|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
Hello guys:)
I have been reading a few forums where people are talking about the use of teleprompters by brand name artists, and there is much debate over weather it is professional to use a teleprompter to remember lyrics and chord changes. Also having a song book on stage is frowned upon by a lot of folks. It looks the opinion is pretty well equal in both camps (both for and against the use of memory aids or any sort of confidence monitors) Some people feel as if it cheats the audience out of a good show to be reading the lyrics while others feel as if it brings a better show to just have the memory jogger handy...I d love to hear how you guys feel about the use of such things. I'll share my opinion: I unashamedly use it all...lyrics and chord changes , backing tracks, effects, you name it. And if I could afford it I would get plastic surgery:)
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I'm with you, Jeff. I couldn't remember lyrics when I had a memory!  Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
IMHO.... there's no problem with an artist using a prompter....
It sure beats forgetting a first line in the 3rd verse because you were into the song and got lost in the music...... man that happened to me plenty of times.....
Yeah, no problem. Especially for the big names.... they don't want to forget their own song in front of 30,000 people or on TV.
I say use what you need and can afford.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
I concur I believe that when an artist really gets in to the music or in to the crowd forgetting the words can happen. and this is because of delivering a good show. btw have you ever seen this gadget: http://www.wolfgangtelemonitor.com/about/ I don't know if I can afford one from them (although they are really nice) I may try my hand at making one and using the ptw lyrics & chord changes along with some tracks live:)
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Barbara Streisand was a recent guest on the Tonight Show - first time on late-nite TV in decades.
Jimmy Fallon asked her why she hadn't toured for such a long time.
She gave a concert in Central Park; 150,000 in attendance, and forgot the lyrics to 3 of her songs on her set list.
She didn't tour for 27 years after that!
BTW, Fallon did a great job singing some classics with her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,951
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,951 |
If an artist has soul and something to say I could care less. Two of our favorites Gregg Allman and Lucinda Williams use notes. Whomever that offends should IMHO chill and enjoy the music.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Paul McCartney uses a prompter. So does Bruce Springsteen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,020
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,020 |
Whatever it takes to do the job properly
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
Tools, just like a carpenter needs a hammer, singers sometimes need vocal tuners, and even teleprompters. Just like mixing engineers cut and paste vocals to get the perfect one; whatever it takes to put on a killer show. I don't even have a problem with someone lip syncing if they are under the weather, as you go to the show to see the entertainer in the flesh and the show; otherwise you could just sit at home and listen to the album, no one needs a teleprompter for that LOL.
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Use whatever it takes to deliver the best most professional performance.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
The other option.....
Make up words on the spot.... that works better if you forget the words IN a verse as opposed to the first line of the verse.
It beats standing there looking dumb and 90 percent of the audience in a club won't notice, the other 10% will say "What the? .... hey, look at that redhead!" and have another drink.
I was so good at making up words that one patron told me that if they hadn't been paying attention and knew the song, they would never have noticed my ad lib line.
As for the big stars in concert.... the fans are generally singing along so if the artist forgets the words, all they need to do is stand back and point the mic to the audience and encourage the audience to sing...... waaa laaa... instant audience participation.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 08/30/15 12:44 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,469
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,469 |
If you forget the words, do what the pros do ---- mumble  I use words and/or a music chart on a laptop. We have over 550 songs in our 'book'. The songs we play most often are memorized, the rest are partially memorized so we don't have to keep our nose in the computer for the entire song. Even the songs that are memorized can fail you from time to time. When you get into the zone and something distracts you (whether it's minor or someone coming up to make a request while you are singing) you can be shocked out of the zone and not really know where you were. Having the words/music in front of you is a good way to get back on track. I've seen symphony orchestras reading music as well as big jazz bands and no one complains. I've even been in small jazz jams where everyone has "The Real Book" in front of them. I see nothing wrong with having notes in front of you, as long as your nose isn't buried in the notes to the point where you lose contact with the audience. But that's just me, YMMV Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Wow - I used to feel the opposite about all this - but I think I've been convinced to give a try to notes and prompts - it will certainly lower the time it takes me to perform a song !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
Folks who expect you to have memorized every word to every song ever written (which implies also knowing all the chords and all the melodies and all the harmonies) are delusional. That doesn't mean you don't strive to memorize songs, you're just not going to know them all. When you go to an author book reading event, for example, you don't expect them to "read" their book from memory (and it's even their own piece of work). Do you expect a preacher to quote all scripture from memory and say their sermon without a single "uh"? Do you only use computer apps written by programmers who have committed every function, procedure, and variable to memory? Must a portrait painter complete the work in one sitting and never refer to the subject being painted? We don't expect that level of perfection any where else, so why do we expect musicians to be able to just" know " the song we requested inside out and by God, they better play it the way I want to hear it?
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
my take: when you are the one on stage, do what works for YOU. No matter how you do anything, you can't please everybody, so although dissenting opinion should be considered, it should be weighed carefully against other factors of importance.
Stakes are high in any public presentation. If it looks bad to have a visual aid, it looks far worse to make mistakes or stumble for words.
Rational thinking begins with the assumption that there are no perfect solutions, so we opt for the solution that does the least damage for the highest reward.
In my opinion, the damage done in the minds of a small percentage of the audience who thinks that I'm "cheating" if I use charts is not worthy to be compared to the damage that would be done by a performance meltdown if I hit a snag, and got so flustered I couldn't even remember to mumble or use one of the other escape plans mentioned above.
And I'm a meltdown kind of guy....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I also think there's a difference between regular bands and solo acts. If I'm "just" a guitar player, it's reasonable to know all the chords to all the songs in a 3 hour gig. Likewise, someone who is "just" the singer may be able to memorize all the lyrics.
Solo acts, especially if they use BIAB to create backing tracks, aren't limited by the knowledge of other band members, so they are more likely to accumulate a large library of songs... Like Forum members Notes Norton, Danny Campo and 90db... I'd bet they all have a very large pool of songs.
Once you get past a set list of 40 songs, and you are singing all the lyrics, playing all the chords and slamming all the solos... the likelihood of forgetting something begins to escalate exponentially.
That's why I like using a notebook pc to present the songs... it gives the performer visual cues for lyrics and chords as well as offering a playback device and full MIDI control.
I find that for me, even with all that help, its still a challenge to manage all of the special timings, intros, endings etc, and its hard to make notes about stuff like that on a chord sheet.
Multiply that times Notes Norton's 550 songs... all of which need to be played well even if he hasn't played that song in 2 years... and the idea that he is somehow "cheating" begins to look ridiculous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789 |
I have had the distinct pleasure and tremendous opportunity over time to sit in with some jazz groups in small intimate gigs. If I would have pulled out the fake Book it would not have been received well. So I would just Fake it. Maybe times are changin. Just sayin.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I have had the distinct pleasure and tremendous opportunity over time to sit in with some jazz groups in small intimate gigs. If I would have pulled out the fake Book it would not have been received well. So I would just Fake it. Maybe times are changin. Just sayin. different situations suggest different tactics. When dissenting opinion is the majority opinion, I'd go with the majority. When its a mixed bag of opinions, I'd go with whatever I prefer. Bottom line, if you HAD pulled out a fake book, what's the worst that could have happened?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
When our band was learning new tunes and performing them on stage for the first time or two, I would have a cheat sheet on the floor. It had the first few words in the first sentence of the verse.
Knowing that....I could nail the verses. I glanced at them as I was approaching the point...and that's all I needed.
Speaking of people who didn't need any cheat sheets... I played with one guy and knew a few others who had a mental repertoire consisting of many hundreds of songs. He knew the key the tempo, and the words. Name a song he hadn't played in years and he'd say... Key of D.... and off we'd go and he'd nail the lyrics. I didn't play in his band for long because it was a tuxedo, country club gig kind of band.
And I thought I was doing something when I knew a complete 4 hr show with a few spares......
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 08/30/15 05:48 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
The bigger problem for a lot of us as we age (include me in this sentiment) is that the teleprompter needs to be on the Jumbotron for us to read it. I see a lot of local artists using their iPad mini clipped to the mic stand and whenever I see it, I ask myself how they can see that small font? If the font is made bigger to see it, you will be flipping screens every 4 bars!!
In my case what stinks is that I need glasses to see up to 3 feet, then I see fairly well after that. Even that is starting to go. It won't be but another few years that I won't be able to drive anymore. I need to move to where I live across the street from a food store, possibly a Walmart or K-Mart type superstore where I can get everything I need and take a cab home.
So teleprompter? Sure. On the Jumbotron!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
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
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,734
Posts795,436
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean