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Brace yourself for another exciting episode of PG Music Retirement Village Rec Room debates!
That is funny stuff...laugh out loud!
Now, if someone would just wipe the drool off my chin and remind me what we are talking about...lol
Oh, now I remember.
If the BMI person is correct in all the assumptions, that is a pretty tall order to comply with.
But...
Let's just say for the moment that somehow I did that.
Let's just say that somehow I was able to convey my song idea to a super-skilled professional vocalist.
Let's just assume I was able to convey my musical ideas to highly skilled studio musicians.
Let's just say the BMI guy said WOW!!
Then what? What does that guarantee?
I wrote the song for Taylor Swift. What do you think the chances of her singing it are?
As you can see, there is a long and winding road to Nashville and the penthouse that she lives in there, or anyone else for that matter. There are an incalculable number of twists and turns on that road.
After all that immense amount of work and good luck, BMI still can not guarantee you have a hit on your hands.
The takeaway from the BMI video is writing great songs is anything but easy. Getting past the gatekeepers is difficult at best.
If you happen not to know, BMI has a website and there are many interesting articles on its home page.
bmi.com
Billy
Last edited by Planobilly; 06/13/2311:55 AM.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Now let me guess, if I pay to read this author's book, or go to a seminar, then I too can be one of the 75 people out of 50 million trying to get a cut???
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........
And If I am not the artist's brother or producer the odds are............
Would I be better off as an Indie artist writing the best songs I can that I want to write and doing my own thing with shows and indie releases instead of dropping acid and thinking someone is going to take my whiskey song over at Warner Chappell???
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
And I wonder if the percentages have dropped since Irene wrote her article?
Wait!
They have puddin' in the rec room!! I better get my walker and get shufflin,
I think I see my old buddy....John...think his name was John...John...John...John, John John,
Oh hell, not even he can remember, what did I say? Where is my pill!!!!!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
I've actually had a sit down meeting with Jason back in 09 where he listened to my music. I won't recount here what he told me..... It wasn't bad....
I didn't, however, score a publishing deal out of it.
I think I have at least one of his books somewhere around the studio. I have Pattison, Rogers, Blume, Marino, Frederick, Anderson and a few others on my shelves for reference and reading. You can learn something from everyone.
Who decides what that "WOW" factor is in the song? I believe it is the audience, the listeners. Not necessarily the guardians of the gates.
If you haven't watched the movie "I can only Imagine".... you should. It goes along nicely with what JB is saying in the article. Mercy Me was a good band with good songs but when they played a showcase for the guardians of the gates in Nashville, they were told.... You're not good enough. Not interested. The option was.... get better or get out of the business. They came back with the song which is the title of the movie.... the rest,as they say is history. It only takes ONE SONG to make a career.
AS NSAI is fond of saying.... It Begins With A Song. The question is.... can you write it?
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.
According to Jason, the "#1 Mistake Writers and Artists Make" is writing a song that that's not exceptionally better than the competition.
Jason calls it the "wow" factor.
But according to him, it isn't a single thing. The opening line has to be exceptionally better than the competition. The lyrics have to be uniquely better than the competition. The concept has to be fresher than the competition.
The list goes on.
Certainly, there is useful information in the article.
Luke Combs wrote a great new song called Fast Car.
I can't say enough good things about it!
It is a REAL song! What a hook! Great lyrics! Mezmerizing. Like it was written by a PRO. It even has a slightly feminine touch to it. I can't explain. Just amazing.
Man oh man oh man, real songwriting is BACK.
Ain't it fantastic!
Who knew they would start writing great songs like this again!
What happened?? Is the music industry saved???
He sure didn't make any mistakes with this one.
In fact, he showed us how it is done!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
He has gotten pretty well known and you can go google him to see what he is up to.
My advice to those of you who think all current music sucks is, go write a hit song that meets your standards.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
I started out on Burgandy but wound up on the harder stuff. "Happy juice" just doesn't cut it...lol
There was something on the nightly news about this eleven-year-old girl who thought Micheal Murphy sang like an angel. She did not know he was an old guy! She finally got to talk to him after the CBS news story.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Writing based on the rule book or writing to meet someone else's expectations are fine & dandy if that's where you want to be. The Comb's cover is pretty much note for note though the addition of steel is unnecessary other than to connect with his genre touchstones - it lacks the great voice and sincerity of Tracy's original and he pushes his vocal distortion a bit too much but so long a TC gets some $ all is good. Deep satire David, deep and missed by many.
Last edited by rayc; 07/08/2312:10 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
My advice to those of you who think all current music sucks is, go write a hit song that meets your standards.
Yep. Go put your money where your mouth is.
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
The idea that there is little to no "good" music being written is not accurate.
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
The idea that there is little to no "good" music being written is not accurate.
Indeed.
I've just a few days ago come back from Swanage Jazz Festival here in the UK, which obviously informs my own tastes. Others will have quite different tastes. These were three bands from whom we bought CDs, much of their output is new compositions: Invisible Apples Yetii Hip Harp Collective
I've never heard any on radio, nor seen any on TV but these and many others are out there in clubs and at festivals and concerts.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
The idea that there is little to no "good" music being written is not accurate.
Indeed.
I've just a few days ago come back from Swanage Jazz Festival here in the UK, which obviously informs my own tastes. Others will have quite different tastes. These were three bands from whom we bought CDs, much of their output is new compositions: Invisible Apples Yetii Hip Harp Collective
I've never heard any on radio, nor seen any on TV but these and many others are out there in clubs and at festivals and concerts.
It's the local music scene where the innovation still exists. In this area of NC, there are 2 local original music playing bands that I am aware of. I know the guitarist and drummer in both of the bands. They are regularly appearing with other original bands at venues and shows. One of the bands is a heavy metal band.... they call it "sludge metal" and the other is more pop/progressive. Both appear to have a sizeable and growing cult following.
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.
It's the local music scene where the innovation still exists.
I'm sure that's a pretty sound observation.
From my own background, primarily in Engineering, but also with a good dusting of the sciences, another factor for innovation is cross-pollination of ideas. Ideas that come into one field, initially completely out of kilter with another field, and then a crazy idea becomes an exciting idea.
I've just realised that two of those groups are from the same city (Bristol, UK).
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Luke Combs wrote a great new song called Fast Car.
I can't say enough good things about it!
It is a REAL song! What a hook! Great lyrics! Mezmerizing. Like it was written by a PRO. It even has a slightly feminine touch to it. I can't explain. Just amazing.
Man oh man oh man, real songwriting is BACK.
Ain't it fantastic!
Who knew they would start writing great songs like this again!
What happened?? Is the music industry saved???
He sure didn't make any mistakes with this one.
In fact, he showed us how it is done!
That there is some slick undercover slamming.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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