|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
The Lookout Tree (SoundCloud) The Lookout Tree (YouTube) Here is my recent song with a boring subject - no breakups or bad leaders  I was just inspired by a tree I often walk past and look to see if one of my favorite birds, Great grey shrike, is in its top. Not so often, but I always get happy when this happens. Or actually there are several tree in this area... I had almost finished the video for the song, but I was missing shots of the path and the motorway nearby and I went there. My bird wasn't there in the top of the tree that was the subject of this story, but that didn't bother me, I got the material I needed. But when I turned around, I found my bird in the top of another tree. I felt really lucky  BTW. The other birds I've seen in the tree and can be seen in the video are Eurasian goshawk and Hobby. My original intention was to make a a progressive rock song that would sound like produced by Alan Parsons, but as always happens, I didn't have enough ambition to achieve my vision. So what is left is just a pale imitation, but in my own style and production. No Suno, but pure BIAB beauty. AI was used only for word choice suggestions (for example, "moves" => "rustle"), no AI used in the video - the bird and the wood vole shots are all by me. RealDrums: YachtRockAiryLA RealTracks: #3588 Electric Bass #1264 Acoustic Piano #4139 Electric Guitar Held #4132, #4453 Electric Guitar Arp #4129 Electric Guitar Distorted Sync #5018 Electric Guitar Chug #3725 Electric Guitar Arp Phsser #4757 Electric Guitar Solo Metal MIDI: #4439 Synth Arp Vocals: Synthesizer V Liam (lead), Choir Voices 3 (backing) Mixed in Cakewalk Sonar (Ozone 12, Neutron 5, Cascadia, Neoverb) Lyrics: Still standing in the headwind along my morning walkway no shading leaves since thriving days but serves a wide observing view the reason for your stay. Eyes locked upon the rodents every day's your workday but beware those metal boxes rushing down the highway. Up in the lookout tree countless hours determined to see that patience would pay the morning buffet for the bird of prey. It's been rooted there for decades I've known it just for few years yet I have learned don't go too near but let its guests perceive in peace the rustle they must hear. There are moles but shadowed hunters dangers by the hillside you're weighing risks and chances the lessons of the hawk-eyed. Up in the lookout tree countless hours determined to see that patience would pay the morning buffet for the bird of prey. Whose watch is it today? A falcon or a shrike maybe an osprey stalking a pike. ------------------ Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,959
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,959 |
Janne,
That's a beautiful song. Perfect for the Spring season. Great arrangement, mix and video. You selected some excellent voices as well - very nicely sung.
Great stuff!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,218
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,218 |
I love how this song sounds right out of the gate, portending musical goodness. Then comes the inventive melody sung by a very good synth voice. I find birds fascinating, so the subject matter was fine by me. Birds can't smell, I wonder if people know that. They're all about eyesight. It's over too quickly, but a very good late bridge/outro leaves the listener satisfied. Good work once again, Janne!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,157
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,157 |
Hi Janne!
After reading your summary, I went straight for the video, and that did not disappoint! You used a really interesting chord progression, and there was something in the band (guitar?) that conjured the imagery of birds in flight.
Great! Now off to Soundcloud for another listen.
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,686
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,686 |
Janne, after reading your intro I had to view the video. I am an amateur landscape/nature photographer myself and like shooting birds. You got some great shots.
Oh yea about the song, it sounded fantastic. Great synth vocals, super backing band, and mix makes this one a favorite song for me.
Loved it.
Tips on how to fall asleep in a living room chair:
1- Be old
2- Sit in a chair
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,676
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,676 |
Beautiful song, Janne. Soars like, uh...a bird. For sure!
Very dynamic and dramatic, almost operatic to my ears. The vocalists do some amazing gymnastics while still sounding like humans. GIFTED humans, but still human.
Great band. Love the solo. Mix and master is perfect.
There's a line "It's been rooted there" where it sounds like the vocalist is singing something else. Listened to it several times. Might just be my old and VERY aged ears.
Cool song!
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,569 |
Hi Janne.
I had my moused poised over the Soundcloud link while I was reading your notes about the tree and the birds. After I'd finished, like Andrew above me, I went straight to the video and I'm really glad I did. I always like listening to Liam. He's one of Synth V's easier to use voices and always sound good. You had him sounding very realistic. In fact, when I first started listening, I thought it was you singing because I hadn't read through your notes about instrumentation at that stage. I compliment you on your lyrics. Rhyming 'buffet' and 'prey' is awesome!
You've done a great job. The song – music, lyrics and arrangement – are excellent. When I first started listening, my initial thought was "this sounds very professional".
I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the videos.
--Noel
P.S. I compliment you on your lyrics. Rhyming 'buffet' and 'prey' is awesome!
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,241
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,241 |
What a great theme for a song! It reminds of my previous home where I had a view of very old and high conifers, plus another yard over they kept doves and I'd often see 40+ circling around right outside my windows. They were spectacular. Your song is excellent all around and has a great production, plus I love that short guitar solo.
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.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,055
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,055 |
Ha, Janne, you/we know that trees are never boring. They may "speak" faster than rocks, but never boring. Janne, i love this song.
Good write and i really like the changes in the progression. The melody is very creative and the wave of harmonies is perfect. "Beware those metal boxes"---yep, you speak their language. Excellent lyrics. Love the theme and execution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,117
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,117 |
It's very well sung and well composed. The backing and lead guitars are very good. It may not be Alan Parsons, but it's just as good.
Laurent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,774
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,774 |
Hi Janne,
What a creative guy you are! First singing organs and now about the birds of prey patiently waiting for the little birds, their breakfast...
I liked that theme in a certain way. "Certain" implies that I show some reservation, because I also love little birds and their presence and singing ;-)
Unfortunately, our garden is dominated by crows and magpies and (sometimes) 2 seagulls, and they all ask me in a screeching tone for their daily sandwich. Well, ask...
About the song itself. It has a really cheerful and upbeat melody, exactly as you described it regarding your feelings and that bird. Very nice!
And when the vocals went up, that gave me a great feeling. That was made even stronger by all those other vocal parts that joined in.
I really enjoyed it!
Very well done,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Janne,
That's a beautiful song. Perfect for the Spring season. Great arrangement, mix and video. You selected some excellent voices as well - very nicely sung.
Great stuff!
Bob Thanks Bob, I really appreciate your kind and positive review Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
I love how this song sounds right out of the gate, portending musical goodness. Then comes the inventive melody sung by a very good synth voice. I find birds fascinating, so the subject matter was fine by me. Birds can't smell, I wonder if people know that. They're all about eyesight. It's over too quickly, but a very good late bridge/outro leaves the listener satisfied. Good work once again, Janne! Thanks TM, pleasure to read your beautiful description of my song  I have read that certain birds can smell and also that hearing is important for preying for birds like owls. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Hi Janne!
After reading your summary, I went straight for the video, and that did not disappoint! You used a really interesting chord progression, and there was something in the band (guitar?) that conjured the imagery of birds in flight.
Great! Now off to Soundcloud for another listen.
Andrew Thanks Andrew for your listening and watching my video Glad you liked the chord progression also. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Janne, after reading your intro I had to view the video. I am an amateur landscape/nature photographer myself and like shooting birds. You got some great shots.
Oh yea about the song, it sounded fantastic. Great synth vocals, super backing band, and mix makes this one a favorite song for me.
Loved it. Thanks Mario for your positive comment And very nice to know that you are also a photographer, such a nice activity, I'm sure your photos have the same magical quality as your music maybe birds have inspired your music? Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,030
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,030 |
At first, I had absolutely no idea what your song was about. But Marty's comment on YouTube helped me out: It's written from the bird's perspective. That's a pretty cool and unusual idea. I wonder what the birds thought when you looked up at them. You're giving me ideas A cool (and, for me, inspiring) song. Enjoyed my listen ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/markup_panel/default/smiley.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 170
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 170 |
Hi, Janne. I always look forward to your new songs. You have created a new genre of what I would call Arena Neo-Classical, if I had to give it a name and that may be an awkward attempt on my part. It's a rich sound, epic in size, filling up a huge space, atmospheric, as are your melodies. Your style of composition is different and enjoyable, unlike anything I've heard here or on Broadjam. You stand out as unique and that is enviable among artists who strive to find their sound. Your story lines and lyrics are unique as well, finding stories to tell us in ways that the rest of us haven't thought of. I really find your arrangements to be phenomenal like a majestic sunset, very intriguing and interesting. Very well done!
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Beautiful song, Janne. Soars like, uh...a bird. For sure!
Very dynamic and dramatic, almost operatic to my ears. The vocalists do some amazing gymnastics while still sounding like humans. GIFTED humans, but still human.
Great band. Love the solo. Mix and master is perfect.
There's a line "It's been rooted there" where it sounds like the vocalist is singing something else. Listened to it several times. Might just be my old and VERY aged ears.
Cool song! Thanks Ron for your uplifting review I left out "it's" of the vocal track, maybe that's the problem, or a clash with the backing track. Who knows, but it didn't seem to stop you from liking the song Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
I had my moused poised over the Soundcloud link while I was reading your notes about the tree and the birds. After I'd finished, like Andrew above me, I went straight to the video and I'm really glad I did. I always like listening to Liam. He's one of Synth V's easier to use voices and always sound good. You had him sounding very realistic. In fact, when I first started listening, I thought it was you singing because I hadn't read through your notes about instrumentation at that stage. I compliment you on your lyrics. Rhyming 'buffet' and 'prey' is awesome!
You've done a great job. The song – music, lyrics and arrangement – are excellent. When I first started listening, my initial thought was "this sounds very professional".
I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the videos.
--Noel Thanks Noel for your very positive comment I'm glad you enjoyed the music and the video. I agree what you said about Liam, "always sound good", natural male voice, not aggressive, but not too boyish. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,662
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,662 |
Clean sound and a magnetic opening. Pleasant melody with a strong and breezy instrumentation. Good synth vocal choice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
What a great theme for a song! It reminds of my previous home where I had a view of very old and high conifers, plus another yard over they kept doves and I'd often see 40+ circling around right outside my windows. They were spectacular. Your song is excellent all around and has a great production, plus I love that short guitar solo. Thanks for your nice comment and for appreciating the theme of my song, I hope I get more people to pay attention to birds with my songs Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Ha, Janne, you/we know that trees are never boring. They may "speak" faster than rocks, but never boring. Janne, i love this song.
Good write and i really like the changes in the progression. The melody is very creative and the wave of harmonies is perfect. "Beware those metal boxes"---yep, you speak their language. Excellent lyrics. Love the theme and execution. Thanks Marty for your wonderful feedback Yep, trees and birds, or even smaller wonders, are never boring. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
It's very well sung and well composed. The backing and lead guitars are very good. It may not be Alan Parsons, but it's just as good.
Laurent Thanks Laurent, I appreciate your very kind words Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,536
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,536 |
Really unusual, sound.
Almost operatic. I like the chorus voices.
Interesting stuff.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,123
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,123 |
An interesting write and production. I enjoyed it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,121
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,121 |
“Up in the lookout tree
countless hours
determined to see
that patience would pay
the morning buffet
for the bird of prey.”
Patience is assuredly a virtue for raptors!
We were immediately hooked by the lyric subject.
We often enjoy seeing our local hawks, eagles and osprey.
Your lyric certain does them justice!
Very cool video
Th BiaB band sounds great with the Liam synth.
And the mix is excellent.
The soaring guitar is perfect for the birds in flight.
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: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Hi Janne,
What a creative guy you are! First singing organs and now about the birds of prey patiently waiting for the little birds, their breakfast...
I liked that theme in a certain way. "Certain" implies that I show some reservation, because I also love little birds and their presence and singing ;-)
Unfortunately, our garden is dominated by crows and magpies and (sometimes) 2 seagulls, and they all ask me in a screeching tone for their daily sandwich. Well, ask...
About the song itself. It has a really cheerful and upbeat melody, exactly as you described it regarding your feelings and that bird. Very nice!
And when the vocals went up, that gave me a great feeling. That was made even stronger by all those other vocal parts that joined in.
I really enjoyed it!
Very well done,
Hans Thanks Hans for your heartwarming words And thanks for sharing the story of your garden birds, crows maybe annoying but they are quite intelligent and you might learn something by following them Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
At first, I had absolutely no idea what your song was about. But Marty's comment on YouTube helped me out: It's written from the bird's perspective. That's a pretty cool and unusual idea. I wonder what the birds thought when you looked up at them. You're giving me ideas A cool (and, for me, inspiring) song. Enjoyed my listen Thanks BD for your positive feedback I'm very interested to hear what I have inspired  Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,590 |
Hi, Janne. I always look forward to your new songs. You have created a new genre of what I would call Arena Neo-Classical, if I had to give it a name and that may be an awkward attempt on my part. It's a rich sound, epic in size, filling up a huge space, atmospheric, as are your melodies. Your style of composition is different and enjoyable, unlike anything I've heard here or on Broadjam. You stand out as unique and that is enviable among artists who strive to find their sound. Your story lines and lyrics are unique as well, finding stories to tell us in ways that the rest of us haven't thought of. I really find your arrangements to be phenomenal like a majestic sunset, very intriguing and interesting. Very well done!
John Thanks John very much for your words, they really warm my heart, maybe the most beautiful words ever written about my songs I'll probably frame them so that I can read them every morning to be reminded by the fact that I might be unique and unlike anything you've heard "Arena Neo-Classical" - sounds magnificent and I'm honored, even though I have no idea what it really means Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,165
Posts801,473
Members40,061
| |
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