PG Music Home Forums PG Music Product Forums Band-in-a-Box for Windows PETITION: Mr. Gannon, hook up Deaconblues09 with an affiliate marketing link!!!

We’ve all seen the posts…

Dozens of them over the years. “BiaB does not do “modern music,” or the music you see on the top of today’s charts.” “BiaB’s userbase is aging out.” “Is BiaB relevant today?,” etc, etc,

As I see things, from a market niche perspective, here’s the good news: Band in a Box currently has basically zero competitors.

The bad news? The amount of people who actually care about that is decreasing at alarming rates with each passing year. Furthermore, over the past few years a number of programs and apps have been released that can create backing tracks from chords in a multitude of styles, that cost a fraction of what BiaB’s most basic package will set you back. There are also a number of VSTs on the market that use real recorded phrases from actual instruments that will play along to chord progressions. Granted, they do not come close to the quality and variety you can get from RTs, but they also have a robust marketing presence, and are getting better by the year.

In my own experience, as a person who is either active on, or lurk, dozens of music practice, production, software, and gear-related websites and forums, I find it extremely rare to find anything on BaiB. If you want to learn more about Reaper, about Native Instrument products, about Garageband, or any other number of products/programs out there, you will likely easily find scores of videos, blogs, and whatnot to learn from. However, with BiaB you basically have PG Music’s tutorials, Joanne Cooper’s content, and a then a number of scattered videos and blog pages spanning over that past few decades.

Where am I going with this? Well, basically I’m an attorney who has an incredible passion for music, and who would ideally like to make music my full-time job. I’ve been playing guitar since my teens, and picked up bass in my early 20s. I initially purchased BiaB for practicing and learning, but over the years have become more interested in production. Not only have I watched every video produced by PG Music since its inception, and pored over each page of the manual at least a half dozen times, I have also spent hours on end watching YT videos and reading tutorials on MIDI, Reaper, and other aspects of music production.

For a while now I have been toying with the idea of creating a BiaB centered blog with an associated YT channel. There are dozens of topics I would love to make posts and videos about. Some examples:

An entire series of videos on how MIDI works, and how to use MIDI in Band in a Box. (For instance, I generated this little snippet off of a single held piano MIDI track! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSJTQSI12gw&feature=youtu.be ) (BTW, I know, this particular audio was not optimized for YT, so it does not sound very full or rich, but you can get the idea of what it sounded like in my DAW. I want to learn how to optimize videos for YT, but more on that in a second).

Regular (monthly or bi-weekly) videos and/or blog posts demonstrating my favorite MIDI and audio VSTs/effects to use in BiaB

Tips and tricks for interesting and creative uses of BiaB for learning guitar and/or bass.

How to produce contemporary music styles with BaiB such as Trap, Trance, Dubstep, Chillout, Trip-Hop, Downtempo, etc,), as well as old school hip-hop in the style of Cypress Hill, Wu Tang Klan A Tribe Called Quest…

General mixing and song arrangement tips, and more.

So much more!

So what’s this whole “affiliate program link” thing about?

Briefly, an affiliate program is where a vendor (such as PG Music) creates a special kind of link that affiliates (Youtubers and bloggers) can include in, on, or below their posts and videos. The affiliate gets paid when the person watching their video or reads their blog either clicks a link, buys a product, or takes some other action as specifically set out in the affiliate agreement.

So say I publish a video on Youtube titled “How to Make a Kendrick Lamar Style Beat with Band in a Box” and include a link to BiaB below the video, I could get paid if that person either A) clicks the link to view BiaB, or B) actually buys it (obviously the amount an affiliate gets paid varies greatly based on whether they agree on a click or sale!).

Affiliate marketing is a win-win-win situation. The vendor sells more units, and the affiliate gets a percentage of the sales, or certain amount for a click which the vendor determines represents a advantageous ROI. The third winner is you. You guys get to watch well-produced content without paying a cent. I know all this as a consumer of affiliate videos and purchaser of products. I have spent more money than I care to admit over the years on products I was convinced I wanted not because of any video put out by the vendor, but because I saw how someone else used it before making my purchase decision. And after I purchase the product I continue to watch the videos as they come out. And new videos keep coming out because the affiliate wants to generate more leads (and also because the affiliate loves the product, and enjoys being a "brand ambassador" of sorts).

Note that there are thousands of affiliate programs out there, and this is not a novel concept...the vast majority of Youtubers make little, if nothing, off Youtube advertisements (which is why affiliate programs and Patreon are the way folks that are posting actual informative content, instead of stupid fail or cringe compilation videos, actually get paid).


Now, if I was going to do this full time, and actually publish sleek and well-produced content, I would have to learn video editing inside out, purchase some decent equipment and recording gear, and, you know, spend hours a day recording and editing content that is optimized to reach the widest audience.

I’ve been reading a ton on SEO, marketing analytics and the like, and I think I can increase BiaB’s visibility and overall sales exponentially. But before throwing all my time, energy, effort, and some cash into this, with the idea of it being something I can (eventually) make a living from, I need to know that I could actually make a profit in return for all my time and efforts.

As someone who these days mostly listens to Trap, Dubstep, Downtempo, and other contemporary music styles, (despite my username which is actually a reference to my all-time favorite band, Steely Dan), I actually think that BiaB can be an incredible tool in the arsenal of every music producer, student, hobbyist, and tinkerer.

In fact, I’ve been noticing a lot more “organic/real” instrumentation in the music coming out lately. Also, the VST plugin (which, incidentally, I HATED in its original 2019 iteration), is an absolute triumph and potential game changer for reasons I could get into at length… In fact, if BaiB’s plugin were integrated more smoothly with Pipeline’s,...I don’t even have words to express the possibilities, but that’s another story.

So to conclude; Band-in-a-Box, warts and all, is an incredible product, and I want to prove to the world that BiaB is not just for old people to make old music, but that it’s also a tool for the younger generation(s) to learn, to use in new ways, and even invent new forms of music for all to enjoy and appreciate!

So, Mr. Gannon, (if you’re reading this), whaddya say?!

P.S. In case y'all are wondering why I’m splashing this wall of text here in the forums, it’s because I searched Google to determine whether BiaB had established an affiliate marketing program, and found a post in the forums where Mr. Gannon advised someone who had a similar inquiry to contact Callie in marketing. I sent an email to Callie on the matter 3 weeks ago and have not heard back from her, so I figured I’ll post it here, and maybe I’d have better luck).

I think it's a great idea.

If I may make a suggestion to help in the area where "Now, if I was going to do this full time, and actually publish sleek and well-produced content, I would have to learn video editing inside out, purchase some decent equipment and recording gear, and, you know, spend hours a day recording and editing content that is optimized to reach the widest audience."

Why not partner with someone that is already an expert video tutorial maker. Someone that has top equipment, gear, setup and spends hours each day making and broadcasting hi-quality YouTube videos.

You provide and coach and support a person (personality) where you provide the BIAB/RB product knowledge, how-to's, Tips and Tricks, and even full productions.

Joe Gilder of Home Studio Corner was recently hired by Presonus to begin doing exactly what you're suggesting. They're creating a Presonus channel for him to focus and make tutorial videos on how he uses Studio One software. Joe has his own channel and already uses all Presonus gear in his home studio and he tutors viewers and subscribers how to make quality home recordings. He's had his YouTube channel since 2009 and makes his living as a full time YouTube producer. As an employee, he will gain the access and materials from Presonus engineers and marketers to place his channel above any other competition.



You and PGMusic can do the same. There's another Presonus video tutor that lost his limited support from Presonus (looking back, likely due the Presonus decision to create their own channel) who is actively seeking another platform to provide support to his channel so he can stay on the air.

He has an established subscription base
He's an excellent MC/Tutor/teacher
He has a top quality, top notch equipped home studio
He's a musician/songwriter/producer
He's a high quality videographer set up to precisely record and stream BIAB screens.

The only thing he's not, is a BIAB program expert. Here, by your own admission, you have the BIAB expertise but don't yet have the Video knowledge and equipment. You're looking at quite a learning curve.

Together, you, this videographer and PGMusic could turn out a grade A, top notch production from day one...

Very very interesting Mr. DeaconBlues.
Wishing you great success.

Why don't you just grab the phone and talk to Peter or Callie or meet them at those many occasions such as NAMM events and you-name-it.

Not a bad idea in theory, however that fact that I live in Israel makes it a lot less practical for these purposes!

Thanks!

Hey Charlie,

Thank you so much for the comprehensive response and advice!

To clarify; in terms of equipment and video quality, I'm thinking more or a good webcam, mic, and other gear as used by streamers, and not the kind of stuff professional advertising companies would use.

Similarly, the video editing stuff I would need to learn is how to make smooth cutaways, inserting text, zooming in on portions of my screen, etc,. Also, coordinating with someone else to get all this done would significantly complicate a brisk and consistent content output schedule.

I like your ideas. However to sell them you need a demo which sells you! We know your write well, have a rugged handsome look and have a great looking partner, but how do you present in a video blog? Of course best to have all the video gear but you got to start somewhere so set up a camera and sell Peter on the concept. I wish you lots of luck.

Haha! Thanks for the compliments

Here are some "non-professional" videos I've posted in the past, and that were quite well received when I linked them here in the forums :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUBNZvNAjzk&t=79s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WexjietWWhc&t=169s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVRtQz8nqvY&t=2s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUKGWZhJ2vo&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R09Lf3bHjhQ&t=154s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jyd1Y7u6MI&t=20s

(I'd hyperlink the titles but I gotta take my son shopping to pick up some provisions for a school trip he's having tomorrow)

Deacon,
Thanks for the messages and good ideas. Callie from marketing will be in touch soon!

Awesome! I'm thrilled

So are the rest of us! The idea that BiaB can grow and further develop depends on revenue and market growth. The plugin is one avenue, but it takes more sideways marketing to accomplish that. Reaching new markets, and different users is a key path. Great ideas.

Oh one thing don’t forget us old timers and our music completely we would enjoy good content also and there are still many of us out there with spendable dollars and time to kill.

Hey now, you guys are family!!

I'm planning on making a whole series on MIDI (specifically in a "contemporary EDM style-context-as opposed to making them sound like real instruments) where I start from the very basics (oscillators and the different types of waveforms, ADSR envelopes, LFOs, filters, arpeggiators, etc.) all of which the "younger folk" know inside out.

In fact, I've been wanting to a MIDI series for the forums here for some time, because I see a lotta folks posting here about it.

From what I've ascertained Mario is MIDI's biggest champion in these here forums (or at least the most vocal about it), and based on his music and discussions, he uses MIDI to get real instrument sounds.

The stuff I want to demonstrate/post videos on sounds nothing like real instruments!

Thanx for calling me and a few others here younger folk



Yes, doing a MIDI series is an excellent idea. Please include a transition series on from GM to Soft/hard synths and how to use them in BiaB/RB; there are a lot of questions about that on these forums. I can not answer those questions as I do all of my work in my DAW.

Thanx for the "Mario is MIDI's biggest champion" comment.

I have a lot of nonreal sounding soft synths. Maybe I should record something to post.

Mario also plays the wind controller (so do I), which gives a new dimension to MIDI.

I keep hoping the new MIDI standard being developed will at least support chord symbols.

Assuming you have the same purpose(s) in mind that I'm thinking of, Pipeline's plugin thing pretty much nails it!

I appreciate that immensely. But I use Cakewalk, and my primary goal is transferring jazz chords with all upper extensions to dedicated music notation software.

I'm similar to you Deacon in that I too participate in or lurk on tons of different music related forums and I'm constantly watching various YT vids on similar subjects. I've posted here about that a lot but not from the POV of what you just posted. I think it's a great, perfect idea!

You are absolutely correct in that absolutely nobody even mentions Biab on all those blogs, vids and forums much less actually talks about it. Not even a little bit, it's like the Sahara desert out there as far as PGM is concerned. I remember years ago someone here put up a Wikipedia article about Biab and they took it down because there were no non PGM related articles anywhere to corroborate it. I was shocked about that at the time.

PGM really needs someone to push them into all the various social media platforms with like you say a total focus on modern musical styles. Build links to young people who are social media "influencers", all that kind of thing. It won't be easy though because of the incredible influence of Ableton Live. You want to get blown away? Do YT searches on that program. You can spend the rest of your life doing nothing but checking out Ableton on YT.

I think a great place to start with a new series on this is pointing out how Biab can work with Ableton, what can be done with the plugin because Ableton has already been tested with the plugin. It would have to show that Biab can do things inside Ableton that cannot already be done using standard Ableton techniques meaning that person needs to be an Ableton expert as well as an Biab expert. Considering how completely different both programs are and the demographics of both programs, I don't know if that person exists yet. But to me Ableton users needs to be the primary target for something like this because literally millions of young "bedroom producers" use Ableton for exactly the styles you mentioned.

When you watch vids of other DAW's over the last few years many of the enhancements they've come up with are pointed directly at Ableton users, things like working with loops and clips, having an arrangement pane where you can move clips around, chord tracks, stuff like that. We tend to think they're adding Biab functions, no they're trying to compete with Ableton. It's Ableton that's the king of hill with those styles.

Bob

Here's a short official vid showing what's new in Ableton Live 10. Note the overall production look of this, who the people are doing the short demos and the sounds they're creating. I will admit that it's hard for me to see some kind of bridge between Biab and this but if it's there then it needs to be explained and exploited.



I've always wanted to be current in the music scene even if I don't like what I hear so I forced myself to watch many hours of Ableton vids a few years ago. It was torture for me, literally because to my ears this stuff is incomprehensible crap but I kept an open mind and pressed on. I do have a basic understanding of how this stuff works and how it's created but I'm sure not the guy to try to explain it to anyone.

You seem to have both feet in both worlds Deacon and I agree it's worth it to try to insert Biab into this world of trap, dubstep, EDM and all that so good luck to you.

Bob

> I will admit that it's hard for me to see some kind of bridge between Biab and this but if it's there then it needs to be explained and exploited.


We made an Ableton video explaining how you can use the plugin in Ableton. And it’s got us some Ableton customers. https://youtu.be/K14ZhOCoHTo