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Songwriting
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 15
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 15 |
I'd like to try out something here - Let's talk about YOUR musical influences. As the subject is very broad, I try to give some idea for what I'm after: I love discovering new music, but also discovering new things I should be listening within songs, be it a radio-pop-song or symphonic orchestra playing some small phrase within 60-minute long concert. I'd like to hear Your favorite moments with songs you have chosen, and why those small moments or whole songs affect your music so much as an composer/arranger (try to point out what makes it so special or what listener should listen for). If you can, give some insights to how the part/song is structured and works like it does (educate us!) I guess it would be preferable to throw either Spotify or Youtube links with specific time already marked (right click Youtube video and use "copy video URL at current time"). It might be best not to put embedded Youtube videos, as it probably breaks structure of your message / list. So here is my selection in no specific order, which is heavy influenced by "larger-than-life moods" (... well, soundtrack genre...): --- Ed Sheeran - I See Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fngvQS_PmQOne of the best folk ballads around. It has very nice voicings and it became my first piano song which I studied very carefully in order to understand what makes it to sound like it does. I'v made an Youtube video for beginners, in which I explain how to voice this for piano ( https://youtu.be/wR74Cfrht88?t=42 ) --- Alan Wake - Deerfest https://youtu.be/Ax__pmu1xBQ?t=139Petri Alanko is one of my favorite composers and his Alan Wake soundtrack was big influence for me to get into soundtrack -genre. This short intercept is one of me most unique chord progressions in all it's simplicity. I'v discussed about this chord progression within VI Forum and it's power seems to come from altering major/minors and resolving sustains. Transcript of this particular part can be downloaded as PDF from here http://vi-control.net/community/attachments/petri-alanko-alan-wake-deerfest-pdf.4064/ (thanks to great community of VI Control, who helped to transcribe it for me). --- Panu Aaltio - Water Cycle (01:05 -> to the end) https://open.spotify.com/track/4Ui1hUa0ciicslprdwP5a6Panu Aaltio is one of those names who are rising within film industry. He has roots within computer music (under alias "Firestorm" back in 2000) and he made soundtrack for Finnish documentary "Tale Of The Lake" (which is nature documentary about water & lakes). When I heard this song playing on movie theater right before the ending credits I almost cried. Very powerful arrangement. I guess the percussions here play out big part, but it's about the overall tone and mixture of different instruments. --- Chance Thomas - Lord Of The Rings Online - Legacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGV5j1mHrMoI rarely get excited over video game soundtracks as much as I'v been over whole "Lord Of The Rings Online - Riders Of The Rohan" -soundtrack by Chance Thomas. In my opinion it's orchestration is masterpiece, and you can hear how the song flows and blends between themes. Whole album is full of this kind of masterful themes and moods with wide range of instruments. --- Moonsorrow, a Finnish black metal band, is absolutely the biggest influence of everything I do musically! No kidding! I love all the kinds of band and genres, be it George Strait -country or John Williams symphony, but the biggest influence really has been a black metal band. Strangely enough, Moonsorrow opened my mind and how I perceive music. It thought me to *listen* music much more closely and keep even more open minded, even as I had been listening for metal bands for over 15 years before. The mastermind behind Moonsorrow, composer/keyboardist Henri Sorvali, is one of the most talented composers I know. He works at Rovio (The Angry Birds -company), is multi-genre-talent, and according to Wikipedia idolizes Frank Zappa, Danny Elfman ja Jeremy Soule  I know not many users within this forum can even stand this kind of non-musical "rubbish". It's hard to understand what the musical idea is, as you are probably getting stuck within its aggressiveness and groaning singing style... still, I have introduced this band for many who dislike this kind of music, and ultimately quite a few have been amazed how they have grown over these few songs I have made 'em to listen. Unlike one might initially think, Moonsorrow doesn't sing about devil worship -- it's lyrics are historic tales influenced by Finnish folklore... and no, that S -letter within their logo isn't Nazi-symbol either (yeah, the press already tried to make headlines over this subject last year). Hearing the intro of "Huuto" ("The yell" or "The shout") for the first time was one of the biggest moments for me. No matter if you like or dislike rest of the song, I hope you get my point about the intro... I also had to choose Ruttolehto, as it also has very powerful melody within both intro and recurring theme. Also both songs are long, over 15 minutes, but have very masterfully crafted structures with recurring and altering themes, which leads to hypnotic feeling while listening (but this of course requires multiple listens, as you need to get familiar with songs)... Moonsorrow - Huuto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRg8Tg-oM_A ( Intro ) Moonsorrow - Ruttolehto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcuusxiIWrc ( Intro ) https://youtu.be/CcuusxiIWrc?t=345 ( Recurring theme, which leads to instrumental C-part at around 6:55) btw: I love the comment someone gave to "Ruttolehto" on Youtube: "Who else likes the part from 0:00 to 15:22?"  --- Opeth - Windowpane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEaf9LqIUZQOpeth - Hope leaves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anuzo1_KSY8Opeth has been second most influencial band for me. Even though being death metal band, their jazz influenced ballads are amazing ("windowpane", "hope leaves" etc). I spent three years just learning to play these songs with guitar. You should listen for chord voicings, especially the bass lines, and how the melody of singing builds over those voicings. --- Porcupine Tree - Trains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UHwkfhwjskAs an honorary mention, Trains has been one of the most influencial tracks for me. It has very clever backbeat and open chord voicings with guitar, which make that repeating chord structure to float for whole track. There are many great live versions of "Trains" available within Youtube and you should check 'em out. Please share what you think of my choices - feel free to tell if you you discovered something new, ask if you'd like to know something more, or simply tell if you didn't like choices at all! Also, please share your song picks, and feel free to throw anything, be it "Gangnam Style" or dixieland jazz!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,465
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,465 |
Since my musical interests are widely diverse... from Country, old and new, to hard rock like AC/DC to ZZ TOP, to jazz, to pop, to old soul..... man... where do I start?
For now, I'll sand bag it.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 890
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 890 |
David Gilmore of Pink Floyd on his Comfortably Numb Solo ("Pulse" live version). That whole solo is so inspiring. It builds up dynamically slowly and ends up in a wave like guitar tremolo usage. It`s really like surfing on a wave of melancholy.
And even though I never use the whammy bar on my guitar, it inspired me to explore new techniques and sounds in regard to achieving special kind of moods.
Sandra
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296 |
David Gilmore of Pink Floyd on his Comfortably Numb Solo ("Pulse" live version). That whole solo is so inspiring. It builds up dynamically slowly and ends up in a wave like guitar tremolo usage. It`s really like surfing on a wave of melancholy.
And even though I never use the whammy bar on my guitar, it inspired me to explore new techniques and sounds in regard to achieving special kind of moods.
Sandra That's fantastic that you are exploring! I've always believed it's "fair game" to use any tool to try to express and relate an emotion musically. I think a lot of people stop short because they hear someone overuse a device, not to relate but more of a "look at me" kind of thing. You, I believe, are on the right path! And I agree, that is a cool solo!
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
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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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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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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