Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#765229 05/12/23 11:56 PM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Ok, so ... I'm ambivalent about this song.

On one hand, it's yet another heartbreak song. And I've had enough of writing these. There's only so much juice one can squeeze out of this particular lemon, before it becomes boring, I think smile Also, from any genre of song (not just this one), one must also know when to walk away. There's no point in whining, in the same key, tone and way (alike a tomcat on the roof, at night), until one bores the heck out of one's listeners, right? smile Variation is the spice of life, perhaps.

That said, I sat down the other night, and tried to write another song. "Anything but a heartbreak song, PLEASE", I said to myself. Long story short, THIS is what I eventually came up with. Argh.

Why do I post it? Because I think that, on its own, it possibly stands up well enough, as a song, that's all. I'd be so curious, also and therefore, to see what you think of it. On one hand, I'm not really in love with its lyrics, etc. - on the other, there's something raw and perhaps sincere about it that I think may be worth posting. But, no spoilers, haha ... see what YOU think, if you wish? Thanks smile


Nothing Without You


THE LYRICS:

I walked down every path, all of my life,
I looked for you, in peace and strife,
Alas, you're far away, where I can't go,
Not knowing how I feel, which hurts me so ...

I traveled every road, and every time
I thought I'd find you again, and call you mine ...
And now I'm near the end, and you're not here
Allow me to share with you what I find clear ...

Life is nothing without you,
Love is useless and untrue,
If you're not here for me to kiss your hand,
Then everything I've built, I've built on sand ...


I'm getting older, each, and every day,
My body, slowly, slowly, is giving way ...
Our stunning beauty's now washed o'er by rain ...
Whenever I think of you, I'm filled with pain ...

I need a miracle for your return
God knows that that's all I'll ever yearn
For, alas, you're far away, and you can't hear
My thoughts and hopes, all I hold dear ...

It's been my error, perhaps, to love you so much,
But it's too late to make it right, as such;
And, now I'm near the end, you're still not here ...
Allow me, please, to share what now seems clear:

Life is nothing without you,
Love is useless and untrue,
If you're not here for me to kiss your hand,
Then everything I've built, I've built on sand ...


So allow me, please, to dream of you once more,
For you've been th'only one I've e'er adored ...


THE BAND:

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Love Is Nothing Without You - 10 May 2023
File:Love Is Nothing Without You - 10 May 2023.SGU
Key=D , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=3:36
No intro. 68 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 68. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _BOND.STY (Bond Fusion Ballad)

RealTracks in style: 1398:Bass, Electric, Soul70sA-B Ev16 100
RealTracks in style: ~1639:Piano, Electric, Rhythm JazzFunkBreezy Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 1840:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveMellow Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 3949:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm FusionBalladBrent Ev16 080
RealDrums in style:LoungePop16thsSput^1-a:Closed Hat, Snare , b:Ride, Snare

*******************

Voice recorded and mixed with BIAB backing track in Mixcraft Pro Studio 9. Added "On The Phone" preset effect to the voice track.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,656
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,656
James,

This is a very pretty piece of music.

Your spoken word always sounds so nice and sincere.

Great job.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,694
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,694
James,

I like your chorus.
A pleasant track.
Vocals are clear.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 601
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 601
Very nice use of real tracks beautiful backing track and I like the narration


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
This is so hard to pull off I have been trying for years and just can't get it. You nailed it. My only nit pick, and it's reaching, is that the music track never changed volume or dynamics. Your voice is captivating and I wanted to hear more of it using instruments to create dynamic tension. Really nice job, thanks for allowing us to hear it.

Rick


It needs more cowbell!

https://therickhansenband.com
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Bob: thanks. So kind of you!

floyd: thank you.

Elliot: thanks! Glad you liked it!

Rick: yes, volume, texture and dynamic variation is something I can work upon. I tried to do that with key modulations and different harmonic progressions, but yes, I could have done it with variation in instrumentation, etc., too. I'll listen again, see if I can change anything - but, to be honest, chances are I'll leave it like this for now, at least. We'll see! Depends also on how much time I get to tinker with it. That said: thanks so much for listening and taking the time to comment!

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
The pleasure was all mine. I look forward to your next effort. You are on the right track.
Rick


It needs more cowbell!

https://therickhansenband.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
James as always you have created fantastic backing tracks.
Your spoken word puts the icing on the cake.

I really liked this one!


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
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,259
James,
it's another of your good pieces in the genre.
I did notice a fair bit more mouth noise/lip smacks on this that in recent tracks.
You need to drink to keep your mouth hydrated to avoid that sort of thing.
If you record one stanza at a time and have a good sip n swish before the next one you should be sweet.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Rick: thanks smile

Mario: thank you! Glad you liked it!

Ray: thanks smile - and thanks for the tip, re: mouth noise and lip smacks. I usually take my time to edit them out; I think that I was a little sloppy with the editing, this time. But yes - your advice will also help, of course. Between that and the editing, hopefully I get rid of it, if not entirely, then almost? smile

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815
D
Expert
Offline
Expert
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,815
James,

Nicely done! I like the production choice on the vocal — nice tone and flavor to it. I agree with Rick that maybe a change up along the way might give it a bit more pop. Maybe come out of that vocal treatment for the chorus . . . and maybe sing the chorus? Dunno. Just a couple of suggestions to mess with. But regardless it’s good work, James. Good write and production. Enjoyed the listen!

All my best,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Thanks Deej!!! Good suggestions. I will think about them - at the moment, I worry about breaking the character of the song (which is like a message in a bottle, or like a recorded voice on a cassette tape), if I "come out of character" for the chorus. But - I will try and see what happens, I think. In any case, thank you for listening and for taking the time to comment! smile

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,709
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,709
Another fabulous backing track.

There's nothing wrong with heartbreak songs. It's what sells and most people can identify with them.

My favorite line is "Our stunning beauty's now washed o'er by rain"

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Ezekiel's Storm: thank you so much for the encouragement. It truly means a LOT. Glad you enjoyed the song!

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,083
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,083
The band is very smooth and the lyric sounds (and reads) heartfelt and genuine.

Hey, we love 12 bar blues and keep returning with them so don’t worry about returning with heartbreak songs.

As Torrey said in his song recently, “keep singing your song.”

Well done!

J&B

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,006
Thank you so much, Janice and Bud. You know exactly what to say smile . And I 100% agree - I will indeed "keep singing (or, in my case, speaking - most of the time ...) my song". smile God bless.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Topics81,662
Posts735,546
Members38,532
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Jeffrey thomas, skyanderson3, akbrpra, Benfil77, William L
38,532 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 173
DC Ron 101
dcuny 85
WaoBand 74
rsdean 74
Today's Birthdays
jazzkeith, Mavrick20002, Pain-Driven, rolfie, Roycol
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5