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Hey, J! C'mere!!! Let's notch another genre in that musical belt of yours. Big...Anthem...Get yer Martina on!.. Ready? FORGED BY FIRE lashing out ...we fight making love... we set things right the passion we share is a double-edged sword it tears us apart and binds us for evermore forged by fire hearts welded together by desire... beyond our control it's sometimes hotter.. than we can handle tempers flare... our touch grows cold but we hold on... through thick or thin our love survives... and in the end it's stronger than steel or stone forged by fire it's sometime wild... it's sometimes war it's surely love... but it's something more in each others' arms... sharing one soul when feelings this deep get ignited they light our way or they explode forged by fire hearts welded together by desire... beyond our control it's sometimes hotter.. than we can handle tempers flare... our touch grows cold but we hold on... through thick or thin our love survives... and in the end it's stronger than steel or stone forged by fire fire and ice...a double-edged sword passion tears us apart and binds us for evermore forged by fire hearts welded together by desire... beyond our control it's sometimes hotter.. than we can handle tempers flare... our touch grows cold but we hold on... through thick or thin our love survives... and in the end it's stronger than steel or stone forged by fire forged by fire forged by fire The BAND: RealTracks in style: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 852:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm NashvillePopClean Ev 120 (B:arp) MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2108:Piano, Rhythm PopUpliftPulsing Ev16 120 RealTracks in song: 1850:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningGrittyMuted Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 1167:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockBalladBrent Ev 065 RealDrums in Song: BluesRockEv^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Open HiHat plus... Guitar loop from Studio One library "Big guitar chords" created from RockMediumBrent soloist. Janice's vocal was used as recorded and processed by Bud. Mrs. Merritt - thanks for joining me on this! You're the best! Mr. Merritt - thanks for recording Mrs. Merritt! Hope you like it. Comments encouraged. Make it big. Play it loud. Have at it. floyd
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floyd and Janice,
What an incredibly rich and vibrant sound! I don't know how you do it but I have no idea how any production could get better than this.... all I could think as I was listening... was.... "This is so-o-o-o-o-o good!"
I'm in awe.
Regards to you both, Noel
P.S. I was in a hurry to secure top reply position in the thread. It's such a rare event these days. I'll be back later to work my way through understanding this song a bit more thoroughly. What a great musical creation!
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Hi, Floyd & Janice !
I too am completely at awe by this ! It is just incredible, and the way you sing the duet so tight thru tempo changes !! ugh !
This must be the best so far !!:)) And certainly my FJfav from now on !
Take care !
Dani
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Well done you two, this is a corker! Not only a strong song, but superbly executed with passion, so it hits the 'shiver button'. Great stuff.
John
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floyd and Janice,
What an incredibly rich and vibrant sound! I don't know how you do it but I have no idea how any production could get better than this.... all I could think as I was listening... was.... "This is so-o-o-o-o-o good!"
I'm in awe.
Regards to you both, Noel
P.S. I was in a hurry to secure top reply position in the thread. It's such a rare event these days. I'll be back later to work my way through understanding this song a bit more thoroughly. What a great musical creation! Thank you Noel. This was waaaaay out of Janice's blues comfort zone but she was game! I'm sure she will be commenting soon. Bud
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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WOW!!! That just plain works! From the first guitar lick (I'm guessing that's the loop-sounds custom for the song), the music and lyrics combine for an exciting, electric, musical journey. The Hornsby style piano is a perfect fit. AND, of course, the vocals/mix are superb. Kudos to all!!! Take care. Greg
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This one is so good. Love the opening , the title, the lyrics that explain the title , the choice of instruments with nothing getting in the way of one another, the mix, the drum sound, and of course both voices. Janice can sure sing lead but she also has a natural gift for harmony. This one almost sounds like a second melody. We've all heard this phenomenon before with some of the great harmonizing groups. I suspect that the harmony was particularly challenging due to the stop and go phrasing. An excellent listen. floyd, you're like a river of great songs. It just keeps flowing. Great one. Tom
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Wow, Awesome recording and song! Forged by Fire evokes a powerful uplifting anthem feel that I don’t hear often enough celebrating a love connection that grows overcoming difficulties together. Your lyrical metaphors, melody and harmony blend together really well to support the song’s hook/title. Thanks for sharing.
Atze
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Really, really cool! We love the heavy guitars coming in in the chorus. Very professional use of the RTs Floyd. We know that for you it's something like driving without touching the wheel  . We love the vocal harmony, especially on the choruses.
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Floyd & Janice Just a thoroughly professional song, sound and performance. Everything about the song is top quality. A great listen. Both the vocalists are stunning.
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Floyd / Janice,
Radio ready! This is just great - loved the song and the performances.
Bob
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Hi Floyd, This one is so good. Love the opening , the title, the lyrics that explain the title , the choice of instruments with nothing getting in the way of one another, the mix, the drum sound, and of course both voices. Janice can sure sing lead but she also has a natural gift for harmony. This one almost sounds like a second melody. We've all heard this phenomenon before with some of the great harmonizing groups. I suspect that the harmony was particularly challenging due to the stop and go phrasing. An excellent listen. floyd, you're like a river of great songs. It just keeps flowing. Great one. Tommy can express my thoughts better than I. So I just quote. I'm impressed. Brent's ballad lead is so versatile. It sounds like made for this song. This one is a winner again. Guenter
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Hi, Floyd & Janice !
I too am completely at awe by this ! It is just incredible, and the way you sing the duet so tight thru tempo changes !! ugh !
This must be the best so far !!:)) And certainly my FJfav from now on !
Take care !
Dani
Thank you Dani. I am delighted that you like the duet. We certainly love your harmonies. Janice
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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Hey I really like this. It reminds me of Bob Seger, musically and lyrically. Great backing vocals Janice.
The write and performance are incredibly strong, but I think the treble is a little too high on this particular track, don't know why. Most of your other tracks have a very rich sound and a wide dynamic range. I am not sure if this was overcompressed or what, but the high end really sticks out.
I love the song though. Wonderful write as always.
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Hi Floyd.
I do like songs with a big sound and this is REALLY big. I took your advice and wound it up nice and loud on the big Tannoys - absolutely fantastic.
I like everything about this track and having Janice in there is the icing on the cake.
Good to see you doing some stadium rock - it suits you!
ROG.
PS. Nice to see a solo included!
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Way too Awesome to only be on a forum, this is Big Radio (is that a thang anymore) Music! WOW!Yall Can Sang, and Write!
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Another awesome collaboration. Super vocal and harmonies. Loved the guitar as well.
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You've achieved your aim. I did note that the male vocal is a little subordinated by the female - the female cuts through the mix more. The male voice, a little smokier and rounded, sits back just a little. Maybe a little EQ, a slightly wider panning or, shock horror but useful to cut through a mix, a touch of BBE sonic maximiser? fabulous stuff regardless of my quibbling.
Last edited by rayc; 07/04/16 01:01 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Tense, tight, word perfect, with a storyline as true and as old as love itself. Sung to a ‘great rock beat, ‘what a formula A 'Top drawer' one Floyd, it thoroughly deserves all the accolades it is, and will still receive.
Paddy G
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fj & Ms. Janice,
Another example of excellence. Enjoyed his one a lot!
Regards,
Bob
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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.
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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!
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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
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- 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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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