|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
Hey guys and gals,
A lot of you have been down this road before so I figured you might could advise me on what I should do.
I am a somewhat average guitarist and singer by nature and have been trying to learn to play the keyboard here recently. My skills have been less than optimum in my own opinion but I would like try and play in front of a crowd to make me want to try harder.
I recently discussed with an owner of a restaurant that I might could provide entertainment in his establishment as a one man band type of show. I was possibly under the influence at the time because we were all there watching Alabama in the BCS championship football game. Roll Tide!
I told him that I could possibly perform for free initially in his bar (which is probably smaller than my home studio) just to get out and enjoy what I have always wanted to do. He said that he has had karaoke before and would like to try something to get more business in there. He is dating my girlfriend's sister so that is my connection.
I have around 50 original songs that I feel comfortable playing and about the same number of '70-'80's pop/rock cover songs. I don't know if they have the rights for me to play cover songs so I was wondering what the deal was concerning copyrights and such. This might be my way out as I am totally nervous about the whole thing.
My laptop is as old as the dust (anyone remember 16 MG of RAM) so it would not be possible to use it for the gig. I have plenty of options for sound which includes a recently acquired iPod Touch loaded with musical apps (anyone who owns one should check out the available options).
As a musician, where is the line drawn for a karaoke player and a one man band? I have read many threads on other forums concerning backing tracks performed live and how there is no difference to karaoke players (not that there is anything wrong with that).
I figured a bass line, drums, and any other odd instruments(sequenced) playing along with my guitar, keyboard as convenient, and vocals might be enough to distinguish me from a karaoke file player. As I said, this is all new to me and would like to hear from the folks that have been own this road before.
Any and all experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any advise,
Keebo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
you want to perform and the audience wants to be entertained. If you both get what you want, who cares what label anybody might assign to the activity?
Go for it, have as much fun as possible. Expect that some things may go wrong and have funny one-liners ready to amuse the audience as you recover from it.
No matter how good you get, some people will still criticize. Remember that says more about THEM than it says about YOU. If you were handing out $20 bills, those people would complain that it isn't $50.
Don't be influenced or discouraged by the group of nay-sayers who are really just trying to justify their own lack of accomplishment.
All self actualized people set goals and overcome the obstacles one at a time until the only thing left standing is their success.
Keep us posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Great advice from Pat . . . so the only thing I will ad is that you don't want your gig to turn into a "karaoke" gig. It is your show so don't (in a nice way of course) let your show be taken over by audience members who want you to back them as like in karaoke.
If need be explain how you do your backing tracks and play live music along with them to accompany your vocals. Now PLEASE don't take this as a knock on karaoke dj's but "the ones I have met" could not name 3 chords in any given song if their life depended on it. So if you are using BIAB to arrange your playlist and playing an instrument (either voice or hand held instrument) in my book you are already separated from the average karaoke dj.
But as Pat has already pointed out do not get mixed up in what to call your act, just do it to the best of your ability and of course HAVE FUN!
Break A Leg!
PS: Just curious as to what setup you will use i.e. PA? Speakers? Mixer? etc. etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Great advice from Pat . . . so the only thing I will ad is that you don't want your gig to turn into a "karaoke" gig. It is your show so don't (in a nice way of course) let your show be taken over by audience members who want you to back them as like in karaoke.
Danny,
When you perform with your backing tracks, are you saying that people from the audience approach you and ask if they can sing along (hoping to use you as their karaoke machine?)
If so, how do you decline gracefully without making them feel slighted?
Hey, maybe you could turn it into a profit center... let it be known that for just $20 a pop, anybody in the audience can sing along on one song. You might end up making more money that way than you made for the gig!
$20 is low enough that most people will be carrying that much, and its high enough to discourage the casual pests.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Keebo,
My wife's IPOD touch 8gb works great on WIFI.
I use it to test some of my mobile sites, work great.
Hence the Touch pretty much emulates the iphone.
You might want to try out the server links and apps
with the BIAB system. Dont know much about it but an
idea.
Good luck on your new endeavor, its a whole different world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 733
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 733 |
I am a brand new performer like Keebo so perhaps it is my lack of experiemce but what is wrong with the audience, or even one particular person, singing along with the performer? I love it when it happens. It's certainly better than being ignored. Throwing the word Karaoke around almost sounds like a form of musical snobbery.
Tony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
Quote:
I don't know if they have the rights for me to play cover songs so I was wondering what the deal was concerning copyrights and such.
That issue is the venue's problem, not yours. Bars pay a licensing fee to the performance rights groups to use songs out of their catalogs. If the bar has a juke box, then they are already paying licensing fees. I they don't have a blanket license then having a live act might make those license fees go up some.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
I am a brand new performer like Keebo so perhaps it is my lack of experiemce but what is wrong with the audience, or even one particular person, singing along with the performer? I love it when it happens.
depends on the venue. If you're being well paid, the person who paid you expects a top-notch performance. Once you turn the mic over to a stranger, you're in unknown territory... it might go well.. but probably not. A good friend who is also a musician once observed "if a stranger approaches you at a gig asking if he can sit in, the likelihood that you'll be pleased with the outcome is approximately the same likelihood as eating something you found in a toilet and being pleased with the flavor"
However in an informal party setting where the person who hired you wants to get the guests involved, it might be highly desirable. But there is always the chance that a drunk will swing the mic around by the cord until something breaks, and when that happens, they never offer to reimburse you, they just say "sorry" and walk away. Don't ask how I know this.
Quote:
Throwing the word Karaoke around almost sounds like a form of musical snobbery.
Tony,
I agree completely... to me, music is music.. and the vast majority of patrons don't seem to mind whether their entertainment takes the form of a live band or karaoke or a DJ. But the people who perform all seem to be biased in favor of their own brand of performance. You may as well get used to the snobbery, because it shows no sign of going away any time soon. Just pick a niche , pursue it wholeheartedly and hear all criticism with the understanding that the person is only expressing one person's opinion. A thousand other people may have the opinion that what you're doing is great. In your mind play to the more encouraging group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
citation:
y
No matter how good you get, some people will still criticize. Remember that says more about THEM than it says about YOU. If you were handing out $20 bills, those people would complain that it isn't $50.
Don't be influenced or discouraged by the group of nay-sayers who are really just trying to justify their own lack of accomplishment.
All self actualized people set goals and overcome the obstacles one at a time until the only thing left standing is their success.
YEAH !
What a word !
Thank you very much saying that.
I feel it's very deep speach and pretty well dropped !
I'll remember that. And for that I'm gonna write it on a paper and put it in my rooms !
Thank again.
Last edited by Théodoros; 01/21/12 08:56 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
The only thing i will add is that if you do not charge for the gig, you are the one setting your value. If you are not worth paying, it kind of sets the tone your not worth hearing. At the bare minimum make sure he allows a visible tip jar. You should at least make something.
Second, and i know i will take slack on this one, but here it goes. Push your set list of 50 or so covers to somewhere around 75 minimum. There is no problem playing a couple or so originals, but a steady diet can sometimes be a problem, and lose you an audience. Many times original music suffers from two basic issues, 1. it is not really as good as we might feel our precious baby is. and 2. People love to hear memories, be reminded of old times moments, and experiences. hear an old favorite redone. Tossing in a few well placed originals can enhance an evening, relying heavily on them can be a bad thing. Ever go to a club and some guy is playing all the old memories, and then he says here's a original tune i wrote, and he launches into a 7 or 8 minute drone of some dribble from his last divorce! Geezzzzz louise! "Ambaaar! where have you gone guuur?.... Oooohhhh where oh where oh where oh ......." Cricket cricket .....
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Ever go to a club and some guy is playing all the old memories, and then he says here's a original tune i wrote, and he launches into a 7 or 8 minute drone of some dribble from his last divorce! Geezzzzz louise! "Ambaaar! where have you gone guuur?.... Oooohhhh where oh where oh where oh ......." Cricket cricket .....
heh heh.. Robh.. sounds like the voice of experience? I take it you've heard this act and lived to regret it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
The thing about original and cover, I look at it like this. There is a huge difference between playing "a gig" and "a concert". When your gig is something like setting up in the corner at a local dining establishment, then you do copy music all night, meaning songs the people know. That is what that level of listener is expecting.
Now, when you finish your CD and you want to release it, that is a CONCERT, and you book that show at a venue more suited to people sitting in a theater style arrangement, with no doubt that what they are going to hear is your original music that is on the CD (which is also on sale in the lobby, and I'll be out there right after the show to sign the cover art if you like.)
This is where there is typically a HUGE chasm between people who play as a hobby and people who play with an eye to sell product. I spent years in the first group, which in 2 cases overlapped some into the second, and now reside solidly in the second. I honestly don't care to be schlepping gear from bar to bar or chameleon places that are family dining all day and then went to go through some magic metamorphosis and become a rock club at night. That is not a slap at all to people who opt to do so, but it isn't what I want to be when I grow up.
The kind of gig you are describing is the kind where there is no "division" between crowd and talent. That lends itself to people in the category of "everybody is a singer after their third beer" wandering/staggering up into your space, maybe knocking your laptop or iPad over and breaking it. I would make it clear to ownership that this is not open mic night and inform them that unless they agree to be responsible for any damage clearly caused by a patron going where they don't belong that I don't perform. This is my show, and it is not open to people to get drunk and decide to participate. This is why I will never play (and I mean never) in a place that does not have a stage. That stage carries an implied "do not enter" kind of aura and people are not as likely to try and join you.
One guy I know carries sections of collapsible railing that he sets up to make a demarcation point between the crowd and the "stage".
Usually the patrons don't understand that this isn't a party. It's an artist doing his job. He (or she - no sexism here) is working, and much the same as they wouldn't bother the plumber while soldering pipes or the carpenter while cutting wood on his saw, they shouldn't bother the musician either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Quote:
Quote:
Great advice from Pat . . . so the only thing I will ad is that you don't want your gig to turn into a "karaoke" gig. It is your show so don't (in a nice way of course) let your show be taken over by audience members who want you to back them as like in karaoke.
Danny,
When you perform with your backing tracks, are you saying that people from the audience approach you and ask if they can sing along (hoping to use you as their karaoke machine?)
If so, how do you decline gracefully without making them feel slighted?
This only happens if the venue is also currently booking karaoke dj's or has in the past as from time to time one of the karaoke patrons might come up and ask, "do you have such and such by and names the artist?" That is your opportunity to tell them that unlike the karaoke dj you do not have a trailer full of cds containing tracks stripped of the original vocals, instead all you have are the backing tracks that you have arranged using BIAB for your show, in a nice way of course.
Hey, maybe you could turn it into a profit center... let it be known that for just $20 a pop, anybody in the audience can sing along on one song. You might end up making more money that way than you made for the gig!$20 is low enough that most people will be carrying that much, and its high enough to discourage the casual pests.
That is a can of worms I prefer to leave closed as I am already getting paid for the gig, and do receive tips for request. In fact that is one of the main reasons I do not play weddings, I guess I am getting too old and just don't have the patience to put up with the drunks who think they do a wonderful rendition of New York New York. Or even worse you get the guy/gal who sings karaoke in bars they are used to "exact" copy backing tracks and with BIAB and especially when we alter arrangements as to not to sound "exactly" like the original it throws them . . . then the conversation turns to "hey dude that is not how the song goes". The other factor involved with guest singers, and it is a big one, they are not prepared, they have to find a song they want to do, test the key etc. etc. and this will take way too much of the time your boss is paying you to perform. The occasional cat who wants to sing, knows the song and his/her key is fine, but the average karaoke singer who wants to go through your playlist to find something will kill your gig.
With this said I love the old adage, if you are not in show business get your feet off of my stage! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
Thanks everyone for the replies. I knew I would get helpful and experienced advise from this crowd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I made some mistakes that I'm trying to rectify.
1. Taking some time off to get through my situation
2. Will charge an amount of money that is typical for what we do. No freebies
3. No "let me play in the background"-"You're too mellow for what we want!"
4. I'm building subs and a 2K amp to push them.
5. I'm going to sound & FEEL like a band.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
I made some mistakes that I'm trying to rectify.
1. Taking some time off to get through my situation
2. Will charge an amount of money that is typical for what we do. No freebies
3. No "let me play in the background"-"You're too mellow for what we want!"
4. I'm building subs and a 2K amp to push them.
5. I'm going to sound & FEEL like a band.
Quote:
All self actualized people set goals and overcome the obstacles one at a time until the only thing left standing is their success.
and that's exactly who John is
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Quote:
Hey guys and gals,
A lot of you have been down this road before so I figured you might could advise me on what I should do.
I am a somewhat average guitarist and singer by nature and have been trying to learn to play the keyboard here recently. My skills have been less than optimum in my own opinion but I would like try and play in front of a crowd to make me want to try harder.
I recently discussed with an owner of a restaurant that I might could provide entertainment in his establishment as a one man band type of show. I was possibly under the influence at the time because we were all there watching Alabama in the BCS championship football game. Roll Tide!
I told him that I could possibly perform for free initially in his bar (which is probably smaller than my home studio) just to get out and enjoy what I have always wanted to do. He said that he has had karaoke before and would like to try something to get more business in there. He is dating my girlfriend's sister so that is my connection.
I have around 50 original songs that I feel comfortable playing and about the same number of '70-'80's pop/rock cover songs. I don't know if they have the rights for me to play cover songs so I was wondering what the deal was concerning copyrights and such. This might be my way out as I am totally nervous about the whole thing.
My laptop is as old as the dust (anyone remember 16 MG of RAM) so it would not be possible to use it for the gig. I have plenty of options for sound which includes a recently acquired iPod Touch loaded with musical apps (anyone who owns one should check out the available options).
As a musician, where is the line drawn for a karaoke player and a one man band? I have read many threads on other forums concerning backing tracks performed live and how there is no difference to karaoke players (not that there is anything wrong with that).
I figured a bass line, drums, and any other odd instruments(sequenced) playing along with my guitar, keyboard as convenient, and vocals might be enough to distinguish me from a karaoke file player. As I said, this is all new to me and would like to hear from the folks that have been own this road before.
Any and all experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any advise,
Keebo
Keebo,
The only way to find out if you will enjoy playing out is to do it. A small bar is a perfect place to get your feet wet. Leave your originals at home. Nobody wants to hear them. No offense; that's just the way it is.
As for the karaoke vs. live debate: the technology has made this a moot point.
Many major "live" acts are using tracks, and that's a fact. Pay no attention to the "purists". They are snobs of the worst sort - usually frustrated weekend warriors who never got a deal, or even an audition for a deal.
You don't sound like you plan on making a life out of this, so just go out and have fun. One thing, though. Make sure you don't make the same mistake that Eddie's band did.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx_GjyXCs4
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Leave your originals at home. Nobody wants to hear them. No offense; that's just the way it is.
that depends on the venue and the audience.
Around here I'm seeing more and more places advertising "live original music", and my theory is that they don't want to pay protection money to ASCAP and BMI just to have live music.
The artists would rather play their own songs anyway, and a whole different kind of audience tends to show up when they music is new and fresh.
I'm seeing older crowds that want to relive their youth through the oldies they listened to in early adulthood, and young people whose avant-garde approach to everything including music makes them open to individualism and creativity.
Bring a different set to each audience, and learn to recognize which is which.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Quote:
Quote:
Leave your originals at home. Nobody wants to hear them. No offense; that's just the way it is.
that depends on the venue and the audience.
Around here I'm seeing more and more places advertising "live original music", and my theory is that they don't want to pay protection money to ASCAP and BMI just to have live music.
The artists would rather play their own songs anyway, and a whole different kind of audience tends to show up when they music is new and fresh.
I'm seeing older crowds that want to relive their youth through the oldies they listened to in early adulthood, and young people whose avant-garde approach to everything including music makes them open to individualism and creativity.
Bring a different set to each audience, and learn to recognize which is which.
I agree. It depends on the venue. The OP is talking about playing in a small bar though, not an open mic or a 'live original music' joint.
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Quote:
Make sure you don't make the same mistake that Eddie's band did.
Until I clicked to the video I was asking myself "Mistakes? What mistakes did I make? Keeping people off the stage is a mistake?"
There is still so much debate about that clip. The "Guitar god Van Halen can do no wrong as long as he continues to play 64th notes in every solo on every song" camp still claims that a guitar tech handed him the wrong guitar and handed him one that was detuned by a half step. I think it was a sample played back at the wrong speed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,318
Posts803,307
Members40,097
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean