Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Songwriting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720
P
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720


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: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,385
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,385
I write songs exactly like Paul does, but he is _slightly_ (ahem) more successful with that than I am.
But in general, I think it's a pretty good approach to let the song guide where it wants to go.

Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Paul's ongoing revelations about nothing in particular, what he likes, what he thinks etc. suggest a very symbiotic relationship with the media: they need to keeps the Boomers happy and he needs relevance assurance. He was in a great band. In that band he wrote some truly appalling songs and pushed them down the road toward the mawkish & the music hall. John wrote some drivel too. Paul's solo career was based on the road he'd started along in the Beatles. John started of strongly but he ended it writing the mawkish domestic stuff Paul would've been jealous of.
Did Paul write intuitively? I would assume, like most songwriters, he did often enough, early enough but there's plenty of evidence to the contrary as well. In the end he seems to be, subsonically, singing the chorus of "Love Me Do" in every interview.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Songwriting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,328
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,328
Re: Paul McCartney:
Quote
...He was in a great band. In that band he wrote some truly appalling songs and pushed them down the road toward the mawkish & the music hall...[/
.
I've witnessed similar kind of song talent comparisons here also, especially with some of the much more local content. I guess I'm comparing Paul's success with other successes that are occasionally provided locally. I doubt that the jury is still deliberating.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
Re: Paul McCartney: I'm comparing Paul's success ...
Yet,"success", whatever data point or criterion you may base it upon, isn't germane to this discussion. A "jury" is any two people discussing the matter.
DC is a kind and forgiving fellow and he does point to a stellar pair of albums that, if they were the sum total of Sir Pyawl's output, would declare my assessments redundantb BUT the topic was "intuitive" writing - clear evidence that both L & M did otherwise is "out there" and the great revisionist's personal "stay back" behaviour at Abbey Road also suggests a much more calculating and fine detail focused writer.
That's not to say that you don't have a point, but more to suggest that point is, within the circumstances, pointless.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Songwriting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,338
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,338
Hmmmmmm. I can't say that I truly understand some of the naysayer comments here about Paul McCartney's insights or his process.

I myself have a complete regurgitatory response to songs that sound like they came out of a songwriting workshop, or are too formulaic. I can't bear to listen to them.

On the other hand, Paul McCartney has written hundreds of songs that seem like they just came out of nowhere, but took flight on magical wings. It's just incredibly obvious that these songs were intuitive and summoned up by magic. Lady Madonna is but one example. It's just an absolutely phenomenal piece of intuitive genius from beginning to end.

So I really like this article myself and I found myself resonating with it on many levels. I've never been one to pay much attention to songwriting feedback or songwriting manuals or songwriting theories myself. They just bore the living hell out of me. I would rather be writing music with my eyes closed.

Songwriting
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Journeyman
Online Content
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 333
Firsty, let me say I am one of those that finds Macca's songs sublime. (I even find songs like 'Why can't we do it in the road' an interesting diversion.) I can say this because I like styles of music with very strong melodies and chord progressions that move outside of the diatonic - something The Beatles were inherently brilliant at. It's a generalisation, but today's I - V - vi - IV production formula is the antithesis of this. Melody has been forsaken for rhythmic, arranged production. The brilliant contemporary music is hidden and not often on the mainstream.

To some extent, my Brit background and age provide a fertile bed for The Beatles' music to be planted in. However, I wonder how much my favouring of their style of music allows me to exalt their songwriting to a level well above others? e.g. as a contrary, I am not a country music fan, so no matter how brilliant Garth Brooks is, I am never going to regard him highly. (Don't crucify me smile ) In reverse, I am sure this might be the case for a Garth Brooks fan as well. This is not discounting that McCartney (or Garth Brooks) has wide appeal.

Clearly, The Beatles were writing and recording at a time of extraordinary change in modern music and rode that wave all the way to the shore. While Lennon, McCartney and Harrison wrote some excellent songs post The Beatles, I can't quite say they hit the same high-water mark IMHO, but there are some good ones: Maybe I'm amazed; New; Every night; This never happened before. I wonder how much the cross-inspiration (competition?) between them drove them on. I have created some post-Beatles playlists combining the best of McCartney/Lennon/Harrison/Starr for each year from 1970 to 1980, and they still don't seem to match The Beatles' repertoire - at least from Rubber Soul onwards.

There would be nothing more *potentially* restrictive to a songwriter than the idea of a series of 'tools', techniques or tips. 'I'll just pull this songwriting screwdriver out of my bag.' However, there are many tutorials that describe the vast array of songwriting tips and maybe the vastness of the array means one doesn't over-rely on a narrow few, or the tool itself become sthe inspiration. I also understand why Sir Paul would want to stay away from a formulaic process. It could ruin the magic.

I think all songwriters stand on the shoulders of giants - meaning we are all building upon / being inspired by someone or something we have heard before. This is why I use BIAB - the many styles immediately take me out of my comfort zone to think of something I would never have. In one way, and understanding a little about Paul McCartney's upbringing and being immersed with Lennon and others from a young age, I can see how he may have been marinated in a very creative soup.

As a tangent, has anyone seen any analysis of songs Macca didn't write, but his talents brought those songs to perfection? e.g. I am thinking of his bass work on 'Something' or 'Hey bulldog'; his vocal harmony on 'Every little thing', 'Wait' or 'While my guitar gently weeps'.


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

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
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

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

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

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!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

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

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,380
Posts778,470
Members39,636
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
DobBylan, JoeyCost, Ted1968, Jaraxus92, Mr. Artless
39,635 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 149
DC Ron 113
WaoBand 109
rsdean 89
dcuny 76
Today's Birthdays
furlanetto31
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5