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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
Hi everyone, may I ask this question?
Normally i use BIAB to write backing tracks for existing songs.
However, I just wstched some youtube videos about writing a new song based on a 'beat'. It refers to a common practice these days when a producer makes a beat , sends it to a topline songwriter who will write the melody and/or lyrics based on that beat.
I was wondering if we can use BIAB to make a beat and write a new song. Can entering chords and choosing random styles inspire you to write a new song?
Thank you for your advice.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 674
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 674 |
Hiya.
Oh yes definitely, I often just grab a BB style, then stuff the chords in then write a melody and solo and that's it pretty much done.
I can rustle up a complete track in barely 30 mins!
BB is great for doing tracks in many different styles,I have been using BB since 2008 and have only tried about 40% of the styles, there are so many of 'em.
Cya.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
Thank you. Then, do you still need to buy those loops/ samples package to add to Biab for the songwriting purpose?
I am really interested in using biab to write new songs, so would appreciate the experience.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058 |
Absolutely, my wife and I write Gospel songs and BIAB allows us to try out phrases in different styles and chords.
I keep telling her that she is too sweet and we need some darker minor chords to catch everybody's attention.
It doesn't take long before a song starts developing.
Since I am instrument challenged, I can't play a lick on anything, this program saves my butt time after time.
I'm just getting into loops and user tracks and I"M sure driving the real musicians here crazy with my strange questions. But...this forum and software has helped where nothing else could even come close.
Just put a few chords in, doesn't matter if they're right or wrong, choose a style and let your hears see the music.
No judgements, just sounds till you start to hear a song develop in your mind. Add or change a few chords or styles, change the tempo. More than likely you'll find something to work on.
Just 2 cents and change. (That's a phrase that's been running around in my head for several years)
Wyndham
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
BB certainly does inspire me to write new stuff. It is much better in some genre's than in others.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi everyone, may I ask this question?
Normally i use BIAB to write backing tracks for existing songs.
However, I just wstched some youtube videos about writing a new song based on a 'beat'. It refers to a common practice these days when a producer makes a beat , sends it to a topline songwriter who will write the melody and/or lyrics based on that beat.
I was wondering if we can use BIAB to make a beat and write a new song. Can entering chords and choosing random styles inspire you to write a new song?
Thank you for your advice. Yes to everything! Example - I HAVE created a guitar instro by creating a blank style, adding the drum style first (and a guitar rhtymn track - it doesnt matter what cos you then mute it)and a single opening chord - in this case "C" and one long Chorus of 64 bars. To give it something to chew on, I put A and B markers all over the place and just ran it. Result - a drum track of 64 bars. I liked what I heard and it gave me an idea for a tune so put an AABABA set of chords to it -and it I then recorded a guitar lead. The thing about BIAB is that you can just have Fun with chords, styles, tracks and its surprising what jumps out. cheers ian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I find that two programs, BIAB and Propellerhead Reason, virtually compel me to create new stuff. In the case of BIAB, it's because I find it difficult to hold on to an idea while hunting through Styles and listening to what happens during chord changes. I eventually gave up. Now I begin with the kernel of an idea and listen to what BIAB has to say. I usually end up with something that I would never have come up with on my own.
With Reason, which began life as a badass soft synth and morphed into a DAW, it's because of the sound libraries (Refills) available and their vast array of patches and samples. At heart I'm a MIDI/synth guy who happens to play guitar. Often playing with rhythmic pads sets me off, again to parts unknown.
I like to start in BIAB and port the results into Reason for massage and fleshing out. I'm still working on ways to make the two play together a little better, but it's an awful lot of fun going where I'm led.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
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Happy New Year!
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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
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