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.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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.
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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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