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Its my opinion that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with playing for free as long as you don't think you are being taken advantage of.
I can't believe some of the comments here, where is the good natured intentions of doing something just because you want to and because you enjoy it? rather then being all wrapped up in getting a materialistic reward (and maybe you already being a millionaire but still preaching the sad, I'm just scraping by getting a living, some of us are able to read between the lines)
In Ireland there are lots of "sessions" where people just turn up at a pub to play traditional Irish music just because they love it, and no money exchanges hands. It may well be that the pub sells a lot of beer at those sessions but hey the musicians don't expect any money
Also the GAA here the Gaelic athletic Association have amateur status (Irish Football) where the players give their time and efforts for nothing just for the love of the game. Some of the matches at Irelands Croke park in Dublin are in front of 80,000 people plus and genenrate millions of pounds which is put back into the development of the association and to help and train young players. Yet all the palyers and officials give all their time for no monetary reward.
Its a sad sad world when people are only thinking of money all the time, especially when they are older folks that should know better.
You can't bring it with you when you go.
Play for free if you want to, its your choice and let no one make you feel guilty for doing so.
My thoughts
Musiclover Very well said Musiclover! Most of us here in the US share your views too! Where I grew up it was (and still is today) quite common for folks to come together, on a porch or in a bar or wherever, and play for the pure enjoyment of it! And if someone thinks that is preventing them from getting paid for a gig they need to go look for a real job and stop blaming others for their problems!  So now you speak for 'most' of us, Bugsey?  A 'real job'? Like yours, perhaps? Neurosurgery? Nuclear Physics? You elevate pathos to a new level. why do you always resort to name-calling? I can certainly respond in kind as your "quips" are never really that clever. but it would be better to have a conversation without the name-calling, don't you think?
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In addition to what Notes said, I've found that the majority of "play for free players" are not up to the standards of what I consider good musicians. I've lived and worked in many cities and can say with certainty that all of the players who I consider good are always working. It's usually sub-standard musicians who will play for free or next to nothing. I practiced and studied many years to reach a level that I consider decent. Anyone who wants to be called a musician should do no less. Also the practicing and studying is always on-going. No-one would accept a sub-standard plumber or carpenter to do work on their house. Why accept a sub-standard musician? Later, Ray
Last edited by raymb1; 05/24/14 01:27 PM.
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Its my opinion that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with playing for free as long as you don't think you are being taken advantage of.
I can't believe some of the comments here, where is the good natured intentions of doing something just because you want to and because you enjoy it? rather then being all wrapped up in getting a materialistic reward (and maybe you already being a millionaire but still preaching the sad, I'm just scraping by getting a living, some of us are able to read between the lines)
In Ireland there are lots of "sessions" where people just turn up at a pub to play traditional Irish music just because they love it, and no money exchanges hands. It may well be that the pub sells a lot of beer at those sessions but hey the musicians don't expect any money
Also the GAA here the Gaelic athletic Association have amateur status (Irish Football) where the players give their time and efforts for nothing just for the love of the game. Some of the matches at Irelands Croke park in Dublin are in front of 80,000 people plus and genenrate millions of pounds which is put back into the development of the association and to help and train young players. Yet all the palyers and officials give all their time for no monetary reward.
Its a sad sad world when people are only thinking of money all the time, especially when they are older folks that should know better.
You can't bring it with you when you go.
Play for free if you want to, its your choice and let no one make you feel guilty for doing so.
My thoughts
Musiclover Very well said Musiclover! Most of us here in the US share your views too! Where I grew up it was (and still is today) quite common for folks to come together, on a porch or in a bar or wherever, and play for the pure enjoyment of it! And if someone thinks that is preventing them from getting paid for a gig they need to go look for a real job and stop blaming others for their problems! So now you speak for 'most' of us, Bugsey? A 'real job'? Like yours, perhaps? Neurosurgery? Nuclear Physics? You elevate pathos to a new level. why do you always resort to name-calling? I can certainly respond in kind as your "quips" are never really that clever. but it would be better to have a conversation without the name-calling, don't you think? What name did I call you? " Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? 'Respond in kind'? Really? Like calling me "Chuckles"? Absolutely scathing retort there. Perhaps you should rethink your participation in this particular 'conversation', since you have no experience in the music business, and offer nothing but vindictive conjecture? There's no shame in being ignorant, but one really shouldn't display it so publicly, no? 
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/24/14 11:38 PM.
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF! You have already copped to your other persona, Mr. Bugsey. You must have forgotten that. Funny how I was called "Chuckles" by both people, no? The BIAB thread on JPF makes for some interesting reading though. http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1012945/page/1#Post1012945
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Please take the flame wars to PMs.
However, I disagree -- I think I speak for most of us - and neither one can prove that point so neither one has a valid argument by saying that.
Statements like that are best left out of a debate so I retract mine because it can't be proven and negate yours.
I also agree that MOST open mic nights offer inferior entertainment. The musicians that play for free are usually not as good (not always) and the groups are not rehearsed.
Perhaps it will end up being a bad business model and the club owners will realize that they get what they pay for.
If a restaurant buys inferior cuts of meat or wilted lettuce, customers will go elsewhere.
If the restaurant underpays the cooks it will only get inferior food preparation and customers will eventually go elsewhere.
If the bar asked its bartenders and waiters/waitresses to work on tips only, they would only get inferior bartenders and wait staff and the customers will eventually go elsewhere.
If the club gets freebie musicians the quality of entertainment will be inferior and pretty soon the general public will hopefully get tired of all the same songs done in various shades of mediocrity and go elsewhere.
And sure, playing music together on front porches, garages, public parks, living rooms, warehouses, and so on are a time honored tradition, one which I have participated in many times.
But playing in a commercial establishment for free is a different thing. Stealing a job from a fellow musician by playing for free is something I would never do. It's a "do unto others" thing for me.
That's all I'm saying and all I'm going to say about the subject. We've gotten to the point where we are just repeating ourselves and have come to an impasse.
Notes
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Very well stated Notes and I totally agree.
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF! You have already copped to your other persona, Mr. Bugsey. You must have forgotten that. Funny how I was called "Chuckles" by both people, no? The BIAB thread on JPF makes for some interesting reading though. http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1012945/page/1#Post1012945 Nope! You got the wrong guy. (I took the rest of my comment to PM as Notes suggested! )
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/25/14 08:25 AM.
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The musicians that play for free are usually not as good (not always) and the groups are not rehearsed. I'd certainly agree with that (and been there/done that)! But that is the whole point of an open mic, at least to me. It is an opportunity for amateurs to get up on stage and have a little fun. And the crowd generally knows what they are getting and everyone is happy! But playing in a commercial establishment for free is a different thing. Stealing a job from a fellow musician by playing for free is something I would never do. It's a "do unto others" thing for me. Hmm, the union musicians in your area might say you were stealing their jobs by not supporting their union! We've gotten to the point where we are just repeating ourselves and have come to an impasse. Agreed!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/25/14 11:26 AM.
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My takeaway from this thread is that the paradigm has shifted.. and my thoughts going forward will be about how to identify new opportunities and adapt to them.
I am currently involved in similar discussions on other sites, and I see a common theme of getting lost in the worldwide glut of digital media that divides potential income too many ways.
There is a clear need for someone to market creative content in a way that empowers the creators and helps them stand out in the crowd.
Maybe when my son's streaming site comes online we can differentiate ourselves by finding new ways to promote our performers.
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It stabs this old Irishman in the heart to read such garbage on PG Forums.
Someone may simply point me toward the exit, which I had already done, as far as this thread is concerned, at least. I've been enjoying these forums for many years (probably around 2001) and I've never witnessed anything like this claptrap.
Taking it to PMs is only a baby-step which allows the injury to remain open. Fellow musicians, give this tune a 128 bar rest!
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My takeaway from this thread is that the paradigm has shifted.. and my thoughts going forward will be about how to identify new opportunities and adapt to them.
I am currently involved in similar discussions on other sites, and I see a common theme of getting lost in the worldwide glut of digital media that divides potential income too many ways.
There is a clear need for someone to market creative content in a way that empowers the creators and helps them stand out in the crowd.
Maybe when my son's streaming site comes online we can differentiate ourselves by finding new ways to promote our performers. Hope he does well Pat as I am sure he stands a good chance with his "ole fella" with some great ideas like you behind him. At the same time reading this, the thought occurred would some who are against playing for free, even consider that site of your sons (as well as streetjelly) in the same league as playing for free, maybe it would be beneath them to accept a few tips like on SJ in lieu of payment, I don't know!! As regards the generalisation that most sub standared musicians are the ones playing for free, then I say good luck to them. Whoever said that we all have to be of a level of musicmanship before we are allowed to go in front of an audience. That it totally crazy! Are the so called pro's (just wondering how many know of them beyond their local area anyway) only allowed to enjoy the clap or appreciation of an audience and the rest of us of a lessor standard should be locked away? I don't think so. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 05/25/14 01:20 PM.
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At the same time reading this, the thought occurred would some who are against playing for free, even consider that site of your sons (as well as streetjelly) in the same league as playing for free, maybe it would be beneath them to accept a few tips like on SJ in lieu of payment, I don't know!! Notes made the definitive statement on this subject when he pointed out that each venue has its own characteristic music offering.. some employ only full bands, some prefer singles acts, some prefer DJs etc etc. The guy in a duo or singles act is not directly competing in the same marketplace as the full band. Likewise, people playing on streaming sites are not competing directly with musicians playing in the neighborhood. Physical venues like pubs, restaurants, theaters etc have a finite space and time slot, and they appeal to a strictly local audience. The streaming sites appeal to an audience that is probably not going out for live entertainment anyway... so rather than stealing something from the live acts, this is more like opening the door to an entirely untapped audience. Also, the physicals sites have a handful of spots in the current time zone to divvy up among many competing musicians... but the streaming sites are open 24-7, and its always show time SOMEWHERE... so streaming actually creates new performance opportunities that didn't exist at all before. That's why, if you play the circuit of all the streaming sites you can find, you could literally play all day long continuously because at any given time of day somebody somewhere just got off work and wants to hear some live music Regarding the pay: a little bit of money multiplied by a lot of opportunities is more than a lot of money multiplied by no opportunities. Unlike the physical locations that can turn away acts all day long because they don't have enough spots for them, the streaming sites are hungry for performers, because there are no limitations of time or space.
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As regards the generalisation that most sub standared musicians are the ones playing for free, then I say good luck to them.
Whoever said that we all have to be of a level of musicmanship before we are allowed to go in front of an audience. That it totally crazy!
Are the so called pro's (just wondering how many know of them beyond their local area anyway) only allowed to enjoy the clap or appreciation of an audience and the rest of us of a lessor standard should be locked away?
I don't think so. So say we all! (otherwise known as Amen!) I can understand folks like Notes and 90db being against performers taking paying gigs away from working musicians. What I don’t understand is ANYONE being against “open mic nights”. Plain and simple, …it’s ridiculous to take that stance! 99% of the folks playing there are never going to be competing with professional players. They’re just wanting to play their music before a live audience and get some feedback. For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past. Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music! If you can get someone to pay you for doing that, then more power to you! But you can count me out as a listener.
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Just for the record, it s not the musicians who play the open mics for me as it is more the "lure" the establishment used to get them there. Then on top of that they, while adding dollars to their bottom-line, do not offer even expense money to the performer. And of course I am well aware that the performer has to agree to the "deal" to be present. But one has to agree this is a one way deal with little to no incentive for the performer.
Last week I spoke at length to another single act musician who just started playing the same corporate circuit that I do and he asked me what kind of pay he could expect, if I did not mind telling him. Of course I was happy to do so as I truly feel that if we as musicians communicated more openly about this issue it would benefit all of us.
So when I told him the average fee his contemporaries were getting at the same venues, it turned out it was 25% - 35% more than he was charging. Instead of the "hey man thanks for that heads up" I was expecting he said great I'll keep my price lower so I can still get the gigs. And that attitude is what my gut tells me is what is happening everywhere these days.
No right or wrong thing to do in this situation the finally decision as to when and what one must charge for their services is truly a personal thing. However if it is truly an act of love to "play just to play" I would encourage please check out the many venues who do not sell food and beverage and entertain at these places and you will find the warmest most appreciative audiences known to man.
My opinion on this subject, like many of my respected colleagues here, has not changed. With this said I will close my participation on this thread with a old quote I saw on an antique Jack Daniels bottle . . . "all goods worth price charged".
Now lets play some music!
Later,
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Being a votary of the charities, and especially for our fighting men and women, I'm with you 100%, Danny. By the way, I've heard that same benighted statement, "You come in and build up a crowd and then we'll talk money", many times before. I usually follow that up with "You let me drink beer for free until you build up my confidence that you're a nice place to drink, then we'll talk paying for the beer". LOL
PS.... I like the image you're running on your FB page.
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“For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past.” 'Tired old covers'? You obviously haven't seen the Sophisticats or 90 dB perform live, Bobo. “Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music!” While I grant you that cover songs aren't as captivating as the subtle intricacies of G/C/D bluegrass tunes, most club patrons would disagree with your assessment. Probably all the ones singing along, and certainly the ones out on the dance floor. I've never seen anyone dancing in an elevator.
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“For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past.” 'Tired old covers'? You obviously haven't seen the Sophisticats or 90 dB perform live, Bobo.
“Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music!” While I grant you that cover songs aren't as captivating as the subtle intricacies of G/C/D bluegrass tunes, most club patrons would disagree with your assessment. Probably all the ones singing along, and certainly the ones out on the dance floor. I've never seen anyone dancing in an elevator. Thanks for the invite. I love to see and hear people perform. Maybe your good self and Notes Norton have a youtube page where we could take in the atmosphere of your performance. I would love to click on the link for that, only way really is its much too far for me to travel. Musiclover
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http://www.90dbband.com/index.htmlBob Norton will have to give you his site. I would not take that liberty. If you ever do get to Florida, stop by and we'll have a few.
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90db and musiclover,
I knew when I made that post that I was inviting some grief. Thank both of you for making that dream come true. Hehe.
Sorry guys, but I hate listening to vocal cover tunes unless they’re totally redone. I also hate playing what people want to hear! The only time I’ll play a request is if it’s from a friend who knows the songs I like to play.
That’s why I never pursued playing music professionally except on a very limited basis. I honestly don’t give a rat’s a*s what anyone wants to hear!
I’ve played guitar since I was a kid. Eventually, I got to the point where I could play half way decent. Then I started getting requests from local bands to “join” their band. I wasn’t interested because I had NO desire to try to please the public with cover tunes.
Since I’ve never tried making a living playing music, I’ve enjoyed the luxury of only playing songs I like. Then I started writing my own songs, and I honestly didn’t care if anyone else liked them or not.
The songs weren’t for the general public. They were for me. When I played them, folks could either listen or take a hike. It didn’t matter to me since it wasn’t a form of income.
The exception to the “cover tune” scenario for me was great instrumental tunes. Those I enjoyed.
Bob, If you think modern bluegrass/newgrass is G/C/D, then you’re TOTALLY out of touch with acoustic music.
I don’t begrudge working musicians playing the garbage required to get gigs, but I do reserve the right to stay as far away from it as possible.
I'd rather hear a local radio program or the original versions of hit tunes.
I don't want to hear a single or duo with backing tracks.
But that's just me. This thread does make me realize why live cover music is almost dead.
Who wants to hear that?! I don't unless it's done with a full blown band.
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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