible, so I understand it takes some getting used to what you hear and see. Other people said the same, but ultimately they liked it. And in a way, it's understandable that you feel uncomfortable, because of the lyrics and the world we live in now... Thanks for the compliment! Very interesting song. I liked the idea of adding orchestral parts, but somehow it sounds a bit unfinished: too strong changes between parts and partly muddy vocals. Sometimes it's good to rest a while and then mix it again. Hi Arri, I was wondering if you could tell me what unclear parts of the vocals you've heard. So far, you're the only one who's noticed this. And don't worry, I take my rest when needed. Hi, Hans. The orchestra can be hard to mix, but I think it works well with the song. It all sounds a bit jagged and off-balanced (instead of being some smooth ballad), which works especially well. The instrumentation is also interesting, and your voice sounds excellent here. Nice write, effective song. Hi David, thanks! Yes, I tried not to make it a (too) smooth song, because the lyrics weren't exactly smooth either. You wouldn't believe how many different string instruments I listened to before making the final choice. Just like with the piano. If you'd heard the first version, it was really—almost—sweet, with two fingerpicking guitars and all. Until I got tired of it! As I've said in several comments, I wanted a song that was "a little bit special," both in terms of lyrics and instruments. Well, I think I succeeded ;-) Well, thank you so much for your comments and feedback on the song. If you think my answers deserve a response, you know where to find me! Hans
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Hans, loved the arrangement
I really liked how you use the orchestra to augment your song - brilliant
Great vocal and mix
IMHO this is your best to date
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Hi Hans. This is an intriguing presentation. I agree with David when he said: "It all sounds a bit jagged and off-balanced (instead of being some smooth ballad), which works especially well." This is a very inventive arrangement and it well suits the message of the song. You've really thought outside the box when putting this one together. Kudos to you on a terrific result --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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- 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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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