Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 600
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 600
Has anyone used BIAB and made a professional sounding demo that they used to pitch to publishers?

I'd be interesting in hearing the devil and to see if you actually got a record deal from it.


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

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







Songwriting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 251
R
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 251
You asked two questions there... are you asking about publishers or record companies?

Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
As Roger pointed out, you did ask two questions.

To the first one, yes. I have used BB directly for a couple of tunes that were sent to publishers, signed, and used in film and TV shows "as is" with no re-recording. So it's certainly good enough for that.

Regarding the second question... I have yet to get a record deal on any of my songs nor have I had any of my songs signed into a record deal to be recorded by an artist. The question is.... does BB have the sound quality in it's real tracks to actually be used by a major label for their artist's without calling in the big name studio players for a live session? This is only my opinion..... but I think, probably not. While it is really outstanding, amazing, saves a lot of time, and it sounds good, however, to the trained ear, it's not the real thing. There's a clarity with live players that simply doesn't exist "yet" in the real tracks. It's close, and it will convince a lot of people that it's a real band.... (hence the name), but it's still less than 100%. But not by much. I've had some very talented studio folks ask about the players in my band because it did sound realistic enough to fool them.


EDIT: If you listen to any number of folks in the Showcase, you can hear songs that are definitely what I call professional quality and could easily fit right in to a given radio station play list.


Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/30/23 01:09 PM.

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: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,760
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,760
There are pro writers (some with with numerous hits) who use BIAB every day for demos.

If they want to raise their hands and say so I will let them do so of their own accord. They may even be on this forum. Ya never know who is on here people.....Just sayin'...So mind your manners.

But the answer is yes.

Professional people use it all the time for demos, and I also think the quality of any album you could make with it would be (to me) about 1000 times higher than the current list of top 100 hits on Spotify, hands down, if that helps.

That ain't nothing but loops. If you can find a real instrument anywhere I would love to know.

If Real Tracks are only 90 percent real that is still more real than 99.9999999 percent of the junk out there now.

If you want to go totally pro, just log in to Bandlab loops and grab yourself some phat dope stems and then you'll really be keepin' it real.

Songwriting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 251
R
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 251
To echo David's post, and elaborate on my own (I was in a hurry when I replied), BIAB is absolutely used for demo purposes. That was actually my entire reason for getting it in the first place, and I've found it to be an excellent tool. I have a number of peers who have done likewise.

I'm probably old school in this thinking, but I still believe that a great demo can't mask an average (or worse) song. One of my favorite Nashville cliches is "when you polish a turd, all you get is a polished turd". A great demo (like you can get using BIAB) is a wonderful thing to have when pitching your songs, either to publishers or artists, but it's still going to be all about how good or great the song is in the first place.

Songwriting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,760
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,760

Thanks for popping in Roger!

Well, there you have it. Anyone can feel free to google Roger's creds and attach them to the question.

So I guess the answer is:

Get BIAB.

Learn how to use it.

Write some great songs.

Is there anything else left to be said among the people who purchased BIAB as part of their SONGWRITING LIFE??

smile

Songwriting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,130
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,130
Quote:
If you want to go totally pro, just log in to Bandlab loops and grab yourself some phat dope stems and then you'll really be keepin' it real.
David, I've picked up some very nice pedal steel guitar, slide guitar and Telecaster chickin' pickin' loops from Bandlab. smile It's all in using the search feature. There are some gems available for free but you have to hunt for them.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Maybe not directly on topic but we've had 26 songs licensed that were all done using RT's and RD's.

Several were licensed by Mood Media and they are the world's largest provider of overhead music in 100+ countries. We also have five songs on Songtrader's small curated playlists they use to introduce clients to their catalog.

I'm not trying to be braggadocio but only suggesting that those folks must consider PG Musics tracks to be at a pro level.

FWIW,

Bud

Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 600
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 600
Thanks everyone for your wonderful replies, and info. I'd like to hear some of your demos that got picked up. I have been working on demos and cant seem to get them sounding pro enough. I am wondering if I am too critical of my work or I need to learn more recording techniques, or upgrade my DAW systems.

THANKS


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

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







Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Originally Posted By: Elliott Kayne
Thanks everyone for your wonderful replies, and info. I'd like to hear some of your demos that got picked up. I have been working on demos and cant seem to get them sounding pro enough. I am wondering if I am too critical of my work or I need to learn more recording techniques, or upgrade my DAW systems.

THANKS


Most of our songs via Sontradr that have been licensed were all produced since we joined ST in 2017. So anything on our SC account for the last five years or so would include many of those and all would be hopefully the same "quality." Recently we have had about 20 songs added to some significant Spotify curators playlist. Again, we don't think of our selves in our desktop home "studio" as pros -- only that our output is considered by some (other than family and friends smile ) to be at a high enough level for acceptance. I really don't think of them as demos. They are what they are. They are done for nothing but fun!

Bud

Songwriting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 740
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 740
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
As Roger pointed out, you did ask two questions.


Regarding the second question... I have yet to get a record deal on any of my songs nor have I had any of my songs signed into a record deal to be recorded by an artist. The question is.... does BB have the sound quality in it's real tracks to actually be used by a major label for their artist's without calling in the big name studio players for a live session? This is only my opinion..... but I think, probably not. While it is really outstanding, amazing, saves a lot of time, and it sounds good, however, to the trained ear, it's not the real thing. There's a clarity with live players that simply doesn't exist "yet" in the real tracks. It's close, and it will convince a lot of people that it's a real band.... (hence the name), but it's still less than 100%. But not by much. I've had some very talented studio folks ask about the players in my band because it did sound realistic enough to fool them.



+1


biab2023(Mac)
Logic Pro X
Songwriting
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 251
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 251
So, what is the difference between a publisher and a distributor?

I thought they are the same. I assume you don't need to make a demo. You can just make a completed song, upload to a distributor, it will be published on all platforms, done.

Also, is Songtradr anything special? Is it better than other mainstream distributors such as CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, etc?


A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,078
Originally Posted By: MusicVillain
So, what is the difference between a publisher and a distributor?

I thought they are the same. I assume you don't need to make a demo. You can just make a completed song, upload to a distributor, it will be published on all platforms, done.

Also, is Songtradr anything special? Is it better than other mainstream distributors such as CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, etc?





Songtradr is a sync library. They license songs for customers including the big film/commercial companies to indie producers and more. They offer distribution but that’s only a side feature for members. You upload your songs to them and if a customer wants to license it ST handles All the business end for a relatively small percentage and collects royalties. They are one of many sync libraries but unlike the others they will accept all of your uploads. Most libraries approve the song before making it available to customers. There is a ton of info on the net about sync libraries.

Bud

Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Originally Posted By: MusicVillain
So, what is the difference between a publisher and a distributor?

I thought they are the same. I assume you don't need to make a demo. You can just make a completed song, upload to a distributor, it will be published on all platforms, done.

Also, is Songtradr anything special? Is it better than other mainstream distributors such as CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, etc?





Songtradr is a sync library. They license songs for customers including the big film/commercial companies to indie producers and more. They offer distribution but that’s only a side feature for members. You upload your songs to them and if a customer wants to license it ST handles All the business end for a relatively small percentage and collects royalties. They are one of many sync libraries but unlike the others they will accept all of your uploads. Most libraries approve the song before making it available to customers. There is a ton of info on the net about sync libraries.

Bud


This is true. They're basically like a huge store where people looking for music can go and browse for something that fits what they are looking for.

The better quality libraries and publishers are very selective. As a result they are more familiar with the music and artists in their libraries and when the customer comes to them with a requirement, they are in a position to recommend a number of songs that would fit. Some of those will also forward the listing to their writers for the purpose of getting newly written music for the customer. These libraries are very good to work with but are extremely difficult to get into.
All of the better libraries are very high bar.


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 2023
Posts: 251
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 251
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Originally Posted By: MusicVillain
So, what is the difference between a publisher and a distributor?

I thought they are the same. I assume you don't need to make a demo. You can just make a completed song, upload to a distributor, it will be published on all platforms, done.

Also, is Songtradr anything special? Is it better than other mainstream distributors such as CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, etc?





Songtradr is a sync library. They license songs for customers including the big film/commercial companies to indie producers and more. They offer distribution but that’s only a side feature for members. You upload your songs to them and if a customer wants to license it ST handles All the business end for a relatively small percentage and collects royalties. They are one of many sync libraries but unlike the others they will accept all of your uploads. Most libraries approve the song before making it available to customers. There is a ton of info on the net about sync libraries.

Bud


This is true. They're basically like a huge store where people looking for music can go and browse for something that fits what they are looking for.

The better quality libraries and publishers are very selective. As a result they are more familiar with the music and artists in their libraries and when the customer comes to them with a requirement, they are in a position to recommend a number of songs that would fit. Some of those will also forward the listing to their writers for the purpose of getting newly written music for the customer. These libraries are very good to work with but are extremely difficult to get into.
All of the better libraries are very high bar.


So, can you do a triple dipping?

You first upload your song to a distributor like DistroKid, then you upload the same WAV to a sync library like Songtradr, and finally you upload that WAV to a PRO like ASCAP.

In this case, you can collect royalties from three separate sources.

Are you allowed to do that? Is there gonna be a copyright conflict between a regular publisher and a sync library?


A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Songwriting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,523
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,523


Hi, Elliot,

I listened to your demos. They are certainly done well enough for someone to make a buying decision.

Roger Brown is a pretty well-known songwriter and anything he says is more than a little credible.

A lot of good stuff has a Texas connection...lol Just saying!

It is funny how things keep coming up on this site that remind me of my past.

There was this friend of mine Eric Taylor who married Nanci Griffith, and we all use to hang out and play at Anderson Fair in Houston, Texas.

Perhaps Roger could tell us a little about how "I Knew Love" came about.


I Knew Love
https://youtu.be/uP5kO2eR4s0

Billy

Last edited by Planobilly; 04/15/23 05:45 PM.

New location, new environment, new music coming soon

Seize the moo-ment
If you feel like you’ve herd all these cow puns before, you probably have deja-moo
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Originally Posted By: MusicVillain


You first upload your song to a distributor like DistroKid, then you upload the same WAV to a sync library like Songtradr, and finally you upload that WAV to a PRO like ASCAP.

In this case, you can collect royalties from three separate sources.

Are you allowed to do that? Is there gonna be a copyright conflict between a regular publisher and a sync library?




Triple dipping? Yes. Join ASCAP? Not if your profile is correct and you live in Canada.

Go to this page and start reading till you understand a few things. Pay attention to SOCAN. You have a lot of reading to do.

Canada Collective Rights Societies


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Songwriting
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 251
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 251
Quote:
Triple dipping? Yes. Join ASCAP? Not if your profile is correct and you live in Canada.

Go to this page and start reading till you understand a few things. Pay attention to SOCAN. You have a lot of reading to do.


To be honest, I'm a Canadian, but I don't want to join SOCAN. To me, SOCAN is like a Blackberry, while ASCAP and BMI are like iPhones. The American stuff is always better than the Canadian counterparts.

I know in order to join ASCAP, you need to provide your US social security number, or tax forms, which I don't have. I'm currently doing some research on BMI, as they may have different policies for Canadians to join.

ASCAP has two types of membership: Individual and Publisher. Although Individual type won't accept me, I still have a chance. I own a small Canadian corporation, I think I can try to join ASCAP through that corporation as a Publisher member.

I love my country, but unless both ASCAP and BMI refuse to accept Canadians, I wouldn't even consider SOCAN.


A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
As a Canadian living in Canada, you can select ASCAP or BMI to handle your USA performance rights — after you join SOCAN.

Go back to that page and keep reading till you understand your rights and options. I’ve ignored most of your comments on these issues because a) you know so little about them and b) a lot of what I’ve posted doesn’t apply to you.

Read and learn. For everyone’s sake but mostly for your own, please do this.


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Quote:
So, can you do a triple dipping?

You first upload your song to a distributor like DistroKid, then you upload the same WAV to a sync library like Songtradr, and finally you upload that WAV to a PRO like ASCAP.

In this case, you can collect royalties from three separate sources.

Are you allowed to do that? Is there gonna be a copyright conflict between a regular publisher and a sync library?



No. You don't triple or double dip.

Your pro only collects income. They don't distribute or publish. You can upload a song but it's only for registration. Your publisher should do that on your behalf and if you are in a non exclusive library you can have one song with multiple registrations but each is tagged uniquely to a given publisher. Whoever is responsible for publishing a song in a specific place is responsible for the royalty to the pro.

Streaming services pay for streams on their platforms.

So no. You're only getting paid from the one publishing company that got the song in the cut. You can have one song producing multiple revenue streams but none of those are stacked.

I hope I explained that clearly enough.


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.
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
Topics81,643
Posts735,393
Members38,525
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
theyearofjess, OlvaJownDay, Tranner Track, Ely Bass, Barking
38,525 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 183
DC Ron 101
dcuny 89
rsdean 71
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5