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These forums are BASED on that question, and you will find that 99.9% of the posters here use it for exactly that reason. It is indeed worth the investment. Many people here use it not only as a writing tool but as live accompanyment for gigs. I doubt you will get even one negative response.
A lot will depend on your skill level with your computer. You need to be able to read menus and digest what the menu item means, get the concept of "you create tracks. tracks make a song." into your head. Then you start into "What is a style? What is a Real Track? Real Track vs MIDI tracks?" level questions. However, it's the "fun" kind of growing pains and when you start to get some polish and learn your way around, you may never play with live players again. (I don't.)
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Thanks Eddie but apparently I phrased the question incorrectly. I already use BIAB and I was curious about providing a service to other people who would like music for their lyrics. For example suppose someone approached you (Eddie) about putting music to lyrics they have written - what would you consider a reasonable fee?
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You really need to know what kind of style suits a particular song. The wrong piano accompaniement for example can completely ruin a song. Try picking a song you know from the hundreds of pre made biab songs out there and try different styles. Change the real tracks around and it'll give you a wonderful idea of what can be accomplished.
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Quote:
Thanks Eddie but apparently I phrased the question incorrectly. I already use BIAB and I was curious about providing a service to other people who would like music for their lyrics. For example suppose someone approached you (Eddie) about putting music to lyrics they have written - what would you consider a reasonable fee?
Hi Ed,
I am almost 99% sure the need exist but my gut tells me the people on this forum are using BIAB to do exactly what you are trying to market . . . therefore the old adage "selling ice to Eskimos" comes to mind.
Therefore I think this would not be where you would find your target audience, but again I have been wrong before, in fact as recent as earlier this morning. 
Good Luck,
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Hello Mr. Ed,
What you are suggesting is to
a) create a demo of song using BIAB, adding instrumentation and vocals to someone's lyrics (might need to add a melody, too
or
b) if they already sing and have a melody, you would be creating "professional" backing tracks for them to record to.
Yes, it is a worthwhile goal, but it is a crowded field and it would take a lot of effort to really put out good demos. Since you can get phenomenal guitar/vocal demos for $150 and full band demos for $300 - $500 from Nashville pros, it all comes down to how much do you want to get paid and how good will it be.
Can you do it with BIAB -- I think so. Would it be a good business model -- the jury is out on that one.
Kevin
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Ed,
Here's the thing. If I come to you with a set of lyrics, I probably already hear the song inside my head. You don't. I can sing the lyrics I hear, and possibly with the ACW, you might be able to pick up a melody and a few chords, at least something to start with.
So, here's the $64,000 question. Is the lyricist as musician? If they are, can they use their instrument to input data to BIAB, or give you a chord progression, or anything that makes your job easier? From your original post, it doesn't seem like that's the market segment you're looking for. You specified with 'no other way of putting music to their lyrics.'
The next major hurdle could be 'do they even have an idea of the music they want?' If someone presents you with lyrics, but doesn't have any idea of the music they want to go with it, you both can go round and round trying to fit what each of you think is the best thing
I bring you a set of lyrics, and I say "I want a whimsical country style of music to go with these lyrics." I don't offer you anything more than that. Can you do it?
For example. Here's a set of lyrics that came to me, and I did not know who wrote them or what music it was based on. I do now, but that's not the point. If I give you these lyrics, and ask for a 'Country Blues' tune to go with it, could you provide something?
The Steel Chicken Blues
It’s early Sunday morning, the sun is coming up
I stare at last night’s brewski and head out to my truck
I check out of the motel, and head out to the range
The weather looks real windy, and hell, it’s gonna rain
They say this game’s a tough one, I’ll give it my best shot,
The chickens look like peanuts, the rams, they look like dots.
Oh Lord, what am I gonna do, Help me get my head on right
And save me from the Steely Chicken Blues
So here I am on Chicken, I zipper up my vest
I load up all my mags, I’m gonna try my best
So there I am a waitin’, just nervous as a *****
Just tryin’ to remember those Jared Perry tips.
I set my scope to zero, check my stance and grip
And when I hear the fire command, oh Damn, I gotta *****!
Oh Lord, what I am gonna do? Sunday back in Church I’ll be
Just save me from the Zero Chicken Blues.
I go to shoot da piggies, my ‘nads are in my throat
I settle in for bank one, oh Lord I thought I’d choke
I’d like to make a good shot, or maybe two or three
I’m hopin’ that the Man above is lookin’ down on me.
I steady up my nerves, get ready for the shot
There’s three between the legs and Lord, I’m all screwed up
Oh Lord, what am I gonna do, I’m lost here on this firin’ line
Please save me from the Zero Piggy Blues.
I started out with three mags, now one of them is lost
I’m trying hard to forget just what the damned thing cost
I’m sittin’ on the benches, just tryin’ to compose
The gal beside me lets loose with something really low
Searchin’ for my nose plugs, but I was just too slow
I know this day is shot, that’s just the way it goes
Oh Lord, what I am I gonna do? Lost here on this firing line
Please save me from these Smelly Chicken Blues
Now it’s time for turkeys, I’m thinkin’ this is it
Straight out the old right elbow, left arm on my hip
Check out all the wind flags, just prayin’ not to miss
This wind is really blowin’, a twenty dollar bet!
This was so penny-ante, and now they’ll see me sweat
No justice in this world, I’ll get those suckers yet
Oh Lord, what am I gonna do, Help me keep my head up high
And save me from the Zero Turkey Blues
So, here I am at Rams, my trainings all forgot
And last night’s chicken nuggets, have turned into a knot
I make it through the first bank, never hit a one
Now here’s my chance on bank two, and Lord, here comes the sun
I focus in on ram six, I know I’ll soon be done
I make a decent shot, but hit the wrong damn one!
Oh Lord, what am I gonna do? Be back on the line next month
Just save me from these stupid Steel Ram Blues.
Steely Chicken Blues!
Make me a song out of that, and post it back here for us to hear, okay?
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Thanks everyone for your input.
I appreciate it.
Mike
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Quote:
For example suppose someone approached you (Eddie) about putting music to lyrics they have written - what would you consider a reasonable fee?
1 million dollars per song.
I won't get a lot of business, but if I ever get just ONE.....
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Mike, I respectfully suggest that you are suffering from BIAB-itis. A very common bug shared among BIABers. I think we all had delusions of grandeur when first experiencing the potential of the program. I thought I was Beethoven reincarnate and that I would dazzle the planet with my newly discovered composer's skills. It just ain't so, unfortunately. Quote:
1 million dollars per song.
I'll beat Eddie's bid by 3 Canadian Loonies plus VAT.
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I have done several like this, but unless they can give you "sounds like" examples you will be wasting your time... "It punches like Joe Diffy's "3rd rock from the Sun" with Hank Sr's lonesome vocal & steel" And yes, I had one like that!
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
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If you were given a melody as well as lyrics it would be easier. You would be providing backing tracks. I do this for my students as part of their singing lessons but I spend a lot of time auditioning styles, changing instruments, soloists etc. I enjoy doing this but if I charged for the time involved it would be too expensive.
If you have only the lyrics you would have to write a melody, as Kevin said further up.
Melody writing is a craft in itself, so that's another thing to consider.
I think the opportunity is there if you work at it and advertise. I have seen ads from people along these lines.
If it's want you like doing, go for it! Nothing ventured nothing gained.
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
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Not really....I can offer a "full band" with anything from full RT to 1/4 Rt & live musician for much less than their $175 price point, and a lot of times WAY less using the barter system.....the advantage of owning a "home setup" for folks with little to no income, but who want to make a decent product. 
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
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