please press PLAY Critics, start your engines................. I'm looking for feedback! If you hate it, please explain why in the style of an 18th-century poet. (͡• ͜ʖ ͡•) Lyrics on Soundcloud 120 bpm key Gm Style is _TEXASRK.STY (Texas Rock Even) RealTracks in style: 1419:Bass, Electric, TexasRock Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 657:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockChop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 660:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockCrisp Ev 120 RealDrums in style:RockTexas^1-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Loose Sync Me - Vocals , midi keys - organ & guitar riff
Great lyrics. Very cool harmonies. I also like your band. Excellent vocal and mix. Very clear & punchy. Another great song!
Thanks Bob! I'm glad you liked the harmonies - probably the part of the song that I agonised over most. I think I've peaked with lyrics on this song, so it's all going to be downhill from here! Coming from you - our 'lyricist supremo' - I'm very grateful of your comments. You've taught this non-lyricist that maybe words do matter.
Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Cool song idea, and a wonderful way to turn it into such a fine production. Lyrics are sensational. I like the train sounds you added. [Hey, Andrew, i seem to be following in your footsteps --or in this case your rails. My next one is about trains too.] Man, what a great song for the story of this man's life. I like how you produce the music to fully support the lyrics --the story-- sometimes by simply staying out of the way. Love this!!
Thanks Marty! I would have much preferred the idea to have been my own, but I took AI's one sentence description and ran with it. Copilot also suggested a song title 'Van life' that I am still working on. It's going to a dark place which I am unsure of, so I'm letting that stew for a time. Mix-wise, I had wondered if I should have the vocal sitting back more, but being more upfront and the focus suited the 'confessional' nature of the narrative. Thank you for your comment on YouTube - unfortunately I had to replace the video due to poor image editing on my part. I have my ticket booked for your train song!
Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
That's a long one. Suitable for a song about a train ride. I like the concept you employed as stated in your OP. Good mix.
Thanks Herb! Copilot suggested "A character is on a late-night train journey that takes them through various memories, reflecting on missed opportunities, lost loves, and pivotal moments in their life." As soon as I read it, my own ideas came flooding forth - in fact, I had two other verse ideas that I didn't use because I already knew from the BIAB MGU it was going to be long.
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
That's an incredibly cool concept for a song, and it's so easy to relate to. Whenever I visit my old hometown, countless memories come flooding back at every "station" I pass. Fortunately, in my case, they’re all happy memories. You really did a great job of turning that idea into song lyrics and a song, and it's so interesting that the 5 minutes and 47 seconds just flew by. Great work, Andrew
Thanks B.D.! I was a bit worried about the length but did hope that the story of the song would keep everyone glued for the duration. Interesting to hear about your own train recollections. I'm mainly a bus traveller locally, and I find it very therapeutic to be alone with my own thoughts while the scenery passes by. This makes me think I should increase my antenna to look for everyday situations that can be used as a literal or metaphorical basis for a song.
Originally Posted by K-Dub Ya
Really great concept, tying life events to a train journey and the stops along the way. It has that constant reflective rhythm and I love the way you’ve tied in the train rhythm to the song rhythm. Great choice of style and instruments, the fingerpicking especially creates a feeling of inward reflection. This has been written and handled with great sensitivity, one of your best IMHO. Only nit-pick with the video, the train windows I assume were meant to contain images, they were barely visible. No biggie, for me it’s all about the audio not the video anyway. Great work Andrew
Hi Lee! I'm glad you commented on the video quality. It was fine in Clipchamp but when I viewed it last night on my iPad, I had trouble viewing the window content, but wondered if it was just my device. I've adjusted it and reloaded. I had this song idea in primitive form when we undertook our story telling songwriting challenge but decided I was not going to complete that exercise with something I'd already started. So, it sat there half-finished until I got 'Lottery' and 'Omaha' done. Regarding the old train sound effect, it was quicker than the song tempo, so in Reaper, I slowed the effect speed until I could visually match the wave forms of the drums and the train effect - there was about six trial and error attempts until it worked out, and then I slid the stem into position to match the clatter with the start of a bar. Then, I copied it to each 'station'. To be frank, when I was writing the verse about his brother Bob, I got a bit emotional when writing the lines ... 'He was the man that I wanted to be And I loved him – I just wished that it’d been me' I could easily see how this could happen to a person. Thank you to all for listening and commenting! Andrew
I watched the Rick Beato video.... It was, shall we say, oddly, but comfortably disturbing. Rick's video:
And I thought AI music was bad! The musicianship was OK but with the looper it quickly got boring for me. It's just sad that rock music has become so theatrical. Even people with great voices like Lady GaGa had to "dress up" to make it big. We can thank our friends from the East and Far East for micro-tuning. They have been using it for centuries. Rant over and YMMV.
Liberace started that a long time ago. Fur capes and candelabras.
Hey Gordon thanks for the input. I appreciate your help. I have used it on Chrome, and Edge and Safari. Chrome and edge do best. The other i have barely heard of. Safari Firefox do not have the install tools that the others do. in these other browsers it is best to just run it as a browser tool. It is not the app it is the browser that lacks that kind of ability.
Professional sounding mix, rocks really hard - those energetic backing guitars and your guitar fills melt into a really pleasant soup of perfect pop rock. The drums and the piano are punchy, those smooth vocals cut through perfectly and as always the backing vocals are tasty. The lyrics have that romantic/bittersweet teenage love feel that is easy to relate to (in memories). Genious handling of the title in the chorus. And when the great melody is added to this list, everything screams excellence. Janne
Two reggae songs at once (yours and J&B's), I think that's two more than I've heard the whole seven years I've been on the forum. This was really different for you, but still good. Nice catchy chorus. Lead vocal was terrific. Well done as usual.
Reggae is cool, I hope that J&B's and my own work will inspire others to give Reggae a try. Thanks for listening and your kind comment, Rob. Much appreciated
Thank you David. Yes, that's what they say. The reverb I'm using has all sorts of dials. Some of them have names, I've never seen before. I may have to simplify if what I did an hour ago doesn't work. Vic
Nice emotional lyrics with clever ending to reveal what "there" means. Catchy hook melody for the title. Enjoyed the only minor chord in the verses The bridge gives nice variation with another minor chord and the percussive elements. The baritone guitar has the right mood to tell about the place you won't go. Bill's pedal steel works charmingly and the solo is great. Your bass and vocals are the warming blanket that holds the love's filling desire. Pleasantly positive song. Janne
https://on.soundcloud.com/Sgb7PBaERTwc9XbRT0 "Mack the Knife" or "The Ballad of Mack the Knife" (German: "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer") is a song composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 music drama The Threepenny Opera (German: Die Dreigroschenoper). The song tells of a knife-wielding criminal of the London underworld named Macheath, the "Mack the Knife" of the title. In my reggae style instrumental interpretation I play the guitars. I produced this at my home with Band in a Box and Reaper. ****** Song Summary ************* Key=D , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=3:32 Style is _SELECT4.STY (Jamaican Groove Selecta Sax Solo) MelodyCustom Synth is Hi-Q 005 02 Piano, Electric, Vintage Sforzando RealTracks used: RealTracks in style: 1153:Bass, Electric, Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 1156:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in song: 2110:Horn Section, Background, R&B Ev16 110 RealTracks in song: 2114:Horn Section, Background, R&B Ev16 110 (Bluesy) RealDrums in Song: TimbaleCowbellReggae16[single] RealTracks in song: 3615:Steel Drum, Rhythm ReggaeSlowSwing Sw16 075 RealTracks in song: 3524:Steel Drum, Soloist IslandGroove Ev16 100 RealDrums in style:ReggaeClassic^3-a:Sidestick, Kick, HiHat , b:Sidestick Busy, HiHat
Wow, it keeps building into a wonderful song, lingyai (or is it Ken?). Man, unlike B.D. i liked the drum opening, then each layer afterwards was a special addition that just kept making the whole tune so enjoyable. Well composed. Ha... playing piano at half speed. i can relate. My first studio in the 70s i soloed an acoustic guitar at half speed so it would sound like a mandolin in the mix. Well done.
Sensational sounds, Scott. As always. I really enjoy the memories captured in the video images. You always make magic with 6 strings, 2 hands, and a creative mind. Thanks for sharing your talents. And a big congrats to your granddaughter. Excellent choice.
Ha, BIG smile here, Mario. Your story reminds me of ones i'd make up for our kids at bedtime. Start of with "Once upon a time," and end up with "happily ever after," and never knowing myself what would come between. You are jamming here with this wonderful soundscape. Lone Wolf has the music in him and you brought it out so well.
I have a dictionary & a rhyming dictionary. I use them when I absolutely need to...not often. I've used the intro generator in BIAB form generator occasionally but it's a little too obvious in it's preference for augmented chords when attached to a non augmented chord progression and has a couple of other tendencies that need intervention as well. I tried the melodist in BIAB a couple of times but found it to be bloody awful. I have no problem with other folk using A.I. so long as it's declared, but don't see it as something for me until such time as I cannot physically do things.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
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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®.
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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!
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!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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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.
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.
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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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)
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