Just wondering who your source of encouragement is when you write/record songs? Do you get any? Do you need it? Do you write/record alone?
I ask these questions as I'm often left discouraged by the lack of encouragement in my own life including my wife and family, church, Facebook friends you name it - for me writing or recording songs is a lonely sport and I'm wondering is this normal?.
Hey Paul! I would think a possible obvious choice would be right here I think the people here are typically some of the most encouraging people you will find.
Beyond that, I try to surround myself with people with the same interest. While my wife, friend, and family are very supportive, I would understand where it maybe wouldn't be their thing. Find others who's thing it is too, and life is a different world.
I hope that helps, but not sure I did. Best of luck, and hopefully we hear from you!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
I have a similar problem Paul. It can be awful, but I think a lot of it has to do with our own opinion of our talents and self confidence. Definitely try to surround yourself with friends/places that are supportive. Many people are jealous of a passion that takes up your time and find it threatening. I got told once live to stop singing and once whilst streaming. That really knocks you around. I think my wife's finest hour was to tell me I sang like a homosexual, whatever that means! A friend told me I couldn't sing blues because I sound like a 'choirboy'. Neither of them can sing in tune! Luckily, I had others who supported me and great teachers who were professionals. You have to just keep going and have fun. My wife shut up when 10 of us got a 30% discount on a buffet because I sang three tunes for the guests dining. Now she just harps on about my choice of songs. Too old etc. Life.....
Last edited by lambada; 07/20/1703:34 PM.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
Look in your area for fellow musicians, singers and songwriters. Get out in your community for open mic nights, poetry slams, retirement villas, community centers to find and meet like minded individuals. Start a music club at your local library.
Music, like many other things has become a solitary activity instead of a family or group activity. Figure out a way to meet people and start a group.
Hi Paul. Currently there is a very collaborative song writing challenge called 50 90 where song writers attempt to write 50 songs in 90 days. The catch is that you don't have to write 50! Even if you just write one. It is a very supportative environment. They have loads of stuff going on all the time. Here is the link http://fiftyninety.fawmers.org
Paul, my major sources of encouragement are from the showcase forum and soundcloud. I do get some encouragement as well as dis-encouragement from JonD, BobH and SteveS. Anytime you collaborate with someone it is a give and take.
Locally I have been told that I can't sing, which I agree with, can't play guitar, I'm too old to play, etc. You have to be thick skinned when you put yourself out into the public! Just don't worry about it.
Working alone on a song is a solitary job, at least for me. The above mentioned people will record something and I am left to put it all together. A lonely job but one that I enjoy, especially if the final product is one that people enjoy.
If you are in composer's block or just plain down do what I do. Put a few chords in BiaB and have the melodist generate a melody. Take everything over to your DAW and pick a few measures of the melody. It could be 2,4, 8, whatever number of measures and save them but delete the rest of the melody. Now take those measures and make a complete song out of them by adding your own parts, copy and pasting them, changing notes in the copies or whatever. It gets mind thinking and it is fun.
Also you might get inspired by a work in the woods or a good book, whatever as long as it has nothing to do with music. This also has worked for me.
I hope this helps and good luck.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
My wife and family encourages me to go to work each day and bring home a pay check. We are all well aware that time spent on music will not pay for health insurance and home repairs. As a result, my music is a personal thang. No fan club clammering for the next release.
So in fact I don't get nor need much encouragement. Now that being said, I certainly do appreciate the interactions in the different on-line music related forums. A comment I once got upon review of an offering was, "significantly better then bad". So I do fully understand my limitations. But in my heart I know I am doing pretty darn good considering the lack of talent God gave me.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
my music is a personal thang. No fan club clammering for the next release. So in fact I don't get nor need much encouragement. Now that being said, I certainly do appreciate the interactions in the different on-line music related forums. A comment I once got upon review of an offering was, "significantly better then bad". So I do fully understand my limitations. But in my heart I know I am doing pretty darn good considering the lack of talent .
The above is pretty much my personal take. It's a solo process and I'm fine with that.
For me....it's just a self motivating and gratifying form of creative release. I like to write, I like to play guitar, I like to grab my clip board with an idea to flesh out, I like to turn on the power strip that turns on all the colorful component lights. I write alone and have no desire to collaborate in the lyrical sense. My wife likes my material but she doesn't inquire about what I'm working on or listen to my stuff as a habit.
I don't expect any encouragement from anyone in the outside world. Why would I....no one owes me any encouragement or compliments about my song writing efforts. I don't actively promote my songs other than my isolated interactions here. I don't have lofty goals or think what I've written are masterpieces. But, as stated above....I'm also very grateful and appreciative should someone actually listen and comment.
I only hope I can avoid pegging the 'you totally suck' meter. That's yet to be determined.
My wife and family encourages me to go to work each day and bring home a pay check. We are all well aware that time spent on music will not pay for health insurance and home repairs. As a result, my music is a personal thang. No fan club clammering for the next release.
So in fact I don't get nor need much encouragement. Now that being said, I certainly do appreciate the interactions in the different on-line music related forums. A comment I once got upon review of an offering was, "significantly better then bad". So I do fully understand my limitations. But in my heart I know I am doing pretty darn good considering the lack of talent God gave me.
Great points Dan, and a woman may well have other things planned for a man that he don't know about yet, and to say that you are heading for the studio to do a bit of recording, may get a less than encouraging response.
Glad to see there is someone else on the forum who like myself recognises that they have no great natural talent in the music department, all earned through practice alone.
Saying that I really haven't met many really talented guitarists, and most wouldn't admit it.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
I have to separate "working on music" from "playing music" or "recording music". I will often play music alone (I love to sit at the piano), but also love playing and singing with other folks. Being director of music at my church gives me that outlet.
But "working with music" tends to be a solo experience. In fact it's pretty boring for someone else to watch over your shoulder while you tweak a track to perfection.
Recording the tracks can be a group exercise with friends and was always fun with a lot of laughter in the process, but the actual processing of those tracks becomes a solitary endeavor. I think it's the nature of the business, unless your music buddy(s) are extremely patient.
Paul, you mentioned church. You should find out if someone else at your church has musical interests and get together with them occasionally. I've found lots of folks who "used to play" come out of the woodwork and pick up their instrument again just to be able to play again. Just ask around. Try to start a praise band. I did that with me and my buddy Chris, but it was just me first until I announced I was doing it and Chris came forward. Over the past 20 years, we've written probably about 20 original songs together and played countless others for church services, talent shows, open mike, retreats, etc. That two person band grew to about nine by the time we finished as others asked if they could play with us (with varying degrees of talent). Our mantra was "play what you know".
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
There's a song that I don't remember the name of or the specific lyrics but the story was about a woman that always sang songs. The problem was she always sang out of tune. Everyone continually complained about her singing. One day because of the complaints she quit singing. Then everyone realized the singing was part of her and they missed it. She started singing again and everyone was happy.
Cheers, compliments and encouragement is nice but as long as you're happy, hopefully the people around you will be too.
"What would you say if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ear and I'll sing you a song and I'll try not to sing out of key. Ooo, I get by with a little help from my friends."
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Put a few chords in BiaB and have the melodist generate a melody. Take everything over to your DAW and pick a few measures of the melody. It could be 2,4, 8, whatever number of measures and save them but delete the rest of the melody. Now take those measures and make a complete song out of them by adding your own parts, copy and pasting them, changing notes in the copies or whatever. It gets mind thinking and it is fun.
Great idea Mario. I've often thought about taking the randomizer route.
88 Songwriting Wrongs and How To Right Them. This book has helped me to write better. When my skill improved others around me enjoyed my songs and gave me lots of encouragement. At first this book was a big put down and discouraged me as it revealed my inadequacies according to what "other people" thought was good or bad. It also revealed to my a big challenge of what I'd have to change or eliminate in order to get others to like my songs. Due to this I did not come up with anything new for quite a long time. Eventually as new song ideas came I started putting them together in a fashion that was more conducive to what others might enjoy. The result was much more inspiration from those I entertained.
Working on my vocal and guitar skills and sticking with songs that in genres that best suited for my voice and persona has been key also. The better I get the more compliments I get. = encouragement and inspiration.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
Paul, my major sources of encouragement are from the showcase forum and soundcloud. I do get some encouragement as well as dis-encouragement from JonD, BobH and SteveS. Anytime you collaborate with someone it is a give and take.
Locally I have been told that I can't sing, which I agree with, can't play guitar, I'm too old to play, etc. You have to be thick skinned when you put yourself out into the public! Just don't worry about it.
Working alone on a song is a solitary job, at least for me. The above mentioned people will record something and I am left to put it all together. A lonely job but one that I enjoy, especially if the final product is one that people enjoy.
If you are in composer's block or just plain down do what I do. Put a few chords in BiaB and have the melodist generate a melody. Take everything over to your DAW and pick a few measures of the melody. It could be 2,4, 8, whatever number of measures and save them but delete the rest of the melody. Now take those measures and make a complete song out of them by adding your own parts, copy and pasting them, changing notes in the copies or whatever. It gets mind thinking and it is fun.
Also you might get inspired by a work in the woods or a good book, whatever as long as it has nothing to do with music. This also has worked for me.
I hope this helps and good luck.
Great post Mario. I do that very often with my songwriting but also use the chord generation function. Will do a blog post on this.
I like to have some feedback from people that I know but often I find I get nothing. I don't expect for my wife (for example) to be with me during the process but when I've done the song and make it public and I get nothing - not even a well done - its discouraging to say the least. Some here clearly have thick skin and don't seem to need it but I think life would be so much better if there were more thought and encouragement towards others along their journey especially when creativity is involved.
I think the bottom line for me is that the people I know only get to hear my efforts on Facebook and most don't appreciate country but that's another thorn in my flesh for another day!
"What would you say if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ear and I'll sing you a song and I'll try not to sing out of key. Ooo, I get by with a little help from my friends."
Nope John, that isn't the song I'm thinking about.
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!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
I think the people here are typically some of the most encouraging people you will find.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean