One where one song leads to the next in some kind of logical/artistic order? Difficulty, challenges & how you overcame those .. any input/advice? /or am I a dinosaur from days past? //there used to be something about some albums/CDs that just led you thru it, you wanted to finish the story ///forum seemed kind of dead so thought I might kick-start a conversation
We tried once; "3Forks" led into "Ol' Man of the Wood"s, led into "12" .. I think we may have started off on the wrong foot by making the first song 11/8 <smirk /> We came out of the gate scaring people!
Last edited by rharv; 09/20/2409:36 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Tommy. Quadrophenia Desperado Red headed stranger Dark side of the moon? Maybe not.
Just to name a few off the top of my head..... It's not easy to write a cohesive, well done, concept album. I had toyed with the idea a few times but wisely decided it was not going to happen.
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.
.. I had toyed with the idea a few times but wisely decided it was not going to happen.
That's why I thought it would be fun to ask. It's a way to tell a story (or part of your story). It was fun, and although not any kind of a 'success', we learned from it. Even if only to pay attention to how song leads to another (whether intentionally related or not). If you want a listener to hear the 3rd song, better not give them a reason to stop listening prior. (see original topic post regarding 11/8) We actually learned much more than that, some of it with humility, some with a dab of personal pride/satisfaction.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Well, my brother wrote lyrics for a 12 song rock opera, and I recorded demo tracks for it. He provided the story arc, which was a Sci Fi love story in the vein of Bride of Frankenstein. If that sounds wild, it was. Had a good time scoring it, and wrote each song in a different key until I had used them all. Agree that the concept is the hardest part, but when you have a committed lyricist, it can fall in place pretty quickly...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Not us. But then our label name is “All Over The Map Records.” J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
[quote=rharv]One where one song leads to the next in some kind of logical/artistic order? Difficulty, challenges & how you overcame those .. any input/advice?/quote]
Howdy rharv....
Yes....I've been involved in (2) concept projects and working with only one other person. l wrote most of the songs/lyrics. 1) It's titled "Full Circle". This one is only (6) songs and is about life in the future. (1984 and took a couple months to finish) 2) It's titled "The Travels Of Qua'Zelar". This one is (12) songs about a "space traveler, adventurer". (1995....this one took longer) I haven't uploaded #1) but If remotely interested, I have #2 uploaded to youtube as an example:
I've not promoted it all because it surely has no commercial merit and only those like yourself interested in tackling a concept project would possibly be mildly curious or interested. It's a mix of songs & compositions.
It can be a daunting creative process and one has to be in it for the long haul Keeping the songs and lyrics interesting and focused on the project topic is paramount. In my opinion...it's lyrical imagery that is the most important aspect to keep in mind. Then song sequence needs to be determined. If you do have any questions I'll be glad to chime in.
I do have another concept project that is just me and not finished yet which is (6) songs. Several of the songs are close but still need more work Unfortunately, I may return to stardust before I do finish it. It's called "The Medieval Man" and the struggle to survive in medieval times. Here's one of the finished songs called "Dark Forest"...song #37 so you have to scroll down to the bottom of the list. https://www.soundclick.com/wayneevansproject/?content=songs
(EDIT: (4) songs from the video above are on this list also: Stops/Adversary/Fast As Fire/Guitars In The Storm and one song from the "Full Circle" project is on this list and called "Toy Guns")
Of course, whether a project of this nature is appealing and cohesive is up to any given listener and much can be open to personal interpretations. Personally, I just like to write from the imagination, my creative therapy, so to speak.
Hope that helps....keep us in the loop if you decide to tackle a project of this nature.
On the topic of tips and tricks, for the concept album I worked in my previous post I pretended I was staging a musical production. In my mind there was an actual stage and actors, and I blocked their actions in my head for each number including the non-musical parts. Also planned the transition from song to song just as I imagined it would be on stage. None of the staging actually happened of course, but I found the device useful, and it made the project more fun.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Unless one is touring and has a merch table or is so big that they can get into Target or Walmart, how are albums of any kind relevant anymore?
Christmas or birthday gifts for family and friends. Singing group or vocal soloist has a set list of songs they perform in public.
I wasn’t asking about vanity projects. I have a nice business doing those and bought BIAB specifically to get my costs down so that I could offer a more attractive price while doing less work — one of the best decisions I ever made.
Point of sale for church and school groups is the same as a band having a merch table — it supports performance.
All this talk of concept CDs — for whom? What’s the audience and how does anyone intend to reach them? Sure, you can put it out on YouTube, Apple Music etc, but how do you drive anyone to listen and buy?
I have a client who’s spent $10K (not with me) and in the hole for the same amount to myself and others on an album with a ‘concept” that only he understands. Now he wants me to distribute it — how? The album is dead and the music industry is song based, these days. Since he no longer performs and hasn’t had a release since 1990 when we were touring and it was for the merch table, there’s no avenue, no audience except for 10s of fans in the US and Europe. Yea, I can run off CDs and maybe sell 50 or 75 while giving away an equal number. I’ll never see a dime and the tracking studios will have to be content with 50¢ on the dollar that they’ve received except mine as I have never been paid for any of this. Oh yea, he doesn’t do social media.
I’ll get some traction on a few of the songs but he keeps insisting that it be released as an album. Since he has no money for a PR campaign, the best I can do is wish him luck.
BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Concept albums are a personal endeavor, it may just be that the intended audience is not commercial. I mean, if it happens, cool. I did it for personal gratification and would not have spent $10k. Your example is not the intended recipient of my post.
Some of us do this for fun too! Not just $$
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Concept albums are a personal endeavor, it may just be that the intended audience is not commercial. I mean, if it happens, cool. I did it for personal gratification and would not have spent $10k. Your example is not the intended recipient of my post.
Some of us do this for fun too! Not just $$
Sometimes what we want, perhaps need, is the challenge.
It's something that I hadn't really fully recognised in myself until I took redundancy from a role 20 years ago and was both looking at business options and also, as an alternative for a job that I might want to do. I was actually quite shocked at for how many of the latter my reaction was "where's the challenge in that?"
I presently have three ideas for narrative constructions of series of songs, cf 'concept albums', though at present I still struggle to get going due to the effects of my depression. What I would do, though, even with such a narrative, it try also to make each song capable of standing alone. I don't have any illusions that anyone is likely to buy such a narrative collection, but I think the challenge may be good for me.
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 .
Exactly. That's a good part of the challenge; making each song be able to stand alone. And if the whole collection is listened to, it has even more meaning. This is another great thing to point out.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean