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OP
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Floyd,
You are the "gold standard" for us. Another great production!
SD That's nice of you to say, SD - thanks... Floyd,
You really nailed the vibe on this one... The combination of your vocal with Janice is perfect. Loved everything about it.
Bob Appreciate that, Bob... I do enjoy being able to have Janice singing along side...
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Janice grew up hearing this style of country and when in our bluegrass band we would frequently cover some of the old classic "tears in your beer songs" so being invited by floyd to participate in this project was very exciting. It was one of those projects that just seemed so natural to her that she commented after hearing it for the first time "I feel like I've been singing harmony on this song for years."
Bud
floyd, your ability to so well write and convincingly perform multiple genres is a rare gift. From modern country to old school country to jazz (In the City) to blues (The Con) to folk styles you've never failed to both please and surprise. This song is certainly no exception particularly in that for us this style requires a delivery that simply either "works" or it doesn't -- irrespective of how technically correct it might be.
There's a lot of heartfelt singing in all genres but there is just something special about this style of song. These are the ones that "rip the paint right off of your heart" and pull you deeply into the mood. And if you don't appreciate that, well, like you said from the get-go
"if you don't like hard-core Country... pick up your marbles and go home, 'cause you'll HATE this!"
We love it.
J&B
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
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Posts: 532
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532 |
Great vocals and music (that's what I like about BIAB also). Love your writing ability for you really have what it takes to capture all the moods of this song.
Sonny
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Posts: 12,936 |
Janice grew up hearing this style of country and when in our bluegrass band we would frequently cover some of the old classic "tears in your beer songs" so being invited by floyd to participate in this project was very exciting. It was one of those projects that just seemed so natural to her that she commented after hearing it for the first time "I feel like I've been singing harmony on this song for years."
Bud
floyd, your ability to so well write and convincingly perform multiple genres is a rare gift. From modern country to old school country to jazz (In the City) to blues (The Con) to folk styles you've never failed to both please and surprise. This song is certainly no exception particularly in that for us this style requires a delivery that simply either "works" or it doesn't -- irrespective of how technically correct it might be.
There's a lot of heartfelt singing in all genres but there is just something special about this style of song. These are the ones that "rip the paint right off of your heart" and pull you deeply into the mood. And if you don't appreciate that, well, like you said from the get-go
"if you don't like hard-core Country... pick up your marbles and go home, 'cause you'll HATE this!"
We love it.
J&B Y'all are too kind. Thanks for your continued support... And the incredible contribution to my music - I can't stress that enough... Great vocals and music (that's what I like about BIAB also). Love your writing ability for you really have what it takes to capture all the moods of this song.
Sonny Sonny - I appreciate you stopping in for a listen... and the nice comments
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One of your best. Nostalgic, yet fresh and memorable.
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Hi floyd,
I originally listened to “Learning” a couple of weeks ago. My very first thought at that time was, “Wow, he's done it again! How does he consistently manage to write so well, arrange so well, perform so well?” The reason that I can vividly recall thinking this is because I began writing comments as I listened and I'm staring at those comments in black and white in front of me this morning (Times New Roman, 12 pt).
In addition...
Those pickup notes that the piano plays to bring the band in with the introduction are a masterful arranging strategy as are the sustained chords and upwards walking bass in bar 4. To my ears, those two techniques that bookend the introduction very effectively underline what the tempo suggests, and this is that “Learning” is going to be a reflective, classic country journey. Clever. I have to hand it to you, you've really made those first four bars earn their place in your arrangement and work very effectively.
Then, as I listened, I started hearing perfect rhymes. I resisted the urge to have a look at the lyrics at this point because I wanted to feel that first impression of how you've used rhymes to lead the listener along the roadway that this song travels. First I heard thought/taught (accented by long notes), then I heard the alliteration and consonance with promised/proved with their same beginning and ending sounds. Lastly, my ears knew the end of verse 1 had been reached when when “fool” rhymed with “school”. This last rhyme pattern was also present in verse 2.
Later, when I looked at verse 1, the only rhyme that was obvious was school/fool. Interesting. I'm now pondering this as I type. It's not easy for me to decide on what the consistent rhyme scheme is between the two verses. As I see it, the verses parallel one another in that the halfway location of each verse's lyric rhymes with the end of the verse in perfect rhyme. Because the number of phrases vary and internal rhyme patterns vary between verses, the net result is that the conversational tone of the lyrics is enhanced. This is a strategy that I've now put into my toolbox! Thanks for the lesson.
I also liked the perfect rhymes found in the axaxaa rhyme scheme of the chorus. It's a very interesting rhyme scheme. I'm a fan of the asymmetry. While the end couplet closes the chorus effectively, the asymmetry enhances the emotionality of the lyrics. That's another thing for my toolbox!
As in some other lyrics you've written, you've approached these lyrics using the figure of speech called “apostrophe” where you're directly addressing an absent person. Every time you use this strategy, you leave me thinking that it's such a powerful lyric technique. It really is. I've got to use this more often!
There are lots of techniques to learn from this song floyd. It's a gold mine. I've picked up quite a bit. Thank you.
In so many ways, “Learning” is such a great song!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Well, pretty much everything has been said. This is just good stuff, Floyd! (I would never expect any less from you, especially when you have Janice backing you up.) I almost missed this one, due to my more than hectic schedule. Sure glad I got to hear it.
Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Just finished listening. Wow what a terrific job. GREAT vocal(s). All I can add is thank you.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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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® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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