|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,609 |
Powerful lyrics sung confidently. "I saw them still digging/A hole they can not control/They don’t see it’s not for me/But for the earth as a whole" that's frighteningly dark, the hole is a brilliant metaphor, unfortunately so close to the current situation, I read that they have recently moved the doomsday clock closer to midnight (the end of the world)...
I really enjoyed this song, they just get better and better. I really like the tango rhythm, representing fatality in my mind. Excellent arrangement, those strings chops feel like stabbing from the Psycho movie... the acoustic guitar parts bring some calmness to the turbulence caused by the hole. And the mix is superb, everything is in balance in my ears. Congratulations, your work has produced another win, you are the George Martin of this forum when it comes to arranging first class pop-rock songs 👍❤️
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,641
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,641 |
Well that was interesting, Hans.
You may have invented a new music genre.
Well done.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,357 |
Cool tune Hans. Video was excellent as well. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Ray, Marty, Brain, Chay and John, Thank you for the very kind comments on the song. I really enjoyed them. It was certainly exciting to incorporate those violins like that. You could just as easily have thought it was too busy or something. I think I'm with Marty regarding the orchestration but that's no prob as the song cuts through.
Excellent lyric & cool vocal. Hi Ray, that's a really nice compliment. Especially about that orchestra, and considering what Marty also says about it. Thanks! 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. Hi Marty, well, I always let you listen to my first drafts of a song. And you always enjoy it, and you even give me advice. And in the end, the song is usually completely different from that first draft. I think you encourage me to do that, but how? 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) Hello Brain, you are mostly one of the first that comment on my songs. Thanks for that. In this case I had to laugh a bit; your comment about the song was "a sad story and even sadder song"(or words alike) and then these words up here come as a wonderful surprise compared with that first reaction. Thanks for this addition to that 'sad song'! Great song, Hans. I think the orchestral input is excellent ~ very creative. Hello Chay, thanks for this compliment. Feels good!!! 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 Hi John, the best compliment is that the song stuck in your head for so long. I appreciate that! I've written more songs that feature rock and violins. I love violins, but not always in the classical way. You might have noticed that in a few of my previous songs. So thanks so much! I wish you al a great day, Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,186
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,186 |
“I saw them digging a hole
Digging it for me
Their clever plans were paper-thin
A handbook of hypocrisy”
We much like a well done “connect your own dots” write and this is one.
The intensity of the build is excellent.
And the video depicts that intensity very well.
Your vocals sound great.
The orchestra bits are very effective.
We love the open mix and dynamics.
The soundstage on our Kalis is great.
We enjoyed our view of you at the video end. 😊
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: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,679
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,679 |
Outstanding production. Your use of orchestration fits perfectly. The music and vocal is quite captivating. A new favorite for me!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Mario and Noel, Thanks a lot for your nice words about this song. I really enjoyed them. Especially because of the "orchestra adventure" in it. 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 Mario, aside from your kind words, I know you're also teasing me a bit with that "IMHO" line! But you've put a spin on it and challenged me; maybe I can do better than this, although this is my best so far... 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 Hey Noel, thanks for your incredibly kind and wonderful words! I think you've perfectly summed up the "outside-the-box" thinking in this song. That literally happened; the idea for the violin part didn't come until a while after I thought I had finished the song. Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Janne, Vic, Scott, J&B, and Scott E, Thanks for your comments on this song. I had a huge grin on my face all day! After your quotes, I'll give each of you a short or more detailed response. Powerful lyrics sung confidently. "I saw them still digging/A hole they can not control/They don’t see it’s not for me/But for the earth as a whole" that's frighteningly dark, the hole is a brilliant metaphor, unfortunately so close to the current situation, I read that they have recently moved the doomsday clock closer to midnight (the end of the world)...
I really enjoyed this song, they just get better and better. I really like the tango rhythm, representing fatality in my mind. Excellent arrangement, those strings chops feel like stabbing from the Psycho movie... the acoustic guitar parts bring some calmness to the turbulence caused by the hole. And the mix is superb, everything is in balance in my ears. Congratulations, your work has produced another win, you are the George Martin of this forum when it comes to arranging first class pop-rock songs 👍❤️
Janne Hi Janne, what an answer! Thank you so much! I hadn't read about moving the doomsday clock, but I understand why they did. Thanks to that group of "world leaders." I'm happy with what you wrote afterward. I think this is the nicest comment I've ever received, or at least from you. That was quite a treat, Janne! Well that was interesting, Hans.
You may have invented a new music genre.
Well done.
Vic Hi Vic, your last sentence especially captured my imagination! That would be something, a unique musical style :-) Thanks for this! Cool tune Hans. Video was excellent as well. Well done Hi Scott, thank you so much! You're one of my most loyal listeners (and viewers). And always such kind comments! “I saw them digging a hole
Digging it for me
Their clever plans were paper-thin
A handbook of hypocrisy”
We much like a well done “connect your own dots” write and this is one.
The intensity of the build is excellent. And the video depicts that intensity very well.
Your vocals sound great. The orchestra bits are very effective.
We love the open mix and dynamics. The soundstage on our Kalis is great.
We enjoyed our view of you at the video end. 😊
Enjoyed it!
J&B Hi Bud and Janice, this is also a really nice commentary on the song! I was a bit hesitant about how people would react to those string chops. But it was very satisfying. And thankfully, you confirmed this! I think by "Kalis" you meant your massive speakers and sound system? And were they aimed at City Hall? Was everyone dancing to this song? Vic actually thought it was a new musical style, so this would fit, right? Outstanding production. Your use of orchestration fits perfectly. The music and vocal is quite captivating. A new favorite for me! Hi Scott, thanks for your kind comment on the song! I'm so glad it's become your new favorite. I hope I can follow up on this with my other songs. It'll be quite a challenge! Thanks again and 'till hearing our next songs, Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 271
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 271 |
Hi Hans,
Love the whole feel of this song, especially the over all feel when the "darkness comes in."
Thanks for sharing!
Catherine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803 |
Hi Catherine, thank you for your nice compliment!
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,099
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,099 |
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 Hello Brain, you are mostly one of the first that comment on my songs. Thanks for that. In this case I had to laugh a bit; your comment about the song was "a sad story and even sadder song"(or words alike) and then these words up here come as a wonderful surprise compared with that first reaction. Thanks for this addition to that 'sad song'! On YouTube, I usually write in a few words what I feel or what first comes to mind when I hear a song. Here in the forum, I'm more in the analyzing mode
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,345
Posts803,667
Members40,104
| |
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