|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734 |
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: 2,886
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,886 |
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: 7,203
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,203 |
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: 21,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,047 |
Re: Paul McCartney: ...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 & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,203
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,203 |
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: 8,447
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447 |
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: 997
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 997 |
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  ) 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'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,890
Posts797,387
Members39,981
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean