Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
I had this catchy Motown/disco styled melody since 1993. I was in Denver when a lesbian colleague told me about how her lover treated her and she decided to leave. I thought it would make a good story line for a song but I struggled with the words. I didn't like what I came up with so last year Robert Quigley went through line by line and came up with a terrific set of lyrics. He just rattled them off! I had trouble trying to keep up with copying and pasting what he was typing on WhatsApp! Marilyn Simone, who studied at Berklee, did the vocals.

https://www.johnwalradt.com/music/songs/imnotcomingback-master_2026feb.mp3

Style is _SCHLGR3.STY (Funky Schlager)
RealTracks in style: 1434:Bass, Electric, JazzFunkPoppy Ev16 110
RealTracks in style: 1408:Piano, SynthLayer, Rhythm Soul70sHeld Ev16 100
RealTracks in style: 1400:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Soul70sBrightSteady Ev16 100
RealTracks in style: 2406:Synth, Rhythm JazzFunkPad Ev 110
RealDrums in style:Disco^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:16ths

Style is _FNKDNC2.STY (Funk Dance w/ Octave Bass)
RealTracks in style: 2271:Bass, Synth, DiscoOctaves Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1941:Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance ChorusHousePiano Ev16 120
RealTracks in style: ~1435:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm JazzFunkGroovinChords Ev16 110
Loop in Song: House-Techno-Trance\Trance - kit3beat135b ev16 tempo.wav

I'M NOT COMING BACK Words: Robert Quigley, Music: John Walradt

I’m not coming back
I’m not coming back to you
I’m not coming back
What did you think I’d do?

Well, you sipped your latte
And played your guitar
Like a primadonna
Or a wannabe star
But you played me second
And showed no regard
That’s just another example
Of what a jerk you are!

I’m not coming back
I’m not coming back to you
I’m not coming back
What did you think I’d do?

So you think we’re even
Go add up the score
But I wont bring breakfast
To your bed anymore
‘Cause I saw you kiss her
In your silver car
Well, I'm not surprised
Because that's who you are!

And I’m not coming back
I’m not coming back to you
I’m not coming back
What did you think I’d do?

Well, summer is coming
And I’m doing great
Tell me was she worth it
‘Cause you sure took the bait
So go back to your basement
And your little boy games
'Cause I moved along
And forgotten your name.

And I’m not coming back
I’m not coming back to you
You’re a canceled check
Baby, you know you’re through.

I’m not coming back
I’m not coming back to you
I’m not coming back
Baby, I’m through with you.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341
A catchy Motown/disco breakup song - brilliant
John, Robert did a bang-up job on those lyrics
Marilyn is a fantastic singer
Great backing band and mix
IMHO this is your best to date


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,405
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,405
Hi John.

Wow!!! That was great listening. Beginning with the chorus was an arranging master stroke! Like with so many Motown hits, you set the tone and the attitude right from the start and powered on with a highly engaging and toe-tapping production. Marilyn Simone did a great job with the vocals, too. All in all, this is a song that everyone who was involved in its creation and outcome should feel deservedly well satisfied.

--Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
Hey, Mario and Noel! Wow, I didn't expect responses like these!

Marilyn Simone is on AirGigs at https://www.airgigs.com/online-vocalist-for-hire/97341/Soulful-Alto-Vocals. She's very friendly and gives you every kind of track you could ask for.
Robert Quigley and Bob Bentley are both part of a seven person songwriting group we formed from being on Broadjam. We call ourselves "The Rising Tide (Lifts all Boats)."
Just minutes after you listened, Joel, I uploaded the song with a few mixing tweaks that I'm happier with. Except for the midi strings I played towards the end of the song, all the instruments are Band in a Box, which changed my whole musical life!

Mario, many thanks! I copied your response so Robert could see it. I know he'll be thrilled! I got a chuckle out of Bob Bentley's response the very first time he heard the tune: "Very catchy...as usual." When I started writing songs when I was 21, I wanted to write catchy pop songs. I thought I could attract girls that way. Didn't work. But I was and still am an awful guitar player. It's too bad Band in a Box wasn't around back then! Then we talked about changing the lyrics and that's where Robert came in.

Noel, thank you very much! Funny thing, when I first wrote the tune I didn't think it could be a Motown type of song. I realized it when I got Band in a Box. One of my favorite things to do at the end of a song and it's getting to be a habit is to make the last four measures of the strings an octave higher which makes the emotion of it climax. I'll have to look for some of your songs, too!

Best to both of you! John

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 316
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 316
Hi John

That’s a quality production and feel you’ve got on this song. I know you say it’s Motown, but Marilyn has got a bit of a Pink sound and attitude in the vocal. The harmony and BVs are terrific. Robert’s done a great job on the lyrics. Lots of light and shade between the verses and chorus. Good guitar choice for the solo.

Well done John, you’re putting up a lot of varied styles. Excellent, kind regards.

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 87
Hey, KW! Pink? Really? Wow, even better! I like that comparison! I think Marilyn will be flattered. I've been picking and choosing which and how many instruments to use in verses and chorus. For a more energetic powered song like that, the variety works well...mostly to bring out the vocalist in the verses. I use Studio One Pro (now called Fender...huh???) and limit the tricks I have to do. Lots of times, Band in a Box's tracks are produced in the software so well that there's only a few mixing tricks I might have to do. The only instrument I had to do was the string section after the guitar solo. I stopped the Band in a Box strings and let my midi controller take over. Since my physical coordination leaves something to be desired, I use the piano roll to edit a lot, plus the piano edit is where I'll experiment with harmonies. Robert is very modest about his part in it. He thinks he just came up with some ideas and it wasn't that much. He did much, much more than he acknowledges. He overhauled the story masterfully and gave it exactly what it needed. Thanks much!
Best to you. John

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,805
Posts796,403
Members39,960
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Rohde, Dobrnjac, MaxxFV, jwagner51, thecabinfever
39,959 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 188
Noel96 128
DC Ron 108
rsdean 103
dcuny 102
DrDan 97
Today's Birthdays
Ed Haberle, Primo
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5