|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,248
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,248 |
Hello Folks, I've not posted a song in a while...I've been busy making music but have had so many irons in the fire I seemed to have spent my energy finding the necessary fuel rather than fully forming them. This one started out as a blend of Drums On Demand, BIAB & me. Eventually I dumped the DOD tracks and used the BIAB drums as the DOD snare was a bit off. This has BIAB drums and...wait ....for...it...ORGAN. Bass and guitars are me. There's a draft vocal...muddy, overly processed and HEAVILY tuned. It's there as a template for me to TRY to sing bit by bit or, unlikely as it may be, to attract a singer. Lyrically it's starts out talking about someone appearing alien but develops to describe a part of society as becoming alien through it's un/anti/exclusive/social behaviour. It goes on to refer to the incarceration of refugees accused by the "aliens" of being aliens. Classic RWNJ projection? You tell me. Suggestions, comments, orders to scorch the earth all gratefully received. https://soundcloud.com/user-963416123/miamama130222?si=cb61e59bab34487fb5c1d490ea3dcf70&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharingState of the moment lyric... v1 I can't tell Where you've come from Or where you're going You seem alien to me You speak in tongues forked and twisted You tell me lies You swear are truth But we both know Just where it's going c1 Your eyes look one way Your mouth's making shapes Sounds come out as you go There's little to hear As you huff and puff and blow All are words Word and words Nothing, nothing happens v2 I can't tell Where they've come from Or where you're going They're not alien to me Don't speak in tongues forked and twisted Don't tell me lies They swear their truth But we both know Just where it's going c2 Your lies go one way Your mind's making shapes Thoughts come out as you go There's little to hear As you huff and puff and blow Lots of words Word more words Nothing, nothing happens solo v3 We can tell Where you've come from And where you're going Labelled alien to be Incarcerated Forked and twisted Political lies They swear are truth But we all know Just where it's going c3 Our eyes stare away Our mouth's making shapes Sounds ebb and sounds flow There's little to hold As we huff and puff and blow All are words Word just words Nothing, nothing happens c4 All eyes look away All mouths without shape No sound come out that we know There's nothing to hear There's no huff and puff and blow Lost are words Words, all words Nothing, nothing happens outro
Last edited by rayc; 02/13/22 08:24 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,113
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,113 |
Good song, Ray, I like your style, quirky and different. Cool stuff happening on the guitar, and bass is solid as always. Mix wise that vocal really needs to come up in the mix quite a bit, I couldn't make out one thing that you sang  Looking forward to hearing a remix!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675 |
ray,
My first thought as the song began was how identifiable your sound is! The opening riffs said "PBEx!" Then the vocal/melody said "PBEx!". Original. Cool. The overall sound says "PBEx!"...
Guitar, Bass and Drums all sound good.
Love the lyric (though, yes, the vocal is hard to make out - but understandable from your description).
It did make me think that you should be trying out the synth voices that David and Mark (and Bob) are using. (maybe ask if one of them would give it a go if you do not want to dive in yourself).
I think this would actually Really Work with that not-quite-human sound.
Meant to be.
Looking forward to this journey...
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,314
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,314 |
Hi Ray,
I knew I would hear something heavy if I press the play-button. But I was surprised by two things:
Your song wasn't that heavy, but has a nice melody in it with good sounding drums!
The other thing is about your vocals. I read that Dave and Floyd mentioned it too, so it's enough to say I agree with them on that (except for the suggestion of humanoid vocals). Bring them upfront! 4 db! Don't be shy. That doesn't fit you ;-)
Good song. strangely enough it's still in my head now (without words...)
Cheers,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,731
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,731 |
Hey man, the bed seems really cool, but I cannot make out the vocals at all and it seems like you have some cool lyrics going on there.
I have learned to be careful with vocals in a bed that is this techno. It can swallow a vocal in a heart beat.
So I always start with the vocal and get it as high as I can while still outputting to spec (nothing BUT vocal) and then I gradually bring in the other tracks making sure the dynamic range of each does not begin to swallow the vocal.
I almost always find that if I had not done it this way, and brought in the instruments first, they would be at least 2 dBs too high in the mix *, thus making it impossible to mix the vocal.
Just a thought.
Vocals are tricky Ray.
* You can always boost the overall gain once the mix is done, of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048 |
Hi Ray, Nice to say something about your music now! The music sounds fine, very cool guitars! As a piece of music it's very good. But what did you have in your mouth when you were singing, a handkerchief?  Or is that the "alien" sound? The lyrics are very original, so it would be nice if we could understand the words. But that has been said already. It's going to be a very cool song if you manage to sing in a way we can understand the words, your voice sounds all right! Rob and Anne-Marie (well... more Anne-Marie)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,782
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,782 |
Ray, VERY good musical bed! Bass is great. Love how guitar takes over the control by the end. While instrumental part is mixed well, vocals are sunken deep in the mix. Way too deep. I would raise it by good 20%-25% to the top. "You tell me".. lyrically, it seems to reflect political & societal hypocrisy. Overall great effort. Push the vocals UP!  Thank you for sharing. Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688 |
The strongest moments for me are the little melodic figures you use here and there, like the opening and that 2-chord shape that repeats a couple of times in different forms. Those notes sound off very commandingly, and give energy to sometimes wandery chord progressions. I assume they’re human, perhaps that’s why.
I tried running the song through a stem separation utility to isolate the vocal, it told me to contact technical support. (Ha ha not really but I *did* consider it!)
You know, at this point, reading the comments about your vocals being inaudible have become part of the listening experience for me, and I’m wondering if that isn’t the idea, if it isn’t a kind of performance art. The composition is a multimedia choral work distributed across time on the Internet, with the published lyrics at the center; on one side is the performance in which they cannot be understood, on the other side is everyone pointing that out. Having said that, I can see this as an installation at an art museum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
As I understand it, this is a work in progress, so, yes, you are on the right track, I'd say. It sounds good so far. I can't wait for the final cut.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,347
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,347 |
Hi Ray
So if the native speakers already do not understand the text I have no chance as a German anyway ;-))))
But the song is kind of cool. That one does not understand the text is I think also the secret why he is so cool.
From the song you would have to make a lyric video and then it would be perfect.
Good work Ray
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,367
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,367 |
Whoa, I'm with ya on the "so many irons in the fire," Ray. This one sounds very cool and distinctly PBE as Floyd mentioned, which to my ears is always a fun run. I, too, wish the vocals were louder. Your vocals are better than you think. As always the mix is flawless (except for the vox) and your playing is the real ticket to the good stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312 |
I was somewhat fatigued after the first listen... there's a lot going on here, and obviously you're an accomplished player, and wordsmith, but I just don't get it... OMH...
"Lyrically it's starts out talking about someone appearing alien but develops to describe a part of society as becoming alien through it's un/anti/exclusive/social behaviour. It goes on to refer to the incarceration of refugees accused by the "aliens" of being aliens. Classic RWNJ projection? You tell me." That made me laugh.
Bandcamp Soundcloud Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,254
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,254 |
Ray,
It sounds like you've got the start of something pretty good there! I know the vocal can't be understood yet but that will come later. It still gives a great indicator where the melody is going anyway! Love those little unexpected chord changes! That little major to minor changes at the end were nice! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572 |
Hi Rayc,
Nice composition. I like the sound of treble guitars. It's pleasant. The timbre of your voice is well suited to your lyrics
Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,554
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,554 |
Very different chord progression on the Intro. Very cool. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815 |
rayc,
I’m really digging the chord structure and melody to this. The total feel to this song is very compelling. From a production standpoint, the vocal needs to come up in a big way. Even reading along with the lyrics I get a bit lost—though on reading them they all seem to work well this the music base. This has an R.E.M. feel that I’m loving—as a big fan of their early stuff. Keep working it!
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,630
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,630 |
I like what I hear - interesting harmonies and instrumentation. Maybe the lyrics being buried by the instruments is just a meta-reference to: Word more words
Nothing, nothing happensI'd imagine the lyrics would invite applying some interesting effects to the vocals, if you're into that sort of thing. If you're curious about using SynthV, shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to help. But I'm sure your vocals are fine as is. I look forward to the remix!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749 |
I think you've created a great platform to build upon.
I have to agree with the comments that the vocal is lost in the mix
moto
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,051
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,051 |
So I'm halfway through and Janice steps in and tells me there is a remix in your latest post.
Headin' over to listen to it with her.
Bud
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,771
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,771 |
I was also going to comment on your vocal but in your initial post you did mention that it was "There's a draft vocal...muddy, overly processed and HEAVILY tuned. It's there as a template for me to TRY to sing bit by bit or, unlikely as it may be, to attract a singer" so I will pass.
However your backing tracks sound great!
Looking forward to the final version
Two thumbs up
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,577
Posts734,594
Members38,497
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean