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how it's meant to be Hope you are all well. I havn't been around much since my old band re-formed. Building new set lists, rehearsals, repairing bruised and fragile egos (including mine) are time and energy zapping. However the song writing bug never leaves me. This song came from "people-watching" and making up stories in my head. I’ve always had a soft spot for couples who don’t look like they should be in a rom-com, but somehow are still going strong. It’s about every pot has a lid, and the idea that there really is someone out there for everyone. I was MIA for my last song but if you are kind enough to comment, good or bad, I WILL respond, Thankyou. Izzy. Lyrics on Soundcloud Tempo 76 Key D MANPMGA.STY (Pop Country Ballad Mandolin) 1827:Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 1596:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 065 1947:Mandolin, Rhythm PopModernGrooveAndy Ev16 075 RealDrums in style:PopModernGrooveSync16^1-a:Snare on 4, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride 1x Tonalic track 1x Strum 2 track Copious and Extensive use of H.I. how it's meant to be
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Hi Izzy!
No problem missing in action if you pop back with these gems!
I like your close mic work and no/minimalist reverb or delay - really gives the vocal an intimate feel - almost like they’re talking to each other from one pillow to the other. The higher pitched choruses are greatly supported by the mandolin coming in - something tonally consistent between the mando and vocal that I liked. The sax was a pleasant surprise also.
I note you’ve used an Ev16 style - I think those styles have a lot to offer and I’ve been exploring them of late.
Good stuff!
Andrew
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Very nice, Izzy. Super tune and superb vocals. The soaring vocals on chorus are spine tingling. Love the harmonies, too. The sax(?) that pops out at the end is a nice (Tonalic?) accent. Good luck with the band! You're always welcome here, too. 
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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A very pleasant thought and listen, Iggy.
Simplicity at its best.
Vic
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I enjoyed it. Nice sounding tracks
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Thanks Andrew.
You nailed the vocal effect that I was trying to achieve. I was trying to use as little reverb as possible to get that up close and personal vibe.
I am a big fan of mandolins listening to the string bands of americana music and John Paul Jones. (appologies to BD Thomas who hates them 😬)
The sax is just a generic Mixcraft (daw) patch. I think the trick is to play patches on keyboards as close as possible the style of the actual instrument.
I think the Ev16th's gives one more flexability just like using 6/8 instead of 3/4.
Thanks for your input and keep up your great creative music which I am enjoying.
Izzy
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Hi Ron Thank you for your compliments which I hold in high regard ! tonalic There is a free version (which I use) that comes with Celemony (Melodyne). "Good luck with the band! You're always welcome here, too" That is a lovely thing for you to say. Thankyou sincerely. The band is a lot of fun even though we are a bunch of intollerable Prima Donnas with inflated egos !!!! Thanks again Ron Izzy
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Great song, great vocals, great lyrics! The line "We find beauty that they condemn" was thrillingly beautiful. I did wish for a smidge of reverb on the vocal. And the mandolin could've been more prominent. (I like mando.) I didn't know you were a working musician. I do know how hard it is to keep a band together. Great to hear you again, was wondering where you were.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Good song and an excellent mix and master. The panning works perfectly. Lead and background vocals all very well done.
Really enjoyed it.
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It's a lovely ballad, well sung. The acoustic guitar accompaniment is very beautiful.
Laurent
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That's cool that you're getting the gang back together, Izzy. I'd like to hear you if you ever record anything --even rehersals. I haven't been able to jam in over a year, and missed a bunch of gig opertunities. Are you doing originals, too? Yes, i missed you --you're one of the guys i follow here to read what you write. Those contributions are as outstanding as your songs.
Okay. Now to this song. First of all the song pic reminds me of my wife's favorite movie, UP! What a great place to get inspired, people watching and making up stories for them. (i do that all the time) I really like the vocals. Really cool lyrics from a gifted imagination. "...kingdom from discarded parts." Yep. How it's meant to be for sure. What a wonderful band too. A sax and mandolin on the same stage. Love the whole package, Izzy.
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A beautiful song, I love the arrangement and how it gives your voice space to convey the truly wonderful lyrics. Very good ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif)
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Izzy, I'm glad you are getting together with your old band. I have had to replace a few of musicians in my wedding band because of egos. I hope you all can patch things up and have some fun together. Hopefully you will post some of your band's songs.
The arrangement of this song is absolutely fantastic. Great vocal and lyrics. I really liked your backing band and mix.
I think this is your best to date.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Great song, great vocals, great lyrics! The line "We find beauty that they condemn" was thrillingly beautiful. I did wish for a smidge of reverb on the vocal. And the mandolin could've been more prominent. (I like mando.) I didn't know you were a working musician. I do know how hard it is to keep a band together. Great to hear you again, was wondering where you were. Hi Bob Thanks for your kind words. Yeah, I was worried about how dry the lead vocal is but I wanted some sepparation from th BV's which also have minimal reverb. Our band comprises a rabble of 5 old retired guys pretending to be rock stars. We have all done the 9-5 slog while moonlighting on and off as weekend warriors at all levels in various bands. Now we all play for the fun of it and have zero interest in fame or fortune. We only play covers and if you are interested I could post our set lists. BTW the name of our band is "Viva Viagra" (nudge nudge wink wink). I always cherish your great support Bob best to you Izzy.
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A very pleasant thought and listen, Iggy.
Simplicity at its best.
Vic Hi Vic Thank you for your kind words. Funny you mentioned "simplicity" because I had an idea but when I sat down with my guitar (I'm a strummer at best) nothing was happening. Then I remembered this and decided to get back to basics. Sometimes I need a wee "push" to get the vibe going. Your fan Izzy.
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I enjoyed it. Nice sounding tracks Herb. It's such a rush to get the nod from you. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. respect Izzy
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Hi, Izzy. Nice song. Basic is good. The instruments stay out of the way of the vocals, and your vocals works well. I enjoyed listening!
-- 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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That's cool that you're getting the gang back together, Izzy. I'd like to hear you if you ever record anything --even rehersals. I haven't been able to jam in over a year, and missed a bunch of gig opertunities. Are you doing originals, too? Yes, i missed you --you're one of the guys i follow here to read what you write. Those contributions are as outstanding as your songs.
Okay. Now to this song. First of all the song pic reminds me of my wife's favorite movie, UP! What a great place to get inspired, people watching and making up stories for them. (i do that all the time) I really like the vocals. Really cool lyrics from a gifted imagination. "...kingdom from discarded parts." Yep. How it's meant to be for sure. What a wonderful band too. A sax and mandolin on the same stage. Love the whole package, Izzy. Hey Marty, Thanks so much for the kind words! You’ve officially made me blush, and since I’m a musician, I’m supposed to be far too jaded and mysterious for that. 🙄 I’m really sorry to hear you’ve been sidelined from gigging for a year. I’m hoping it’s just a case of "the world’s most inconvenient hiatus" and nothing too serious health-wise! A bass player without a band is like a sandwich without bread—just a sad, disorganized pile of ingredients. ☹ I'm certain your world is a gloomier place when your gear is gathering dust. 🌼 I’m sending you all the good vibes for a speedy recovery. Don't let those bass strings go rusty on me! As for the rehearsal, I’ve got a bit of a situation. Our main singer has skipped town for a three-week holiday so the band is temporarily a headless chicken which means yours truely has been "volun-told" to step up to the mic. I’ll be sure to record a rehearsal for you—warts and all. Fair warning: it might be more "discarded parts" than "kingdom" for the first few takes!🎤 🎜 ♫ 😍 I’m glad you caught the UP vibe from the song pic! I haven't seen the movie yet, but you’ve convinced me—it’s officially on the watchlist. Since 'How it’s meant to be' is all about finding that soul mate, I figured it was the perfect aesthetic. ♀️👵 ♂️👱 💗 Thanks again for the encouragement, Marty. Let’s hope you’re back to the gig circuit before you know it. I’ll keep you posted on the rehearsal recording—if I survive the three weeks! All the best, Izzy
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Hi Izzy
Showing your tender side vocally there. I've got so used to you belting out the lyrics, that this softer ballad vocal took me by surprise. Hey, I like it. Seems like the mandolin is the norm at the moment, i better get with the plan. Plus the sax towards the end, all really works well together. Great lyrically again, capturing all the nuances that relate to relationships. Such another great composition Izzy.
There was about 13 seconds of silence at the end, but i had to listen all the way to the end just in case you slipped a surprise ending or a Beatlesque reversed track to end on!!
Kind regards
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