|
|
|
|
#570396 - 12/13/19 07:32 PM
[User Showcase]
My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
Hi all, have recently bought BIAB and this is my first attempt at using it. Really impressed with the software and looking forward to getting into it properly. The song is called "Puppets and Clowns", musically not sure how I would describe it, bit of a crossover with horns and pedal steel, lyrically it's a bit of a rant about things in the UK - seems apt to post it on election day here! The lyric is in the link, feel free to sing along in the chorus :-) https://www.djhsongs.co.uk/osl-puppetsCheers, David Style is _CTRYROK.STY (3 Guitar Country Rock) RealTracks in style: ~~684:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 120 RealTracks in style: ~~405:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2110:Horn Section, Background, R&B Ev16 110 RealTracks in style: ~~522:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 120 RealTracks in song: ~~621:Pedal Steel, Background Easy Ev 136 RealDrums [in style:NashvilleEven8^5-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570423 - 12/14/19 02:46 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 4577
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 4577
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
|
Nice one David, That's a nice calm response to circumstances you're now in. The arrangement is good, the use of stops etc is good. All I'd suggest is to look at the vocal processing to reduce the soft edges a little - the warm, gentle vocal is a little absorbed into the mix and might do better a little louder or EQd differently to cut through. The Murdoch press really did a savage hit job in the last few days. Oh well, you've joined the US & Australia in the primate cage. Cool song.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570434 - 12/14/19 05:36 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: rayc]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
Thanks for that, I don’t really have the voice I want for this type of song – not edgy enough so did keep the vocals low, but will try playing with the EQ a bit.
The Primate Cage - great name for an album :-)
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570443 - 12/14/19 06:37 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10290
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10290
Loc: Florida
|
David,
This is very good.
An excellent write. A solid lyric and good prosody throughout.
A nice production. The horns are really well done - they blend in so well - supportive without drawing attention to themselves. Really nice mix.
I like the vocal. It could use a small touch of EQ bump (maybe) in the upper range to lift it slightly, but it is qutie good as is...
Welcome to the Showcase. A good entry.
fj
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570491 - 12/14/19 09:31 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 12/31/09
Posts: 139
Loc: Oklahoma
Apprentice
Registered: 12/31/09
Posts: 139
Loc: Oklahoma
|
Love the Lyrics - Very nice bit of work!
If you have time - can you please post the lyrics?
Thanks!!!
Edited by jimmadsen (12/14/19 09:36 AM)
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570495 - 12/14/19 09:37 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 11/18/19
Posts: 362
Loc: Chicago, IL
Journeyman
Registered: 11/18/19
Posts: 362
Loc: Chicago, IL
|
David - First of all - I really enjoyed that song, and the lyrics are very well done and share the quality of being relevant and speaking a truth, which is an of element of many great songs. Musically, I really like the way the song just jumps right in and hits you with a nice hook and chorus right off the start - no waiting around for that big moment that never arrives with some songs  . So overall, well done and very enjoyable, and quite catchy, and for me a chance to gain just a bit of insight into the political climate there in the UK. Now, if you're looking for small things to improve, I can offer a couple, and I'm totally willing to take it as well as dish it out. The horns might be toned down or softened just a bit - I felt they were just a bit too forward. The vocals sounded good to me - I think the effect is a good one and keeps the vocals nice and round but defined, and they suited the tune just right. One last thing I would offer is that you could mix things up a bit more throughout the song by changing up the BIAB tracks in certain bars, or even adding some little flourishes here and there with drums or cymbals or the like - just very subtle. Now that's easy for me to say but I'm new to BIAB and I don't yet have a good handle on those techniques but I'm sure that others can offer some insight and you probably need a chance to dive into that as well. Last thing - a general comment - I've found that when creating music, for me its better to just try all sorts of crazy things and make a ton of mistakes along the way rather than to try to methodically create something. I often end up throwing out a lot of junk, but every so often I stumble across a phrase or sound that I had never expected, and those are often the best. Everyone has to find the approach that works best for them, so keep on creating and having fun!
_________________________
Ed Z Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570570 - 12/14/19 04:41 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6715
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Veteran
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6715
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
|
Very cool song. Love the vocal delivery. Simple, bare and powerful at the same time. Well timed lyrics. Well done and welcome to the forum
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570572 - 12/14/19 04:50 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1823
Loc: Virginia USA
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1823
Loc: Virginia USA
|
I love the sound that you created with the BIAB instrumentation. Catchy and toe-tapping tune. I have a friend in the UK who isn't happy with the election results. I am quite surprised myself as an observer here in the colonies.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570595 - 12/14/19 09:42 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 3822
Veteran
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 3822
|
David, Nice work on first BIAB tune! Strong, thought out arrangement. Vocals fit very well, but I agree with Ray. Something in EQ/FX has to be done to bring them out somewhat. Good stuff! Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570603 - 12/15/19 12:48 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: jimmadsen]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
Love the Lyrics - Very nice bit of work!
If you have time - can you please post the lyrics?
Thanks!!! Thanks Jim, as requested: PUPPETS AND CLOWNS So finally it’s here I’d hoped it’d never come The moment when you realize These things can’t be undone There is no turning back To the way it was before We had our chance to save it But the warnings were ignored The writing on the wall Clear enough to see Written in the blood Of a dying democracy The lines are being drawn Time to choose your side The puppets and the clowns Or the ones who stand with pride The things that I have seen I would never have believed Old lady getting knocked down By a thug from the police A man who read aloud The words that Churchill wrote Dragged away to jail For the hurty words he spoke And it makes no sense to me How far we’ve gone astray We used to be Great Briton But they threw the great away There must have been a plan To get us to this point With the puppets and the clowns in charge And the media they bought Chorus Don’t be afraid to see just what you see Tell it like it is coz that’s what you believe They’ll try to put you down with their isms and their ists But facts don’t care for feelings when the truth Is what it is This is my voice - These are my words This is my truth From what I’ve learned This is my truth - These are my words This is my voice Will it be heard And the men who went before Who sacrificed their lives Fighting for the freedoms That these people so despise What would they think to see The state we have become Ruled by foreign powers As if they hadn’t won They say the people get The government deserved But all we get are quislings Is that really all we're worth There must be someone better Who can turn these things around Or are we doomed just to be ruled By the puppets and the clowns Repeat Chorus When young I swore allegiance To the country and the queen To honour and defend this land From our enemies I never used to doubt That we would stand and win But now I’m not so sure Since the enemys within They stalk the halls of power As their numbers start to rise Take away our freedoms With their deceit and lies History will show you Their evil knows no bounds They’re liars, cheats, the hypocrites The puppets and the clowns Repeat Chorus
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570605 - 12/15/19 01:06 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: floyd jane]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
David,
This is very good.
An excellent write. A solid lyric and good prosody throughout.
A nice production. The horns are really well done - they blend in so well - supportive without drawing attention to themselves. Really nice mix.
I like the vocal. It could use a small touch of EQ bump (maybe) in the upper range to lift it slightly, but it is qutie good as is...
Welcome to the Showcase. A good entry.
fj Thanks FJ, it's a pleasure to be here and I will have another go at the vocal processing to lift it a bit. I tend to consider my voice as a guide vocal and so keep it lower in the mix.
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570606 - 12/15/19 01:53 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: EdZ314]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
David - First of all - I really enjoyed that song, and the lyrics are very well done and share the quality of being relevant and speaking a truth, which is an of element of many great songs. Musically, I really like the way the song just jumps right in and hits you with a nice hook and chorus right off the start - no waiting around for that big moment that never arrives with some songs  . So overall, well done and very enjoyable, and quite catchy, and for me a chance to gain just a bit of insight into the political climate there in the UK. Now, if you're looking for small things to improve, I can offer a couple, and I'm totally willing to take it as well as dish it out. The horns might be toned down or softened just a bit - I felt they were just a bit too forward. The vocals sounded good to me - I think the effect is a good one and keeps the vocals nice and round but defined, and they suited the tune just right. One last thing I would offer is that you could mix things up a bit more throughout the song by changing up the BIAB tracks in certain bars, or even adding some little flourishes here and there with drums or cymbals or the like - just very subtle. Now that's easy for me to say but I'm new to BIAB and I don't yet have a good handle on those techniques but I'm sure that others can offer some insight and you probably need a chance to dive into that as well. Last thing - a general comment - I've found that when creating music, for me its better to just try all sorts of crazy things and make a ton of mistakes along the way rather than to try to methodically create something. I often end up throwing out a lot of junk, but every so often I stumble across a phrase or sound that I had never expected, and those are often the best. Everyone has to find the approach that works best for them, so keep on creating and having fun! Thanks Ed, really appreciate your comments. I must admit to be being very proud of the lyric - now included in an earlier reply. When you say "changing up the BIAB tracks in certain bars" I take it that means changing the styles. I have only really scraped the surface of what BIAB can do, so much to learn but so much fun to be had!
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570625 - 12/15/19 06:19 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: Scott C]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
Very cool song. Love the vocal delivery. Simple, bare and powerful at the same time. Well timed lyrics. Well done and welcome to the forum Thanks Scott, much appreciated and think I might have to have a bit more faith in my vocals :-)
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570627 - 12/15/19 06:37 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: Ezekiel's Storm]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
I love the sound that you created with the BIAB instrumentation. Catchy and toe-tapping tune. I have a friend in the UK who isn't happy with the election results. I am quite surprised myself as an observer here in the colonies. Thanks, it's incredible what it can come up with, once I've got to grips with it properly I think it's going to push me to do much more. Politicians are all as bad as each other really - we need to get a businessman as a leader!
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570628 - 12/15/19 06:49 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: Rustyspoon#]
|
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
Enthusiast
Registered: 12/12/19
Posts: 40
Loc: UK
|
David, Nice work on first BIAB tune! Strong, thought out arrangement. Vocals fit very well, but I agree with Ray. Something in EQ/FX has to be done to bring them out somewhat. Good stuff! Thank you for sharing.
Misha. Thanks Misha, I'm looking forward to working on the EQ/FX (the dark arts!) next week to try and give it a final polish.
_________________________
My BIAB Songs BIAB 2021 PlusPAK, Reaper, W10
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570659 - 12/15/19 01:05 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 06/16/00
Posts: 1944
Loc: Texas
Expert
Registered: 06/16/00
Posts: 1944
Loc: Texas
|
Great first attempt at using Biab... In our country, we would call it a protest song... And we had a lot of practice writing them... I'm not really up on the politics of your country... We've got hands full over here... But I not really sure what our hands are full of  Anyway I enjoyed listening to your song.
_________________________
Jim †=☮&♥
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570671 - 12/15/19 01:45 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1362
Loc: Denmark
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1362
Loc: Denmark
|
Wow! Great entry to this forum. Very nice written song... although the lyrics make me a bit sad, because they are so true...
You did an excellent job with BiaB and I look forward to hear more songs from you.
Will
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570863 - 12/16/19 05:21 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
|
I liked it a lot and you did everything well, so kudos. How did you get the horns to crescendo when you needed? I have a hard time with that.
Edited by TuneMonger (12/17/19 01:03 AM)
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570884 - 12/16/19 08:07 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 08/24/07
Posts: 1794
Loc: Florida, USA
Expert
Registered: 08/24/07
Posts: 1794
Loc: Florida, USA
|
Hi David, welcome to the forum. Pretty good first at it. Nice vocals and arrangement. I normally do not give advice on how to do things here but in my humble opinion the background accompaniment sounds a little muted an can benefit from cranking it up a little so we can appreciate better the horns. At least that's how thy sound in my cans. Other than that, nice composition.
Best regards
Mike B.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#570891 - 12/16/19 11:37 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: My 1st BIAB song - Puppets & Clowns
[Re: djames]
|
Registered: 10/31/08
Posts: 17788
Loc: Australia
Veteran
Registered: 10/31/08
Posts: 17788
Loc: Australia
|
Hi David,
Welcome to the forum!
There's no doubt about it, Britain has certainly been pulled left, right, up and down over the last couple of years. It must be quite frustrating for many ordinary people.
This is a really good song. The groove appealed to me and the overall vibe that you created was very easy on the ears.
I'm looking forward to hearing more from you.
Regards, Noel
_________________________
LINKS TO MY BIAB/RB SONGS
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How to: Select Styles, RealTracks, and MIDI SuperTracks in Band-in-a-Box®
How to: Associating Song Files with Band-in-a-Box® for Mac
The Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Mac Ends Sunday, July 31st!
Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Windows Review
A 5-STAR reveiew - wow!
Read what Sound-Guy (Dennis) has to say about Band-in-a-Box® 2022 with their latest review, Review: Band-in-a-Box 2022.
"Band in a Box continues to evolve as an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to compose, arrange and mix songs."
-Dennis J Wilkins
Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Windows is eXtra Ready!
We've made Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Windows eXtra Ready!
Thinking of adding the new XPro Styles PAK 3 and Xtra Styles PAK 13 to your Band-in-a-Box 2022 for Windows? Download the latest program update, which adds support for these new Add-ons!
Oh, and the XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are ON SALE until July 31st... save up to 40%!
Learn more, listen to demos, and purchase:
XPro Styles PAKs
Xtra Styles PAKs
Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Mac - Special EXTENDED to July 31st!
Great news! We've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Mac special until July 31st!
Order during our special and save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2022 for Mac upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK!
Purchase your copy of Band-in-a-Box® 2022 during our special and add over 50 new features and a FREE Bonus PAK! We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some amazing Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2022 packages, but for more even more Add-ons (including 60 Bonus RealTracks, MIDI SuperTracks Set 35: All Guitar, Instrumental Studies Set 17: Classic Country Guitar Soloing, Artist Performance Set 12: Songs with Vocal Volume 2, RealDrums Stems Set 2, and Look Ma! More MIDI 8) upgrade it to the 2022 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in these packages, and listen to demos here.
Check out our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available. Need help deciding? Let us know - we're here to help!
How to: Connect a MIDI Keyboard and Change Patches in Band-in-a-Box® for Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36361 Members
64 Forums
75253 Topics
661552 Posts
Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|