|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
Anyone here thought of it.
With the way real tracks uses real instruments I think there is a great open door to make backing tracks that would be better than any midi file backing tracks company out there.
It would take a few of us and it would take a while to get going. But with the material in real tracks and great wisdom and talent of a few folks here, we could do a good business and work from home doing what we love.
Anyone interested? Anyone have any ideas. Of course we would do it all legit and pay the royalties and license fees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483 |
The backing tracks aspect is a unique idea.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
If you mean 3rd party Real Tracks, yes I've discussed this here on the forums. A huge need if you think about it.
That was the carrot.
Here is the stick>While it is possible to make 3rd party (ie your own) Real Drum tracks, it is not yet possible with Real Tracks.
Maybe Peter will decide to make this available, maybe not.
Food for thought and a good thread, hope Peter is reading......
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483 |
No, he is saying create backing tracks to standard and popular songs for others to use.. (I think)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I don't think you'll satisfy the customer's desire to hear the proprietary riffs and hooks that are in many popular songs with only RealTracks involved.
And then there's the matter of licensing and copyrights. Not a hurdle, but certainly something that must be addressed beforehand and handled properly.
I think the licensing issue won't be as difficult as those riffs and hooks, though, they may prove to be the kill.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
We have enough talent around here to do any hooks or riffs. In fact I could do anything on electric or acoustic guitar as some others here can.
I could also do almost any background vocals or harmonies.
Most of the tracks on the market are no where near professional. I think there is a real need-
1 single vocalists need them who don't play instruments.
2 duos use them to add instrumental flavor.
3 due to cost cutting measures and duo to the economy small venues find it hard to afford bands.
4 there are very few or no companies producing ass kicking professional backing tracks.
We could do it and I've already proven it with some of my own tracks that I've done.
5 once you get a good web site going you can get the attention of advertisers.
I know we have many great instrumentalists here and even folks with web design experience.
I think we have everything we need.
I'm just dreaming here. But anything is possible.
Anyone who is interested pm me and we will consider options and possibilities.
Last edited by edbulmer; 12/29/09 07:40 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
I"d be interested. I've done a few with a combo of midi and real tracks, and sold a few, although they were not perfect with the proper hooks etc. There is an immense amount of talent here, the business details could and most likely would get a bit sticky. Here is a sample of a tune with no melody line, this is actulally midi tracks converted to audio, with some effects for mixdown and master. http://www.box.net/shared/ooj6oqqrjeJust to see if this is the basic thing you had in mind. Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
I have been doing this with BB for years (V9), creating back tracks for folks originals. Using SF & PSR Keyboards some of it turns out pretty good. I am of course talking about RHYTHM section (drums, bass, guitar, keys) type of tracks, not and lead or melody instruments, tho that is a thought with the new RT & RD.... Tho the RT/RD are fantastic so far, the shots/holds/stops & some chord changes are just not quite there yet. So there is some editing to get them where I need them (I am working on a backing tracks right now for a friend) I will watch this thread with interest for sure.... 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
just an idea.
some big studios make lotsa buks by creating backing traks for songwriters
original songs where the songwriter doesnt wanna set up his/her own rig//daw
and of course worry bout the technical aspects of such.
try advertising in your local area something like...
"backing traks service for songwriters" etc etc.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,697 |
many of us are working on song list of cover tunes for live playing. I have a growing set list, and i am now going back over them to add Rts and RDs where appropiate. I can't see using all RTs, as this would not allow for the hooks and such. And i am struggling with finding real good midi instruments to use at times. But it is getting better.
The one issue i see is that once you solve the licensing issues, then you have to divide the profits (if there are any) and the more cooks in the kitchen the slimmer the pot becomes.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
Most professional midi backing tracks run about $8-10 a piece. I am with Mac, if you don't have the songs signature hook-line-and-sinker, you are wasting your time. Everyone knows about CDG's and Karaoke now, they are on the cheap as well. So, YOUR backing tracks would need to sound awfully close to the original artist's sound in order to be competitive. The RT's are great, but they only go so far in uniqueness to sound. I have thought about doing an internet business for Music Backing Tracks for a long time now. The other problem is, you can get 10,000 midi files/backing tracks on E-Bay for about $5. Maybe if you could program some of the songs for an established online site, like Midi-Hits etc...., you may be able to make a dollar or two that way????? But, don't let us hold you back. Go for it !!! Might be able to do something about those cheezy backing tracks that ARE out there  Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
If you are trying to make backing tracks using ONLY real tracks, then I'd agree that it would be hard to incorporate the signature licks...
But In my experience, RB has several features that make it particularly GOOD at capturing the signature hooks:
1) it has an excellent way to extract chords and tempo map the original song so you can use it as a guide while you add other tracks to the mix
2) after you create your RB version, you can blend the original tune in and out of the mix wherever the vocals drop out... (and the signature licks almost ALWAYS fill in the spaces where the vocals drop out. ) so you end up with a song that is 25% original recording and 75% RB, blended together in perfect unison.
Whereas you MIGHT get away with that if you were using the backing track in your own low-profile gigs, you certainly wouldn't be able to rip the original recording and sell it as your own backing track.
Using this technique I have made some backing tracks for my own use that sound just like the original, but without the vocals. If making realistic backing tracks is your main goal, RB is amazingly good at it... better than ANY other software I've ever used for the same purpose. And you can do it VERY QUICKLY too... depending on the speed of your computer, in less than 30 minutes you can import an MP3, run it througth ACW to tempo map it and extract chords, add real tracks for each rhythm instrument, then crossfade the tracks at appropriate spots to get rid of the vocals, and presto... a cover song with all the original instrumentation.
The trick is to make SURE you have the chords and tempo map right BEFORE you start adding real tracks. And you need to be judicious about picking which real tracks to use... but depending how you crossfade, the real tracks will be behind your vocals so the differences won't stand out.. and when you stop singing the original song comes to the forefront.. so, it becomes quite seamless.
Try it. It is very easy! (but better not try to sell them because I don't think that would work out as well for you as it does for the lawyers...)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
there are very few or no companies producing ass kicking professional backing tracks.
This is completely wrong, you just haven't looked in the right places.
I know there's tons of unbelievably good Karaoke tracks available because I've heard them. My sister does big Karaoke competitions where they have a full blown Vegas type set up with a 2000 watt PA and crowds in the 500-1000 range. All the singers have backing tracks that are done by live studio players, little or no midi at all. I'm talking about the classic Sinatra songs with the full orchestra that sound so awesome it sounds like the producers somehow got the original masters remixed without the vocal, they're that good. One guy did whatever that famous Ricky Martin tune is that didn't just sound like a cover band, it sounded like his band and another one did that Miami Sound Machine Conga whatever tune and same thing, the orchestration was perfect. There's a sax player here in LA named Andy Suzuki who's been working with David Benoit lately who made his living doing covers for Muzak for 10 years. He was a full time staff player for them and just made a regular salary like 40 grand a year or something. These guys have all the transcriptions of all the popular tunes note for note perfect and play them perfect too. If you talking pop covers, they're readily available.
Having said this, it's possible that these great cuts may not be available as minus one's if you don't need a vocal backing track but need a minus the piano or other instrument track so you can play along. Also, these karaoke tracks may only be for top 40 stuff, other material in different styles may not be available either so there could be some opportunity there, you'd have to research that.
I agree with Mac though, the big problem is getting the true sound of the original down cold. That's not as easy as some may think. Equipment is a big deal, not just the skill of a player. If you're doing a Deep Purple tune, you need a real B3 properly set up, not a software emulator and so on for lots of tunes that had a signature guitar sound or whatever. How many good blues players can really lay down some killer SRV stuff with his sound so a person might think, wow that sounds like SRV? That's not simply good talent, that's "headline a tribute band in Vegas" talent. Don't even talk about horn sections. You can get some pretty good local horn players together and they're not going to sound like Chicago no matter what but those Karaoke tracks do. One of the competitors did 25 or 6 to 4 and again like the other tracks I mentioned, it sounded so close to Chicago you would think they took the original masters and removed the vocal. It makes no sense but I almost think they did...nah
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
It depends on what the backing tracks are to be used for - for singers, professional CD+G karaoke tracks cannot be improved. I know - I have over 10,000 of them. For musicians who want -1, Melodyne is probably a far better tool as you can just remove the instrument you want removed from the original track. If you want to sing and play, then remove the instrument from the CD+G backing track.
A lot of professional singers poo-poo karaoke tracks but they are very happy to talk about 'half playbacks'. Frankly, they are one and the same. If you just paly the audio and do not show the lyrics on a screen, where is the difference?
RTs and RDs are great for working on your own original material and coming up with great demos or even adding a missing instrument part to an almost finished track.
Don't bother to re-invent the wheel, at least that's my motto
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
If it's something you really want to do,then pick One song - post it here - and ask for comments.
Really,it's the only way you will know if it will work.
And then you will know whether or not to continue.
Happy New Year everyone.
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
I think there is a lot that can be done and still needs to be done.
Jazzman I do know what you mean. There are good tracks out there.
But I'm not talking about karaoke or karaoke singers.
These karaoke tracks are not what most musicians are looking for. Yes I do know about companies that sell professional backing tracks. Some are good but some are not that good. I don't want to sound like Chicago. Then again I don't want to use some cheesy midi track. There is no middle ground.
I think most have missed my point. Pat you are on the right track.
How many professional singers or bands you know want to use karaoke tracks. Then you sound like a karaoke singer.
Hows many want to use midi files but they have to because there is nothing better out there.
If you walk into a music store and ask how many know of PG music or RTs what answer will you get. Maybe 1 percent. Just think if every musician, talent agency, music studio knew what they were?
Think back to the time Joni Mitchell came out with Big Yellow Taxi. Since then how many bands have covered the song. I think over 500. Just imagine how many little groups out there would like to do the song or a song like it in there own way.
I'll bet none of them know about Band in a Box or RTs. Just think of the possibilities.
There is a new trend coming.
How many great songs on the radio have you heard done in a reggae style.
Country roads, Wide World etc. Just think of how many groups would love to do a cover of one of their favorite songs in another way to suit their own taste and style.
Or even better still how many groups or musicians are looking for new material. With RTs we could set up original material in several different styles or make it available for people to order them in any style. We could even use demos provided by PG. In fact it could be a whole new segment added to the pg site.
I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. Why not just add it to what is already there. I was hoping the pg folks were listening but maybe not.
If this sort of thing would be added to pg it could become the biggest music site on the net. A sort of "google" so to speak for musicians.
Just thinking here. It may or may not work but we may be missing out on a great opportunity here.
Last edited by edbulmer; 12/31/09 05:11 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
I agree with what you say, Ed. The thing is, how many different styles do you want - there are hundreds. For one song, the variation is enormous and it would be difficult to market unless you were to create to order.
Not trying to dissuade you but is it worth the effort?
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Create to order would be a big part of it.
Think about the possibilities here.
Then you could have original stuff for sale as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Quote:
I think most have missed my point. Pat you are on the right track.
Or even better still how many groups or musicians are looking for new material. With RTs we could set up original material in several different styles or make it available for people to order them in any style.
This is what I mentioned above, and has worked well. Now with all the RT/RD I now have I can see this expanding 10x in my little area! 
And thank you for your explanation of the rest, I really feel that you just might be on to something going for the "various styles" angle....Good Luck!
Last edited by jcspro40; 12/31/09 09:19 AM.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,821
Posts796,633
Members39,967
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean