Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#782534 11/16/23 06:39 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi everyone,

I wasn't able to be on our forum for a month or so. Sorry for that
But I was able to work on some songs; 2 remixes and a new one. This one.
I released it a day or so ago: Middle of the Night, https://on.soundcloud.com/yc7ju


The idea for the song was not so very original; I mostly lie awake for some hours in the middle of the night.
Thinking of everything, like the making of this song ;-)
I hope to hear what you think of it.

Hans
============================================
the middle of the night
(c) HWBerkhout 2023

In the middle of a night I lay with my eyes wide open
Because of all the tensions that can't wait
They buzzed around me like raging angry birds
And that night I became afraid

chorus
I always slept so well, but then the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any

In the middle of the night I have my eyes wide open
Disturbing thoughts that cannot wait
They swirled around me like bloodthirsty bats
And each night I became more afraid

chorus
I always slept so well, but when the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any

The middle of the night I fear that time
I tried sleeping in the middle of the day
but people warned me I must stay awake then
Else I chase them away

Solo

Bridge
Oh, I wish I could sleep!
Ignore all these thoughts
There must be a solution
To sleep all night

chorus2
In the middle of a night maybe the world changes
The ego's and their [*****] disappear
In the middle of a night I find peace of mind
In the middle of a night sleep I'll find

In the middle of a night issues being solved
In the middle of whatever night
In the middle... I cannot wait
Maybe I'm no more afraid...

Technical stuff
Style is _ICELAKE.STY (Ice Lake Gliding Country Folk)
Key: E, tempo 90 bpm
RealTracks in style: 1580:Bass, Electric, Folkie16ths Sw16 085
RealTracks in song: 1996:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm SmoothJazzPoppy Ev16 090
RealTracks in style: 3704:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm 90sAcRockCool Sw16 090
RealTracks in style: 1581:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Folkie16ths Sw16 085
RealTracks in song: 2678:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm BluesSw16GrooveBrent Sw16 085
RealTracks in song: 4149:Guitar, Electric, Soloist NashCoolSw16Brent Sw16 075
RealDrums in style:FolkModernSw16^01-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Ride


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
Hello Hans.
Welcome back.
I like your song.
It must be difficult writing a song in a language different to what you are used to.
Do you write it originally in your own language and then translate it to English?
I'm asking because some of the lines seem a little awkward and mechanical, though they are understandable.
Your production is good to my ears although I would reduce some of the effects.

All in all, a good song.

Vic

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

This is an excellent song. I can completely relate to this!

Your vocal is in fine form. Love the production also.

Awesome job!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,499
Hans,
Nice song, well sung. Quite dramatic.
Well produced and arranged.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,821
Hans, what a great and true song.

I loved your chorus
"I always slept so well, but when the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any"

I liked your vocal and backing tracks.
Super mix.
Sounds great to me.


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: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Vic

Originally Posted by vicarn
Hello Hans.
Welcome back.
I like your song.
It must be difficult writing a song in a language different to what you are used to.
Do you write it originally in your own language and then translate it to English?
I'm asking because some of the lines seem a little awkward and mechanical, though they are understandable.
Your production is good to my ears although I would reduce some of the effects.

All in all, a good song.

Vic

Thanks for your reply. And to dive into the main issue, no I don't write my songs in Dutch first (only Dutch songs of course).
I sometimes check sentences or lines on certain words, or the way you write them.
You noticed some awkward and mechanical use of my English.
I can think of one line in particular ("In the middle of a night sleep I'll find") where you might say it is a bit awkward.
But I did that deliberately. And I always try to avoid 'mechanical' use of words.
So I invite you to show me 'the errors' you noticed. I can learn from that.
Thanks Vic,

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,583
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,583
Very cool production choices, the hard panned guitars create a great drive.
Nice dramatic vocals.
I like your song, Hans!

PS: Whenever I can't sleep at night, I get up and get stuff done. There's no reason to waste useful time lying around.


Making bits and bytes sound good...

Goldmania Bella - A One-Man Girlband with no fans
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Hans, I also can relate to working on songs in the middle of the night. And then when I wake up many times they are completely gone. I liked the arrangement. Good instrumentation. It’s a great theme for the song and you’ve created some fine lyrics. The mix is very good and your vocal delivers the message well. Nice one, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,795
Hullo again, Hans
A few suggestions below.

Vic.

In the middle of the night I lay with my eyes wide open
Because of all the tensions that can't wait
Buzzing around me like angry birds (raging and angry have the same meaning in this context so lose one of them)
And those nights I became so afraid (It seems you are having more than one sleepless night so use "those nights").

chorus
I used to slept so easily, but then the world changed (easily is a better word to use in my opinion)
Problems were driving me insane
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But come morning I hadn't solved any (This chorus is mainly in the past tense so use the word "hadn't ").

In the middle of the night I have my eyes wide open
Disturbing thoughts that cannot wait
They swirl around me like bloodthirsty bats
And each night I become more afraid (This verse is present tense so the words would be "swirl" and "become")

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,562
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,562
Very cool intro Hans. Loved the acoustics and when your vocal came in it just lite up the song. Awesome vocal and lyric. Mix was perfect.. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,139
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,139
Cool funky song and insomnia topic. Really love how the bridge slows it all down. Also how the theme picks up again after the bridge, but differently, going into the end of the song. Really well constructed and performed all the way around.


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,563
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,563
Hi Hans,

I really enjoyed this song. Your singing is good, the instrumentation very effective and the choruses are great.

Well done.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Hi Hans,

Wonderful song!
Great music and vocals.
Especially where you added the backing vocals.
Echt een lekker nummer.

Rob and Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Bob,

Originally Posted by rsdean
Hans,
This is an excellent song. I can completely relate to this!
Your vocal is in fine form. Love the production also.
Awesome job!

Bob

Thanks for your compliments!
I'm also glad that the vocal cords were spared.

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hello Peter,

Originally Posted by PeterF
Hans,
Nice song, well sung. Quite dramatic.
Well produced and arranged.

Peter

Thanks for your words.
Laying awake in the dark is not that dramatic. The thought of not being able to do anything makes it a little sad.
I always use those moments to create something (in my head).

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Mario,

Originally Posted by MarioD
Hans, what a great and true song.

I loved your chorus
"I always slept so well, but when the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any"

I liked your vocal and backing tracks.
Super mix.
Sounds great to me.

You are always so kind and write nice words to me.
Thanks for that!

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hello Brain,

Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
Very cool production choices, the hard panned guitars create a great drive.
Nice dramatic vocals.
I like your song, Hans!

PS: Whenever I can't sleep at night, I get up and get stuff done. There's no reason to waste useful time lying around.

I like your compliments and especially your 'ps'.
That is what I did all my life (as far as I can recall).
I woke up with a melody in my head, jumped out of bed and played it on my guitar,
or got ideas and work/write them out.
Most of the time my wife was/is not amused then....

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Tom,

Just heard your attractive 'mandolin song'. Very good!

Originally Posted by tommyad
Hans, I also can relate to working on songs in the middle of the night. And then when I wake up many times they are completely gone. I liked the arrangement. Good instrumentation. It’s a great theme for the song and you’ve created some fine lyrics. The mix is very good and your vocal delivers the message well. Nice one, Tom

As I wrote to Brain I can be very active in the middle of the night, but I can also recall times like you discribed. Mostly with things like ideas for lyrics.
Thanks for your nice compliments!

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,329
Hi Vic,

What a very nice action of you to come with these suggestions on the lyrics.
And you know what your first post did to me?
It still keeps me busy about those lyrics.
Of course I know I can't sound like an American. I don't want that.

I also can't write lyrics in slang. But I try, because I like to reach that level.

I checked my chorus at ChatGTP and asked if the language used in the chorus was correct.
It said it was, although it prefered 'anything' above 'any'...

My comment on some of your suggestions:
In my first verse I uses 'a' night. And in 'that' night I became afraid (for the first time).
In the second verse I used In the middle of 'the' night (as a synonym for 'every').
That's the continuation of that first night.
So every night since then I became more afraid.

I used the simple past tense because I looked back at what happened to me then.
That also refers to the words 'buzzed and swirled', because it happend in the past (of each night) .
Though I think to accept your suggestions there, because in the second verse i used the present time too.

In the chorus I chose 'I always slept so well' because of the rhythm of those words. 'Easily" uses an extra syllable.
Probably your words are more correct,but it's that rhythm I need too.

You use an interesting frase: 'come morning'. I think this must be slang(?)
I thought it would mean something like 'the following morning,or the coming morning'.
I used my frase for 'every morning'.
It feels as if your frase has another meaning then what I chose.
But as I said, I don't know for sure. It's a feeling.

Also with your line 'Problems were driving me insane'.
It's not that the problems were driving me crazy, but after staying awake all night, I had to conclude that I couldn't solve any of them.

I take all your suggestions about words in the present or past tense with me. Don't know when I can alter my song yet, but it will come!
So thanks again, and a lot, for all the work you did.

Hans

Originally Posted by vicarn
Hullo again, Hans
A few suggestions below.

Vic.

In the middle of the night I lay with my eyes wide open
Because of all the tensions that can't wait
Buzzing around me like angry birds (raging and angry have the same meaning in this context so lose one of them)
And those nights I became so afraid (It seems you are having more than one sleepless night so use "those nights").

chorus
I used to slept so easily, but then the world changed (easily is a better word to use in my opinion)
Problems were driving me insane
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But come morning I hadn't solved any (This chorus is mainly in the past tense so use the word "hadn't ").

In the middle of the night I have my eyes wide open
Disturbing thoughts that cannot wait
They swirl around me like bloodthirsty bats
And each night I become more afraid (This verse is present tense so the words would be "swirl" and "become")


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,399
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,399
Hi, Hans. Seems I write better in my sleep. Problem there is that it's not as good when i wake.

If you wrote this one while lying awake, you should never sleep. Love that bereak in the middle of the song where you plead the Universe to let you sleep. Seems the Universe enjoys your sleepless songs, too.


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
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
Topics81,662
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
rsdean 74
WaoBand 74
Today's Birthdays
jazzkeith, Mavrick20002, Pain-Driven, rolfie, Roycol
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5