Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#265798 10/17/14 05:47 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095


I'm calling this a demo at this point because I can hear that it
needs something 'more' to complete it but everything I have
tried for the last few days detracts rather than builds the song.
So I brought the song back several layers to where it sounds
ok. I enjoy a challenge but it frustrates to be at the skill level
that I can hear more but not have the talent/skill to find that
right combination and also not be able to achieve that last bit
of processing skill to polish it for a professional sound.

Enjoy and all comments are appreciated

https://soundcloud.com/charlie-fogle/from-you-to-me

****** Song Summary *************
Title: From You To Me
File:From You To Me.SGU
Key=A , Tempo 75, Length (m:s)=3:35
Style is _MANPMGA.STY (PopCountry Ballad Mandolin

[75RS])

RealTracks in style: 1827:Bass, Electric,

PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 1839:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm

PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 1596:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming

Pop16ths Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 1947:Mandolin, Rhythm

PopModernGrooveAndy Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 1167:Guitar, Electric, Soloist

RockBalladBrent Ev 065
RealDrums in style: PopModernGrooveSync16^1-a:Snare on

4, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride


Lyrics:

Glowing like the sunrise fills the air like a mockingbird

singing its tune
Oh how your sweet love is engulfing me

It brings a smile such a happy smile
For it's not a dream coming over me
This time it's true love from you to me

(Instrumental break)

Watch the clous floating through the air dancing and swirling

everywhere
across the sky
That's how your sweet love is engulfing me

It brings a smile such a happy smile
For it's not a dream coming over me
This time it's true love from you to me

Me, Me, Me

Last edited by c_fogle; 10/17/14 05:49 AM.

BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Charlie,

That sounds like George Harrison in his "Indian days" and so I like the vibe, man!
Quote:
it needs something 'more' to complete it but everything I have tried for the last few days detracts rather than builds the song.
I know the feeling!
I reached this point recently on one song and wondered how to improve it. I then bounced the vocal,which was recorded in my DAW, to a "wav" file and imported that as the audio track into BIAB.

SO now the song is in BIAB and I now can change the RT's and Real Drums whilst keeping tempo etc the same. I then experimented with RTs to make them match the vocals instead of the other way round. I kept the original file saved as "song" orig and saved the new working file as "song" new.

Care has to be taken that both line up and the number of bars in the vocal wav and BIAB song are the same. I did this by adding a bar at the beginning of the BIAB song, and the vocal, so I knew they lined up and also set the value in the 1st box of the import dialogue to 1.

Start here if all was recorded in BIAB !!
My song was 4/4 and I even tried 3/4 tracks which added a "weird" but interesting feeling especially mixed with the 4/4 RTs. In fact I tried everything, Sw vs even, double and half time, until "that moment" of "OH YEH" arrived which took some time but was definitely worth it. I then dragged and dropped the new tracks back into the DAW and spliced and diced all the tracks. Actually in my example I got rid of all the original tracks and the song became SO different, but the same....if you see what I mean. I will post both versions of mine later so you can hear the difference.

I found this method worked better than being stuck in the original idea as I could always revert and start again! Working against/with the vocal in place certainly made things a bit easier. One could always redo the vocal at the end if necessary.

This would also work in Real Band but I struggle with that blush and so I use BIAB and then Cubase SX but any DAW will do.

I am away from my DAW at the moment so PM me or continue here and I will try and answer any questions by referring to the file and not from my old man memory! crazy grin

Re the George Harrison vibe in his Indian days maybe, if the RT solo has the underlying midi file use that and try a sitar midi patch in a VSTi, soundfont or something like Coyote.

I hope you understand what I have said.

I did enjoy this version tho'

Alyn

Last edited by gibson; 10/17/14 06:48 AM. Reason: trying to make it readeable
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675

Charlie,

I really like this! A lot!

The song is nicely written. Simple lyrics with a nuanced melody. What a sweet melody. There were a couple of places where I expected to go to a little different place, but it worked... as is...

Overall, it has a feel that reminds me of Gary Puckett and the Union Gap... or Grass Roots (ballads)... the Turtles.. that era (and the best of it...)

Your harmonies work really well. A couple spots in the main vocal you seem just a little "unsure" but..

Alyn's suggestions are interesting (everything Alyn does is interesting, so that's no surprise...).

I will take a different tact because... I happen to be in the middle of a production using the exact same style and instruments. I almost never use Styles and if I do, I typically change out at least half of the instruments. But I ended up using this one as is (sort of). It's quite cool. But... I found it "a little difficult" to get things where I wanted them - in ways that are not typical...

The mandolin is louder than I like as a rhythm instrument. The strum guitar is very soft - so you can barely hear it. The piano seems to have reverb on it even if you cut the reverb to 0. The drums are totally cool.

These points may be sort of "scattered" as they occur to me...

You seem to have a lot of reverb going on. Not sure it that is track by track or you added one to the final mix??
I think that may part of "that feeling" you have about the final outcome. I hear it on the drums. And the overall mix has a "distant" feel (just a little). Do you use Ozone? (it is a great addition to your tool chest). Anyway.. if you have a "final mix reverb" you might try taking that off...

For this type song, I think the vocal should be a little more "in the mix" than you have. Less "out front". Typically, that would mean add a little reverb to it, but in this case I'm thinking knock a dB or 2 off it (though I may be wrong - in the context of the mix).

It depends on what you want to feature as your rhythm instrument... but I would pull the mandolin down a hair..
If you want the acoustic guitar to help it out some, try using the "Increase Volume" in Studio One (right-click the track). I do that often on the acoustic guitar tracks - it works well...

I swapped the piano out for the MIDI SuperTrack of the same thing using the HiQ piano - to have more control over the reverb aspect of it. It is much "smoother" in its chord transitions, too.
1839:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 <<< the RT
2101:Piano, Rhythm PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 <<< the MIDI SuperTrack
Your piano seems to fit better than mine did (or does)

I have spent a lot of time getting the balance between the piano and mandolin where I want them.
Not sure why. It is something about this particular style.

Your guitar lead sits nicely in the mix.

For your song, I would try adding the Synth Pad that "goes with it"...
1842:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075
Seems like it would be PERFECT for this song. Use the Mellow version starting (maybe)) in the first chorus... let it continue in the 2nd verse... then switch to the High version for the last chorus (those are just ideas).
I don't think you need any more than that (if even that).

This is a cool song. I hope you get it to where you are happy with it...

floyd

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Charlie,

I like this tune and I wouldn't change too much. Alyn is right with that Harrison vibe, and sitar is no bad idea.
But most of all the vocals need some tuning.
I'm curious what will come out.

Guenter

gibson #265822 10/17/14 10:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
HI Alyn. Thanks for such insightful input. I do understand your method as it's quite similar to the method I utilized working to revise and update older recordings and incorporate real tracks. It is a fun but can be a somewhat tedious process. Matching that particular groove of a song is the most challenging part for me. I found that starting the process in RealBand was best because it provided more variations to work with. I do look forward to hearing your versions and what you were able to accomplish.

Conceptually with this song, I've already captured that foundation vibe, I'm struggling with the supporting instrumentation and supporting vocals. I always think a song should build from verse to verse and swell at times to accentuate an emotional peak. That's what I feel is missing here.

I really appreciate you taking time to listen and provide such detail as you did.

Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hi Floyd. Glad you like this tune. There is a bit of odd cadence to the way I wrote this song on guitar and this style intact closely complimented the feel to me.

I've reached this point in a scrambled sort of way of the recording process. The song structure was created in BIAB and exported as a stereo wave to serve as the vocal guide track in Studio One DAW. I recorded two complete vocal takes attempting to double the vocals. I did some corrective punch in's but was never satisfied with the result so I comped the two vocals into one vocal track. Then, I recorded one backing track. The only Fx was a vocal pre-set vocal male rnb that added compression and pro-eq. I lowered the compression a bit from the pre-set. I didn't do any fx on the music track in Studio One. I saved the comped vocal and backing track as stems and exited Studio One.

I imported the vocal and backing stems as well as the original Biab stereo wave into RealBand.
There, I generated TC Helicon tracks of the backing vocals after tweaking the backing vocal with melodyne.

The version of the song posted here was generated from these Realband tracks after levels set, tracks panned and... as you guessed, with a RB reverb Fx across the entire final mix. I settled on leaving the mandolin so prominently out front because the third or fourth regeneration of the track, I felt it really accentuated played off the drums quite nicely.

I had given serious thought to approaching you to see if you had any interest in collaborating on this particular song but did not think I had pre-planned and laid out a sufficient foundation. This all started as a journey to see if I could find a style that rhythmically fit with this song and I stumbled across one I think fits.

I plan to export the individual waves into Studio One today to work on a better mix. I'll probably also bring the TC Helicon Backing Vocals in to SA as well.

I do appreciate your input and expertise you offer to all of us here on the forum.

Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
boehm #265829 10/17/14 11:17 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hi Guenter. Thanks for listening and commenting. I totally agree with you about keeping the song as close to this version as possible. Not changing, but improving the performance and tweaking the vocal tuning. I'm thrilled at getting a George Harrison vibe from both you and Alyn. I've checked the lead guitar RT and it does not seem to have the midi info that the midi sitar could use. Maybe a change to a GH slide guitar sound???? We'll see.


Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Charlie, I also get the GH vibe and like it very much. A GH slide sound would be a good idea. I think if you work on the vocals a bit you will end up with a fine song. I would also pull back a bit on the mando, though it does work well with the drums. I also think a dreamy guitar would work well, don't know if there is one for that time signature. As mentioned earlier Ozone is a great tool for final polish. I enjoyed this one. Tom

User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Hi Charlie,

that's another nice one! I particularly like the style used here. To me it sounds more like a REM kind of style (in their 'Out of Time' days).
I like the arrangement, lyrics are very nice, and the singing line. Backing vocal also works.
One nit though: the lead vocal isn't always 100% in key.
I believe I read somewhere else in one of your posts that you usually do the vocals at once. maybe it's an idea to do this step by step? I rarely record a vocal at once, step-by-step gives far better results for me.
Another tip: there is a free voice pitch corrector called GSnap that sometimes works to get that harder tone just a little bit more in key.

download link

regards,
Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,661
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,661
hi Charlie this is good everything very engaging thanks for sharing eric


AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 103
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 103
Hi Charlie,

I like this a lot. While strumming mandolins often make me think of Led Zep's acoustic stuff, this song somehow reminded me of Spirit, a great California 60's band (you might know "Nature's Way"). I can also hear the Harrison vibe. It has a lovely, gentle feel to it, nice melody, cool chord changes, nice mix.

Well done!

Thanks for sharing,
Bruce


SoundCloud
Blog: Music of the Spheres
Tools: BIAB 2015, Sonar X3, various iPhone/iPad apps
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Charlie,
Very nice. Thanks for posting.
SD

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,631
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,631
Major 7th goodness! I like! smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
tommyad #265968 10/18/14 08:52 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hi Tom, I appreciate your taking time to listen and share your thoughts. I'm just getting back around to play with the music some more tonight and apply some of the suggestions.


Charlie

Last edited by c_fogle; 10/18/14 09:27 PM.

BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
RnAM #265970 10/18/14 09:19 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hi Rob. Thanks for your assessment. I value your insight and counsel. I was fortunate to find this style after several hours of auditioning styles. I knew it was right for the song at the first bar. Unfortunately, I did not dedicate enough hours to the vocals. Truth be told, with most songs I write, the song is not intended to be sung by me. I pick some star vocalist and I write just as if they were to be the singer. The vocalist is normally chosen by the style, mood or feel of the song. This song arrangement was done with a female vocalist from here on the forum imagined as my vocalist. I shy'd away from approaching her to collaborate and ended up with my lead vocal. ;=(

The pitch issue is a legitimate criticism and I appreciate you providing the link to Gsnap and I've downloaded the software. I also already have Melodyne but did not use it on the lead vocal. As you noted, I usually complete a vocal track in one take and only correct and punch in obvious mistakes. I try working with the step method some to improve on the vocal tracks.

Thank for listening

Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
F.M.M. #265971 10/18/14 09:21 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
F.M.M., Thanks for your kind comments and I'm glad you enjoyed the song.


Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
BruceI #265972 10/18/14 09:24 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hi Bruce, thanks for commenting. I really liked the way the mandolin and drums mixed together in this style and felt it drove the song pretty much how it sounded in my mind. I'm glad you enjoyed it.


Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
SpaceDog #265973 10/18/14 09:25 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Hello SD, thanks for listening and taking time to comment.


Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
dcuny #265974 10/18/14 09:26 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
C
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
David, good ear and glad you like the song.


Charlie


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,864
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,864
Hi Charlie,

I thoroughly enjoyed listening. The forum experts have given you some really valuable advice. When I read the help that some great people have sent your way, I couldn't help but think "What a terrific bit of the web we inhabit!"

All the best!
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!

The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!

There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.

If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.

We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,585
Posts734,718
Members38,500
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Tusar Sarkar, RTW, wtsy365, DerFlex, xabialonso259@gmai
38,499 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 196
DC Ron 110
dcuny 82
WaoBand 75
Today's Birthdays
AlberMaxSax, Lloyd Morris
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5