Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#439195 11/21/17 08:01 AM
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
I write a lot of instrumentals in a wide variety of genres. For extemporaneous ones, not those written to spec or something similar, I always have a really tough time getting a decent, original title. The titles offered by BIAB rarely sound good to me. Occasionally, something will pop into my head (lots of room for lots of ideas to pop in!) that sounds terrific. But, that's more the exception than the rule.

Those of you who often or frequently compose instrumentals, how do you decide on a title? As I mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the BIAB title generator seldom gives me anything I'm happy with. Thanks in advance.

Alan

Last edited by Al-David; 11/21/17 08:02 AM.

BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,301
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,301
Use the generator as an idea kick starter.

Yeah, it does come up with some weird names.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Songwriting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Something I do is think of a hypothetical movie scene or situation that the song might be played over. From there, I choose a word or phrase that really highlights that scene and ties it together with the music.

Overall though, I try not to worry about song titles too much because I can tell that the titles of some of my favorite instrumental tunes were just arbitrarily chosen. Songs like Green Onions by Booker T. and The MG's, or Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin. Not to mention the majority of the more modern post rock and electronic I listen to is instrumental, and those song titles are randomly chosen it would seem.

It's a cool thought though - would love to hear how others come up with their song titles!


Cheers,
Deryk
Songwriting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,663
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,663

I always like to go with Pink Avocado on the Moon: Part 5, Return of the Dove.

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
B
Expert
Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Hi, Al-David...

When it comes to titling instrumentals, I get some fairly good mileage out of thinking, "What could my song sound like to my listeners?" It seems to part the clouds and allow more inspiration in considering the wide range of associations they might make with the music...

LOREN

P.S. Ms. Diane, if you received a penny for how often you are in my thoughts, you'd have a whole mess 'a pennies! Still praying and wishing you well. I hope both of you enjoy a memorable and spiritually rewarding Thanksgiving celebration smile .


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
Songwriting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
K
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
K
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
If a song has lyrics, I might be telling a story, and I can pull my title from the lyrics, but with instrumentals, I'm trying to invoke a feeling and put the listener in a place, and my title will reflect that.

My instrumentals tend to be pretty heavy on atmosphere/ambience, and I keep their titles fairly vague (to avoid being heavy-handed), maybe just a word that I associate with that feeling. I also find that the less I really think about it, the better it tends to turn out. smile

Cheers
Kent
PG Music

Songwriting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,663
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,663
But seriously, man, get the dictionary of similes on Amazon for 9.99 and you will never want for another song title in your life.

You didn't like Pink Avocado on the Moon: Part Four, Return of the Dove in Nocturne of Brazilian Sky?

I think Al DiMeola might already have claimed it though.

wink

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Thanks Herb. I often try to combine several different ones BIAB suggests.


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Something I do is think of a hypothetical movie scene or situation that the song might be played over. From there, I choose a word or phrase that really highlights that scene and ties it together with the music.

Overall though, I try not to worry about song titles too much because I can tell that the titles of some of my favorite instrumental tunes were just arbitrarily chosen. Songs like Green Onions by Booker T. and The MG's, or Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin. Not to mention the majority of the more modern post rock and electronic I listen to is instrumental, and those song titles are randomly chosen it would seem.

It's a cool thought though - would love to hear how others come up with their song titles!



Hi Deryk,

Some good thoughts there! If you remember Booker T and the MGs, you're much older than I would have thought!!! I'll be 71 pretty soon and I was in high school when "Green Onions" was a big hit! And yeah, maybe I overthink it. Thanks for your input.

Alan


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: David Snyder

I always like to go with Pink Avocado on the Moon: Part 5, Return of the Dove.


Hey David,

I'm not familiar with Pink Avocado On the Moon - Part 5 or any other part. But I'll check it out. Thanks!


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: bluage
Hi, Al-David...

When it comes to titling instrumentals, I get some fairly good mileage out of thinking, "What could my song sound like to my listeners?" It seems to part the clouds and allow more inspiration in considering the wide range of associations they might make with the music...

LOREN

P.S. Ms. Diane, if you received a penny for how often you are in my thoughts, you'd have a whole mess 'a pennies! Still praying and wishing you well. I hope both of you enjoy a memorable and spiritually rewarding Thanksgiving celebration smile .



Hi Loren.

It's always such a pleasure to hear from you - missing your wonderful music on the boards, though.

And perhaps you are right ... think of how my listeners would perceive it. Thanks for the great suggestion.

And thank you so much for your wonderful and compassionate thoughts about my wife. We both appreciate your kindness and well wishes very much. I'll bring this post to her attention tomorrow.

And, in turn, we wish you and yours a most special and blessed holiday. with warmest thoughts,

Alan & Di


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: Kent - PG Music
If a song has lyrics, I might be telling a story, and I can pull my title from the lyrics, but with instrumentals, I'm trying to invoke a feeling and put the listener in a place, and my title will reflect that.

My instrumentals tend to be pretty heavy on atmosphere/ambience, and I keep their titles fairly vague (to avoid being heavy-handed), maybe just a word that I associate with that feeling. I also find that the less I really think about it, the better it tends to turn out. smile

Cheers
Kent
PG Music



Hi Kent,

So good to "meet" you. I don't think I've heard from you before. And you're probably right - don't think too much about it and just go with something. I sometimes overthink. Thanks for rattling my cage with a good thought! best to you.

Alan


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
But seriously, man, get the dictionary of similes on Amazon for 9.99 and you will never want for another song title in your life.

You didn't like Pink Avocado on the Moon: Part Four, Return of the Dove in Nocturne of Brazilian Sky?

I think Al DiMeola might already have claimed it though.

wink



Hey Again ,

Nope ... Pink Avocado On The Moon wasn't on my musical calendar. Perhaps I missed out on something good?

I'll run over to Amazon tomorrow and take a look at that book you suggested. Thanks for thre suggestion!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Alan


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Hi Deryk,

Some good thoughts there! If you remember Booker T and the MGs, you're much older than I would have thought!!! I'll be 71 pretty soon and I was in high school when "Green Onions" was a big hit! And yeah, maybe I overthink it. Thanks for your input.

Alan



I am fairly young you could say; I'm in my mid 20's. Green Onions will always be a hit in my books smile I've just been lucky to have parents that introduced me to older music. Some of those older artists like Booker T., Everly Brothers, Bill Withers, to name a few, will always hold a special place in my heart.

Last edited by Deryk - PG Music; 11/23/17 06:24 AM.

Cheers,
Deryk
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Deryk,

That's really cool! Your parents are to be commended! And all of us who post on the Showcase Forum appreciate all the great feedback we get from you and the other PG Music folks who spend some time there. Thanks for all that!

Alan

Last edited by Al-David; 11/23/17 05:03 PM.

BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,638
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,638
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music


I am fairly young you could say; I'm in my mid 20's. Green Onions will always be a hit in my books smile I've just been lucky to have parents that introduced me to older music. Some of those older artists like Booker T., Everly Brothers, Bill Withers, to name a few, will always hold a special place in my heart.


Fairly young? I'd say that you are still a puppy!

Older music? Well if that doesn't get my dander up!

grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin


Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,638
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,638
Alan, naming my/our instrumentals sometimes is the hardest part of the song. Sometimes a name comes prior to the first track, sometimes during the recording and sometimes it never comes so I/we just pick something. I know this isn't much help but that's how it rolls here.


Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Songwriting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Deryk,

That's really cool! Your parents are to be commended! And all of us who post on the Showcase Forum appreciate all the great feedback we get from you and the other PG Music folks who spend some time there. Thanks for all that!

Alan


Originally Posted By: MarioD


Fairly young? I'd say that you are still a puppy!

Older music? Well if that doesn't get my dander up!

grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin


Alan - I definitely appreciate that my parents introduced me to the music they did! I'm quite happy my musical taste is as diverse as it is, and I owe a lot of that to my folks. I'm from a very musical family, so it was a big part of my upbringing.

Mario - I know, I know, I'm still a baby :P Older music is good music though! To a youngin like me anything before the 80's gets called "older music" - all about perspective though smile


Cheers,
Deryk
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Deryk,

That's really cool! Your parents are to be commended! And all of us who post on the Showcase Forum appreciate all the great feedback we get from you and the other PG Music folks who spend some time there. Thanks for all that!

Alan


Originally Posted By: MarioD


Fairly young? I'd say that you are still a puppy!

Older music? Well if that doesn't get my dander up!

grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin


Alan - I definitely appreciate that my parents introduced me to the music they did! I'm quite happy my musical taste is as diverse as it is, and I owe a lot of that to my folks. I'm from a very musical family, so it was a big part of my upbringing.

Mario - I know, I know, I'm still a baby :P Older music is good music though! To a youngin like me anything before the 80's gets called "older music" - all about perspective though smile



Hi Deryk,

great to hear your family was musical and passed on some of their musical favorites to you. I started seriously listening to music in the late 1950s. Contrary to what many old farts like me think, (not referring to you, Mario!), I like to watch and listen to the evolution of the various musical genres. Pop, Country and Rock have changed dramatically over the past 50 years - Blues and Jazz much less so.

Thanks for all the work you and the other PG Staff do for us out here all over the world!

Alan


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,399
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Alan, naming my/our instrumentals sometimes is the hardest part of the song. Sometimes a name comes prior to the first track, sometimes during the recording and sometimes it never comes so I/we just pick something. I know this isn't much help but that's how it rolls here.


Mario,

That's pretty much the same on this end - most often "just pick something"! Occasionally the aura of a certain piece evokes something for me, but usually it's just whatever pops into my head.

Hope your T-Day was good. Ours was. best to you, my friend.

Alan


BIAB 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

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
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!

The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!

There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.

If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.

We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

Video: Volume Automation in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created a video to help you learn more about the Volume Automation options in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows.

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Volume Automation

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#volume-automation

Video: Audio Input Monitoring with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®

We've created this short video to explain Audio Input Monitoring within Band-in-a-Box® 2024, and included some tips & troubleshooting details too!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024: Audio Input Monitoring

3:17: Tips
5:10: Troubleshooting

www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter11.htm#audio-input-monitoring

Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!

We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!

Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.

You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.

See the Melodist in action with our video, Band-in-a-Box® 2024: The Melodist Window.

Learn even more about the enhancements to the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024upgrade/chapter3.htm#enhanced-melodist

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

New with the DAW Plugin Version 6.0, released with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows: the Reaper® Panel!

This new panel offers built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper® tracks!

When you run the Plugin from Reaper®, there is a panel to set the following options:
-BB Track(s) to send: This allows you to select the Plugin tracks that will be sent Reaper.
-Destination Reaper Track: This lets you select the destination Reaper track to receive media content from the Plugin.
-At Bar: You can select a bar in Reaper where the Plugin tracks should be placed.
-Start Below Selected Track: This allows you to place the Plugin tracks below the destination Reaper track.
-Overwrite Reaper Track: You can overwrite previous content on the destination Reaper track.
-Move to Project Folder: With this option, you can move the Plugin tracks to the Reaper project folder.
-Send Reaper Instructions Enable this option to send the Reaper Instructions instead of rendering audio tracks, which is faster.
-Render Audio & Instructions: Enable this option to generate audio files and the Reaper instructions.
-Send Tracks After Generating: This allows the Plugin to automatically send tracks to Reaper after generating.
-Send Audio for MIDI Track: Enable this option to send rendered audio for MIDI tracks.
-Send RealCharts with Audio: If this option is enabled, Enable this option to send RealCharts with audio.

Check out this video highlighting the new Reaper®-specific features: Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Specifically for Reaper®

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 DAW Plugin Version 6: New Features Video

The new Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin Verion 6 adds over 20 new features!

Watch the new features video to learn more: Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2024 - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features

We also list these new features at www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.plugin.htm.

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,393
Posts732,476
Members38,441
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
zagrajbarke, Ernest J, Izzy, BenChaz, Csofi
38,440 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 195
Al-David 124
DC Ron 113
dcuny 87
rsdean 83
Today's Birthdays
CeeDee, SethMould
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5