|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
As a regular songwriter, I recognise that my inspiration for a song and creative motivations have many different causes. I went searching this forum with the words 'inspiration' or 'creativity' in the title, and in each case, the last thread was 2019 or before - so I think it's time to revisit! Scrolling through what people have written in previous threads (see links below), here is my summary. Question: what have you found to be a great source of inspiration or have influence on your creativity? Recognising that some take their inspiration and creativity from the written word, whereas others might be inspired musically - this probably informs the lyrics first / music first differences. Do you have an example(s) or story(s) of where one or more of the following inspired you? Feel free to answer short, long narrative, or ranking - the points are numbered for your convenience. Also feel free to add to or expand the list. My own answer is in a reply to this post. 1) Location or environment 2) Your mood or emotional state 3) Theme or subject matter 4) Relationships and interactions with others 5) Circumstances you have experienced 6) Character study 7) Title or phrase or quote 8) Media, movie, TV, reading, podcast 9) Listening to other artists, new songs 10) Listening to other genres, styles 11) Experimenting with different sounds, tunings, effects 12) Using different instrument than your normal e.g. playing keys if normally a guitarist 13) Using tools and tech e.g. BIAB, loop station, effects pedals, plugins 14) Playing for fun, jamming 15) Playing/noodling and discovering riff, melody, chord progression, groove etc 16) Co-writing, collaborating, responding to a songwriting challenge or idea 17) Medicinal or chemical assistance Previous forum threads:https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=458355#Post458355https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=395171#Post395171https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=465143#Post465143https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=399186#Post399186https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=416621#Post416621
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
For me, the main sources of inspiration or creativity are:
2) Your mood or emotional state - not very often, but I remember a time in the early 2000s where I stayed up late into the early hours while the family was asleep, and began writing a song - and I got on a roll. I am convinced that the tiredness of staying up late had a creative effect and was the reason why I wrote 3 songs (including lyrics) in that single night.
7) Title or phrase or quote - definitely helps me with lyrics, but not so much musically. Even though it is not my preferred starting point (a chord progression or melody line is usually the start for me), the few times I have written 80% of the lyrics first have sometimes been my most successful.
9) Listening to other artists, new songs - this is a significant motivation. Hearing a new song that I like will motivate me to write something, and not necessarily a similar song. I can still remember listening to Jack Johnson's album 'In between dreams', and in particular, the song 'Never know'. I rushed off and wrote songs in days after listening to it. Same with Paul Simon, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Thirsty Merc, Blur, Stornaway, The Jayhawks.
13) Using tools and tech e.g. BIAB, loop station, effects pedals, plugins - this is where BIAB styles are very influential for me. I might have a chord progression, then choose a style, and if I find something good, the style itself will inspire or influence a lot of the song. I reckon about 30% of my songs have been inspired this way.
14) Playing for fun, jamming - from 2000 to 2012, I collected the chord sheets of over 2000 songs, and playing these and understanding the chord progressions and lyrics fed into one of the most prolific times of my songwriting.
16) Co-writing, collaborating, responding to a songwriting challenge or idea - for the last 3 years of so, I have been meeting up with a couple of guitarist mates who were aware of my songwriting and wanted to start themselves. We took turns to set a songwriting challenge that we would have to play our song when we re-grouped 5-6 weeks later. The challenge might be based on a title or song lyric; a chord progression; a style; a time signature; or a melody. It is amazing what a deadline will do and none of us have ever failed in completing over 20 assignments. What's even better is when we all join in to play and sing each other's song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,715 |
I hear a phrase or see/remember someone doing something and my brain starts to make something out of it.
It's not voluntary, I can't stop my brain from doing that.
I guess I'm wired that way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,018 |
Andrew, I would say #1-#16 are my inspirations. If #17 included beer I would have added that to my list  . I have used every one of them. But if I had to pick one it would be BiaB. I am playing in genres I never would be playing in if it wasn't for BiaB. Also the melodist and soloist can generate phrases that can lead to entire songs.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,213
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,213 |
I almost always start with complete lyrics from a collaborator. From there I MIGHT use any of #9-14. But I've written songs (ie, music for lyrics) while walking, showering, driving...well, almost anywhere that part of my mind can engage. White noise helps. Sometimes I know what the musical inspiration is ("hey, that sounds like Neil Young!"), but most frequently it's just something that comes out. I know a lot of songwriting techniques that help, but how/if they're employed is hit-and-miss.
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 2011
Posts: 15,818
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,818 |
Quite often a lyric notion comes to me when we are hiking or mountain biking. And that doesn’t imply that the lyric is nature oriented. I tend to develop the notion when sitting on our elevated front porch overlooking our forest. I’ll then throw together a SGU oriented toward the genre I have in mind. Then Janice will work her magic and quickly come up with a progression and melody and tweak my lyric for meter purposes.
Our friend and music partner Peter Fulham in addition to guitar provides great input for all aspects of the production.
Of course w/o BiaB none of this would be happening. While we played in bands for years we wrote very little until BiaB offered us the opportunity to work in genres we had long listened to but not performed.
And then there are the 1920’s PD tunes we love to work up but that’s another story. 😀
We are not prolific writers but enjoy it and particularly the plays we get on Spotify, etc. Always nice to know that folks other than family and friends like our efforts.
Bud
Last edited by Janice & Bud; 03/16/25 01:36 PM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
But if I had to pick one it would be BiaB. I am playing in genres I never would be playing in if it wasn't for BiaB. Also the melodist and soloist can generate phrases that can lead to entire songs. Mario - same here. I suspect its the case for others as well. In my case, these can sometimes be 'unplanned inspirations'. BIAB exposes me to styles that I would never think of, and elements of these give me ideas that lead to a full song also. As for #17, I reckon a Bailey's Irish Cream or a nice tawny port would surely help my creativity!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
Interesting DC Ron. I wonder why that would be? Maybe the white noise is tantamount to a blank canvas or helps block out other distractions?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
Of course w/o BiaB none of this would be happening. Hi Bud - I agree. I recently updated my song register with roughly when each song, whether completed or in part, was first written. This covers the period from when I was 16 through to now - I am 63. There was an explosion in my songwriting when two things occurred 1. I was collecting the chordsheets of famous songs 2. I purchased BIAB. I remember telling myself that I had song ideas trapped in my brain but couldn't find a way to bring them to life (to their fullness) until I had BIAB.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,213
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,213 |
Interesting DC Ron. I wonder why that would be? Maybe the white noise is tantamount to a blank canvas or helps block out other distractions? Dunno why but my mind finds music in white noise and similar sound spectrums. Somewhat controllable but it can be slightly annoying if for example I want to listen to music at low volumes on a road trip but the thrum of the tires is playing a different tune. Having mild tinnitus creates its own challenges...
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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,663
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,663 |
I'll add my 2 cents....
All of the above.
Although, the results from #17 are dubious at best when examined in the clear light of the next day.
I'd add one to the list: 18: sitting down with intent and no preconceived notion and simply writing to see what you can do. AKA:scheduled writing. I tend to use this method of writing more often.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 802 |
I'd add one to the list: 18: sitting down with intent and no preconceived notion and simply writing to see what you can do. AKA:scheduled writing. I tend to use this method of writing more often. Ah yes - forgot that one! I haven't done this so much, but probably more when it comes to writing lyrics - which is my weak link. I have tried 'stream of consciousness' type writing, and while 90% of this comes out 'meh', I am surprised by the odd magical line that pops out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,289
Posts790,593
Members39,854
| |
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