Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#607737 07/24/20 01:26 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Greetings Forum Friends

I regret my absence for such a long time. I've had my hands full with a difficult 1-year old GIANT puppy and all the challenges from the pandemic.

We found time to publish our first EP "Keep Looking Up" back in February. Here the link: Keep Looking Up


But this post is for our new song "We're Better Than This"

We're Better Than This

https://soundclick.com/r/s8dvyw

The events of 2020 have been distressing. This song expresses our concern.


Last edited by SpaceDog; 07/24/20 01:25 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,696
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,696
Another excellent song. Very cool lyrics. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,578
Nice lyric indeed and production to go with it!

J&B

PS Would like to see the RT's, etc and lyrics!


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Scott, Janice, Bud,

Thanks for listening and commenting. I'll post a new version next week after getting more feedback.

Stay safe and well.

SD

Here are the RTs and lyrics

Style is _POPFAST.STY (Fast Pop w/ Dreamy Electric Guit)

RealTracks in style: ~~519:Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 120
RealTracks in style: ~~522:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 120
RealTracks in style: ~~406:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 136
RealTracks in style: ~~543:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Dreamy Ev 120
RealDrums in style: NashvilleEven8^8-a:Snare, HiHat Open , b:Snare, Ride

Added:
1031-String Electric, Fingerpicking Ev 165

We’re Better Than This
7/9/20
Intro: Am G F G Am G F G C
Verse 1:
C F
I stood up to be counted; To keep our land safe and free
Dm C G7
Now the tensions have mounted and they’re taking their aim at me

Verse 2:
C F
This isn’t what I fought for This isn’t who we are
Dm C G7
Together we are much more Than when we’re torn apart

Chorus x2
Am G
We’re better than this. We’re taking a risk
F G
1. We’re on the edge of a precipice
2. Give up your hate and prejudice
Am G
We won’t be dismissed. ‘cause We’re better than this.
E7 G Am
Let’s find a way to coexist

Bridge:
Dm C G
Don’t you know that history can’t be recast
Dm C E7
The only way ahead is learning from the past

Reintro: Am G F G Am G F G C
Verse 3:
C F
I never thought it would be this way The trampled rights for which we stand
Dm C G7
These nightmare scenes ‘cross the USA only fracture our land

Verse 4:
C F
Build a bridge and not a wall Don’t let our differences divide us
Dm C G7 C
Make it great for one an all Let our common dreams unite us.

Chorus x2
Am G
We’re better than this. We’re taking a risk
F G
1. We’re falling in to a great abyss
2. Give up your hate and prejudice
Am G
We won’t be dismissed. ‘cause We’re better than this.
E7 G Am
Let’s find a way to coexist

Outro: Am G F G Am G F G A



Last edited by SpaceDog; 07/25/20 07:43 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,005
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,005
Nicely done!

But... who are you addressing?

Edit: This isn't meant as a political critique of the song, or say that you should be pointing your finger at anyone. I'm just saying that I couldn't figure out out. Since that's possibly not even the goal of the song, feel free to ignore what follows. laugh

I've read through the lyric multiple times, and it seems like you're trying to tread a fine line without calling out one side or another.

For example, "We won’t be dismissed" is what a protester might say, while "These nightmare scenes ‘cross the USA only fracture our land", is how someone might respond to a protester.

"Build a bridge and not a wall" sounds anti-wall, while "Make it great for one an all" sounds like MAGA.

We're in a political environment where every side claims their rights are trampled, that it's the other side trying to rewrite/whitewash history, and it's the other side that's filled with hate and prejudice.

Will the people you're calling to action see themselves in the lyrics, or will they see it as a call for someone else to change?



-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,587
Good melody throughout, enjoyed the harmonies in the chorus and overall songwriting.

Nicely done.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,506
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,506
Nice melody on the piano..I think the push to use the one rhyme in the chorus is a little obvious.
Nice arrangement and performance though your vocal is hesitant in the 1st verse.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Peter, Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

Ray, Thanks for the feedback. The rhyme scheme in the chorus probably is too monotonous. I'll remember that next time, As for the "hesitant" sound in the first verse, I'll check my timing but I was going for a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Dave, Thanks for your thoughtful comment and taking the time to analyze the lyrics.

For me music and art is about the listener and audience. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So the real question should be, "what does it mean to you?" not what does it mean to the artist. Is John Lennon imagining a better world or was he advocating communism? Was "Puff the Magic Dragon" about a boy and his magical dragon or was it about smoking dope? It's up to us, the listener.

I like the line in the Buffalo Springfield song "For What it's Worth" that goes "Nobody is right if everybody's wrong"

I stand by each lyric in this song. It expresses exactly how I feel, but the important question is, "How does it make you feel?"

Again, thanks for the very thoughtful review.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,520
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,520
Great job, SpaceDog! Nice composition all the way around. Vocal harmonies are first-class, and I liked your lyric and rhyme scheme and selection of words (I think you avoided some "easy" rhymes and got to words that delivered value). Thanks for your work

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,718
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,718
Great sentiment, SpaceDog! I really like the melody. Although I understand Dave's query, and his logic, I appreciate your reply. Yes, we ARE better than this, and rather than a call to arms, this song seems more about a call to calm. I'm so glad that at least on THIS forum we are ALL better than those others. hehe One suggestion will make this better would be to add some reverb or something to your voice. All that aside, great song, man.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
and https://soundcloud.com/babumusic-5080285
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
W
Expert
Offline
Expert
W
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
You have some problems in the USA in the moment that I will try not to get involved in... smile

I will just say that I liked the composition and the performance of this song!

Thanks for sharing,
Will

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Tano, Thanks I've been a fan of yours for several years. Thanks for listening.

Marty, Thanks for your kind comments. I'll add a bit of reverb to the lead vocal. I was trying to make it close and personal by keeping the vocal dry. Everyone seems to agree it should have some reverb.

Will, Thanks for listening and commenting. My wife and I visited your lovely county many years ago. We have wonderful memories of Coppenhagen and Tivoli Gardens.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
W
Expert
Offline
Expert
W
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Thanks for your nice words about Denmark. You are of course always welcome again (when the governments open up for travelling).

Take care,
Will

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,722
Cool song. Well done. I didn't try to analyze the lyric too much. Seems like good advice that most people would agree with. If only the powers that be would stop trying to divide us.... And if people would stop listening to them, we could easily coexist in peace.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Herb, Thanks for listening. I'm glad you liked it.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,772
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,772
SD ...

Very nicely done. As I think you might know, I'm also an author (got several books on Amazon under my penn name). I always try to leave a little room for the reader to make their own perceptions in places ... that allows him/her to more personalize what I've written and, perhaps, develop a stronger "kinship" with the story. I think that's what you are doing with this lyric. You're allowing the listener to personalize the lyric such that they can better identify with the message on a personal level.

I enjoyed the song a lot. This is, in my opinion, your best vocal in quite some time. Everything sounded great! Nicely done ...

Best to you. Be safe, my friend ...

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*16GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,040
Alan,

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful comment. Leave it to a professional author to find the right words. Yes, that's exactly what I was trying to do: leave room for interpretation and invite the listener to make it personal and their own.

I'm glad you liked the vocal tracks. I put a lot of emotion into the lead vocal. I'm always surprised when the Background Vocals sound good. I have to carefully plan the harmonies. They don't come naturally.

Best wishes and take care of yourself and your family.

SD

Last edited by SpaceDog; 07/28/20 03:54 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
SD, this is very well sung and I liked the signature piano lick. The harmony sounds good also. I agree with the the good advice. Nicely done, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Well produced song with a catchy melody. Personally I liked the 'dry' vocal sound - thought it lent your voice an immediacy that suited the thoughtful lyrics.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,916
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,916
My favorite line: "Build a bridge and not a wall."

I enjoyed the instrumentation, melody, and overall feel of this song. The mix is clear. Good vocals.

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
New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Video - Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 includes built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API, allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper tracks, including tiny lossless files of instructions which play audio instantly from disk.

We demonstrate the new Reaper features in the Band-in-a-Box® VST DAW Plugin 6.0 in our video, Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Update Today!

Already grabbed your copy of Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®? Head to our Support Page to download build 803 and update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 installation with the latest version developed by our team!

Learn more & download now.

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!

Read all about the 50+ newest features in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, or you can watch our video "Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®: Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!" to see it in action!

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics82,877
Posts750,464
Members38,927
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
DMD, Cutta, shandrakeeb, One Box Band, Ninjasef
38,926 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
DC Ron 122
rsdean 109
BYOBand 89
MarioD 87
dcuny 78
vicarn 77
Today's Birthdays
Kenneth0011
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5