|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,745
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,745 |
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 32 |
I just watched this video a few hours before. The only app I hadn't heard of was Mindful Harmony. I looked and saw it was subscription and immediately rejected it because I can do pretty much everything it does in Scaler.
But then I saw that AudioPluginDeals has a deal on it today for a $29 purchase, instead of the usual price of $199.99. While Scaler does more, it does so much that I can get lost in it. This is very simple, and that might be a good thing for me. I thought I'd pass it on
There are a few chord suggestion apps for the iPad and there are ones in DAWS. Can this kind of thing be done in BIAB?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,002
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,002 |
By the way, Scaler is currently on sale for $29.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,773
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,773 |
Really interesting video, and nicely presented. The narrator hints at this, but to me, these tools seem less about "songwriting" than about helping the user build the harmonic knowledge necessary to writing more complex and (hopefully) interesting music. Having done my harmonic learning the old fashion way, it's mind blowing to think how much more quickly these tools can speed the learning process...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 1 |
Hi, I would like to start writing songs but I'm not very knowledgeable about it. Do you have any recommendations on where to start, maybe some other apps than the video ones? (I went to music school. I can play the violin and piano) 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,819
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,819 |
Hi, I would like to start writing songs but I'm not very knowledgeable about it. Do you have any recommendations on where to start, maybe some other apps than the video ones? (I went to music school. I can play the violin and piano)  Google/Bing songwriting for dummies and you will find all the information that you need.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,652
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,652 |
MariannaB02
heres my tip.
read newspapers and view topics on the net. this should inspire song ideas....as well as your daily life and whats happening in your country/state/town etc etc.
merry xmas.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 32 |
I start songs in a variety of ways, but one thing I like to do is get out of my apartment and take a walk in the park. And I bring a notebook and a pen that I only use for songwriting. It could be any notebook and any pen, but after time doing this, I bought a nice notebook and pen, to make it special. As I walk, I let my imagination wander. For me, as the whole purpose of the walk is to find ideas--ideas often come. Not on every walk, but sometimes I get many song ideas during the same walk. Sometimes it's just a title. Sometimes I sit down on a bench and write verses. As I walk I ask myself, "What's on my mind?" "What bothers me the most right now?" "What memories in my life stand out?" If a melody comes to me, I go someplace out of the way and sing it into my phone. I also work on songs in coffee shops. Anything to get out of my place. Always remember, this is for fun. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,773
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,773 |
Hi, I would like to start writing songs but I'm not very knowledgeable about it. Do you have any recommendations on where to start, maybe some other apps than the video ones? (I went to music school. I can play the violin and piano)  Tools like the one in this video may not help much (or any) if you have a music school foundation. There are apps that will assist you with AI on some or all of songwriting, but I'm going to answer more organically with the assumption you want to write songs for others to listen to and don't want AI to write songs for you. Songwriting is storytelling. Know what your story is and tell it in a way the listener can enjoy. This applies to all the facets of the song: Lyrics, melody, tempo, harmonic structure, arrangement, etc. A good song is not really different from a good book, a good movie, or even a good joke. They all share a story that takes the reader/listener on a pleasurable journey. So my suggestion is to start with a simple subject for a song and just experiment with the story and how to tell it. How does the story begin? Where does it take the listener? How will it end? I'm perhaps oversimplifying, but I'm not that far off either. FWIW, I also like all the previous responses. And for goodness sake...MAKE IT FUN!!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,263
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,263 |
Songwriting is storytelling. Songs are storytelling, but songs aren't necessarily stories. At least, not in the traditional sense of story structure. As a broad generalization, stories typically have a conflict, and the story is often about how the main character resolves that conflict. That's especially true with formulaic film writing. Unlike traditional stories, there's no need to resolve the tension. A song can simply state the core conflict - often in the chorus - without resolving it. Importantly, it doesn't even have to be a conflict. It can simply reflect how the singer is feeling. The goal of a song is to create emotion in the listener, with that emotional idea reflected in the chorus and detailed in the verses Many songs have a three verse form. You can think of the verse as the core idea/emotion of the song. The function of the verses is to give details, explaining why the chorus is true. In many song styles, each iteration through the verse adds more details, giving a slightly different meaning to the chorus as it's revisited after the verse. So while storytelling is an important element, the song is about eliciting emotion, not telling a story with a beginning, middle and end.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3 |
This is lots of valuable information and ideas I can use. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
We all have our areas of challenge. I recognize some of mine in each of the personal narratives posted in response to the theme of the topic. Personally, I force myself to listen to NPR, especially at times my usual I-heart has something of non-interest. You have to overlook NPR's constant jumping through hoops to avoid conflicts with their "woke" patrons; but, it can be done. What NPR does, from time to time, is to present personal narratives by people selected for having a gift of introspection. Basically, interesting people looking back on their lives and talking about it. It is only recently I have become aware of the hidden value of this kind of program. In spite of the common beliefs, I don't think people who practice self expression -- artists and musicians - are naturally gifted in introspection. Maybe the music becomes the outlet; I really don't know. Whatever, NPR has discovered that these programs draw listeners. With respect to the creative process, I find observation to be every it as valuable as introspection. Simple point of view, really, not some earth-shaking breakthrough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
In our music, the chord progression is the frame upon which the house is built. Coincidentally BIAB produces an infinity of rhythm patterns and chord progressions. So, work with the 1-3-5, or the common chord, and the 1-4-5, or, typical chord progression, in a variety of keys. Listen to the BAIB backing tracks; I mean, really listen. Let them be the inspiration.
Last edited by edshaw; 12/06/24 07:37 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Marianna, Since you're already a trained instrumentalist you have a distinct advantage. A song is basically lyrics and a melody. Lots of folks write lyrics and can't play so you could start by adding music that expresses the feelings of someone else's lyrics. You will typically write the melody and chord progression. Sometimes a lyric writer will already have some musical ideas in their head of what they want and sometimes not. Either way, working with someone who's already writing lyrics will give you a good jump start and you will learn things as you go. So when you see someone who has a lyric that moves you and wants a music writer contact that person and give it a go. Or just go to the songwriting forum and post and let people know you are available. I imagine you will get some replies and then go from there.
Good luck. And have fun.
Last edited by Sundance; 12/09/24 08:46 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,742
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,742 |
Because you play piano you are miles ahead.
Try to pick a style of music you like to play. In the begining I would keep things simple. Three or four chords. Perhaps stick with majors or minors in the begining. Songs do not have to be complex to be good. Play some chord progressions on the piano and sing what ever comes to mind. It does not matter if you think you can sing or not.
Write about what you know, your life, your town, things you like, and subject matter that will fit in the style. Listen to lyrics in songs you like to get an idea what subject matter is common in that style.
If you would like to write about something you don't know much about it could be framed in another way. For example, I would like to be a cowboy but I live in the city.
Experment with different styles. Country, pop, jazz, rock, and modern rythmic bass and drum styles without much melody.
A million good songs have been written in a simple 1,4,5 chord progression in the key of C.
As you write more songs they will natuarlly change and get better.
If you have a drum program, turn on some different beats and play piano chords over the drum beat. That may very well lead to some lyrics developing in your head. Don't have drum software. Get it for free on youtube.
Listen, play, sing and songs will naturally come out. They will get better as you learn the craft.
Most likely some of the best songs you will ever write will come out of your head in less that twenty minuits, some make take years to develop. Rome may not have been built in a day but it did start on one day. What day will you start? Best to make it today!
Good luck!
Billy
Last edited by Planobilly; 12/10/24 10:58 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,070
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,070 |
So... the notion is that apps can jam together a bunch of chords together so that you can claim you've written a new song... that no one will listen to.
"Cool chords" have never made anything worth listening to all by themselves. Steeley Dan is the proof—if it was only the chords, no one would ever have cared.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,348
Posts803,693
Members40,104
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|