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Songwriting
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Joined: May 2015
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OP
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I love Band-in-a-Box and use it a lot and use it to make backing tracks. However, I feel like the Real Tracks seem to be randomly generating the chord voicings based on the chords I choose and the background parts seem random. With that in mind I have this question: When do you feel it's ok to not use Band in a Box to create a song and when do you think it's ok?
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Songwriting
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Hi, Here's my take on your post in case it's useful  Realtracks do not specifically generate chord voicings. They are an audio file that are created by a musician who plays chordal accompaniments and/or melodic riffs. These audio recordings are then mapped to identify which chord occurs where within the track. When a chord progression is typed into BIAB, BIAB uses PG Music's chord mapping to isolate the region of Realtrack that contains the required chord and then copies, pastes and seamlessly stitches that chord as needed. In this way, fragments of Realtracks are used to create a backing track. If you go to \bb\Realtracks and open any of the audio files there, you will hear the original audio recording. Regarding using BIAB for songwriting, I use it all the time. In fact, I could not write the songs that I do without the software. The program gives me heaps of musical possibilities and drives me in very creative directions. Some users on these forums prefer to use a guitar or piano (for example) to create with and then use BIAB to build the backing. That works them. As I see it, at the end of the day, BIAB is a tool and how any of us use it depends on how we see it as being useful for our needs. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
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Joined: Aug 2018
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If I was Sir Paul McCartney and could write, ARRANGE, play and record every instrument...I'd probably still use BIAB. Because I am not him, and I don't have his money or experience.
Noel explained what Real Tracks do. I'll give you a few suggestions that may or may not apply to your work with it on any particular piece.
1. Make sure that the KEY you have entered is actually the key for the melody those chords support. In addition, make sure every chord entered is either a) a chord without notes that don't belong in the key or b) there for a particular musical reason. Chording instruments will (more or less) play your chord, but soloing instruments taking advantage of BIAB's intelligent arranging will have an easier time creating coherent lines. Lastly, use slash chords. They may not give every instrument a new voicing, but will "force" the band as a whole to deliver a different feel. C/g will sound different than simply C, at least in many styles.
2. Use the shots, rests, holds, pushes, and a more frequent chord entry (even if you have multiple bars playing the same chord. These will nudge BIAB to select a new chord-related riff in nearly all instruments and will probably give more variety and melodic structure.
3. Use the multi-riff functions in RB to widen your choices of riffs in solo, background, and chording instruments.
4. Edit in DAW...this may include (if the interval is not too big) pitch-shifting notes here and there.
That's all I can think of at present.
Last edited by Tangmo; 04/18/19 05:46 PM.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2018
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One more.
5. Audition other tracks to add to or replace existing tracks in the style.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2013
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<<< When do you feel it's ok to not use Band in a Box to create a song and when do you think it's ok? >>
I think the correct answer to both the instances is always. It's always ok to not use BIAB and it's always ok to use BIAB to create a song. Maybe you're asking how to best choose when to use BIAB or not on a project. I thought of three circumstances to influence one's decision of the necessity of using BIAB or not.
1. You can't play the part. Either one can't play the instrument at the skill necessary or wants to use an instrument that he or she can't play at all or doesn't have access to an instrument.
2. You can play the part but a BIAB track played by a BIAB artist plays it better. This can be something other than skill. You may be a great bass player but you recently pawned your equipment or you cannot get a track recorded because of problems with getting your recording clear, without noise or eliminating room noise and so on.
3. You can play the part expertly but it's inconvenient or you just don't want to play the part. Time is the main constraint here as well as space. You may be working on a project that needs drums but it's two am and the project is due first thing in the morning. It may be more beneficial to use a BIAB drums render to add a drum track. It takes time to set up an instrument, mic's, tuning etc. and you don't feel like spending a lot of time on set up and tear down.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Songwriting
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One of the reasons that I use mostly MIDI is that I can move BiaB generated chord voicings to chord voicings of my choosing. You might want to consider investing in a good MIDI sound source, either hard or software, and looking at the MIDI side of BiaB.
With the exception of some ambient, new age and cover songs most all of my songs start in BiaB. As been stated BiaB is a tool that you choose when to use. There is no law that states every song must use BiaB. The possible exception to that rule is the Showcase forum.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Songwriting
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I don't write songs with BIAB. I produce songs with BIAB by using RT's to create an arrangement. There are instances where the availability of a RT (a studio musician as it were) gives me options in the arrangement I otherwise wouldn't have, such as inserting an instrumental break or solo part. One of the reasons that I use mostly MIDI is that I can move BiaB generated chord voicings to chord voicings of my choosing. You might want to consider investing in a good MIDI sound source, either hard or software, and looking at the MIDI side of BiaB. Hey, Mario. I wish I knew more about MIDI. I've tried a few times, unsuccessfully, to get into it and so I stick with RT's. As I see it, at the end of the day, BIAB is a tool and how any of us use it depends on how we see it as being useful for our needs.
All the best,
Noel Exactly. <<< When do you feel it's ok to not use Band in a Box to create a song and when do you think it's ok? >>
I think the correct answer to both the instances is always. It's always ok to not use BIAB and it's always ok to use BIAB to create a song. Maybe you're asking how to best choose when to use BIAB or not on a project. I thought of three circumstances to influence one's decision of the necessity of using BIAB or not.
1. You can't play the part.
2. You can play the part but a BIAB track played by a BIAB artist plays it better.
3. You can play the part expertly but it's inconvenient or you just don't want to play the part. Bingo!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I don't write songs with BIAB. I produce songs with BIAB by using RT's to create an arrangement. There are instances where the availability of a RT (a studio musician as it were) gives me options in the arrangement I otherwise wouldn't have, such as inserting an instrumental break or solo part. One of the reasons that I use mostly MIDI is that I can move BiaB generated chord voicings to chord voicings of my choosing. You might want to consider investing in a good MIDI sound source, either hard or software, and looking at the MIDI side of BiaB. Hey, Mario. I wish I knew more about MIDI. I've tried a few times, unsuccessfully, to get into it and so I stick with RT's. ................... Anytime you need help feel free to ask. I'd be glad to help.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Songwriting
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I use Band-in-a-Box to write ALL THE TIME.
Here is how:
All of my life, I have written many of my best songs by being in a band, and going into long JAMs. After jamming for a while, you will find something you like and run with it, like an inspiring riff, or a new chord progression, a novelty--something FRESH. The muse of music is fickle, and she craves the unexpected. Much more than any other art form, I think.
So, if you DO NOT have a band to jam with you can jam with BIAB demos, see a clever chord progression, find a cool sound or beat, and run with it. Then, depending on your skill level you can add your own stuff. I almost always add some live guitar, and keyboards or whatever to the Real Tracks because I am a musician. I use Band-in-Box as a band, exactly how it sounds.
This approach works wonders for me. If I just sat there with a guitar on my lap strumming some chords, I would come up with a good song once in a while but then get repetitive.
Music, to me, is all about jamming and looking for inspiration inside a jam.
For me the jamming aspect, which BIAB provides, is 100 percent of it--if not 110% of it.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
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I use Band-in-a-Box to write ALL THE TIME.
Here is how:
All of my life, I have written many of my best songs by being in a band, and going into long JAMs. After jamming for a while, you will find something you like and run with it, like an inspiring riff, or a new chord progression, a novelty--something FRESH. The muse of music is fickle, and she craves the unexpected. Much more than any other art form, I think.
So, if you DO NOT have a band to jam with you can jam with BIAB demos, see a clever chord progression, find a cool sound or beat, and run with it. Then, depending on your skill level you can add your own stuff. I almost always add some live guitar, and keyboards or whatever to the Real Tracks because I am a musician. I use Band-in-Box as a band, exactly how it sounds.
This approach works wonders for me. If I just sat there with a guitar on my lap strumming some chords, I would come up with a good song once in a while but then get repetitive.
Music, to me, is all about jamming and looking for inspiration inside a jam.
For me the jamming aspect, which BIAB provides, is 100 percent of it--if not 110% of it. David said pretty much what I was going to say. Except, I was always a lousy musician and played only in a few bad garage bands as a teen. So, for me, BIAB is like having, for the first time in my life, a great band to inspire creativity. I sometimes have an idea which pops into my head and find or create a band from BIAB to bring it to life. Other times, I go fishing and just play demos for the Real styles. I hear a musical phrase or band sound that just hits me and I'm off. I write most of my songs this way over the past several years. I am SOOOOOOO thankful for this product.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 459
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One of the reasons that I use mostly MIDI is that I can move BiaB generated chord voicings to chord voicings of my choosing. You might want to consider investing in a good MIDI sound source, either hard or software, and looking at the MIDI side of BiaB. Therein lies the answer. Like you, I like using MIDI, not only for the reasons you mentioned, but it allows me to edit individual notes, write songs right on the staff and a whole host of other options. Then I'm playing back through a Korg (rack mount) Triton brain and Korg NX5R (My favs)... Sweet sounds!!! Kajun Jeaux
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Hey Kajun, I also have the Korg NX5. Got it new about 21 years ago. Really love the synth sounds.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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