Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#555770 09/20/19 07:36 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,026
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,026
Hi, all:

Here's my latest collaboration with John Vaughan, who wrote these lyrics following the passing of a close friend. I'm determined to get better at mixing, so have sworn off taking on any new song projects until I YouTube myself to death on tutorials (lol), so be patient with me on this one. . . . but I think (and hope) it's well enough along to share. Thanks for the listen!

Here's the song:

Raise a Glass

Here are the lyrics:

Don’t want no flowers on my grave;
my life down on paper—the words will only fade.
Why not say those things to me when I’m still alive?
We’ve shared so many things, pal, now don’t be shy.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place to pass some time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

Poor preacher one day has to eulogize me
though I’ve been a stranger in his church most of my life;
see, when my time comes to go . . .
just say my friend wasn't perfect—he told me so.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find some place and drink the night away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

I don’t want you going all down hill.
Go find yourself a new best friend.
But I’ll tell you straight right now
it will never be the same somehow.
Damn, my eyes are watering again.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place and laugh the time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

And here's the Band:

Drums: Shaker Even 8ths
Bass: Real 2488, Acoustic, Bowed Held
Guitar: Real 2936, Fingerpicking Folk Waltz Fintan
Guitar: Real 2533, Acoustic, Held Chords
Accordion: Real 1752, Rhythm Pop 8ths
Harp: Real 2775, Rhythm Celtic Waltz
Viola: Real 2336, Background Pop
Mandolin: Real 1875, Soloist County

(c)2019 John Vaughan/DJ Lekich

Deej56 #555773 09/20/19 08:51 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,936
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,936
Really good vocal performance.
the mix is pretty tidy and the arrangement is cool.
the one thing that bothered me most is what seems like a constant pick scrap on one of the guitars.
It's actually the shaker but there's something strident in it that sounds like a pick scrape.
Nice lyric - excellent melody.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Deej56 #555803 09/21/19 04:01 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,135
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,135
Hi Deej,
This is a nice waltz about a sensitive subject. Christian

Deej56 #555810 09/21/19 04:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,453
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,453
This is really, really beautiful and sensitively done, for me at least. Just one small quibble: in some of the D major chords (towards the beginning), one guitar seems to often play a G natural (instead of an F sharp, perhaps?) Anyway, the foreign note jars a little, to my ears at least, that's all. It's a small quibble, but it happened about two or three times, that's why I thought I'd mention it. If it's deliberate - my apologies, haha ... it's just that it broke the spell a little for me. Otherwise - a really well and, again, sensitively done piece - good job!

EDIT: forget the quibble. Listening again - it seems to be a deliberate chord progression after all. Apologies - that's what happens when one comments after only one listen ...

Last edited by musician17; 09/21/19 04:42 AM.
Deej56 #555813 09/21/19 05:25 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,356
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,356
Man, the older we get and the more we see friends pass on the more contemplative songs like this get.

It's an obvious heartfelt write and vocal performance. Nice touch with the falsetto.

The light touch with the backing tracks helps accent the soulful vocal and the lyric.

Nice band and mix!

Well done and may he RIP.

J&B


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.
Deej56 #555960 09/22/19 08:15 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,043
Really fantastic tune!! Lyrics are beautiful and you completely did them justice....melody and vocal could not have fit better!! Wonderful vocal performance! This is a VERY moving song!! Take care. Greg

Deej56 #555982 09/22/19 09:32 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,428
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,428
Deej,

A nice song.

Your choice of backing works well for it and carries the sentiment nicely.

Your vocal on this is really well done. Nicely recorded and processed. Crisp and clear, but still "warm"....

Good mix all around.

fj

Deej56 #556104 09/23/19 05:06 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,248
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,248
Touching lyrics in an enjoyable warm and lush arrangement, I especially like how the viola brings color. Your excellent vocal delivery amazes me once again.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

Deej56 #556138 09/23/19 09:05 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,969
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,969
Loved the vocal. Super backtrack. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Deej56 #556144 09/23/19 10:48 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,813
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,813
Hi Deej,

You and John have some mighty fine collaborations and this sits comfortably alongside the best of them. I found the lyrics very visual as I listened. And as always, your singing is 24 carat gold.

I enjoyed the journey.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Deej56 #556198 09/23/19 07:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
B
Expert
Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
'Deej56'...

Right off the bat, the lyrics of Raise A Glass take center stage. The tone and the rhythm of them, the ease with which they flow, complement and connect to each other -- what I have learned is called 'prosody' -- is ear-catching, startling. It caused me to sit up straight to listen to them being sung.

And then, there's the emotional impact of the lyrics, the way they describe the commonality of the feelings we experience as we cope with the phenomenon of death, the way they validate the sentiments we express to console ourselves and others as we grieve and become lost in nostalgia for the dead. It's all true, man, every last single word of it -- to my ears and heart, at least.

The Real 'Band' is simply stunning in its artificially intelligent musicality, as it becomes one with the mood of the lyrics. This is as much a testimonial to your compositional skills as it is yet another head-shaking affirmation of the ever-increasingly 'real-sounding' instrumental accompaniment that Band in a Box produces.

It's powerfully obvious to me that you can't help but sing from your soul. Your voice has a unique character, sound, and style. You may as well be speaking, so easily do you communicate the meaning of Mr. Vaughan's lyrics. The vocal harmonies are haunting and soothing at the same time.

I raise my glass to your talents, and for sharing them with us, 'Deej56'.

Really impressed,

- bluage -


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
Deej56 #556215 09/24/19 12:11 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Great lyric. Very natural and conversational. You deliver it well and with a melody that is both fresh and comfortable. The band is just enough. With so many tracks, I was expecting "bigger", but your production and mix kept it simple...something not always easy to do.


BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
Deej56 #556236 09/24/19 04:58 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Nicely done smile A solidly executed waltz. It flows effortlessly and is beautiful and tender. A fine example of 'less is more' - I liked that you gave it lots of breathing room. It manages to sound lush and full without being crowded.

Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Really fantastic tune!! Lyrics are beautiful and you completely did them justice....melody and vocal could not have fit better!! Wonderful vocal performance! This is a VERY moving song!! Take care. Greg



+1!

Deej56 #556350 09/25/19 03:00 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,303
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,303
Sensational lyrics, Sensational presentation.

This could be something Dillon might have delivered.

Fantastic!


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Deej56 #556387 09/25/19 06:28 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Deej,
A very good write that rings true all the way through- love the hint of humour that`s there to balance the sadness.
The Fintan guitar track is great - and using a hold to emphasise the falsetto parts a nice touch.
As always your vocal is expressive and unique... processing sounding warm and clear.

Robert

Deej56 #556822 09/28/19 05:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,026
D
Deej56 Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,026
Ray, James, J&B, Greg, Floyd, Janne, Scott, Noel, blueage, Tangmo, Deryk, Josie, videotrack, Robert:

Thanks all for the listen and glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like the mix was closer to OK than I thought . . . oh well, blind squirrel and all smile Really appreciate the kind feedback and support.

Ray: Not sure I’m hearing the “pic scrape”, but I’ll need to put on the headphones and give it a closer listen—and then figure if there’s something I can do about it.

James: Yes, the chord change in the last measure before the chorus (which is where I think you are referencing) is intentional—although I likely could have kept it playing a single chord (can’t quite remember what key I ended up playing in this version, but it’s F, G when I play it on guitar—I could just play the F).

bluage: Your feedback is too kind . . . but really appreciated. Thanks.

My kind regards to all,

Deej

Deej56 #556839 09/28/19 06:41 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 239
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 239
Fantastic vocal performance. Well crafted, mixed, and produced song. I liked the vocal "oohs" going into the end of the song.
I did hear the "pick scrap" thing that Ray mentioned, but I think it was only because I was subconscious of it after reading his comment. Enjoyed listening.

Deej56 #557458 10/02/19 08:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,356
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,356
Back for another raise of the glass...we very much like this song.

J&B


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.
Deej56 #557549 10/03/19 12:47 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,665
What a great song!

Excellent writing, and man, that vocal! Just outstanding.

Mix sounds good to me, well done.

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
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,229
Posts776,565
Members39,598
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Sarah, GabyBrandan, PierreVW, gestes, TSIRY10
39,598 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 147
zedd 113
DC Ron 89
rsdean 87
nonchai 84
WaoBand 82
Today's Birthdays
Scotty, ThomasCriver
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5