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Songwriting
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 15
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 15 |
I'd like to try out something here - Let's talk about YOUR musical influences. As the subject is very broad, I try to give some idea for what I'm after: I love discovering new music, but also discovering new things I should be listening within songs, be it a radio-pop-song or symphonic orchestra playing some small phrase within 60-minute long concert. I'd like to hear Your favorite moments with songs you have chosen, and why those small moments or whole songs affect your music so much as an composer/arranger (try to point out what makes it so special or what listener should listen for). If you can, give some insights to how the part/song is structured and works like it does (educate us!) I guess it would be preferable to throw either Spotify or Youtube links with specific time already marked (right click Youtube video and use "copy video URL at current time"). It might be best not to put embedded Youtube videos, as it probably breaks structure of your message / list. So here is my selection in no specific order, which is heavy influenced by "larger-than-life moods" (... well, soundtrack genre...): --- Ed Sheeran - I See Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fngvQS_PmQOne of the best folk ballads around. It has very nice voicings and it became my first piano song which I studied very carefully in order to understand what makes it to sound like it does. I'v made an Youtube video for beginners, in which I explain how to voice this for piano ( https://youtu.be/wR74Cfrht88?t=42 ) --- Alan Wake - Deerfest https://youtu.be/Ax__pmu1xBQ?t=139Petri Alanko is one of my favorite composers and his Alan Wake soundtrack was big influence for me to get into soundtrack -genre. This short intercept is one of me most unique chord progressions in all it's simplicity. I'v discussed about this chord progression within VI Forum and it's power seems to come from altering major/minors and resolving sustains. Transcript of this particular part can be downloaded as PDF from here http://vi-control.net/community/attachments/petri-alanko-alan-wake-deerfest-pdf.4064/ (thanks to great community of VI Control, who helped to transcribe it for me). --- Panu Aaltio - Water Cycle (01:05 -> to the end) https://open.spotify.com/track/4Ui1hUa0ciicslprdwP5a6Panu Aaltio is one of those names who are rising within film industry. He has roots within computer music (under alias "Firestorm" back in 2000) and he made soundtrack for Finnish documentary "Tale Of The Lake" (which is nature documentary about water & lakes). When I heard this song playing on movie theater right before the ending credits I almost cried. Very powerful arrangement. I guess the percussions here play out big part, but it's about the overall tone and mixture of different instruments. --- Chance Thomas - Lord Of The Rings Online - Legacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGV5j1mHrMoI rarely get excited over video game soundtracks as much as I'v been over whole "Lord Of The Rings Online - Riders Of The Rohan" -soundtrack by Chance Thomas. In my opinion it's orchestration is masterpiece, and you can hear how the song flows and blends between themes. Whole album is full of this kind of masterful themes and moods with wide range of instruments. --- Moonsorrow, a Finnish black metal band, is absolutely the biggest influence of everything I do musically! No kidding! I love all the kinds of band and genres, be it George Strait -country or John Williams symphony, but the biggest influence really has been a black metal band. Strangely enough, Moonsorrow opened my mind and how I perceive music. It thought me to *listen* music much more closely and keep even more open minded, even as I had been listening for metal bands for over 15 years before. The mastermind behind Moonsorrow, composer/keyboardist Henri Sorvali, is one of the most talented composers I know. He works at Rovio (The Angry Birds -company), is multi-genre-talent, and according to Wikipedia idolizes Frank Zappa, Danny Elfman ja Jeremy Soule  I know not many users within this forum can even stand this kind of non-musical "rubbish". It's hard to understand what the musical idea is, as you are probably getting stuck within its aggressiveness and groaning singing style... still, I have introduced this band for many who dislike this kind of music, and ultimately quite a few have been amazed how they have grown over these few songs I have made 'em to listen. Unlike one might initially think, Moonsorrow doesn't sing about devil worship -- it's lyrics are historic tales influenced by Finnish folklore... and no, that S -letter within their logo isn't Nazi-symbol either (yeah, the press already tried to make headlines over this subject last year). Hearing the intro of "Huuto" ("The yell" or "The shout") for the first time was one of the biggest moments for me. No matter if you like or dislike rest of the song, I hope you get my point about the intro... I also had to choose Ruttolehto, as it also has very powerful melody within both intro and recurring theme. Also both songs are long, over 15 minutes, but have very masterfully crafted structures with recurring and altering themes, which leads to hypnotic feeling while listening (but this of course requires multiple listens, as you need to get familiar with songs)... Moonsorrow - Huuto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRg8Tg-oM_A ( Intro ) Moonsorrow - Ruttolehto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcuusxiIWrc ( Intro ) https://youtu.be/CcuusxiIWrc?t=345 ( Recurring theme, which leads to instrumental C-part at around 6:55) btw: I love the comment someone gave to "Ruttolehto" on Youtube: "Who else likes the part from 0:00 to 15:22?"  --- Opeth - Windowpane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEaf9LqIUZQOpeth - Hope leaves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anuzo1_KSY8Opeth has been second most influencial band for me. Even though being death metal band, their jazz influenced ballads are amazing ("windowpane", "hope leaves" etc). I spent three years just learning to play these songs with guitar. You should listen for chord voicings, especially the bass lines, and how the melody of singing builds over those voicings. --- Porcupine Tree - Trains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UHwkfhwjskAs an honorary mention, Trains has been one of the most influencial tracks for me. It has very clever backbeat and open chord voicings with guitar, which make that repeating chord structure to float for whole track. There are many great live versions of "Trains" available within Youtube and you should check 'em out. Please share what you think of my choices - feel free to tell if you you discovered something new, ask if you'd like to know something more, or simply tell if you didn't like choices at all! Also, please share your song picks, and feel free to throw anything, be it "Gangnam Style" or dixieland jazz!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,895
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,895 |
Since my musical interests are widely diverse... from Country, old and new, to hard rock like AC/DC to ZZ TOP, to jazz, to pop, to old soul..... man... where do I start?
For now, I'll sand bag it.
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.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
David Gilmore of Pink Floyd on his Comfortably Numb Solo ("Pulse" live version). That whole solo is so inspiring. It builds up dynamically slowly and ends up in a wave like guitar tremolo usage. It`s really like surfing on a wave of melancholy.
And even though I never use the whammy bar on my guitar, it inspired me to explore new techniques and sounds in regard to achieving special kind of moods.
Sandra
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298 |
David Gilmore of Pink Floyd on his Comfortably Numb Solo ("Pulse" live version). That whole solo is so inspiring. It builds up dynamically slowly and ends up in a wave like guitar tremolo usage. It`s really like surfing on a wave of melancholy.
And even though I never use the whammy bar on my guitar, it inspired me to explore new techniques and sounds in regard to achieving special kind of moods.
Sandra That's fantastic that you are exploring! I've always believed it's "fair game" to use any tool to try to express and relate an emotion musically. I think a lot of people stop short because they hear someone overuse a device, not to relate but more of a "look at me" kind of thing. You, I believe, are on the right path! And I agree, that is a cool solo!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
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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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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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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