Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#781074 11/04/23 05:28 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
BETTER DAYS

"Get busy living or get busy dying."
Surely someone around here has used that phrase in a song. I can honestly say that I'm not aware of it though and decided to implement it in one of my songs. Last week I had the above line from a movie pop into my mind and felt I needed to use it! . I am now pretty much satisfied with the track and will probably leave it like it is!

BIAB
DRUMS - Nashville Radio Shuffle Mike
Bass - 3565 Nashville Radio Shuffle
Piano - 2728 Blues Shuffle Mike
Guitar - 3609, 951 and 953
Organ - 2729 Blues Shuffle Mike

Me
Vocals and guitar solo, rhythm and fills on a
40 year old Ibanez artist I dug out of the closet

Better Days
Words and music by
Torrey Bliss/Ron Helm
©2023 Glass Gate Music BMI

Old guitar with two broken strings
In the corner mocking me
Notebooks filled with my shattered dreams
Full of words that no-one reads
Inside the rain keeps pouring down
Filling blind eyes that want to see
On the verge of throwing it all away
Then I hear a voice telling me
Oh redemptive words that changed it all

Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

A man named John said that life's gonna happen
When we're busy making other plans
There's no need to worry about tomorrow
We gotta trust we're in God's hands
Live for the truth not just what makes you happy
It's the way to honor His command
Walk in the light come out of the darkness
In spite of what the world demands
Oh decide just where you'll make your stand

Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Get busy living or get busy dying
The race is ours to run
We've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Oh don't become an old re-run
Oh believe the best is yet to come


Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Get busy living or get busy dying
The race is ours to run
We've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Last edited by Torrey Bliss; 11/06/23 06:18 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,339
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,339
GLORIOUS chorus Torrey.
Excellent verses, arrangement, playing and sing but the chorus really jumps after that that brief bridge in the last line of the verses.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,376
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,376
Old guitar with two broken strings...

So...a ukulele? wink

There's some pumping from the vocals, like you're ducking aggressively. Not really a complaint, since I'm big fan of clear vocals.

Poppy, catchy, and upbeat.

I like it! laugh


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
rayc #781104 11/05/23 03:49 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Thanks, Ray, for the listen and comment! always appreciated! T

dcuny #781105 11/05/23 03:57 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Originally Posted by dcuny
Old guitar with two broken strings...

So...a ukulele? wink

There's some pumping from the vocals, like you're ducking aggressively. Not really a complaint, since I'm big fan of clear vocals.

Poppy, catchy, and upbeat.

I like it! laugh
Thanks, David, no ukes here nor any broken strings! Thanks for the listen and comment! You and another individual who listened and contacted me mentioned a compression issue. I went back to my system and listened again and couldn't hear any compression pumping going on. but just to be safe I reduced compression levels a bit across the board on individual and master channels and re uploaded. I often wonder if SoundCloud is adding more compression to the track after uploading but I guess I have no control over that!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,345
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,345
Torrey,

This is an outstanding song with a killer chorus...

Production is pro / top notch and your vocal is excellent. Love the way you sing!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,250
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,250
I love your song and its positive message, really well done in every way.
But one question remains: Who is "Ol Red"?

B.D.Thomas #781128 11/05/23 06:24 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
I love your song and its positive message, really well done in every way.
But one question remains: Who is "Ol Red"?
Thanks for the listen and comment! Red is the role played by Morgan Freeman in the Shawshank Redemption.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,270
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,270
Favorite Lennon quote: When asked about his 5 year old son Julian he said, "I want to grow up to be just like him."

What an excellent song you crafted here, Torrey. Nothing new in that. Such a fine professional sound. Great band and some of the best vocals I've heard anywhere. Well, thanks for making this a better day, Torrey.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
rsdean #781181 11/05/23 12:33 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Originally Posted by rsdean
Torrey,

This is an outstanding song with a killer chorus...

Production is pro / top notch and your vocal is excellent. Love the way you sing!

Bob
Thanks Bob! You are always so encouraging to me! T

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,775
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,775
Excellent write and balanced up great, Torrey.

Vic

BabuMusic #781251 11/06/23 05:58 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Favorite Lennon quote: When asked about his 5 year old son Julian he said, "I want to grow up to be just like him."

What an excellent song you crafted here, Torrey. Nothing new in that. Such a fine professional sound. Great band and some of the best vocals I've heard anywhere. Well, thanks for making this a better day, Torrey.

You are quite welcome my friend and thanks for the encouraging words! T

vicarn #781253 11/06/23 05:59 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Thanks Vic I appreciate it! T

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,067
Torrey & Ron,

A strong write. Nice melody, too. The chorus takes off....Nice!
Nice tracks. Well mixed.
Sweet vocals and BGVs.
Quality guitar solo. That 40 year old Ibanez sounds great.

I always enjoy listening to your Music. (they aren't "just songs").
And, again...I know folks always reference The Beatles, but MAN! do you remind me of Todd Rundgren (I hope you recognize that as a HUGE compliment) with some Badfinger sprinkled into the mix. A great Sound.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 88
Nice song with a nice message. I like the way it the sound and instruments increase (builds) towards the end.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,376
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,376
Another super Torrey and Ron creation...I loved it from the get go...your stylized (very Torrey Bliss) guitar sound and solos are always so tasteful and apropos...I love the lyrics and the positive message...your vocals are stellar and the harmonies (as usual) are tight and unique...I've been waiting to hear your next post for a while (you needed to get back to this side of the pond I guess) and I'm certainly not disappointed...keep the Glass Gate open brother!


www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Really solid rock tune! Love the song, vocals, instrumentation, arrangement, mix and production. Did I leave anything out? Don't think so. This is about perfect. Especially liked the placement of your solo and how that transitioned back into the vocals. The Ibanez Artist series consisted of many models but most had really hot pickups, and those with solid bodies could top ten pounds (a load!). Whichever one it was sounded really fine in your hands. I don't think I'd touch a thing on this one either.


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,799
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,799
"Old guitar with two broken strings
In the corner mocking me
Notebooks filled with my shattered dreams
Full of words that no-one reads"

Yeah, I know the feeling.

Upbeat instrumentation that matches the lyrics.

That old Ibanez sounds great on the solo.

BTW, John Lennon sang those words about "life is what happens..." in "Beautiful Boy."

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,572
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,572
Cool song! Very "Torrey".. a little Beatles, a little ELO and a lot of of you!

Good job to both of you guys!

floyd jane #781393 11/07/23 06:37 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Originally Posted by floyd jane
Torrey & Ron,

A strong write. Nice melody, too. The chorus takes off....Nice!
Nice tracks. Well mixed.
Sweet vocals and BGVs.
Quality guitar solo. That 40 year old Ibanez sounds great.

I always enjoy listening to your Music. (they aren't "just songs").
And, again...I know folks always reference The Beatles, but MAN! do you remind me of Todd Rundgren (I hope you recognize that as a HUGE compliment) with some Badfinger sprinkled into the mix. A great Sound.

fj
Thanks for Floyd for the encouraging words! Ron said he appreciates it also! T

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
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!

We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!

We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.

Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,768
Posts809,454
Members40,217
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Scotman, Mesadeco, oldman901, Pactoine17, SwPgNotSinger
40,217 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 91
DrDan 68
rsdean 63
WaoBand 53
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5