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The Good News

I had but a hook, a rough chorus and a notion for a verse. Voila! floyd turned it into a song complete with melody and arrangement.
Thank you mr jane. And thank you Peter for the cool guitar.

Janice: lead vocal, harmony vocal (Nectar 2), vocal arrangement and percussion (cajon)
floyd: harmony vocal (Nectar 2), arrangement and melody
Peter: lead guitar and fills
Bud: engineering, mix, mastering, arrangement & SC photo of Janice

Comments are welcome and your time to listen is appreciated!

Bass: RT 3121 Acoustic, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085 / Waves Bass Rider & Neutron 2
Bass: RT 2475 Acoustic, HeldSimple Ev 085 / Waves Bass Rider & Neutron 2
Multiple generations were comped for both tracks.

Guitar: RT 3184 Acoustic, Rhythm GrungeSlowQuinn Ev16 060 / Waves CLA Unplugged

Piano: 3102 MIDI Electric, Rhythm AmericanaSlow16thsMike Ev16 060 / Logic Pro X Grand Steinway sound & Waves CLA Unplugged
Multiple generations were comped.

Drums: RD ModernPopBallad16ths^01-a:Quiet hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick / Waves CLA Drums
Drums: Intro comped from Nashville EV / Waves CLA Drums
Additional snare, cymbals and kick: created from BiaB RD audio track / Waves CLA Drums

Cajon: Neutron 2 & EMT 140 Plate Reverb sim

Mastering: Logic Pro X EQ > Waves multiband compressor > Ozone Imager > Ozone Maximizer

THE GOOD NEWS
© 2019 Bud Merritt & floyd jane

when you said that it was over... i think i caught a trace of doubt
you left the front door standing open when you walked out
there were no angry words, no ultimatum or curse
so the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse
 
the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer
your tattered Tom Petty t-shirt’s in the corner on the floor
i don't believe you'd ever leave that coffee mug behind
it's all these little hopeful signs that keep running through my mind
 
when you said that it was over... i think i caught a trace of doubt
you left the front door standing open when you walked out
there were no angry words, no ultimatum or curse
so the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse
 
the good news is there's still time i can say the right thing
show some redemption, gain the forgiveness that might bring
you've always been willing to look past my song and dance
to find it in your heart to give me one more chance
 
when you said that it was over... i think i caught a trace of doubt
you left the front door standing open when you walked out
there were no angry words, no ultimatum or curse
so the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse

SOLO
 
no final farewell read chapter and verse
the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse
the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse



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the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer
your tattered Tom Petty t-shirt’s in the corner on the floor
i don't believe you'd ever leave that coffee mug behind
it's all these little hopeful signs that keep running through my mind

Damn (sorry PG), that's just good writing....wonderful furniture and a tangible, relatable, real-life stuff!! Great title, great angle!! Great song!!! This is 3 members of the forum all-star team at their best!!
So glad to be the first to comment! GREAT STUFF guys!! Take care. Greg

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That VOICE. Hats off. You could sing the telephone book and make it sound amazing.

AND: this is certainly no "telephone book" ... in fact, if you'll allow me this, I think it's one of the best songs I've heard on this forum - and there are so, so many good ones, but - for me at least - this is right up there. That hook "when you said that it was over ..." ... wow. What a great, great job. Thank you for posting this up - it's made my evening.

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Immediately that voice pulls you in! What an unbelievably awesome ability to have available. One thing that I'm not sure I've mentioned; but I'm guessing others have, is Janice's ability to hit the lower notes and not drop out. I see/hear SO many female singers that go for the lower notes and their voice become non-existent. If the writing is good you may be able to figure out the word that should be there...but isn't. With Janice, as is with the best of singers, it's ALL there! You can't help but love that.

Also on the vocal side of things; but needing mention are the background vocals. Man, I know you are used to working together; but there's something different here for me. It feels a little less verb-y and more defined and tight. Not right or wrong; but I'm really liking it! It emphasis the emotions really well. Nice job on both singing and mix. I'm totally diggin' it!

The lyrics are on another level. From word choice for imagery, to alliteration and rhyme, there is SO much going on but in a way that doesn't sound even remotely forced. Everything fits as it should. It's pretty amazing to hear AND see something so well done that the complexity feels effortless. I will flat out say; I wish I had that level of skill.

The guitar, AGAIN, fits as it should. That may make it sound boring; but far from it. It's exactly what it should be. Not more, not less. I think that's called perfection! To me, it's an extension of what's going on in the vocal and lyric; but emotes the feelings with out the benefit of either. Really, really, really great!

Finally that mix. I could hear everything. That in itself is a task I would never even attempt. That's coming from someone who has attempted many times in school. I have nothing but total admiration for the gift of what is going on in this mix. It's part talent, part craft, 100% impressive. I can't imagine the time you spend on these mixes. They just sound so good to me. Great on monitors; but I really like listening with cans or buds. Wait a minute... Seriously, when listening that was I get a great sense of the space you design for your songs to sit in so well. It's immersive; and I like losing the world momentary to a song mixed like this. Thanks for creating that world for me to experience! It does NOT go unnoticed.

So much for my short replies. I just can't seem to pull that off.

Great job to all involved. The reward is in a fantastic song for you. I feel the best reward was getting to experience your talents as the listener. Thank you for that.

***All comments are from speech to text and not proofed. I'm getting better with being ok with that.


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
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Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer
your tattered Tom Petty t-shirt’s in the corner on the floor
i don't believe you'd ever leave that coffee mug behind
it's all these little hopeful signs that keep running through my mind

Damn (sorry PG), that's just good writing....wonderful furniture and a tangible, relatable, real-life stuff!! Great title, great angle!! Great song!!! This is 3 members of the forum all-star team at their best!!
So glad to be the first to comment! GREAT STUFF guys!! Take care. Greg


That’s pretty much the way we felt when we received that verse smile Man, does your review ever brighten another record heat drought ridden day! Thank you so much.

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!
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Janice, Bud, floyd and Peter,

Every way that I listen to this song and read these lyrics, all I can think is that this is...



You've all done a mighty, mighty fine job.

The lyrics are awesome. I love that 'good news/bad news' hook and I love the way the verses work the hook. In addition to this, starting with the chorus is stellar! It's a great chorus and by beginning with it, the listener really gets to make the most of the journey.

From a lyric writing perspective, it's interesting how that instead of the verse leading to and providing background for the chorus, in this instance, the chorus leads to and provides necessary background understanding for verse 1. It's a great effect when it can be pulled off like you have.

The strongest possible way to open a song is to take a running start and jump right on into it without any introduction whatsoever. This is a technique that Elvis Presley (and many other highly successful artists) have used a number of times. In a recent song, floyd also demonstrated how powerful such a start is. It's not used so much these days. That said, though, now we have Janice clearly showing all of us here on the forum just how incredible and attention grabbing an introduction-free song is.

For me, the way this song started was akin to saying "Hang on to your hats, folks, we're off on the ride of your life!!!" So I just sat back and let the music carry me along on a thoroughly enjoyable roller coaster trip.

A while back, I read a quote by Iggy Pop where he said... "Really good music isn't just to be heard, you know. It's almost like a hallucination." If anyone wants to experience what Iggy meant, all they need do is to listen to this song. The combination of -- eidetic lyric imagery, Janice's soaring vocals, excellent background vocals, great guitar work from Peter, a wonderful melody, an inspired arrangement, a mesmerisingly great mix -- make for a musical journey that unfolds as a movie in the listener's mind.... at least it did that for me smile

Just wow! I bet if you sent this to a radio station in Nashville, it would get airplay!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
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Loved this tune. Such a lovely vocal Janice and Floyds harmonies were so complimentary to the song. Very cool lyric. Love the clean sound of Peters solo. Some very cool guitar working going on in behind the vocal as well. One of my favorites..


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https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
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Originally Posted By: musician17
That VOICE. Hats off. You could sing the telephone book and make it sound amazing.

AND: this is certainly no "telephone book" ... in fact, if you'll allow me this, I think it's one of the best songs I've heard on this forum - and there are so, so many good ones, but - for me at least - this is right up there. That hook "when you said that it was over ..." ... wow. What a great, great job. Thank you for posting this up - it's made my evening.


Whoa...that is very, very nice of you. If we made your evening I can assure you that you just made ours! Thanks for your support. We much appreciate 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!
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Wonderful, enjoyable, sweet on every level.
It was a pleasure to listen.
The one thing I noted that may need attention is the beginning of the line
"the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer"
The voice comes up in level and pitch across "the good..." then sits perfectly. It may be worth makinga little adjustment to either the level of the vocal or the level of the dominant cymbal or hold the panning to a place where the two elements don't butt heads.
Small beans and not really an issue - just something I heard inside an excellent piece of music.
Congrats to all involved.

Last edited by rayc; 10/03/19 01:44 AM.

Cheers
rayc
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Totally agree with what others have said so eloquently. Wonderful writing and performance.
Regards,
Leon

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J&B + Crew.
Excellent input from all! Catchy, easy to follow tune. Clever lyrics! Vocal delivery / harmonies are powerful, yet not pressuring - listens very easy. Arrangement worked out well, FJ +1. No matter which style you do, you never disappoint my ears smile
Bud, great job! Mix shines! Enjoyed it.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

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Man! Just so good.

Excellent writing Bud and floyd! Lots of great lines,

"the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer
your tattered Tom Petty t-shirt’s in the corner on the floor"

is my favorite. And "the good news is the bad news could’ve been worse", great hook!

Very nice the way it just starts with just Janice and the piano and builds from there.

Wonderful vocal by Janice, as always I just love her tone! And great job on the harmonies too.

Peter sounds great, love his tone and choice of notes. He added just what the song needed, no more and no less.

Killer job on the mix too, Bud, sounded great through both the monitors and the phones.

Loved everything about this, well done to all!

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Originally Posted By: musician17
That VOICE. Hats off. You could sing the telephone book and make it sound amazing.

AND: this is certainly no "telephone book" ... in fact, if you'll allow me this, I think it's one of the best songs I've heard on this forum - and there are so, so many good ones, but - for me at least - this is right up there. That hook "when you said that it was over ..." ... wow. What a great, great job. Thank you for posting this up - it's made my evening.


Well, you certainly put a big smile on Janice’s face! We appreciate every word of your nice review.

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
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You're very welcome, Janice & Bud ... it's all true, every word I said, at least in my view - so no need for thanks - it's just my genuine thoughts. I can't wait to hear what you will come up with next.

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Wow - what a tune smile You really did a good job on this one. Perfectly catchy, and your vocals are tremendous on this. The mix on it is top notch also - it sounds lush, and frankly just beautiful.

You should be proud of this one. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Deryk
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Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
the good news is you didn't clean out your drawer
your tattered Tom Petty t-shirt’s in the corner on the floor
i don't believe you'd ever leave that coffee mug behind
it's all these little hopeful signs that keep running through my mind

Damn (sorry PG), that's just good writing....wonderful furniture and a tangible, relatable, real-life stuff!! Great title, great angle!! Great song!!! This is 3 members of the forum all-star team at their best!!
So glad to be the first to comment! GREAT STUFF guys!! Take care. Greg

Greg - Thanks for listening...

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Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
Immediately that voice pulls you in! What an unbelievably awesome ability to have available. One thing that I'm not sure I've mentioned; but I'm guessing others have, is Janice's ability to hit the lower notes and not drop out. I see/hear SO many female singers that go for the lower notes and their voice become non-existent. If the writing is good you may be able to figure out the word that should be there...but isn't. With Janice, as is with the best of singers, it's ALL there! You can't help but love that.

Also on the vocal side of things; but needing mention are the background vocals. Man, I know you are used to working together; but there's something different here for me. It feels a little less verb-y and more defined and tight. Not right or wrong; but I'm really liking it! It emphasis the emotions really well. Nice job on both singing and mix. I'm totally diggin' it!

The lyrics are on another level. From word choice for imagery, to alliteration and rhyme, there is SO much going on but in a way that doesn't sound even remotely forced. Everything fits as it should. It's pretty amazing to hear AND see something so well done that the complexity feels effortless. I will flat out say; I wish I had that level of skill.

The guitar, AGAIN, fits as it should. That may make it sound boring; but far from it. It's exactly what it should be. Not more, not less. I think that's called perfection! To me, it's an extension of what's going on in the vocal and lyric; but emotes the feelings with out the benefit of either. Really, really, really great!

Finally that mix. I could hear everything. That in itself is a task I would never even attempt. That's coming from someone who has attempted many times in school. I have nothing but total admiration for the gift of what is going on in this mix. It's part talent, part craft, 100% impressive. I can't imagine the time you spend on these mixes. They just sound so good to me. Great on monitors; but I really like listening with cans or buds. Wait a minute... Seriously, when listening that was I get a great sense of the space you design for your songs to sit in so well. It's immersive; and I like losing the world momentary to a song mixed like this. Thanks for creating that world for me to experience! It does NOT go unnoticed.

So much for my short replies. I just can't seem to pull that off.

Great job to all involved. The reward is in a fantastic song for you. I feel the best reward was getting to experience your talents as the listener. Thank you for that.

***All comments are from speech to text and not proofed. I'm getting better with being ok with that.



I'm lucky in many ways with Janice smile I've never used pitch correction, she typically nails it on one take and I don't use a vocal "rider" product. During our many bluegrass years she sang in the stratosphere as required by the genre. But I always felt she was a natural contralto and BiaB let us explore that territory. All meaning thanks for mentioning her low notes!

Regarding the harmony she and floyd have blended well since their first project six years ago. To a certain degree that either happens or it doesn't. Perfect harmony and phrasing does not always equal a great sound.

Thanks for mentioning the lyric. By and large it was an idea I had brought to fruition by floyd.

Peter has a knack for working with the vocal and other elements of a tune and it definitely shows here.

I hugely appreciate you mentioning the mix. They are always a struggle with my old ears and this one was no exception. The number of RT's I auditioned was, well, a large number smile And Neutron and my Waves CLA suite got a workout for sure.

All the above ramble means is thanks for the thoughtful, insightful and nice review!!!

Bud


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That intro piano and Janice.. awesome.. and the rest pure pro stuff, the lyrics are absolutely minted.

I love Janice's voice when its lead singing plus doing her own backing vox on a song like this its WIN !! WIN !!.

The sound as commented on previously is absolutely stunning on my system well done Bud ( Bud also my wee bichon dogs name) need to get some tips from you on the mixing and producing side of things.

Peter on the guitar was enviously excellent, a great sound from the guitar is always a challenge to record let alone play .

Again this is to me as good as it can get, and Janice's vocals.. The range in her voice !! .. one word astounding.

Thanks

Last edited by beatmaster; 10/04/19 09:32 AM.

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Originally Posted By: Noel96
Janice, Bud, floyd and Peter,

Every way that I listen to this song and read these lyrics, all I can think is that this is...

You've all done a mighty, mighty fine job.

The lyrics are awesome. I love that 'good news/bad news' hook and I love the way the verses work the hook. In addition to this, starting with the chorus is stellar! It's a great chorus and by beginning with it, the listener really gets to make the most of the journey.

From a lyric writing perspective, it's interesting how that instead of the verse leading to and providing background for the chorus, in this instance, the chorus leads to and provides necessary background understanding for verse 1. It's a great effect when it can be pulled off like you have.

The strongest possible way to open a song is to take a running start and jump right on into it without any introduction whatsoever. This is a technique that Elvis Presley (and many other highly successful artists) have used a number of times. In a recent song, floyd also demonstrated how powerful such a start is. It's not used so much these days. That said, though, now we have Janice clearly showing all of us here on the forum just how incredible and attention grabbing an introduction-free song is.

For me, the way this song started was akin to saying "Hang on to your hats, folks, we're off on the ride of your life!!!" So I just sat back and let the music carry me along on a thoroughly enjoyable roller coaster trip.

A while back, I read a quote by Iggy Pop where he said... "Really good music isn't just to be heard, you know. It's almost like a hallucination." If anyone wants to experience what Iggy meant, all they need do is to listen to this song. The combination of -- eidetic lyric imagery, Janice's soaring vocals, excellent background vocals, great guitar work from Peter, a wonderful melody, an inspired arrangement, a mesmerisingly great mix -- make for a musical journey that unfolds as a movie in the listener's mind.... at least it did that for me smile

Just wow! I bet if you sent this to a radio station in Nashville, it would get airplay!

All the best,
Noel


It’s humbling to know that somebody would take this much time and thought for our song. Thank you. BTW that intro free idea was 100% floyd! I’ve liked chorus first songs for many years. When they work they can as you described be very effective. And, of course Janice was most appreciative of your remarks about her vocal.

Thanks!!

J&B


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It's always fun to listen when a song is done right. The PGMusic Forum is manifesting into its own version of Nashville. Any more, stop on any song in User Forum and it gets harder and harder to imagine these pieces of art are being churned out in bedrooms, kitchens and garages by supposed 'amateurs'. It's like being at the Bluebird and getting blown away by some artist who deserves to be heard on every radio station play and sing the best song you've ever heard, finish his set and go to work washing dishes in some diner instead of boarding a half million dollar bus away on the tour date.

There's nothing amateur about this song. Great write, arrangement, production and performance. We are lucky to have you gifted artists share your talents and stories with us.


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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!

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®!

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