Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi guys, it's been a while. Last time I was here was back in November last year when I posted a couple of tracks for your listening pleasure. You were all so very helpful then, offering much constructive criticism and valuable advice that opened my ears to both the shortcomings in my recordings and the possibilities for improvement. And I thank you all again for that. I would like to single out Rharv for special thanks. He re mixed some of my tracks for me in an effort to improve them, and did a great job. But he was unfortunately fighting a losing battle and he quickly made me realise that I had to vastly improve the original tracks before I would get anything like the sound I was hearing from other songwriters on here. So thanks again Bob. So I've spent most of this year adding to my recording equipment and learning how to use it a little better. Though I'm still far from being an expert I am at last happy with my sound. I would like to point out that my tracks are song demos to allow me to promote and sell my songs rather than finished masters for release. I look forward to hearing any comments anyone would like to offer. Here's the first: Equipment: Roland VS 1680 Digitech Vocalist VR Alesis 3630 Compressor Rode NT1 Microphone Art Studio V3 Pre Amp BBE Sonic Sweet ****** Song Summary ************* Title: THIS IS THE SONG Key=Gb , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=4:10 Soloist is saved with the song : Guitar,El,Sol,RockBalladEv65 (1167) Style is _BALBMS2.STY (Pop Ballad Brent Mason) Style MIDI Instruments are : RealTracks in style: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065 RealTracks in style: ~~686:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 841:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladSlowGritty Ev 065 RealTracks in style: 1167:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockBalladBrent Ev 065 RealDrums in Style: NashvilleEven16^1-SideStick,Ride This Is The Song: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10354931
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884 |
Hi Songman,
I thoroughly enjoyed your song. Every aspect worked for me. In my book, you've got yourself a winner with this one! I especially liked the lyrics and the way you made the VCVCBC form do a terrific job.
All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
What an outstanding song! Noel (above) is quite right
You’ve got 2 good sections going there, a fine and thoroughly coherent lyric and a nice mix.
The organ is terrific, in terms of both choice of patch and placement.
My only reservations about this piece would be that there is perhaps too much going on.
To me, parts of the vocal performance sound a little ‘over-the-top’ (that phasing effect…),
Also I find that the lead electric guitar weaving in and out during the chorus section and particularly in the bridge (“Words that used to come…”) is at best a distraction.
None of this is at all necessary as the song and the sentiments are easily strong enough to stand up for themselves.
As ever, these comments are purely subjective, reflect no superior knowledge of anything and are wholly intended to be constructive.
Hope the lyric is purely fictitious Martin!
Regards,
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,063
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,063 |
Songman,
I enjoyed your song. But I agree with Marc on that lead guitar being a distraction in the chorus and bridge - it doesn't fit quite right to me and you really don't need it - imho your bridge and chorus would be stronger without it.
Good job! Keep 'em coming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636 |
No problem with the lead vocal sound here. Agree though that at times the left side guitar leads distract from the song (which is what you are really trying to sell if I read correctly).
Nice live sound to it. Very cool that you listed the realtracks for us. It helps hearing how certain ones work in different situations.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Noel,
Thanks so much for the kind words - really pleased that you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to listen.
Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Marc, Thanks for the comments - can I book you to do all my future reviews? Not sure what you mean about the vocal. I did push it a little to give it some "oomph" tho I'm sure your ears are better than mine. Maybe you could explain the "phasing" reference to this poor novice. I seem to remember getting that comment on my earlier posts last year!! Now for that damn guitar!! Josie and Bob seem to be of the same opinion and I have to confess I dithered over it a long while when I first recorded it. But mostly my concern was the guitar part in the Bridge, which I had a feeling was too much. I think the problem with me was that I listened to it so many times I eventually got used to it. But I think you are all correct - it has to go. Shoulda gone with my first instinct!! I actually like the guitar in the Chorus, though maybe it could be a little lower in the mix. But I appreciate and consider all your comments so thank you for them and look forward to any you may make on future posts! Sadly the lyric is entirely from the heart. And a broken one at that. So a warning to all forum members.........there maybe a few more sad songs on the way. If nothing else, a broken heart inspires some prolific songwriting. Hey ho....every cloud!! All the best and thanks again Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Josie, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated and taken onboard - see comments above! As I write this, I have "Rain On The Roof" playing in the background. I like this song so much and wish you every success with it. Take care Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Bob, Seems the guitar is unanimously hated - and yes - the song is the thing here. So time for a rethink and maybe a remix! And thanks again for your help and input last year with some of my tracks. It certainly made me realize what could be achieved even in a little spare room studio. My recordings may never be perfect but they are soooo much better than before. Thanks again Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986 |
Songman, Very well written song! I am truly impressed with the song, itself. And I think your vocals fit well. As to the guitar... The problem with those Brent Mason solo parts is when you use a tempo that is very far away from the original intended temp for the Realtrack. Brent uses a lot of vibrato/bending - sounds really awesome when played at the right tempo. While Elastique does a great job of maintaining the tone and pitch when you alter a tempo, vibrato is one thing that doesn't translate well. Hence the problem. There is a Brent Mason solo intended for the 120 tempo that you used, and would probably have sounded much more natural, if used sparingly. The solo used in your song was intended for tempo 65, but played at about tempo 120. Again, I really like the song! Sorry about the broken heart, but it does seem to have yielded some good music in the process. Keep up the good work! Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636 |
They are improving without a doubt.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,660
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,660 |
As Steve pointed out, the pitch remains constant when BiaB timeshifts the music, but the vibrato starts being cartoon-like. The flute has similar issues.
There's an option for choosing a different time base (Half/Normal/Double) that you might want to look at. You can find it in the RealTracks dialog in the upper right side. The instrumentalist plays twice/half as much to fill the space, but you don't get the problem of time distortion that you have now. It's a pretty good solution.
But I also agree with other folk, in that you've got a very solid song, and there's really no need to add all that guitar to it. It just adds busy filigree to a song that's quite good just fine without it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Steve and David, The points you both make about the tempo of the style I chose, made me realise that I had actually completely forgotten to check the tempo when I originally used it. I have a habit of randomly selecting a style merely to input the chords and then work on the song proper once that is done. On this track, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it fit with what I actually wanted that I merely went with it. I must confess, to my untrained ears it still sounds okay apart from the twiddly stuff going on in the bridge which I thought at the time was wrong but went with it anyway. That'll teach me! Very happy that you liked the song however. And I'll be sure to pay more attention to my tempo next time. Thanks again guys All the best Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101 |
"This is the song I thought I'd never have to write". If I could write I would have penned these words due to a breakup last October. I am just now beginning to come out of the funk of heartache and being able to listen to music (lyrics) without sinking into despair. I suppose I shouldn't mention personal stuff but I am celebrating the fact that the sun does shine again.
Also I think the melody really works well to bring out the lyrics.
Good song!
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219 |
Hi Mike, I truly know where you're coming from. Mine was April last year, and like you I've had a slow climb back. As to personal stuff, every song I post on here is just me pouring my heart out - and it helps. And to me, the best compliment a songwriter can receive is to be told that there music has touched someone in some way. So thank you for your comments. Bring on the sun!! Take care fella. Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
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."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,633
Posts735,260
Members38,522
|
Most Online2,537 Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|