Hi - I hope someone can give me a definitive answer on this one. I've put a track together using BIAB Realtracks and uploaded it to Tunecore for distribution. This morning I received an email from them which said:
"We have determined that the above release contains audio which violates third party rights. Any time you remix a recording you did not previously record yourself, you MUST have a license from the owner of that original recording, as well as a license from the publisher showing rights to create a derivative work."
So where does that leave me when I use Band In A Box to write and record a song? Looking online I am led to believe that when you buy & use Band In A Box that the tracks are free to use.
I'd be grateful for any helpful comments as I negotiate with Tunecore.
"he arrangements made by Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, and PowerTracks are yours, and your songs may be used freely as long as they don't infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, such as with cover songs. https://www.pgmusic.com/salesfaq5.htm#23
The following add-ons are under PG Music Inc. copyright:
Band-in-a-Box demo songs Performance Series songs MIDI Fakebooks (except the Sound Tracks MIDI Fakebooks) PowerTracks MultiTracks
So in other words, you cannot use Band-in-a-Box to make a cover song and then claim it as your own. And you cannot use the list of items above as your own song."
I also submitted a request to hear a definitive PG Music ruling on a question someone else raised about "sound recording" rights as opposed to "copyright" in another thread.
The way the industry is going with so many new rules each year, I would love to have an up to date statement on both.
Assuming that you do in fact have an original song and not a cover....
Perhaps your tune has a melody line in it that is close to a copyrighted song. I was understanding, and perhaps that is not correct, that you can request an override and ask a person to review the issue.
I've heard that BiaB created tunes are being flagged in this manner. I personally have not had that happen.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
From a technical perspective what would a algorithm “look” for to flag a BiaB track in an original song?
Obviously not rhythm tracks and while BiaB solos can be regened and comped to get them supportive and compatible with your melody I find it hard to imagine they are flagged as “stealing” a melody from a copyrighted tune.
FWIW
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
From a technical perspective what would a algorithm “look” for to flag a BiaB track in an original song?
Obviously not rhythm tracks and while BiaB solos can be regened and comped to get them supportive and compatible with your melody I find it hard to imagine they are flagged as “stealing” a melody from a copyrighted tune.
FWIW
Bud
Similar note sequences..... think of the My Sweet Lord fiasco over 3 notes. The algorithm spiders search all the new content posted and flag things it thinks are copies/violations. I think they are getting pretty good at that.... there was an app that was out years ago that would identify a song in a few notes and it was fairly accurate.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
So if an RT solo had three notes that duplicated three in a song within whatever database the programmers used it could get flagged? That oughta keep em busy!
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
I would interpret your song as being in copyright violation if your song performance consists only of a solo track. Realtracks normally are not distributed in isolation but as part of an ensemble performance. Assuming the solo is included in an ensemble performance, no.
If the solo comes from a Soloist RealTrack then it is governed by the RealTrack rules but if it comes from somewhere else like PG Music's Master Class Series then there is another set of rules.
4 years ago I "borrowed" a Gong sound. Uploaded to my Soundcloud to store it briefly, and it was immediately flagged. It was nothing more that a few seconds of a single gong hit. I tried to delete it but I apparently uploaded it again, and again it was flagged. To this day I have never been able to delete these two flagged files.
Hi. I have an entire catalogue on Tunecore and I have never been questioned. Not all of my songs are BIAB but a few are. One thing you did not mention is "are you doing an original song or a cover"? I've done my own versions of covers with BIAB (Walk On By, Ooh Baby Baby) and distributed through Tunecore. However, I secured copyright permission through Tunecore before the music was distributed. So in essence even if you're doing a cover with your own version it's still considered a copyright violation unless you secured the rights. My original songs that I wrote with the assistance of BIAB have never been questioned. Also they are vocal driven songs. I'm also not sure if your song is instrumental or not. It appears that some way your melody was flagged. I'm sure you can put in a help ticket and ask them to clarify. They usually get back to you pretty quickly. The sites have seriously clamped down on copyrighted material. I've gotten copyright warnings on my YouTube Channel for my OWN songs. Because Tunecore is also my Publisher they actually have YouTube and Facebook rights (which I granted) to my own songs. Again if you believe this is in error submit a ticket and have them explain ... or go to DistroKid .. :-)
How does one determine and prove that the single sound is my gong and not your gong? Gongs are not unlimited in size, and there are only so many ways to strike them. Someone copyrighted a single gong hit?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Spooky stuff. I have a song on Youtube that I used BIAB on and someone claimed copyright ownership on one little part of it so Youtube flagged it. (The video link is below. The song is "I Won't Be Home Tonight".) I appealed and I am still awaiting a final ruling. The company makes a living off of claiming other peoples work as its own, from what I read.
Last edited by jptjptjpt; 08/28/2109:38 AM. Reason: Added info about the song flagged.
How does one determine and prove that the single sound is my gong and not your gong? Gongs are not unlimited in size, and there are only so many ways to strike them. Someone copyrighted a single gong hit?
I mean this is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack.... however.... your gong hit and my gong hit... played in two different gongs of the same size....and even on the same exact gong...... and hit with the same force and the same mallet.... might sound the same..... but... if you decide to go forensic on the file, down to the bit level.... that's where you WILL see either a difference or an exact match. If it's an exact match, it's been copied. I'm pretty sure, although I have not bothered to take the time to actually test this out, no two unique gong hits are going to be bit for bit exact no matter how similar they sound. there will always be a difference at that DNA level.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
The match is presumably made using a hash or fingerprint, which wouldn't necessarily discriminate between long and short recordings. And I suppose that even identical-sounding hits would fingerprint differently using mathematical analysis, so you really could tell this gong hit from that one.
I also submitted a request to hear a definitive PG Music ruling on a question someone else raised about "sound recording" rights as opposed to "copyright" in another thread.
You keep asking for that but it's unlikely to happen. You're asking attorneys to practice law in a Users forum.
The EULA is pretty clear on this and relevant passages have been quoted already.
Back to the OP. I'm pretty sure that there's something going on you aren't aware of and that's copyright trolls. There are companies and individuals slapping their names on everything and anything they can—everything from sample libraries to Apple Loops and beyond. The biggest offenders seem to be based in Brazil but it's not just there.
The goal is to monetize music they don't own. Here's how it works: When the bots pick up on something that they've "registered", you get a notice as do they. If YouTube, they'll try to place advertising based on these bogus claims — otherwise, they'll try to get you to pay a nominal license fee. No human interaction is involved. Because of some massive copyright suits in the EU, everyone is afraid.
The bots flagged your music and now you have to deal with it. The easiest way is to immediately explain that the tracks came from BIAB (or Apple Loops or…) and upload the appropriate ELUA. Do not explain or interpret it unless you are an attorney. The supposed claimants have a response period — YouTube and others give them 30 days; I don't know the situation here. After this period, you should be given the go ahead or reasons why someone thinks they have a valid claim.
I've lost count of the number of times this has happened to me, my friends and the churches for whom I currently work. I fight every one by uploading the correct licensing and/or copyright info and have yet to get a response disputing my claims. Lots of 30 day waiting periods, though.
Standard disclaimer: Though I have worked in music industry and IP legal departments, I am not an attorney and I am not practicing law. My views are my own and I do not represent anyone other than myself. Most especially, I do not speak for any present or former employers.
If you need legal advice, see a lawyer. User groups and online message boards are horrible places to seek legal advice.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
I found the simple lead sheet, single staff w/ chords, words, and melody easier to get through the copyright office than a recording. That's why recording studios have lawyers, isn't it?
Mike. its sad good church people (or anyone for that matter) have to endure this bot trolling. i guess the game is the automated bots throw up a million challenges, and hope a few people pay up. am i correct ? is that the game ? oddly enough as an ex cathedral choir boy , if i ever do some original worship songs its obvious i'll have to keep them off the net, in case some bot falsely targets me.
it must be a pain going through all this and of course the extra added work for you. am i correct in thinking if someone decides to fight back via eula or other means, the bot moves on ?
best to you. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 08/31/2104:21 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Mike. its sad good church people (or anyone for that matter) have to endure this bot trolling. i guess the game is the automated bots throw up a million challenges, and hope a few people pay up. am i correct ? is that the game ? oddly enough as an ex cathedral choir boy , if i ever do some original worship songs its obvious i'll have to keep them off the net, in case some bot falsely targets me.
it must be a pain going through all this and of course the extra added work for you. am i correct in thinking if someone decides to fight back via eula or other means, the bot moves on ?
best to you. om
Thanks,
Yes it is sad but also a fact of life. I've helped a number of churches with it now. It's not hard but these extra steps are a time consuming PIA.
Ignoring it can cause one to lose a YouTube channel or pay a troll. Both are unacceptable, IMO.
Anyway, I'm certain that using a gong hit triggered something somewhere. Next time, filter or resample it.
On the rare occasion that someone's rights really are being stepped on, you remove your content or pay the legitimate sync license. That's doing the right thing, of course.
Best
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean