Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#517741 01/14/19 09:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
No One Can See

Imagine, if you will, Klaatu, The X-Files, and The Twilight Zone participating in a menage a trois. The resultant bast*rd offspring of this polyamory would be this song. I built this song around it’s opening line, which I wrote in a creative writing exercise 25 years ago. I worked on the music and lyrics in bits and pieces over the past year, putzing around on the piano. I juxtaposed the tone and mood of the music with the lyrics to belie the lyrical content, except at the bridge where they converge. That last sentence was a load of horse dung, wasn’t it?

For the sound montage prelude to the song, I used a bunch of loops. I haven’t decided if I am going to keep it.

In addition to the Real Tracks, I added synth parts. I’ve always liked the sound of an English horn, so I synthed that as the counterpoint in the first and second chorus, and for the closing melody line. I also did the George Martin trick where I wrote the melody backwards, played it , and reversed the “tape” for the instrumental solo after the bridge.

Real Tracks
2478 Bass, Acoustic, Held
2934 Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkySync8thsFi
1275 Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopUpliftHeld
1267 Synth Pad, PopShining
1030 Guitar, 12-String Electric, Fingerpicking
RealDrums-NashvilleEven8^1-SideStick,Ride
2364 Synth, ElectroFlutes, Rhythm Pop
3197 Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopBalladMellowBrent
RealDrums-EuroDance^1-BassClp,BassSnr
2578 Bass, Synth, RetroPop Ev16
2306 Synth, Rhythm BubblegumPopAccentSynth
2507 String Quartet, Rhythm PopEvenChamber
2973 Synth, Rhythm DancehallPercussive

Scott

Lyrics
The CIA wiretaps my dreams
Love on the counter espionage
Hiding myself from galactic beams
Tin-foiled human decoupage

I never thought I would ever see the day
When they would come to take you away

I’m scanning the cosmic void for my love
Searching for signs of you above
I am a captive trying to set you free
To boldly go where no one can see

Under surveillance since the day we kissed
In the bar room and then we brawled
Asphyxiated by my murderess
Breathless and humored and enthralled

I never thought I would ever see the day
When they would come to take you away

I’m scanning the cosmic void for my love
Searching for signs of you above
I am a captive trying to set you free
To boldly go where no one can see

Extraordinary missionaries dancing on a sweating floor
“Repent Harlequin” tick tocking my nevermore.

I never thought I would ever see the day
When they would come to take you away

I’m scanning the cosmic void for my love
Searching for signs of you above
I am a captive trying to set you free
To boldly go where no one can see

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,885
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,885
Scott,
very entertaining!
Cool lyrics! Unusual and fun. Reverse melody was a nice twist. English horn (and flutes?) sit very well. I like synths. I think electronica and acoustics on this tune work very well. Would totally keep it. Makes the whole composition stand out and more interesting.

Not sure if you are open to views... Your vocals are great (in all respects!) but I feel that more bass is needed for the vocals to mix in better with the rest of the instruments. It feels to me that it is a bit on high side. My headphones are very "neutral". Maybe that is why it sounds like that. But on the other hand, if you are not open to comments, kindly disregard last few sentences and kindly do not hold it against me smile I totally loved this!

Thank you,
Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,914
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,914
Scott,

An extraordinary piece of music!

There's almost too much to comment on - but, it's ALL good!!
The other-worldly beginning is cool. (especially the harpsichord sounding thingy)

An interesting write. Big words. Interesting words. Cool rhymes. There should be some kind of prize to win for that. A lot of thought went into this, I'm sure...

Excellent vocal. Really nice mix - and considering the number and variety of instruments, that's an achievement! Well done.

The production values here is through the roof. Impressive.

I got a sense of Donovan and John Denver and David Bowie getting together in 2019 to write a song that they all could like...

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,676
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,676
hi scott very engaging tune great mix and vocal spot on also loved the beginning well done sir thanks for sharing eric


AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Great sounds!

holy moly

like the intro, like the Bowie-like melody

I like what floyd said about Donovan, Denver, and Bowie

that instrument solo (maybe Brent) is twisted and contorted beautifully

very interesting song

some of the best taking Biab and making it sound different

enjoyed,

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,462
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,462
Clever start to your description.
The intro is interesting in & of itself but it doesn't relate to the rest of the song for me. Had you taken the melodic instrument into the 1st verse it may have tied them together but as is strikes me as an add on.
Your vocal delivery is, though a little thin, generally assured and smooth but you seem unnatural, almost staccato, when you sing "In the bar room and then we brawled".
With the change of drums for the section including "Extraordinary missionaries dancing on a sweating floor" I like the new pattern but the drums sound as if they're under a blanket and all to top ends are rubbed off making the section stand out for the wrong reason to my ears.
There's a cool reverse VST in guitarrig2 that can do what you did with the solo REALLY easily. It's a very effective sound if done sparingly as you've shown.
Cool song, well arranged and the balance within the mix is spot on.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,280
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,280
Nice! Very original. Great vocal, and I really like the horn going around the vocal, is that a synth? Worked really well.

That backwards melody you did, very cool ...

Great, enjoyed the listen!

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
You have an interesting sonic experience going on here...
The background tracks & effects heighten the lyrics you've chosen to sing...
The intro & interludes add yet another element to the experience.
You've done a good job on finishing up this 25 years ago creative writing exercise wink
I really enjoyed listening to your work.


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,892
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,892
This song really shows extraordinarly creativity smile Great lyrics, captivating start with "The CIA wiretaps my dreams", I like "scanning the cosmic void" part very much. You have used also nice effects to give a space like feeling. Nice arrangement with interesting details and combination of synth, electric and acoustic guitars, flutes. Space cowboy music I would say. Reminds me somehow of Peter Sarstedt.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Scott,
very entertaining!
Cool lyrics! Unusual and fun. Reverse melody was a nice twist. English horn (and flutes?) sit very well. I like synths. I think electronica and acoustics on this tune work very well. Would totally keep it. Makes the whole composition stand out and more interesting.

Not sure if you are open to views... Your vocals are great (in all respects!) but I feel that more bass is needed for the vocals to mix in better with the rest of the instruments. It feels to me that it is a bit on high side. My headphones are very "neutral". Maybe that is why it sounds like that. But on the other hand, if you are not open to comments, kindly disregard last few sentences and kindly do not hold it against me smile I totally loved this!

Thank you,
Misha.


Thanks, Misha. I have a listen at the low end through some different speakers.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Scott,

An extraordinary piece of music!

There's almost too much to comment on - but, it's ALL good!!
The other-worldly beginning is cool. (especially the harpsichord sounding thingy)

An interesting write. Big words. Interesting words. Cool rhymes. There should be some kind of prize to win for that. A lot of thought went into this, I'm sure...

Excellent vocal. Really nice mix - and considering the number and variety of instruments, that's an achievement! Well done.

The production values here is through the roof. Impressive.

I got a sense of Donovan and John Denver and David Bowie getting together in 2019 to write a song that they all could like...

fj


FJ, Thank you for your kind words!

F.M.M. #518071 01/15/19 01:35 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: F.M.M.
hi scott very engaging tune great mix and vocal spot on also loved the beginning well done sir thanks for sharing eric


Eric, thank you for taking the time to listen to my musical experimentation.

44kfl #518073 01/15/19 01:37 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Great sounds!

holy moly

like the intro, like the Bowie-like melody

I like what floyd said about Donovan, Denver, and Bowie

that instrument solo (maybe Brent) is twisted and contorted beautifully

very interesting song

some of the best taking Biab and making it sound different

enjoyed,

Kenny


Thanks, Kenny, for your time and your response.

rayc #518074 01/15/19 01:38 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: rayc
Clever start to your description.
The intro is interesting in & of itself but it doesn't relate to the rest of the song for me. Had you taken the melodic instrument into the 1st verse it may have tied them together but as is strikes me as an add on.
Your vocal delivery is, though a little thin, generally assured and smooth but you seem unnatural, almost staccato, when you sing "In the bar room and then we brawled".
With the change of drums for the section including "Extraordinary missionaries dancing on a sweating floor" I like the new pattern but the drums sound as if they're under a blanket and all to top ends are rubbed off making the section stand out for the wrong reason to my ears.
There's a cool reverse VST in guitarrig2 that can do what you did with the solo REALLY easily. It's a very effective sound if done sparingly as you've shown.
Cool song, well arranged and the balance within the mix is spot on.





Rayc, thanks for the feedback. I had boosted the top and low end on the percussion in the bridge. I'll go back and take another listen to that section.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Nice! Very original. Great vocal, and I really like the horn going around the vocal, is that a synth? Worked really well.

That backwards melody you did, very cool ...

Great, enjoyed the listen!


Thanks. That is a synth on the English horn, and I thought it sounded mighty close to the real thing.

Jim #518076 01/15/19 01:41 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: Jim
You have an interesting sonic experience going on here...
The background tracks & effects heighten the lyrics you've chosen to sing...
The intro & interludes add yet another element to the experience.
You've done a good job on finishing up this 25 years ago creative writing exercise wink
I really enjoyed listening to your work.


Thanks, Jim. I always appreciate your positive feedback.

jannesan #518077 01/15/19 01:43 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: jannesan
This song really shows extraordinarly creativity smile Great lyrics, captivating start with "The CIA wiretaps my dreams", I like "scanning the cosmic void" part very much. You have used also nice effects to give a space like feeling. Nice arrangement with interesting details and combination of synth, electric and acoustic guitars, flutes. Space cowboy music I would say. Reminds me somehow of Peter Sarstedt.

Janne


Thanks, Janne. I will have to look up Peter Sarstedt whom you referenced.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Full marks for originality - the lyrics and production are imaginative plus.
Really like the opening verse and the way you bring romance as well as sci-fi into the chorus.
Your vocals are always strong and clear - your tone and phrasing reminds me of Ian Tyson - giving the song a very 60`s feel.
Well done!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,667
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,667
My comments for the next few days will have to be brief as my wife just returned home from the hospital (twice since Christmas) and needs lots of attention. I apologize for the brevity but it's necessary. Thanks for understanding!

Talk about interesting! loved the intro - I immediately thought of Rod Serling. Excellent mix and transitions. Your vocals are always so dang good! Loved it from beginning to end. best to you,

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

Robertkc #518477 01/17/19 01:29 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Full marks for originality - the lyrics and production are imaginative plus.
Really like the opening verse and the way you bring romance as well as sci-fi into the chorus.
Your vocals are always strong and clear - your tone and phrasing reminds me of Ian Tyson - giving the song a very 60`s feel.
Well done!

Robert


Thanks, Robert. You are much too kind. I will have to give Ian Tyson a listen.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
Topics82,638
Posts747,477
Members38,836
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Dave Doeppel, kminht89, MichelleWoon, samehadaku, Jean Michel D
38,835 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 181
DC Ron 115
rsdean 102
Al-David 100
DrDan 85
Today's Birthdays
Barry Law, mcnach, RAY6INGS, Sudie
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5