Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#357288 07/14/16 05:48 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Your Boring Happiness

Hi, all!
This is a work in progress because if I can make it work I want to add lyrics and additional color; but I think it stands nicely enough on it's own as a subtle nuanced instrumental.

My contributions are the lead guitar passages and of course the curiously restless chord changes, which were arrived at via running a quasi-improvisational jam-with-myself through the BIAB chord detection utility. I really love the result in this case, YMMV.

The title is a nod to Aldous Huxley's quip: I can sympathize with people's pains, but not with their pleasure. There is something curiously boring about somebody else's happiness.

The work is meant to be included in a thematic album around Manchurian Candidates, mind control, transhumanism, Gov black ops...you know, fun light stuff. Don't worry, though, there's a very good chance it'll never actually get made, lol! Which is fine with me, it's the trying and the dreaming that's fun!

Style: dreamy pop ballad, all RealTracks.
Guitar: Fender Squire II, recorded in Reaper. Guitar effect pedal: Korg AX1G on factory "FOO" setting
Mixed in Reaper. Reaper reverb and delay on soloing guitar after recording.



[Link no longer valid]

Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 09/02/20 09:25 AM.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,892
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,892
Interesting music! You did some really different things with time signature and chord progressions. Soloing is very nice. I think if it remains an instrumental, you should have a solo instrument in some of the earlier part of the song as well. Nice work! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Thanks Greg! I see your point, and agree. I will definitely add some soloing in the earlier part of the song if it remains an instrumental; hopefully, it won't! I appreciate your listening and feedback. cheers!

Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 07/16/16 04:00 PM.

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Engaging, I really like this. I also love your guitar work.

What's happening with the drums and the meter at 2:52?

It certainly stands as a complete composition. But I am curious what you would do with lyrics and melody.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Thanks for the appreciation, Lawrence!

Currently I'm prevented from really looking into it as my machine is in for repairs, but from memory all I did was change the tempo, and there are no tricky time signatures. I think the unconventional jumpy chord changes might sort of give the impression of some polyrhythmia going on. I'm very happy with that aspect, to be sure. It pleases my ear, but I'm sure it won't be to everyone's taste.

I'm curious as to what I will be inspired to do with any melodic and vocal treatments too, if you know what I mean, lol! But I will say this, they will have to be suggestive/somewhat atonal or impressionistic, as I don't see clear cut melodies emerging here. And that's fine, it's exactly what's called for. In fact, much of what I intend to add will not be musical but sound bytes, short cuts of people speaking in a room or talking on the phone, sounds of device carts being wheeled in, medical beeps, that sort of thing. To paint a picture in the thematic development mentioned in the OP.


User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,046
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,046
Hi Eric,

Really interesting and we're very curious what it will sound like, when vocals are added!

Rob and Anne-Marie


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: 8,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
hi Eric,

I want to start by saying that I was intrigued by the title (and you explanation of its origin). I like the way you articulate your thoughts, and I like musical exploration... so I was hoping to be highly entertained by the results of your experimentation here.

Alas, it appears that I'm too old to adapt to this much newness. It didn't sound finished to me. Knowing how BIAB works, it sounded to me like a bunch of random changes that were never tweaked into a unified theme.

I do think that with editing I could really embrace this, but in its current version it didn't resonate here.

The good news is that you knew in advance that it wouldn't work for everybody, and you had the conviction to pursue the idea anyway (as opposed to being opinion-whipped into creative submission)

Never let go of your creative resolve.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Hi, Rob and Anne-Marie. Thanks much! I'll definitely post it when it's done. Now I HAVE to succeed, lol! Feels good.

Hi, Pat. You nailed it, brother! I just have to see it through, knowing it won't be for everyone...but hey, what is? In any case, you explained the situation eloquently, and I appreciate it, man!

In a philosophical and musicological vein: it's interesting to note that some musical movements (genres) have less adherents and are considered less accessible. Free Jazz would undoubtedly be considered (even if only by tabulation of the numbers of sales/listens) less accessible, with less adherents than, say, Cool Jazz. What would the main complaint be? "it sounds too random" would be my very confident guess. People that don't like any jazz at all, what is their main complaint? Pretty much the same.

I hear a beautiful coherency in the way this tune turned out, but I can hardly be objective (is there any such thing in music appreciation?). The chord changes are what the software decided to make of a semi-improvised session of mine. It's an interesting academic question as to who "really" picked the chords, and the way I would put it is that the software imposed a music-theoretical formalism on my performance mixture of happy and unhappy plans and accidents.

Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 07/20/16 07:26 AM.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
I just listened and commented. I agree that it has merit but seems (in the present state) to lack instrumentation. I would probably try a cello or B3 to fill the frequency spectrum out more.

My comment about "No good deed..." was made tongue in cheek and not meant to be taken seriously.

The written word can often be misread and become clouded when lacking the benefit of body language or facial gestures. Old-timers will assure that I had no malicious intent. I try to be positive and encouraging. Sorry.

Don

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,522
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,522
I liked the back track. I liked the sound of the guitar. Would be very cool to weave in and out of the backtrack with a guitar melody. Look forward to hearing the finished piece


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408
W
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
W
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 408
Love the Huxley reference smile The guitar solo in the middle is excellent too, really awesome tone. I really dig how you introduce that big snare at the same time as the guitar solo. Great job!

Last edited by Will B - PG Music; 10/04/16 08:16 AM.

Will - PG Music
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Don, please consider any provisions previously attached to my apologies removed to allow them to be in effect full-force...plus a wink for the road! My bad, man!

My computer has been broken for so long, I'll have to return to that track almost like a child once I get it repaired again. Thanks for the suggestions...B3 or cello...those are some good ones!


User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Scott, and Will B, thank you very much for the encouragement! It is so very welcome at this juncture, you have no idea! For one thing, my music computer has been down for, like, ever with a bad case of voodoo, and I'm struggling to remain rational. Well..I mean... "remain" is a bit of a stretch... "be" is probably more accurate...


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
No harm done, my friend.

Try playing the file through a graphic EQ (Even WMP). I suspect you'll find it weak in the low frequencies below 300 Hz. At least to my tired old ears.

I only suggested Cello or B3 as my personal favorites, you probably have your own favorites. The guitar is filling the high end very nicely. Work on filling the lows.

Just my humble opinion.

Don

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
There are many savvy computer gurus on these forums. Please specify your computer problems in detail and I'm confident they can solve it.

Don

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
D
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
D
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
" Please specify your computer problems in detail and I'm confident they can solve it." -Don

Actually, knock on silicon, I think I finally got it now...and no goats or chickens sacrificed! It was a bloodless coup, in which a graphics card and a hard drive got replaced, only the former being necessary but I didn't know that at the time, and it's prudent anyway at this point. Next I'll do the power supply for good measure; this beast used to go 'round the clock rendering animations so it's pro'lly a little worn...10 years old...

Anyway, thanks for the helpful vibes, my man! 'preciate it!

Last edited by DIOECHOOTO; 10/07/16 05:52 AM.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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!

Video: Volume Automation in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created a video to help you learn more about the Volume Automation options in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows.

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Volume Automation

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#volume-automation

Video: Audio Input Monitoring with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created this short video to explain Audio Input Monitoring within Band-in-a-Box® 2024, and included some tips & troubleshooting details too!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Audio Input Monitoring

3:17: Tips
5:10: Troubleshooting

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#audio-input-monitoring

Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!

We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!

Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.

You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.

See the Melodist in action with our video, Band-in-a-Box® 2024: The Melodist Window.

Learn even more about the enhancements to the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024upgrade/chapter3.htm#enhanced-melodist

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

New with the DAW Plugin Version 6.0, released with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows: the Reaper® Panel!

This new panel offers built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper® tracks!

When you run the Plugin from Reaper®, there is a panel to set the following options:
-BB Track(s) to send: This allows you to select the Plugin tracks that will be sent Reaper.
-Destination Reaper Track: This lets you select the destination Reaper track to receive media content from the Plugin.
-At Bar: You can select a bar in Reaper where the Plugin tracks should be placed.
-Start Below Selected Track: This allows you to place the Plugin tracks below the destination Reaper track.
-Overwrite Reaper Track: You can overwrite previous content on the destination Reaper track.
-Move to Project Folder: With this option, you can move the Plugin tracks to the Reaper project folder.
-Send Reaper Instructions Enable this option to send the Reaper Instructions instead of rendering audio tracks, which is faster.
-Render Audio & Instructions: Enable this option to generate audio files and the Reaper instructions.
-Send Tracks After Generating: This allows the Plugin to automatically send tracks to Reaper after generating.
-Send Audio for MIDI Track: Enable this option to send rendered audio for MIDI tracks.
-Send RealCharts with Audio: If this option is enabled, Enable this option to send RealCharts with audio.

Check out this video highlighting the new Reaper®-specific features: Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Video

The new Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin Verion 6 adds over 20 new features!

Watch the new features video to learn more: Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2024 - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features

We also list these new features at www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.plugin.htm.

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,395
Posts732,500
Members38,441
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
zagrajbarke, Ernest J, Izzy, BenChaz, Csofi
38,440 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 195
Al-David 124
DC Ron 116
dcuny 87
rsdean 82
Today's Birthdays
CeeDee, SethMould
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5