Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#257552 07/26/14 12:33 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Okay! Here I go fellow BIAB/RB peeps! I just got my software in the mail last week. I have never used anything like this before, so there was a bit of a learning curve. The comments made by veteran users on this forum were extremely helpful!

You can hear the recording and read the story at:
http://georgeireton.com/by-the-creek

Recording details:
Cardioid MXL condenser studio mic w/ pop filter.
Mic straight to laptop via MXL Mic Mate Pro w/phantom power.
Set up song framework in BIAB then grabbed it with RB.
Added some RT instruments to my guitar and vocal tracks,then did a little volume mixing.

Let me just say up front... Nice words are always welcome, but I have always benefited by the crucible of blunt critical comment, so please feel free to blurt it out there! No thin skin on this old bird!

Thanks,


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
George, that's a terrific first post. Very well written and arranged. Nice editing on the solos. The vocal is well sung but I would bring up the volume. I would also add some harmonies. Really listenable. Great job. Tom

tommyad #257563 07/26/14 03:25 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Thanks Tom. I will do both. Didn't want to get to froggy on my maiden voyage!

Last edited by George Ireton; 07/26/14 03:26 PM.

Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,401
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,401
George,

A very enjoyable song. Good straight-ahead bluegrass...

A few suggestions.... not to detract from the overall song - because I quite enjoyed that...

Your guitar sounds great in the opening and I wanted to hear it throughout, but it sort of "got lost" in the mix. It needs a bit of high end EQ to help it "cut through the mix" - nice pickin' - let us hear it...

It seems as though you have the bass panned left. That struck me as a little "odd". Bass is typically centered - no panning... The fiddle seems to be down the middle... since your mandolin is on the right, panning the fiddle left would give a nice balance (like it should swap positions with the bass). I'd like to hear the banjo a bit "up" in the mix. And, as Tom mentioned, the vocal could come up some, too...

Those are just suggestions. You should mix as you see fit. I enjoyed your first offering - and I look forward to many more...

Welcome. Pull up a chair and sit a spell...

floyd

floyd jane #257567 07/26/14 04:00 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Good stuff Floyd. I know zip about these things. I just took a blind shot. Fortunately, RB lets me fix it!


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
Hello George,

A very nice first song.
However, we agree with Floyd's comments and we think that the mix could be crispier and clearer.

Regards,
R & AM


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: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,810
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,810
Hi George,

Wow! This is great. It's one of the best first posts I've heard. As floyd says, "pull up a chair and sit a while". I'm really looking forward to what comes next. You've got a terrific voice and sense of musicianship.

You asked for any critical thoughts ... I only have two.

When I listened to the chorus, I found myself wondering about the last line. Let me explain. The first two lines ground the chorus in the present tense while the last line moves the lyrics into future tense. The lyrics work ok but I found myself wondering whether or not "By the creek everything's alright" would work better since it would maintain a consistency of tense throughout the chorus.

My second thought is regarding the song's structure of "verse verse chorus verse verse chorus" (i.e. V V C V V C). Did you try this as a potential "V V C V C B C (or melodic variation of verse 4 instead of a Bridge) structure. I mention this for a few reasons. These reasons are: (a) adding a new melody for what is currently the fourth verse would help boost a listener's interest by way of adding the unexpected (if you're interested, have a listen to floyd's "One More Star" to hear this song-structure in action) - alternatively V V C V C C would also be an interesting structure to try out; (b) the future tense of the fourth verse makes it potentially great Bridge material; (c) the chorus is very very strong and I bet you'd have people singing along with you on the third time through.

I offer the above thoughts simply because of your request. Please feel completely free to ignore anything I've said.

Overall, I really enjoyed the listen a great deal.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
RnAM #257590 07/26/14 06:28 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Thanks R&AM. Workin' on it here.

Noel... Yes! This is exactly the kind of critique that prompts song improvement, which is what I am after.


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,662
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,662
Good song George. Your voice is well suited for bluegrass. Enjoyed the song and look forward to hearing you again soon.

Charlie


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, 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 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Hi George. Thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Sort of missed the chorus between the two last verses. Nice voice. Cheers.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 93
P
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 93
I liked the tune. The last line of the chorus works for me as being more future oriented. It gives an insight into where you will be going in addition to where you are.

I too like the chorus and would love to hear more of it. Maybe a repeat of the chorus where it's only singing and some brushes or a bass? Then kick in to a full version with harmonies.

Just some thoughts. Overall, well done!!




User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
I really enjoyed the lyrics. Super images well written.

Great song.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,352
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,352
Hi George,

Welcome to the fray! There are so many talented people here that a person, no matter how talented, can learn something new on almost every visit. I (Alan) played in a band for over 40 years and made a real nice living doing it. Yet, I never fail to learn something new and valuable every time I post a song and get reviews and respectful critiques. This forum is a great learning tool!

Loved your song and vocals! That was a really nice song for a first effort. It sounds to us that you have already incorporated many of the suggested changes. The bass is now centered and the fiddle panned left. We didn't hear it before but that had to have made a big difference. And the banjo panned right is a nice offset/balance to the left-panned fiddle.

I (Alan) lived in Bakersfield, CA throughout most of the 90's and lived within a mile of the Kern River, which is more like a big, deep creek. So, I can empathize with your lyrics.

Very nice! Hope you stay a while and treat uys with more of your wonderful music! Best to ya ,,,

Alan & Di


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB 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

Al-David #257694 07/27/14 08:04 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,122
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,122
This is probably the best first time offering that I have heard!

You did a really good job on this. Your vocal was great. Personally I would not change the last line of the chorus but you do what you think sounds the best. I would however follow some of the mixing suggestions that have been mentioned.

Great job on this one.


Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Kind of havin' a Sunday mornin' blessing from all the nice words people have said about my modest song offering. Thanks for that!

My big purpose for posting this song was simply to begin the process. Many helpful suggestions have already been implemented. Things I was simply not aware of concerning how to properly mix a song. I have never before been concerned with that aspect. I will continue refining this one and add another chorus, harmonies, etc.

Alan & Di, Yep! We lived in BakersPatch during the late 80's. I was an Asst. Trainmaster on the old Santa Fe. We had a nice home just off Olive Drive. I have a longtime bluegrass buddy in Bakersfield (Craig Wilson) who is a great guitar and mando man. He is also a world class luthier. Wilson Mandolins He is also the front man for The Roustabouts. The Roustabouts

Again, thanks to each and everyone who took the time to comment. I so much appreciate all remarks, both technical and/or creative. Don't be afraid to put on your Simon Cowell hat either! I genuinely want to improve my craft. I am fully aware that you don't always get the honey comb without a few stings! Heh!


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
Nice song!! Very thoughtful lyric. I agree with most of the comments on what to tweak but it is a very cool tune! Great work! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,268
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,268
Hey George,wonderful first post and lyrics. Looking forward to the next one!

Mike B.


Music should be part of your life
http://www.soundclick.com/blackcatjazzcafeband
cubanpete #257718 07/27/14 02:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Thanks for checking it out Mike. I know this one is Bluegrass, but I like Jazz too. I get the chance to sit in with the Straight Ahead Big Band here in town sometimes. I played upright bass on their "Book Six" combo CD. I got in the studio for cuts 4 & 8. Cut 4, Black Orpheus is my favorite! Nothing to do with BIAB but thought you mike enjoy this. Book Six Combo No black cats in this one, just cool cats!


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,331
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,331
What the heck.....even though floyd has already nailed it I'll throw out a few comments just relative to the mix.

FWIW I spent the better part of four decades playing bass fiddle and staring at 4 guys/gals in front of me in bluegrass bands -- so if nothing else I have opinions on BG mixing :-)

I shoot for the following:

- The lead vocal and bass are in the middle (bass is somewhat non-directional in a room so it should be mixed in the middle).

- The guitar is slightly left or right.

- The fiddle and mando can be spread more left and right while the banjo is closer to the center opposite the guitar and should, in general, drive the rhythm.

- The rhythm guitar should rest I n the mix so that the boom/chuckas lay over the bass/mandolin chops respectively. That's why it lies close to the center. It ties together all of the down/upbeats.

- The banjo just keeps pushing everything and needs to be heard.

- Fills are typically done by the instrument that is gonna take the next solo.

- In addition to the mix per se effects (particularly reverb and EQ) on the instruments and vocals are needed to help everything gel.

OK, I'm getting ahead of myself!

Great first BIAB effort and hope many more are to come!! You'll find this community to be a fun and supportive place to hang out.



Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos are here on our website.
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
FWIW! Are you woofin' me right now Bud? It is worth a ton to me! I am only beginning to grasp the possibilities with this. I have enjoyed playing live over the past 45 years too. Quick question... Did you create "Snake Lips" with BIAB? Any hot tips for making a good kickoff? The beginning of some of this stuff seems abrupt. I would like to make a typical banjo kick off for example.


Learn more about my music at:
http://georgeireton.com/music-then-now
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
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!

Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Get the latest update today!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,170
Posts775,929
Members39,589
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
jammie10ae, MysticDose, ghghtyy, ostermans, jazziz_great
39,588 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 137
zedd 113
DC Ron 85
WaoBand 85
rsdean 78
Today's Birthdays
botma, rahndean, Robert1752
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5