I just got back from a weekend holiday at the beach. While there I saw live music twice, and both times it was a solo act (guitar/vocals at a restaurant) In both cases the guy was getting a good response from the audience in spite of the fact that there's only so much variation you can get out of one instrument and one voice.
Neither act used backing tracks or even a vocal processor to add harmony. One thing they both did was to use audience participation as part of the act (sing along stuff and schtick)
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
I just got back from a weekend holiday at the beach. While there I saw live music twice, and both times it was a solo act (guitar/vocals at a restaurant) In both cases the guy was getting a good response from the audience in spite of the fact that there's only so much variation you can get out of one instrument and one voice.
Neither act used backing tracks or even a vocal processor to add harmony. One thing they both did was to use audience participation as part of the act (sing along stuff and schtick)
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
Great news indeed . . . now if I can just live long enough to make it in these venues! :>
There's a fellow by the name of Tommy Emmanuel who never uses backing tracks and seldom plays with a band.
My favorite quote from him was after a particularly rousing performance of his. He stepped up to the mic and said "who needs a friggin' band?"
yeah, Tommy is awesome! ...but most of us will never compare to Tommy Emmanuel, so I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks. My goal in this forum is to find examples that offer encouragement for the average musician to get out there and try something.
I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks.
Well, … , I’m definitely included in that category since I’ve been doing just that for a few years or so now. I’m still a rookie, but I learn a little each time I use it.
There’s nothing wrong with using backing tracks, … , but don’t discount the possibility of playing solo either. It really also depends on whether you’re playing background music for people who are eating or otherwise ignoring you.
These folks are gonna want backing tracks, aka a full band sound.
But if you’ve got folks that will actually pay attention and listen to you, … , then a “solo” performance sans backing tracks might be in order.
I play as a solo act. I use mp3 backing tracks. Some of these are purchased and some I make with BIAB where I cant find the Mp3 backing. I purchased thousands of mp3 karaoke tracks and these work a treat in a party situation for audience participation.
Last night I played at the sailing club where I am at a regatta and it was great fun. I even had one guy who has lost his voice from the previous night in the pub singing (or trying to sing) Joe Cocker's "You can leave your hat on". It was hilarious. I only really let the audience loose on the karaoke tracks when it is late at night and then only for about one or two songs and then I take control again.
They have asked me to play again tonight. Oh well, another late night in the pub after a day on the water...
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
I don't think that good audience response is dictated by the number of entertainers onstage, nor whether there are any kind of backing tracks or autoaccompaniment going on, the real common denominator is Strong Performance and that can be accomplished no matter what the presentation consists of, solo entertainer all the way up to the bigband and orchestral and everything in between.
As sn exsmple, this performer evidently has done what it takes to deliver the Strong Performance. Be careful about assuming that it is the performer's audience participation that made the difference, for another person may try the same without striving for and achieving that Strong Performance ability - and it wouldn't work the same.
I don't think that good audience response is dictated by the number of entertainers onstage, nor whether there are any kind of backing tracks or autoaccompaniment going on, the real common denominator is Strong Performance and that can be accomplished no matter what the presentation consists of, solo entertainer all the way up to the bigband and orchestral and everything in between.
I agree completely...
but the main point of my original post was more about opportunity than anything else.
In the past people seeking solo gigs have met resistance not only from people who hire the musicians, but also from audience members who say that anything less than a full band is "not real music"
I see that changing... maybe not as fast as I'd like to see it... but when high visibility places like resorts hire solo acts, to me that signifies a change in perception.
I'll use John DeJardins (aka Silvertones) as an example. Johns act is VERY well prepared. Its interesting, and John is an extremely talented musician and singer. But he only gets fringe opportunities because he's still running into that brick wall of perception that defines live music as being a whole band. Based on his posts, I'd say John has been plenty discouraged and it makes me mad that anybody would deny him the opportunity to show what he has up his sleeve.
That's my main point... but I totally agree that its still up to the solo artist to serve up a strong performance once the opportunity arrives. (I think John does that)
Somebody who gets up and sucks doesn't deserve a second gig. What bothers me is when somebody like John gets up and does a good job, and the local yokels decide it wasn't real music so they don't give him a second chance. But it looks like that's changing. How long it takes to get from the coastal resorts to western NC is another question.
I play as a solo act. I use mp3 backing tracks. Some of these are purchased and some I make with BIAB where I cant find the Mp3 backing. I purchased thousands of mp3 karaoke tracks and these work a treat in a party situation for audience participation.
Last night I played at the sailing club where I am at a regatta and it was great fun. I even had one guy who has lost his voice from the previous night in the pub singing (or trying to sing) Joe Cocker's "You can leave your hat on". It was hilarious. I only really let the audience loose on the karaoke tracks when it is late at night and then only for about one or two songs and then I take control again.
They have asked me to play again tonight. Oh well, another late night in the pub after a day on the water...
Jo, you strike me as a person who has figured out where your natural audience is, and you've gone to where they are. My hat is off to you.. what you're doing works! You are having fun providing enjoyment to others! What a win-win situation THAT is!
I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks.
Well, … , I’m definitely included in that category since I’ve been doing just that for a few years or so now. I’m still a rookie, but I learn a little each time I use it.
There’s nothing wrong with using backing tracks, … , but don’t discount the possibility of playing solo either. It really also depends on whether you’re playing background music for people who are eating or otherwise ignoring you.
These folks are gonna want backing tracks, aka a full band sound.
But if you’ve got folks that will actually pay attention and listen to you, … , then a “solo” performance sans backing tracks might be in order.
Dunno. YMMV.
I agree completely. Bottom line is that gigs are different, and what works in one venue doesn't work in another. I would hate to pay $150 for a stadium concert and see ONE of the Eagles come out and play along with backing tracks!
But it would be overkill to hear a full band in a restaurant when I'm trying to hold a conversation with friends.
Most of us grew up playing in full bands. We watched that work go away. Some of us quit playing, some kept the full band and adjusted to fewer gigs, others went solo, while others became hybrid acts offering live music/karaoke/DJ
Given the choice, I'd always rather hear a stunning performance by somebody with real talent and a tight band. But there's no doubt that technology has created lots of new possibilities. I see this forum as a way for people to make others aware of whats working, what's trending, what's possible. If anybody picks up the ball and runs with it, Cool.
There are possibly MORE ways to play music now than ever before.
As sn exsmple, this performer evidently has done what it takes to deliver the Strong Performance. Be careful about assuming that it is the performer's audience participation that made the difference, for another person may try the same without striving for and achieving that Strong Performance ability - and it wouldn't work the same.
--Mac
I think a perfect example is Miss Peaches’ version of “ At Last ”. Ain’t nobody matched Etta’s version of that song IMHO!
Unfortunately, talent is not distributed evenly. <actually that may be a good thing>. TE could likely bang on the back of his guitar while he performs (...I think he has done this) and still keep an audience in their seats.
In my case, even I could not listen to 20 minutes of solo me. But with a little BIAB backing, some VLT harmonies, a nice PA and what ever other tool I can apply, I don't send them rushing to the exit.
It also depends on who is listening and what you are playing. If you are playing "Segovia" type guitar, there is really no "here comes a solo" spot because it is ALL solo.
Also factor in picking your material to fit what you do. Without toys or backing tracks, you have one guitar and one voice, so don't do "Seven Bridges Road".
Anymore I play so badly that I have to use the generated tracks. The arthritis is just so bad I can't grip a guitar neck properly and my fingers are so sore that my keyboard range and speed has been greatly diminished over the last 4 years. If I tried to play a completely solo acoustic type act it would be awful.
I know many people here who do solo acts. One uses home recorded full band. One uses just a drum machine. And one uses nothing but her voice and her piano. Each of them makes it clear what they do when they book, and all of them have live recording DVDs to present. And there are many more that are various levels of all of the above.
Boils down to the listener's ear I think. For my ear, I don't like solo guitar guys because if they do a solo there is no rhythm behind them (obviously) and as good as the solo can be, it's bland and boring to me to hear just a solo guitar. But that's just me, the guy who thinks music is defined by what AWB and Tower of Power did/do. Someone mentioned Tommy Emmanuel. He does what he does very well, but I'd be asleep by the 4th song. Give me TOP with that 5 piece horn section and driving beat any time. Again, that's me and I think I am in a HUGE minority because my tastes reflect the fact that I play and I came up with a certain kind of music. At 62 most "normal" people wouldn't like what I like. All of use here in the forums are at a different level from the people who wear the white belt and shoes and view entertainment as a quiet, relaxing night to sip champagne at the marina while the jazz trio plays. When I go hear music I want to feel it against my chest and suddenly notice that my feet are tapping. You can't listen to AWB and not feel the urge to move, and that's my taste.
. . . When I go hear music I want to feel it against my chest and suddenly notice that my feet are tapping. You can't listen to AWB and not feel the urge to move, and that's my taste.
Right on, Eddie. Our core musical tastes are slightly different, but the urge to feel the beat is the same. Not a comment on what any other performer does (or does not) do, just a shared value.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
In reading through the various posts, it occurred to me that most endeavors work on a point system, and it doesn't matter how you get the points as long as you get enough of them.
Some people get most of their points on the strength of their playing, and they use vocal processors to add points to their weak singing
Some people are killer vocalists, and they add points to the overall sound by using trax.
Some people are "pretty good" in their presentation, but they gain points thru audience participation.
And yes, some people are just good at everything... but they won't be playing at the places I'm playing, so I'm not really competing against them. Naturally, I'll try to do the best I can in each of those arenas, but my main goal is to keep from giving up because of my deficiencies. I'd rather find ways to compensate for my weaknesses in ways that don't undermine the overall performance by subtracting too many suck points.
heh. suck points. I'll have to remember that one, it made me laugh for a second.
But that's just me, the guy who thinks music is defined by what AWB and Tower of Power did/do.
yeah man! I grew up playing in horn bands... and I think part of the advantage offered by backing tracks is that you can recreate those songs without having to split the paycheck 12 ways.
People LOVE those songs... but the average 3 or 4 piece band simply can't reproduce that sound on stage, so they play what they CAN reproduce. This leaves a whole bunch of the best music from the past 50 years that NOBODY ELSE is covering live, the perfect musical niche for people like us who know how to bring it to the stage at an affordable price!
I may have posted this before.. if so I apologize for being redundant.
FWIW, I think another musical niche that is not being filled (locally at least) is all the great Motown and R&B music. The rich arrangements and lush orchestration make them perfect candidates for backing track application.
Around here, those songs aren't covered by the average cover band. Young musicians aren't playing the classics, and the older musicians are playing Country, classic rock and jazz.
I was at a jazz club one evening, and the band played one of the old classic Motown songs. Immediately the dance floor filled up.. and not just with old folks. The young waitresses put down their trays and danced too. That scene turned on a light in my mind that I won't soon forget. It just makes sense to play the music that your audience loves.
I don't like solo guitar guys because if they do a solo there is no rhythm behind them (obviously) and as good as the solo can be, it's bland and boring to me to hear just a solo guitar.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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