|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
I came across this article on the Taxi.com site. As a songwriter who is not interested in a recording career, I am interested in marketing my songs. I've often wondered just how many of the blessings bestowed on we musicians by PG Music software I should incorporate into my song demos. When is enough enough? The link below came to me from Taxi and I thought that maybe some of you other writers out there might find it an interesting read - it is one man's view. Taxi.comAfter you read this article, I'd be interested in your comments on how you feel about your own demos. And what your aspirations are for your songs.  Cheers - Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
Very interesting and useful article. It's very applicable for us since neither my wife nor I are 23 American idol style(nor want to be) singer/songwriters
types.
We are interested in the Gospel segment of music/songwriting and still trying to learn how to get from what we think in a well composed work to the artist that may want to listen to our work.
This is why BIAB is for us a useful tool
Thanks for the link. Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,647 |
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the link. It's an interesting article and makes a lot of sense. I have come across a number of publishers asking for full-band demos, though. I guess that in these cases, you can still pitch the song in the hope that the publisher listens. As is always the case, whatever type of demo, the publisher may or may not listen. I imagine that if you have a bit of a name happening in songwriting, then a stripped down demo might be all that's needed.
I think that using a professional singer is good advice. My thoughts are that ultimately, it will be the singing that stays in a person's head. So if this is strong, it has to be a bonus when submitting the demo.
As a note, I've been to a few Steve Seskin seminars. He's a singer/songwriter and has had 7 number 1 country hits. He always gets his demos professionally recorded and uses a singer other than himself.
Regards,
Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 04/09/10 02:41 PM.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Ian,
I do "ok" with song covers and Biab. I am still waiting for the songwriter gift, LOL. It is a gift and there are a few here, like yourself, who can put pen to the paper. My music is for entertaining myself and a few friends here or there, nothing serious. I think I can hear if a song has "it" or not, most of the time.
I haven't read the article yet, but what I understand of the "Nashville-Song Demo" occupation, they usually prefer their demo songs with just an acoustic guitar version and a vocal melody of the next "hit." That way, they can add their "business end" to it and market it to their intended artist. Just an opinion of mine, though.
The "business end" is making it sound like the intended artist had written it. Putting their "sound" in the song. I am talking Countrified here, btw. Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Willie Nelson etc . . . they all have their own identity in their "sound." Think of it as "branding" a song.
So, if someone is trying to sell a song, the song will stand by itself with its lyric and melody being demo'd on an acoustic guitar. Again, just an opinion here.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I would say that a stripped down demo, played by a real instrumentalist, would go much farther than a BIAB or Real Band-enhanced track. Unless you have a really good ear for orchestration, that is. I hesitate to say this, but there is generally a common thread to the BIAB and RealBand supported demos posted here, IMO: they almost always pile on too much stuff. There's synth horns where there should be no horns. There are lead guitars going on throughout the whole song. There's a piano, B3, a fake acoustic track, a rhythm electric guitar, all going at the same time. There's TC Helicon vocal harmonies. Many times, what should be a gentle ballad is a big giant Dagwood sandwich of layers, most of which just don't belong. And for goodness sakes - please please please remove the count-off stick sounds from the beginning of the song. I'm going to use some songs of a fellow FAWMer, demonstrating when he had it just right, and when he layered in too much. He is a brilliant songwriter and composer - but we feel comfortable critiquing each other's material. His name is Tim Conway. (not that one). Now, he refers to UK English terms (caravan, chips, take-away, etc.) Here is a great demo; 2 minutes - even though the Ukulele is out of tune somewhat: http://www.oddbod.net/dungeness.mp3Let's break it down. It's a great melody. The lyrics evoke emotion and a sense of place and time. There's perhaps 5 or 6 tracks total in this song. I bet you will be singing this song to yourself later aver you take a listen. Everything supports the melody - even the reversed guitar track is a pad that let's the simple melody and words penetrate. Now, here's another one of his tunes, in the style of Ju Ju High Life (sp?): http://www.oddbod.net/patrice.mp3Take a guess at what happened here that makes this one less memorable. The drum track is too busy for this song. In this style of song the guitars almost always carry the rhythm. Only in the bridge/3rd verse section do the drums calm a bit. Tim laid on the tracks too much in this one - even with the hoot whistle and B3 stacked into the sandwich of the two guitars for the last chorus/outro - too much. You won't remember the lyrics to this song, because they got buried in the busy accompaniment. Leaving on a positive note, here is Diamond Mine: http://www.oddbod.net/diamond.mp3Again, perhaps 5-8 total tracks, not all happening at once. This one leaves room for a Queen-type Bohemian Rhapsody monstrous accompaniment right down to just piano and vox. The tune and lyrics stand on their own. There are some melody hooks in this one that will haunt for a day or so. Keep in mind, with the exception of Dungeness, Tim did these songs in max of 2 or 3 days each in the evenings. Do less for more impact. Take a tour through Tim's site for mostly great demos. One thing that you'll notice with Tim's stuff; very wide variety of styles, some retro references, and almost always a great break somewhere in the song that just makes you anticipate the return with all your might.
Last edited by rockstar_not; 04/09/10 09:27 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The reality is that "either way can work and either way can fall".
For at the bottom of this thing lies the actual song itself. If it can "stand alone" it will likely still get attention. There have been rather recent examples of just that happening.
On the other hand, you should find out what your target wants you to submit. If you are submitting to a house that routinely solicits for fully fleshed out demos, it would be of benefit for you to pursue the same path.
But again, whether your demo is a simple voice-and-guitar or a fullblown production number, it is the songwriting itself that sells the work. Or not.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 17 |
I am song-writer rather than a performer, although I have played in bands and done some live gigs.
Having just read all the above, it does strike a chord... (pun not actually intended!)
I had already decided to do a number of versions of my best songs:
1. simple backing + 'song'
2. a fuller production (IF and only IF the song actually needs it..)
3. my own version with me performing it
On 1. & 2. above I have decided to use a professional singer as I am sick and tired of people criticising my vocal rather than listening to THE SONG.
As for the selling of the song side, I have worked in Sales & Marketing for twenty years so I have some thoughts on that! Also, I am voraciously reading/listening to any advice that is out there!
Good luck to one and all, including me!
Frage
New to BIAB and just got hold of a 2007 Megapak... but I have been writing songs for quite awhile... most of them hits (of course..) :-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
 Thanks all for your input. I must admit I do like building arrangements with this software  . After reading your replies I decided to tour the Taxi site and visit their "Industry Listings". Publishing companies looking for TV placements suggest and stress good quality home recordings as acceptable demos with good instrumentation and universal lyrics and no uncleared samples. They want ready for air. There seem to be a lot of publishers looking for material for TV/Film usage. It's the big thing. Fewer listings asking for individual songs for recording artists. Personally while I'd like to hire a singer for the some of the songs I write that I have trouble singing myself, lack of funds does stand in the way . . . still looking for an affordable pitch correction software to smooth out the bumps in the road.  Frage - I like your approach - if you plan your production well - for several eventualities - then you're ahead of the game. And like Mac suggests, respond with whatever they're asking. It's all a longshot. Cheers - Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
Ian, I believe the vocals are the most important part in that you can lose an audience very quickly with an off note or 2. There are at least 10 local bluegrass bands and only one or two have good lead vocals, but.. good vocalist are out there.
Instead of hiring, check out some local talent. If you find a good vocalist to do the demo it helps them and you and saved money too. You might have to go through a few but it might be worth the trouble. Some churches have some very good talent that won't be found anywhere but there in church.
I thought "Diamond Mine" was interesting but his vocals were swallowed up by the instruments. Now I have a bit of a hearing loss so maybe it was me. I'm just saying what I heard.
The other thing we all need and I at the head of the line is objective criticisms and advice because we hear what we want to hear sometimes. I think my wifes voice is great but I would like to know what the truth is about the quality of her voice. Is it good enough for demos or not, but who do you ask?
Just a few thoughts on a warm Sunday morning . Don't know if it's worth the electrons or not. Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,504
Posts805,790
Members40,138
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean