Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#606601 07/15/20 07:14 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Hi, all! Well, once again, I have been caught up in some overwhelming situations of life that have kept me from being here as much as I desire to be. But I have been very busy, and have a few new songs that I will be sharing soon. Here's one to start with...

VIDEO - The Other Side Of Nowhere

SOUNDCLOUD - The Other Side Of Nowhere

This song is an ode to writer's block. I have never really had much of a problem with it (my problem would be more along the lines of writer's disruption.) smile But I think we all can relate. My oldest daughter is a prolific, published writer (won awards for essays.) We were talking recently about the most common way to deal with writer's block: simply get a paper and pen and start writing anything that comes into your head (no matter if it makes sense or not) until something starts coming together that you can work with - then build it from there. So I was talking to someone the other day and asked him where lived. He replied, "I live in the middle of nowhere." (A common phrase in Texas.) That got me to thinking - what's on the other side of nowhere? So I thought "the other side of nowhere" is a pretty good description of where we are when we are in writer's block. Hence, the birth of this song...

I hope you enjoy it. Realtracks listed below make a great band. I played the acoustic piano, organ and percussion parts, as well as the orchestration at the end. This was all tracked and mixed in Luna, UAD's free daw for owners of UAD thunderbolt interfaces. It's an amazing workstation, which I am really coming to love working with.


RealTracks/Drums used...

RealTracks in song: 3123:Bass, Acoustic, Pop8thsSteady Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 3520:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Americana16thsDelayBrent Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 3059:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Muted16thsFintan Ev16 080
RealTracks in song: 3133:Guitar, Resonator, Background FolkCoolEddyDelay Sw16 075
RealTracks in song: 3109:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaFolk16thsLowBrent Ev16 060
RealTracks in song: 3336:Piano, Electric, Rhythm LoungeFunkJeff Ev16 080
RealDrums in song: AmericanaRoots16th^03-a:Kick, Sidestick, b:Toms

----

The Other Side Of Nowhere
(Ode To Writer’s Block)
©2020, Stephen W. Young

I started off without a purpose

And I wandered off from there
And I'm just beneath the surface
Of a life without a care

And sometimes I think I'm special
And at times it's just not fair
Cause after all the dust has settled
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere

In the morning I drink coffee
Helps me open up my eyes
At night I dream that I'm somebody
But it's only my disguise

And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere

And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today

And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,408
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,408
Great song to listen to. Very interesting sound makes the song easy to listen to.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (1121) RB (1) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,108
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,108
Steve,

A very big WOW from me.

Your songs are always well written. But this one takes it to a whole new level. There is a different kind of "songwriter depth" to this lyric.

"I started off without a purpose

And I wandered off from there
And I'm just beneath the surface
Of a life without a care

And sometimes I think I'm special
And at times it's just not fair
Cause after all the dust has settled
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

Knocked me over.

And with...

"
And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today"

...you just kept it up.

"And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

OMG.

Your standard great production (you just can't go wrong with that Muted16thsFintan RT for this style song). Nice orchestration. And your standard great vocals and harmonies. Your standard excellent mix.

Do this more!!!

A great song. I do not say that lightly.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,838
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,838
Yep.... not bad for someone struggling with writer's block. I need some blocking like that right there.

Loved it. the dreamy musical background was perfect too along with the minimalist groove.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,216
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,216
Oh my word. STUNNING - and that's the least said. Minimalism to die for, as someone above mentioned ... and, let me say something right here ... the LYRICS ... wow. Because the musical side of the song is so well written, here, the lyrics may not be as noticed by some ... but, my word, you know how to write a lyric which strikes a chord with your audience - just as well as you write the music. Love it. Thank you for this, I needed this this afternoon.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,314
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,314
Hi Steve,

I love this song!

The mix of rhythm tracks had me hooked from the start.
The muted 16s and the funky EP - a fabulous combination.

And what a great idea for a song. Lyrics beautifully enhanced by
the video, which was entertaining in itself.

Plus of course, your amazing vocals which I've always admired.

One of your best, even though they're all really good!

Cheers,
ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,004
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,004
Nice backstory for the lyrics, although you give one meaning, I can find many other levels. Very clever writing.
Beautiful chord progression, simple but has enough hooks to enjoy.
Your voice carries the melody gently, especially in the bridge part which is that elevation I was really waiting for - soaring flight above the landscape of the passing day.
Arrangement is lush and still has lots of floating air between the instruments, the mix is crystal clear. Too bad that the strings are there only for a moment, they sound beautifully ethereal. Professional in every way.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Hi Steve
Wow indeed. Lyrics, arrangement and instrumentation are top notch. Your vocal is terrific, so warm and true. A great song on every level. (And yes, the path of least resistance has beckoned me too many times).
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,154
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,154
So good! Lovely sounds, love the reverb, and the strings come in at the end to lift it away.

Amazing production. Great singing. The instruments mesh together wonderfully.

As always, a real treat to listen to! laugh


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,879
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,879
Hi Steve ...
I*, too, have been redirected to a part of my personal life that leaves very limited time for music creation and/or listening. But I have a few minutes to listen to a few songs tonight. And oh my gosh ... what a fabulous way to start it off!

Your music is always such a pleasure to my ears and my brain. But this somewhat different direction from you just notches everything up a whole bunch of increments. This is simply wonderful in every possible way.

The track selection, the arrangement, mix, the tones, the blends, the simply mind-blowing lyric, and ... that simply wonderful vocal. Not sure what else i can add ... other than Di says you're stud-muffin-ess is almost as pretty as a plugged-in neon peacock. Uh ... that' a really top evaluation in her evaluation scheme.And I thought it was fantastic, my friend!

Your, mix, arrangement and vocal delivery reminded me somewhat of our own Greg Johnson. And I, for one, would give 3 months income to be able to sing even half as wonderfully as either of you.

Thank you for this wonderful listening treat ... it was so soothing!

Wishing you the vert best. Please be safe!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB 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

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 181
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 181
I love your voice, Steve. Excellent production. Everything works great together. Really enjoyed your video too. Top notch all the way! Cheers, Todd

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,175
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,175
Such a pro, radio-ready production, and a terrific lyrical theme as well. This is easily my favorite from you. Listening over and over.


Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,005
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,005
I was finishing up listening to another forum user's some, and this song played next. It captured me immediately.

This is pro all the way: writing, singing, production. You've got a winner here.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,619
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,619
Allllllll very, very good but the vocal and melody make the song live.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,986
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Great song to listen to. Very interesting sound makes the song easy to listen to.


Thanks, Jim! Glad you enjoyed this one.

Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Steve,

A very big WOW from me.

Your songs are always well written. But this one takes it to a whole new level. There is a different kind of "songwriter depth" to this lyric.

"I started off without a purpose

And I wandered off from there
And I'm just beneath the surface
Of a life without a care

And sometimes I think I'm special
And at times it's just not fair
Cause after all the dust has settled
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

Knocked me over.

And with...

"
And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today"

...you just kept it up.

"And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

OMG.

Your standard great production (you just can't go wrong with that Muted16thsFintan RT for this style song). Nice orchestration. And your standard great vocals and harmonies. Your standard excellent mix.

Do this more!!!

A great song. I do not say that lightly.

fj


Floyd, you just made my day! I have immense respect for your talents and writing abilities. So glad to see your very kind words about this one! Thanks so much!

Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Yep.... not bad for someone struggling with writer's block. I need some blocking like that right there.

Loved it. the dreamy musical background was perfect too along with the minimalist groove.


Herb, always great to hear from you! Really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this one and post your kind words. Glad you like it.

===

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
G
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
G
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
Hi Steve.
Everything about this song is first class!
the Production
the lyrics
the voice.
Who needs the crappy radio when you can hear such quality right here ?

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,094
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,094
Steve,
Different from other tunes I have heard by you (in a good way smile ). Interesting idea concept. Very well composed and singed. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,842
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,842
What a great sound, Steve. SO wonderfully mixed; a very pleasing production. Love the lyrics and the vocals. Great instrumentation.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,607
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,607
Steve

Another stunning write, just lovely. Fantastic vocal, lyric and tune,beautifully produced.

Superb.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,678
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,678
Hi Steve great production very memorable song love your choice of instruments and the lyrics were awesome love your stuff you produce 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
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
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows 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 with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until December 31, 2024! 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 Windows 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!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 19 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 19 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2024 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We’ve got 200 new styles coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres as well as the second iteration of our Blues volume!

In this PAK you'll find: soft singer-songwriter pop, New Orleans grooves, lilting country waltzes, tight ‘n’ groovy funk, garage punk, smooth soul, gospel jazz, up-tempo train grooves, and more variations on the blues than you’ll know what to do with! Xtra Style PAK 19 features these styles and many, many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 19 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 19.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 19 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2024 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or 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 8 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 8 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2024 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 32 RealTracks/RealDrums!

With XPro Styles PAK 8 there are the usual 75 styles spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each), as well as 25 styles utilizing world music instruments, bringing the total to an even 100.

Here’s a sample of what XPro Styles PAK 8 has to offer: 12-8 country-rock ballads, cool soul-jazz, easy listening Americana, hip-hop beats, Latin jazz-fusion, classic rock, electronic dance music, heavy modern-jazz, charming indie-folk, and even some experimental ‘60s rock! Order’s up and hot to go!

Special Pricing! Until December 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 8 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 8 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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 19 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 19 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2024 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We’ve got 200 new styles coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres as well as the second iteration of our Blues volume!

In this PAK you'll find: soft singer-songwriter pop, New Orleans grooves, lilting country waltzes, tight ‘n’ groovy funk, garage punk, smooth soul, gospel jazz, up-tempo train grooves, and more variations on the blues than you’ll know what to do with! Xtra Style PAK 19 features these styles and many, many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 19 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of Xtra Styles PAK 19

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 19 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2024 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or 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 8 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 8 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2024 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 32 RealTracks/RealDrums!

With XPro Styles PAK 8 there are the usual 75 styles spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each), as well as 25 styles utilizing world music instruments, bringing the total to an even 100.

Here’s a sample of what XPro Styles PAK 8 has to offer: 12-8 country-rock ballads, cool soul-jazz, easy listening Americana, hip-hop beats, Latin jazz-fusion, classic rock, electronic dance music, heavy modern-jazz, charming indie-folk, and even some experimental ‘60s rock! Order’s up and hot to go!

Special Pricing! Until December 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 8 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 8 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Generate Lyrics for your Band-in-a-Box songs with LyricLab!

Need some lyrics to complete your Band-in-a-Box song? LyricLab is here to help!

LyricLab (by Joanne Cooper) is an AI-powered tool designed to quickly create lyrics and chords to fit your music. Just enter a rough idea of your lyrics, and let the AI bring them to life. Once you're happy with the results, simply import the LyricLab file into Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or newer. From there, you can pick your style and generate melodies to match your song’s chords!

Learn more about LyricLab here!

Watch the video.


Band-in-a-Box 2024 Italian for Mac is Here!

Ci siamo dati da fare e abbiamo aggiunto oltre 50 nuove funzionalità e una straordinaria raccolta di nuovi contenuti, tra cui 222 RealTracks, nuovi RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, due nuovi set di "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 e altro ancora!

Tutti Pacchetti | Nuove Caratteristiche

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics83,198
Posts755,269
Members39,063
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
asom2me, Major Grant, ottsch, roshpack, Benj Clarke
39,063 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 266
DrDan 164
Rob Helms 152
MarioD 131
rharv 112
Noel96 106
DC Ron 106
Today's Birthdays
David Fisher
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5