|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284 |
Hi Folks. Here is a recent collaboration with Ray (rayc). I think it came out in style of pop rock ballad. Unfortunately, I was not able to do a more creative melody, but still this was interesting project. I wanted to try a different approach in recording vocals, as a result they are not very balanced...this was a dual mic experiment gone sideways a little. Constructive critique is always welcomed! Thank you for listening! Ray: lyrics, me: arrangement, vocals, mix. File These Memories
Lyrics: I’ve never been someone that you could talk to And I communicated like a bad mime And our life together seems like a walk through Burning minutes while you’re still in your prime It’s time we both just walk away And leave these memories in the ground Neither has anything to say Nothing to keep us hanging round I remember when the passion could burn through The apathy that filled up most of the day Now the burning leaves scars it didn’t use to Afterward there’s nothing left to say It’s time we both just walk away And leave the licence in the drawer Neither has anything to say No point us hanging round for more Both you and I have clearly seen this coming, Both you and I believing it was a crime Neither wanted to be first to start running It seems we’ve found a mutual starting time It’s time we both just walk away And filed these memories in the past Neither has anything to say And now the used by date has passed. I’ve never been someone that you could talk to I’ve never been the partner that you need Oh no, this life’s a nightmare to walk through That’s something which both of us should concede It’s time we both just walk away Let’s file these memories in the past Seal them in a lost yesterday And hope the pain won’t last. Things used: 921: Bass 2196:Piano RealDrums: LaPopJazzLaidbackEv16 2928: Guitar 1403:Guitar 796:Guitar 2462:Piano 2146:Sax. Recorded/mixed in Cakewalk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
Since I'm a recording slob...
I can't critique your recording techniques...
But I do enjoy this collaboration with Ray...
It sounds like it could a featured song in a film noir movie!
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279 |
Misha,
You did a great job with a throw away set of lyrics.
I love the backing you've created as well as the melody.
Thanks very much.
It's a difficult process to get right and requires the energy and persistent for experimentation that you possess.
Fabulous outcome!
Last edited by rayc; 06/09/19 05:01 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007 |
Really awesome collab guys! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,343 |
Very cool collaboration. Super vocal and loved the lyric. Well done. Some very cool chord progressions in this song. It just flows so nice. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,217 |
I enjoyed the song quite a bit - there's nothing the matter with it. Lyrics, mix, singing, instrumentation. It all worked for me. That said, since you asked for constructive feedback...  I didn't like the choice of reverb for the sax - to my ears, it sounded like it was in a warehouse. I love sax drenched in reverb - just not that particular reverb. I'm sure others will disagree with me. For vocals, I think the best thing you can do is articulate better. They were clearer in this mix than the last song I listened to, so that's an improvement. And I thought the doubling you did sounded fine (except for some nits I'll get into later). That's not meant to be a criticism of your voice. Quite the opposite! I enjoy listening to you sing, but often have a hard time figuring out what you're saying. Part of that is because your language is more eclectic than a typical pop song. That's great because your lyrics are interesting. But it's bad when trying to guess what you might have sung, because you're going to zig where other people zag. For example, the lyrics: I’ve never been someone that you could talk to
And I communicated like a bad mimeClever!  But what I heard was: I never been someone that you could talk to
And I communicate a guy bad mimeSimilarly: Neither wanted to be first to start running
It seems we’ve found a mutual starting timeThe first line was clear, the second... not so much. The word mutual is an unusual choice, and what I heard: Neither vanted to be first to start running
It seems ve foun a new shoe starting timeAlso, watch those /W/ sounds! In your defense... my kids complain that I can't hear them right, either.  A minor thing: sometimes you let a lot of vibrato get into your singing. That's fine, but don't let it creep into your background vocals. In general, background vocals should be bland so they don't detract from the foreground vocals. That generally means not quite as expressive, and no vibrato. All said - a good song, well done.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,784
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,784 |
Hi Misha (and Ray),
Your experiment with the vocals turned out good to me. Your voice(s) sounds bright and -particularly- louder.
They fit well in your mix. I am also experimenting with stereo recording the vocals (with varying success).
But your doubling of the voices is working ok, and I know it can be very difficult to align them.
It's true what David C said about articulating, but it happens in a lot of songs. In my country they had a tv-programm about this. Making fun of what you think someone was singing and what really was sung.
The lyrics are, as always, very good, as well as the composition and performance of your song.
I think your partnership with Ray is getting succesful. Are you already working on an album?
Bye,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,062 |
Good song guys!
Good lyrics from Ray and nice track from you. Love the scat at the end!
We experimented with using two mics a couple of years ago, recording the vocal with two totally different microphones and then blending during the mix, not sure if that's what you did. We stopped doing it after a couple of songs because I didn't feel it was worth it. But, always fun to experiment with different techniques. Your vocal sounded fine to me BTW.
Overall a good listen, enjoyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,930 |
Ray & Misha, An interesting write. Dark. And pretty far along the "negative feelings" path - makes one wonder why the split took as long as it did. Sounds like it was doomed from the start. That passion didn't seem to last long. " It’s time we both just walk away
And leave the licence in the drawer" That is a very original line! Cutting. " Neither wanted to be first to start running
It seems we’ve found a mutual starting time" Another original... " And now the used by date has passed." Clever. Almost too "clever" for the tone of the rest of the song. The melody works well to tell this story (there is something about it that seems familiar, but I can't put my finger on it). AH! after several listens it came to me...it has the sound and feel of a song from Danny O'Keefe's "Breezy Stories" album. One of my ALL-TIME favorite records. Misha, your phrasing here sounds much like Danny's on that record. IF you can find it, you might very much enjoy it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2y7exw-JNI&list=OLAK5uy_mMMEr7jZdWlRwq5R6crw8mtX2L5n2ilX8The vocal sounded fine to me. Mixed at a good level. I thought the sax reverb was fine (referring to David's comment). The piano sounded great. Bass, too. One small nit (to my ear) is the crispness of the hi-hats. I'm not a fan of being able to hear every single hi-hat hit - that becomes distracting to the ear. Y'all are doing interesting work together... fj
Last edited by floyd jane; 06/09/19 05:17 AM. Reason: add link to Breezy Stories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Misha & Ray,
A different style from your other collabs- it works for the theme of the song.
Its a sad story and that sax was a good choice for the breakup theme.
The dual mic thing is very interesting and to my ears the result here is good- it does seem louder on one channel, and maybe overall mixed a smidge louder than it needs to be.
As far as your phrasing goes, I rarely have trouble getting the lyrics- and I`m a listener that is turned off by slurred, heavily affected vocal styles.
Your accent brings so much colour I`d hate to hear you trying to sound more Anglo!
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,006
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,006 |
Misa / Ray,
Great sound! Good song and an excellent mix. I really like the vocal and arrangement.
Another great collaboration!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284 |
Jim, Thank you for taking time to listen and you feedback! ------------- Ray, Thank you for working with me on this! ------------- Ember, Thank you for your nice comment! ------------- Scott, Thank you for listening and your positive comments here and on SC! ------------- David, Thank you for listening and extensive review & honest suggestions, especially articulation! I agree with most of the great points your made! Some blurriness/muddiness comes from poor mixing. I probably should spend more time addressing stuff that can be easily addressed until I get my articulation right The lyrics are written by Ray, he can probably comment of it. ----------- Hans, Thank you for positive review in the Showcase and Sc! I understood the mistake I made using two mics. It is not so much of Stereo field that I am after, but to capture different mic characters on same vocal take. I am getting there. Need a couple of more songs to practice on, to get the process situated. ArTiCuLaTiOn!! Got it ! P.S. I just do this for fun, my production level is ages away from something that would be considered to be an album. I was thinking of idea of organizing things by year and naming it something - sort of an album ------------ Dave, Thank you for listening and nice words! I am not giving up on 2 mic recording! I think it has a lot of potential. Example: I got two favorite mics and one captures presence very well but bassy, the other is very bright & crisp but lacks fullness. So far, it is interesting to me, if it gets frustrating, I will switch back to single mic ------------ FJ, Thank you for listening and your comments! Dark! Sure! But also it gives a way out (choruses)... I do not usually do "relationship" tunes, but these lyrics had interesting twists that spoke to me. Thank you for pointing out High hats, I will look into it! And also will listen to Danny O'Keefe when I get back home. ----------- Bob, Thank you for listening and kind words! Misha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Great vibe!!! Love the really wet vocal and sax!! I think this is my favorite of yours for the vocal sound. Really interesting and moody piece.......liked it a LOT!! Great job guys!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279 |
Thanks folks,
Mine was the easy part. I wrote the majority of the lyric in an half hour sitting & was going to stash it with my other useless texts that may, someday, render a decent line to recycle but decided to send it to Misha as he'd turned a similar junker of mine - Hubris - into something decent.
He was up for an experiment.
All I did after that was add the final verse & chorus to meet the requirements of the backing's structure.
The tone & texture of the music is a million miles away from what I do & what I had, very vaguely & even more momentarily, considered.
For me the melodic rendering of the 1st line and the 1st chorus are worth the price of admission.
To have the rest of the song step as so well is an added bonus.
Thanks Misha.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
What a tune! A really solid collaboration, and despite the 'simple' nature to the tune, I thought it really packed a punch. Some interesting vocals and lyrics as well, and I thought the mix was really concise and professional sounding. It flows naturally, and smooth as butter. Really well done - thanks for sharing
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Great work on this Rustyspoon and Ray! I found this very easy to listen and rhythm is easy to follow. Very captivating lyrics. Well done to both of you!
Cheers,
Joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,153 |
"Bad mime" is worth the price of admission for us! A cool phrase amongst many others and cool lines. Experimenting is fun. I can't recall from my 50 years of off and on recording ever having tried two mics on a vocal. Many times on acoustic guitars, etc. Interesting. And the vocal works fine for us. We like the melody...whether you do or not And, well, you know Janice is always gonna love a scat! The session guys sound good and you mixed them well. The mix sounds good on our monitors...nice and open with everything occupying a good spot. We'll listen later on another system. Well done. J&B scat
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,249 |
Best vocals I've heard from you (I'm still new, only heard about five of your tracks), which really helps your always thought provoking lyrics. Came together nicely.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
Can a man say he "enjoyed" listening to such a sad and dark song? Sure... Why not. The backing worked well. The progression is so smooth. I'm not sure you couldn't have gotten a similar effect doubling (or tripling) the vocal track with different "EQ' and compression settings, but that might be more trouble than two mics. I'm no sound engineer.
Total package gets high marks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,284 |
Greg, Thank you for listening and extra positive feedback! ------------- Deryk, Thank you for taking time to listen and comment on this. Still faaaar away from professional level. Backing was all BIAB, that is why it so smooth ------------- Joe, Cool! glad you liked it! ------------- J&B Thank you for listening and your great feedback here and on SC! Actually I found it interesting using two mics for vocals. I do not use "matched" pair, quite opposite. Totally different character mics to grasp their character in one take. Probably a studio guru can get away with single mic, doubling the track and creating a different "feel"... But I think if I have 2 mics why not? I wanted to start a new topic on the subject, but need a bit more time to experiment. ------------- TuneMonger, Thank you for your supportive comments! ------------- Tangmo, Thank you! I do not think in terms of getting "better" sound, just enjoy experimenting. It is like fishing with two fishing rods. You might get a sunfish on one, but other might get a trout.... This reminds me, got to go fishing before summer ends. wishes wishes -------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,283
Posts802,670
Members40,081
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean