Two years ago, almost to the day, I finished (with BIAB's wonderful help) writing the song above. Anyway, I was listening to it today and I realised I wasn't happy with the original recording, so - long story short - I re-recorded and re-mastered the whole thing. Hope it's ok to re-post it after two years, given all of this?
Thanks so much for listening/viewing and for any comments!
Technical notes:
I'm afraid I don't have the original BIAB file any more - so can't tell what the original style was, beyond the fact that I remember it was something like: "Smooth Americana" or something like that. SORRY :-(
The voice was recorded today in Audacity and mixed there too. I then went to BandLab and mastered it there, with the "Large Studio Reverb" effect.
James, this is another outstanding recording. This is the 2nd song on here tonight that's brought a lump to my throat. I get very emotional listing to ballads such as this one, and this was no exception, you have a superb touch for tugging at the heart strings. Thank you again
Well, you've all been so kind, you've kind of rendered me speechless here (no mean feat, some of my friends would say!). Thank you.
furry: you're, as always, way too kind - but I'm glad you enjoyed the song. Talking about being moved emotionally, I'm still remembering your latest accordion piece which I've commented on. I struggle to recall when I've been so emotionally moved by a performance like that lately ... so I'm glad that you enjoyed what I managed to create, too - thanks.
MarioD: thank you! If you liked it, then something must be right with it :-) - thanks!
James, Interesting re-make. You are definitely getting better in your mixing / production skills. Vocals sit well in the mix, but I think they would benefit more reverb to blend it better.
I am not sure if somebody had mentioned this or not. There are plugins that will suppress "breath" sound in vocals. I have an older Izotope Nectar 2 suit that has this plugin, that I use from time to time. I am sure there are others that are very similar. I know there are different techniques that one can try to eliminate breath sound, but plugin is very effective. You just put it on your vocal track, set amount and it will do the magic. Thank you for sharing.
Your mixing is getting really good. The "mastering" in bandlab is always a huge compromise but easy and sometimes it works. The vocal is a little above the backing but works well enough. As Misha mentioned - there are a few sibilant and breath things that can be eliminated but, as it stands, their presence doesn't distract much at all.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
James, I remember listening to this back when you originally posted it, and I remember really enjoying it. I don't remember the arrangement or mix, but this version is so nice, peaceful, and lets you relate your prayer-message so effectively. I'm sure she hears you! Thanks for continuing to improve your already-fine work!
Janice, Bud, Scott and Tano: wow. So kind of you! I am really so glad you enjoyed it ... this little track is one of my favourites, too, so I am always happy if it strikes a chord with someone! Let’s hope that the prayer is indeed heard, as you say, Tano ... I think we’d all enjoy some better times around here.
Misha and Ray: thanks! I am glad that my mixing is getting better. I have next to no idea as to what I am doing there, so that’s always a bonus. I will look into de-breathers, de-essers, etc. - I worry about the end result sounding artificial - but, if that’s a false worry, why not? Thanks so much for your genuinely kind suggestions and for having taken the time to listen and comment!
An excellent production! So nicely arranged with beautiful backing tracks. And your voice-over is really nice. I would suggest a bit of reverb on the voice and, perhaps, cut back just the smallest amount on the vocal EQ. Just my thoughts, for what they're worth.
Very, very pretty with an appropriate and beautiful message. Kudos!!!
Thank you Alan, thanks so much. I will see what I can do with the reverb and the EQ. This kinda thing terrifies me, as a complete novice at it, but one's gotta learn at some point, right? :-)
Thanks Scott H. The reason I mix with Audacity is that I have a phobia of DAWs ... and I've learned to use Audacity reasonably well. I'm a bit terrified of the learning curve with Cakewalk, BUT ... I really ought to get over that and see what I can do with it, as it IS superior to Audacity, of course.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.