Mike, as a first effort, this was absolutely fine. As you move forward and play with mixing, when to boost and cut, all of that, you'll get more comfortable with the process and you will see your learning curve. Just like piano, guitar, bass whatever instruments show improvement the more you do it, so does songwriting and production technique.

Once you get familiar with the software and move over to the Real Band side of the world, your stuff will take on a "fullness". I suggest you do that as soon as you can because there is another learning curve when you get to Real Band. It isn't as steep as that first dive into the pool, but there is one. You came in at a stronger level than a lot of people. I look back to my first BIAB song now and laugh when I play it back because as time passed I learned a lot more about mixing and production, and still have many mountains to climb in the learning process!

Welcome to the club. This becomes a haven similar to the local AA chapters eventually.

Say it with me.

"My name is Mike and I am a Real Band-oholic."

I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.

1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.