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Soundcloud: Love's a danger IntroWritten way back in April 2001, this song has sat dormant patiently awaiting my attention. Recently, after seeing videos from Henry Clarke and JackDogDude, I chose to use the song as a project in which the accompaniment, recording and mixing was completely done in Band-in-a-Box. (I normally export the BIAB backing into Cakewalk and record, replace, arrange and mix there.) The flute solo is a special highlight for me, generated Soloist. I haven't gone anywhere near a DAW for this song, or used any third party plugin or software.One could never have imagined adding a cowbell, shaker and tambourine (in addition to the drums in the style) could be so problematic. In the end, I created a drum map in StyleMaker with the cowbell, shaker and tambourine patterns, then exported the drum track as audio, then reverted to the chosen Style _GUAJIRA and imported the cowbell et al audio into utility track 4, having to timeshift it and apply volume automation to adjust levels in parts. I did try using a Loop for the cowbell, but the one I had available in BIAB was only crotchet beats, so not enough variation for what I wanted. Anywho, I am pretty happy with the outcome and learned a few new BIAB features along the way. However, I think I will go back to the BIAB and DAW combo next time. Band-in-a-Box infoKey=C , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=2:56 Style is _GUAJIRA.STY (Guajira Trio) RealTracks in style: 1958:Bass, Baby, Guajira Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1959:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Guajira Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1960:Tres, Rhythm Guajira Ev 120 RealDrums in style:SalsaGuajira^1-a:BongoFills, b:Bells Flute:704:Flute, Soloist Bossa Ev 140 [Soloist] + BIAB reverb Utility track 1 - Main vocal recorded in BIAB - panned centre vol 94 and volume automation in Audio Edit window; added BIAB 5-band EQ, BIAB dynamics, BIAB reverb Utility track 2 - 2nd vocal recorded in BIAB - centre vol 42 and volume automation Utility track 3 - 3 vocal recorded in BIAB - centre vol 44 and volume automation Utility track 4 - Cowbell, shaker, tambourine - I created a new drum map style, exported as audio, then imported into this UT with some time-shifting to align correctly and volume automation. Utility track 5 - Backing vocal recorded in BIAB and audio edited Utility track 6 - Backing vocal recorded in BIAB and audio edited ******************* LyricsINTRO VERSE 1 Life has taught me it’s a risk – love’s a danger It’s a world where we go unprepared – love is strange I don’t quite know why everybody tries Lovers are at risk – I say that much is plain VERSE 2 Place your heart out on your sleeve – love’s a danger On your forehead place a sign that says “Do me in” Laughter turns to crying, lovers want to die Who deserves this danger, this heartache and this pain? BRIDGE Love is a game, we roll the dice, it’s hard to explain It’s such a stupid game and still I play againRoll... once more, and hope you have something to gain You roll once moreSOLO (flute) BRIDGE 2 Dance in the rain, to a lover’s wistful refrain It still keeps pouring I still keep listeningTake ... a vow, loving is worth it again I make my vowsVERSE 3 Life has taught me it’s a risk – love’s a danger It’s a world where we go unprepared – love is strange I don’t quite know why everybody tries Lovers are at risk – but it’s worth it just the same
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Yeah, BIAB is a decent DAW for those who have learnt it and live within it but pulling thing into it always causes me grief.
It's a brilliant starting place though.
The song is pretty cool...I think your voice could be "warmed up" with some EQ and more reverb but it sits in the mix well.
WELL DONE
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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...I think your voice could be "warmed up" with some EQ and more reverb but it sits in the mix well.
WELL DONE Thank you Ray! When you say 'warmed up', were you thinking more mids, or something else? I was cautious with the reverb on the main vocal because I listened to it solo many times, and probably got scared off doing too much because of that, but I think the reverb that is on it has disappeared in the mix. Andrew D
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Youtube: Love's a danger For those that prefer a video, I have just uploaded it. Andrew D
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Yeah, don't ya love Henry Clarke? Cowbell and all poercussion can change any song or part thereof in a special visceral way. Yeah, I'm with ya on that flute solo, Andrew. I love the feel of this one. Well done. It's amazing what this program in the hands like yours can sound like stripped of all the plugins.
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Andrew, hey, this turned out GREAT for leftovers! LOVE your vocals and especially your BGVs. Really like the way the bossa theme plays under the vocals, too. That flute solo was inspired. All mixed and mastered perfectly.
I've tried your experiment half a dozen times but failed to complete the mission even once. Just too many simple things (like cowbells) that I know how to do effortlessly in a DAW but take (me) WAY too long in BiaB. So hats off to you!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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... Cowbell and all poercussion can change any song or part thereof in a special visceral way. Right from when I wrote the song back in 2001, I was struck by the effect of the cowbell - I can't remember which style I wrote in originally as I saved the style under a different name, but I think it was one of the original ZZBOSSA variants. Andrew D
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Andrew, hey, this turned out GREAT for leftovers! LOVE your vocals and especially your BGVs. Really like the way the bossa theme plays under the vocals, too. That flute solo was inspired. All mixed and mastered perfectly.
I've tried your experiment half a dozen times but failed to complete the mission even once. Just too many simple things (like cowbells) that I know how to do effortlessly in a DAW but take (me) WAY too long in BiaB. So hats off to you! Thanks Ron! I've got quite a few more in my back catalogue and spending my retirement years (in part) working through these, so one day, the grandkids will say "Granddad was a songwriter". Regarding the flute, the Soloist struck gold on that one - as soon as I heard it, I froze the track. I'm not sure if your IKEA ads in your domicile used to play an ad where a customer thunk they had a bargain and would yell out to their partner "Start the car! Start the car!" to make a quick getaway. That's what it felt like to me on hearing the Soloist flute ... "Freeze the track! Freeze the track!"  Regarding mixing, I have a go, so thanks for the feedback on that. Sometimes when mixing, I am susceptible to 'imposter syndrome' - feeling like I am fudging my way. Andrew D
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Andrew, I really enjoyed this. I esp liked the overlapping in the bridge area—very creative sort of call and response—great idea! The unique soundscape of this immediately gets your attention, and I’m so glad to see an artist go out of the box like this. I wish I had your technical skill with UTs, blended style elements, etc…Very impressed! Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
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Andrew, I really enjoyed this. … I wish I had your technical skill with UTs, blended style elements, etc… Thank you Tom for your generous words, but besides the songwriting, adding cowbell, shaker and tambourine, the rest came down to making use of an excellent Style that BIAB had available, and a wonderful Soloist. So great that I live in an era where this sort of tech can support me as a not-so-talented musician but with plenty of ideas I want to express. Andrew D
Last edited by Andrew Dee; 04/06/25 01:45 PM.
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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.
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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!
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