Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hi everybody,

I hope that you’re not mad at me, but I’m still not in the situation to follow the forum or work on new songs, because Maha is still in a very bad shape and whenever it looks like there’s some progress , we don’t have to wairt long for a setback - after so many months it’s not easy to stay optimistic.

Since some of you wrote thhat I should nevertheless post older stuff that I haven’t posted before that’s what I’m gonna do today.

YOU’RE A MUST HAVE is a song that I had written (guess for whom...) in 2009 and it was meant to be played with my then band. But since we disbanded soon after, the song landed in some drawer, until I decided to continue my ‘musical llife’ with BIAB instead of a real band in December 2015..

So that song was the very first attempt to realize my own ideas with that devine software, and - along with my first and still very simple (and personal) video (actually it was more or less a slide show) became a birthday present for Maha.

About two years later I thought that that very song could also ‘work’ with a totally different arrangement, so the ‘rough version’ was born along with a (hopefully) more entertaining video .

Since I never was really satisfied with the original 2017 arrangement I revised it in 2020 and Maha re-mixed it.

Maybe it’s interesting for some of you to compare these two versions:

1. You’re A Must-Have (the original 2015/6 gentle version

AUDIO

2. You’re A Must-Have (the 2017 ‘rougher’ version

Video

Audio

Musical Data:

1. 2015 version:

DRJONROK.STY (= MIDI style), added the horns (tb, ts and tp) via RealBand using the built-in Synth, I think.

Mixed in RealBand using it's built-in FX plug-ins.

2. 2017 version

These are the incredible musicians who accompany me with the latest version (wish I was worth it...):

Alex Al, b (RT 2609)
Audley Freed, g (RT 499)
Jason Roller, g (RT 406)
Jack Pearson, g (RT 582)
Gene Rabbal, B3 org (RT 671)

Drums: MT-Powerdrums2 (edited by me)
Saxes: Big Fish Vintage Horns (via Kontakt), arr. + progr. by me

Vocals: me

With this version Maha used Reaper + some Waves plug-ins and Ozone 8 for mastering.

Thank you very much for taking the time to listen and watch.

All the very best to all of you,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Stefen,
Nice to see you pop up here today!

So sorry to hear Maha's situation lingers on.
Your devotion to her is a blessing, I'm sure.
My best whished go to you both.

Your music is always an inspiration to me and your videos are joy to watch.
You made my day with this one.

Thanks

moto

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Very sorry to hear Maha is struggling, Stefan. The song you wrote for her is excellent and you sing it so well. I like both versions. Man, you are the master of horns. A highly entertaing video as always. Best wishes to you both.
Regards,
Leon

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
G
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
G
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 420
Stefan
An entertaining video and music.You have put a lot of work into this and the results are awesome.

also sending get well wishes to your Maha.
regards
Gary.

Last edited by Gary Weder; 10/13/21 09:54 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,619
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,619
Stefan,
Both versions are fabulous...the horns in the softer one seem more sophisticated but hat may be becasue there's less competition.
The video was a total hoot.
Great song, great humour and a great working couple.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,681
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,681
Hi Stefan,

This song is great - right up my alley.

Versions - I like Version 2 because the vocals are significantly better.

Horns - great - this is exactly what I have been requesting from BIAB for many years.

Mix - spot on.

Video - very enjoyable.

A great package - well done.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,002
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,002
Lovely upbeat romantic rock'n'roll.

Nice arrangement, very good work at horns once again.

I prefer the first version, because it is more gospel and strangely has James Brown vibe. No complaints about the second one though, it is more straightforward and faster, the vocals are very good, especially the ending.

Funny video, you and Maha have done great work!

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,842
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,842
Paul McCartney plays guitar and bass right- or left-handed and tuned rightside up or upside down. That's impressive. When I saw the opening of the 2015 version, I thought "Man, this guy is just as impressive." For other reasons of course. Loved it right through to the rose garden. You guys are surely one of the most entertaining treasures this forum has to offer.

Both of the videos were entertaining, and you're right about the later one being more so, but the old birthday one was much more touching. A real treasure. It was interesting to read the differences in your lyrics.

"Your such sweet stuff, Baby. I'm ready for an overdose." That says it all, Stefan, so keep sending us anything you got in your vault.


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: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,003
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,003
You are the Benny Hill of German-produced music videos. Hahahahahaaaa! You are the master of characterization. I loved the character bits at the end.

Great song and vocal performance. One of my favorite Stefan songs so far.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,152
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,152
Hi, Stefan.

That was fun! The first version was good, but I thought the second was musically a lot tighter.

Thanks for digging back in the archives! 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: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,175
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,175
Great job, that video looks like a lot of work. Put a smile on my face for sure. Hoping for the best for Maha.


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: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,105
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,105
Stefan & Maha,

FUN! sounds great. A lot of work went into that video!!

Best to you both.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,090
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,090
Stefan + Maha
Very cool original stuff. I liked the "rougher" version better, more emotional I guess. Or maybe it is the magic of the motion picture? With the videos I have seen, I think even Liberace would be jealous of your wardrobe. Brilliant write and fun video. Great mix/sound. Stefan, thank you for sharing and best regards to Maha.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
B
Expert
Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Stefan...

If extraterrestrials ever arrive in our solar system with the intention of studying how the universal phenomenon of 'true' love manifests itself among the inhabitants of planet Earth, after listening to your song they would probably declare that their 'search-and-discovery' mission had ended before they even got started!

In my life I have known only a few men who have openly declared their loving feelings for their life-mates as persistently, as directly, and with as much devotion as you have demonstrated in many of the musical productions that you have posted on this forum.

The inclusion of the torrent of photos of Ms. Maha to the video only heightens the sense of the total rapture you obviously experience as a result of her inspiring presence in your life.

With that in mind, I'll tell you that other than the addition of the photos, I perceived no differences between the two productions of your song in terms of feeling, tone, and musical distinctiveness. The song is all about your contemplation of the impact she has had on your existence, and as such, there is nothing else to be said -- by me, at least.

Well, okay, okay, if I was forced to make a comment on some other aspect of the production, I would declare that your horns writing is even more powerful than it was before.

As always, I wish the best for Ms. Maha, and I hope that you will continue to find the strength-in-loving that she generates in you.

Last edited by bluage; 10/14/21 07:10 PM.

"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,750
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,750
Very cool song Stephan. Super vocal and backtrack. Excellent mix. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Stefen,
Nice to see you pop up here today!

So sorry to hear Maha's situation lingers on.
Your devotion to her is a blessing, I'm sure.
My best whished go to you both.

Your music is always an inspiration to me and your videos are joy to watch.
You made my day with this one.

Thanks

moto


Hello Moto,

thank you so much for your very kind words, especially for your good wishes for Maha. We've been in a rather depressing situation for months now and I still cannot see its end.

I'm glad that you liked the song and enjoyed the video - that's more than one can expect, right?

I will try to return to the forum as soon as possible.

All the best,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Very sorry to hear Maha is struggling, Stefan. The song you wrote for her is excellent and you sing it so well. I like both versions. Man, you are the master of horns. A highly entertaing video as always. Best wishes to you both.
Regards,
Leon


Hi Leon,

that was a very nice comment - thanks a lot. I'm always glad to read that you enjoyed listening and watching.

I do hope I can come back to the forum soon.

Take care,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Originally Posted By: Gary Weder
Stefan
An entertaining video and music.You have put a lot of work into this and the results are awesome.

also sending get well wishes to your Maha.
regards
Gary.


Hi Gary,

I was happy to read that you found my post entertaining - that's waht it was supposed to be. So thanks a lot for your kind words and even more for your good wishes for my wife (who is still having the most difficult time of her life).

Best regards,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Originally Posted By: rayc
Stefan,
Both versions are fabulous...the horns in the softer one seem more sophisticated but hat may be becasue there's less competition.
The video was a total hoot.
Great song, great humour and a great working couple.


Dear Ray,

thank you so much for taking the time to listen and watch - I'm always glad to receive yor appreciated comments.

Yes, you're right: The horns of the first version are more sophisticated than those of the second. I think this is due to a) the rougher backing track of #2 and b) the fact that the second horns version is saxes only. While it's comparably easy to make a well-sounding horns arrangement for trumpets, trombones or the classical three-piece Chicago horns section, saxes do not sound as well when they're MIDI. So I had to keep them simpler to be as effective as possible. I think that this was and will the only song with a sheer saxes arrangement.

Once again thanks a lot for your comment - I do hope I will find the time and the calm to return to the forum soon - at the moment Maha is still in such a depolorable shape that she needs my full attention.

All the best, and have a pleasent weekend.

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Hi Stefan,

This song is great - right up my alley.

Versions - I like Version 2 because the vocals are significantly better.

Horns - great - this is exactly what I have been requesting from BIAB for many years.

Mix - spot on.

Video - very enjoyable.

A great package - well done.

Best Regards
Nigel


Hi Nigel,

thanks a lot for your kind words - I'm really flattered that I seem to meet your taste of music.

As to the singing in version 1: That was my first vocal attempt after almost seven yoears - and, yes, it showed.

Thanks again and all the best,

Stefan

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! 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

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Mac Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK & 7, Xtra Styles PAK 17 & 18, und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics83,181
Posts755,126
Members39,058
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
Buffalo 9, frubbers, JohnFran1960, jblackie, JazzyAlex
39,058 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 264
DrDan 165
Rob Helms 152
MarioD 131
rharv 108
DC Ron 106
Noel96 102
Today's Birthdays
bluestu, J. Rich, Mel Laraway
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5