Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#756556 03/04/23 06:58 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Hello Folks,
I've not posted a new track in a while.
I've been busy writing & recording with a couple of things close to finished but not quite.
This is something I started a couple of days ago which I decided to post as it could use some outside ears.
SPIDER
Here's an update based on the comments thus far:
SPIDER 6
UPDATE with draft vocal,(aggressively chopped and tuned for phrasing and pitch):
SPIDER w Draft Vox
It was built from _Majesty_Sty. Majesty Psych Rock March Solo.
I've retained Organ 671 throughout and used bits of the solo guitar that is part of the style as well as RealDrum Praise Worship 16^2 for the verses. I swapped, (in Reaper),to ProgRockCanSlow16^ for the chorus. Oddly the chorus RealDrums have a lot of kick/bass drum on the right side so I've had to split the track and use some tricks to make the bottom end mono.
The rest of the parts are built with:
Knockhoffner bass through a Behringer Comp pedal then a Behringer BDI21
Squistang & Harleybacker 12 string through a Joyo ACtone pedal with different voiings for each part.
I double tracked the chorus rhythm guitars and panned them fairly wide.
While the ACtone is pretty good, it's cab sim isn't as fab so I used speaker impulses in ReaVerb VST rather than reverb files. That works a treat.
Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
LYRICS...WARNING - not pleasant reading.
There may be some references that are unfamiliar with non Australians, (some of this is recollection of my childhood in the 60s), I had a vague idea a couple of days ago but it came to me almost complete late last night:
Spider
Escape into a nursery rhyme
Little Golden Book or two
Wooden seat, wooden desk
Wooden rule on legs for you
Times were simpler
But evil preached & taught
Fresh milk delivered daily
Still the innocents were caught

A diet of Combat, Disney, Magazines
The Monkee Mobile & Batman’s too
Where boys don’t cry – no in between
What would The Man From Uncle do?
And the itsby bitsy spider
From behind its rock came out
With the power of authority
As our parents would spout.
You must respect your elders
You must all know our place
You must only speak when spoken to
You must look them in the face

Sun warmed milk
No matter your lactose state
Stacked in steel crates
By the cyclone fence gate
In the 50s of silence
The 60s of obey
There was no escape
There was no chance to say

Saved from the inkwell smear
A yellow, plastic tube of blue
When the corporeal was real to fear
What would Crusader Rabbit do?
And the itsby bitsy spider
From behind its rock came out
With the power of authority
As our parents would spout.
We must respect our elders
We must all know our place
We must only speak when spoken to
We must look them in the face

A transistor radio so soon to be a teen
Maxwell Smart & 99 too
Where girls don’t tell – just be seen
What would The Beaver do?
And the itsby bitsy spider
From behind its rock came out
With the power of authority
As our parents would spout.
I must respect my elders
I must know my place
I must only speak when spoken to
I must look them in the face

Sugar & spice the girl must be nice
Snips & snails the boys’ face turns pale
Neither was given the skills to survive
The danger not strangers but those in the hive.
We must respect your elders
We must all know our place







Last edited by rayc; 03/08/23 04:15 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
A “Majesty Psych Rock March” it is! The way the solo wraps up at around 3:00 is really neat. The drums and bass are great. I love the jangly 12-string (I think) in the quieter parts. It’s hard to say without one of your neo-Expressionistic melodies on top, but some of the more roaring chords parts seem to wander a bit, and the whole thing loses a bit of energy at the end, though never ceasing to be thoroughly engaging. And the thought of a spider always helps. Do you have any lyrics?

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,399
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,399
I always find your chord progressions very interesting, Ray. I think you should turn up the vocal. hehe For me, I concentrate on that Hofner-like bass. Usually not a fan of constant eighth notes played with a pic, but you make it very interesting, especially with the changes. Her Majesty's Psych Rock March.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
and https://soundcloud.com/babumusic-5080285
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,583
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,583
Even though he's a bass player smile , I agree with Marty, I think your (good) choice of drums calls for more rhythmic variations of the bass.

And I think it would give the song more direction if you start with less instruments and build from there.


Making bits and bytes sound good...

Goldmania Bella - A One-Man Girlband with no fans
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
Even though he's a bass player smile , I agree with Marty, I think your (good) choice of drums calls for more rhythmic variations of the bass.

And I think it would give the song more direction if you start with less instruments and build from there.

Thanks B.D. There is a rhythmic variation with the drums...a gallop in the choruses rather than straight notes. I will, however, have another look/listen.As to fewer instruments I worked backward from that dropping out some parts after the solo but I will look & listen again. Thanks

Last edited by rayc; 03/05/23 04:48 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
I always find your chord progressions very interesting, Ray. I think you should turn up the vocal. hehe For me, I concentrate on that Hofner-like bass. Usually not a fan of constant eighth notes played with a pic, but you make it very interesting, especially with the changes. Her Majesty's Psych Rock March.

Thanks Marty & thanks for the laugh.
If you try the chords on a guitar, particularly if you play the cheat F#m & G#m one finger and the Bm C#m shape on the three high strings it's all about ease of movement. I'm limited in the chords I can play and, even with BIAB, stick to those limitations.
I'm generally not a fan of 8th notes either - they're hard to get consistent as well as leaning toward the boring BUT I planned to put in lines/runs with the 12 string and didn't want to clutter/muddy the waters.

Last edited by rayc; 03/05/23 04:53 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Originally Posted By: Mark Hayes
A “Majesty Psych Rock March” it is! The way the solo wraps up at around 3:00 is really neat. The drums and bass are great. I love the jangly 12-string (I think) in the quieter parts. It’s hard to say without one of your neo-Expressionistic melodies on top, but some of the more roaring chords parts seem to wander a bit, and the whole thing loses a bit of energy at the end, though never ceasing to be thoroughly engaging. And the thought of a spider always helps. Do you have any lyrics?

My attempts to change the dynamics toward the end drain it of some momentum. I'll look at that again.
Lyrics started..about nostalgia for a non existent boom time.
Lyrics are now in the O.P.

Last edited by rayc; 03/05/23 04:51 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,121
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,121
Hi Ray,

As I was listening to your song I was starting to think, man, this is the longest intro I've ever heard! And then it was over eek

Lyrics are cool! I got most of the references, but I'm a child of the 60's too. Looking forward to hearing them!

Lots of potential, looking forward to hearing how it progresses.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Ray, it looks like you watched what we all watched. I enjoyed the unique chord structure and look forward to hearing your vocal deliver those interesting lyrics. The use of dissonance works well and reminds me a bit of Jimmy Page. Well done so far, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
Re: SPIDER 6

Listening on my Apple HomePod, which has awesome/excessive bass response (so much so that reducing it is an option in the Home app) and hearing a very loud bass I find myself thinking that bass line might be better if some of the repeated notes were not repeated. If you were MIDI I would explore ways to filter out some repeats leaving more eccentric rhythms. But perhaps I am repeating what others have said. AND perhaps I am listening on a device that is misrepresenting the part.

It’s a little jarring to hear the piece end on that major chord! Though I need to listen again. I should say I am a big fan of avoiding fade-out endings, which are often cop-outs, but I might like one here, maybe with a short repeated solo part. The term “ostinato” is trying to get me to use it.

By the way, “ticking over” is alien to an American. Does it mean something like “in progress”?

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,688
ChatGPT’s take (and I hope you don’t mind me doing this!)

“Overall, your lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time while also touching on the darker aspects of childhood and societal expectations. I like how you use the nursery rhyme of "itsy bitsy spider" to contrast with the more serious themes of the song. Your use of cultural references from different eras adds depth to the lyrics and gives the listener a sense of the different societal pressures that children face.

“In terms of suggestions for improvement, I think there are a few places where the lyrics could benefit from a clearer structure or more specific imagery. For example, in the line "The danger not strangers but those in the hive," it's not entirely clear what you're referring to. Additionally, there are some places where the rhymes feel forced or predictable, such as "girls don’t tell – just be seen / What would The Beaver do?" *

“Overall, though, I think you have a strong foundation for a thought-provoking and emotional song. With some revision and fine-tuning, I believe it could be very impactful.”

——

* I do not agree with these. — MH

Last edited by Mark Hayes; 03/06/23 03:25 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
The mix is well balanced to my ears and the lyrics were an interesting read.
I agree with B.D. about building the instruments up, even if you gradually let them down again.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,347
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,347
Hi Ray
Super intro
The song sounds really good
I am curious how it develops further
Great work
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Ray,

I had the same feeling as Dave; "what a long intro". But I loved the chords progression and how the bass played in it.
Very nicely done!
And then the drums came in. So nice!
But there is a lot more to listen to, like the melody itself and that organ. That has a very important role. Liked it!
If I listen carefully I can hear "Oooh, la, la laaa", so I am curious how you gonna sing those very long and cool, but sometimes, not easy to understand, lyrics (for a poor Dutchman).
Are you also planning a kind of chorus in the song?

As I said, I'm curious...
Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,694
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,694
ray,

The wash of guitar works. A nice, big sound.
Drums sound good.
Bass is strong.
A good bed. Now lie in it....
(or lay in it and tell the truth)

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,791
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,791
Ray,
You go a nice bed going. Listened to it yesterday and today. Nothing sticks out to my ears. Sounds like western & punk marriage smile I actually like this type of bass on certain tunes, and this is a perfect example of one. Good deal. Interesting how this will evolve.
I wonder how less aggressive, sinatraesque vocals would sound on it? Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,498
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,498
Ray

The lyric was full of childhood references.

The solo guitar might have too much reverb?

Overall it's a strong backing track.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
Ray, IMHO your backing track bed is prime for your lyrics. I wouldn't change a thing.


I want my last spoken words to be "I hid a million dollars under the........................"

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Hi Ray,

As I was listening to your song I was starting to think, man, this is the longest intro I've ever heard! And then it was over eek

Lyrics are cool! I got most of the references, but I'm a child of the 60's too. Looking forward to hearing them!

Lots of potential, looking forward to hearing how it progresses.

Thanks Dave. Yes the lack of vocals allows the intro to inflowwwwwwww.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
Originally Posted By: tommyad
Ray, it looks like you watched what we all watched. I enjoyed the unique chord structure and look forward to hearing your vocal deliver those interesting lyrics. The use of dissonance works well and reminds me a bit of Jimmy Page. Well done so far, Tom

Thanks Tommy,
dissonance is a cool thing in the right hands.
Vocal draft in the O.P.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


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

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows 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 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,660
Posts735,517
Members38,528
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
gman97040, kadju, theyearofjess, OlvaJownDay, Tranner Track
38,527 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 173
DC Ron 103
dcuny 88
WaoBand 74
rsdean 72
Today's Birthdays
David Robinson, louiep, Ozkar, Timothy W. Cook
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5