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Hi everyone, === June 25: I changed the song into the 'Gospel' version and in a higher key. Eventually I liked it more, I hope you do too===
I planned two songs for the forum. A Dutch and an English one. The English song will follow in a while, but has some small problems. So here is the Dutch song: https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/ik-zag-vogelsIt is about the doubts one can have dealing with major topics like; what is the meaning of life, how am I dealing with that, etcetera. So just the ordinary things... It is based (again) on a poem from my mother. But to be honest, I had to rewrite a lot. Still it was her way of thinking about these issues and -in a way- mine too. Beside that I want to sing more songs in my native language. I never did that, untill the last months. The reason was we were raised with English songs. And Dutch songs sounded sooo dull (in my opinion then). But remarks of some of the formummembers encouraged me doing this more. They said I did good. But that is -of course- not enough; I want to improve that to 'I did swell'. ;-) And I know Dave's wife (Blue atitude) understands a bit of Dutch. I hope you like it, although you probably don't understand a word, Hans The style and instruments ========================== Style: FADING.STY (Fading Swing-16 Folk Rock Ballad) RealTracks: ~539:Bas, Pop Sw 120 RealTracks: 2921:Piano, Acoustic, Sw16 Mike Sw16 60 RealTracks: 3541:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm ClassicRockSlowFingerStrum Sw16 060 RealTracks: ~675:Organ, B3 Sw 65 RealTracks: 3438:Guitar, Electric, Soloist BritPsycPopBallad Ev 065 RealDrums :PopSyncSw16^02-a:ClosedHat, Snare, b:Ride, Snare And me on the keyboard (flute) from Native instruments in Logic Pro (DAW). The lyrics (first in Dutch) Ik zag vogels(c) W. Battem (1982) / H.W. Berkhout 01-06-2020 Ik heb aan de oevers van een brede rivier gestaan Om de krachtige stroming gade te slaan Ik wilde de spanning laten verdwijnen waardoor mijn rust weer kon verschijnen Refrein Ik heb vogels zien vliegen naar de zon Zuivere klanken en dissonanten gehoord Maar ik ben anders, meer een rots vol breuken door alle golven die op mij beuken Ik heb aan de voet van een hoge berg gestaan Om die machtige verschijning gade te slaan Ik wilde de leegte in mij weer gaan vullen en dit niet, zoals velen, verhullen Refrein Ik heb vogels zien vliegen naar de zon Zuivere klanken en dissonanten gehoord Maar ik ben anders, meer een rots vol breuken door alle golven die op mij beuken =Solo= Als ik ooit tot een kleine steen ben afgesleten En door de zee op een strand wordt gesmeten Dan lig ik daar voor altijd, maar blijf bestaan Terwijl mijn breuken al lang zijn vergaan Refrein Ik heb vogels zien vliegen naar de zon Zuivere klanken en dissonanten gehoord Maar ik ben anders, speel te slecht toneel En al die 'golven' worden mij teveel Ik heb vogels zien vliegen naar de zon Maar ik... ik ben anders Heel anders... ====================================== I saw birdsVerse I have stood on the banks of a wide river, to observe the powerful current I wanted to release the tension, allowing my peace to reappear Chorus I have seen birds flying to the sun, heard pure sounds and dissonances I am different, more like a rock full of fractures from all the waves pounding on me Verse I stood at the foot of a high mountain to watch its mighty apparition I wanted to fill the void in me again and not, like so many, hiding it Chorus I have seen birds fly to the sun, heard pure sounds and dissonances But I am different, more like a rock full of fractures from all the waves pounding on me Verse Whenever I'll be worn off to a tiny stone, and thrown on a beach by the sea Then I lie there forever, but will exist While my fractures are all long gone Chorus I have seen birds fly to the sun, heard pure sounds and dissonances But I'm different, can't pretend so well And all those 'waves' becoming too much for me Yes, I have seen birds fly to the sun But I? I am different So different... [font:Comic Sans MS][/font]
Last edited by Birchwood; 06/25/20 01:25 AM.
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Hello Hans ...
I speak a fair amount of German but no Dutch. But I enjoyed this a lot. In addition to melody and arrangement, I particularly liked the guitar ... strong and powerful without being overbearing. Cool song!
Best to you. Be safe ...
Alan
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Hi Hans, I listened to your English song first and then this one. I like this one better actually, maybe because it's more bluesy  Very good vocal! And nice job on the guitar, placing the licks properly so it sounds like they were meant for this song. Nice use of the flute right at the end! Wasn't expecting that but it sounds great. Good song! I'll have Kathy give it a listen later on.
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Hans,
This is really good. The BAND sounds great. That guitar is excellent.
Your vocals sit in the mix really well. It sounds "comfortable" (that's a good thing!). Your best, I think. A nice "warmth" to it.
I very much enjoy the listen. Well done.
fj
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Wow what an awesome intro. Made sit up straight in my share. I loved the way the lyrics flowed. I did not understand them but I liked the way you delivered them. Lovely backtrack. Well done Hans
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Hans,
Dutch version wins hands down. Very solid composition and progression. Vocals & mix are very good! Flute sits well in the song and a good choice for ending, but toward the end (ending) I would pull panning more to center. Thank you for sharing!
Misha.
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"...to me, the words are nice the way they sound...it doesn't much matter what they mean..." James Taylor.
Here's a confession, Hans. Almost every new song I encounter might as well be sung in Dutch to my English-speaking ears. It's a hard pill to swallow for someone who has tried (and is still struggling) to write a good lyric...but I don't think anybody really cares (at first listen) and some never do. It'd be hypocritical for me to expect otherwise. I "hear" perhaps a repeated vocal/melody/words "hook"...and that's all. I'm "listening" to the way the words sound, seeing as how they carry not just meaning, but melody, rhythm, and tone. Capture me with those, and I'll listen to your lines and thoughts and maybe then get your meaning.
There's an up and a down side to the custom and practice of posting lyrics here at this showcase. Mostly, it's a good thing and I wouldn't change it. But it's an awful lot to absorb and there are times when "pre-absorption" is injurious to a simple good listen.
Okay...enough philosophizing. I dig this. Power and tenderness in every lick and measure.
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I think I have associated Dutch songs to folk music, so this blues comes like a surprise, because the lyrics would suggest something folky. The lyrics are very beautiful, nice fragile stone and sea imagery. The blues approach fits the theme very well, the edgy guitar, flying flute and your emotional voice create an enjoyable combination. And lovely chording, not just some old blues progression.
Janne
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Hello Hans ...
I speak a fair amount of German but no Dutch. But I enjoyed this a lot. In addition to melody and arrangement, I particularly liked the guitar ... strong and powerful without being overbearing. Cool song!
Best to you. Be safe ...
Alan Hi Alan, didn't know you speak German! Then you could understand something of the words. but I agree immidiatly if you tell me the meaning of these words are still too difficult to understand properly. For me the translation into proper English was not easy at all. But thanks a lot for your compliments. You had the first reaction and that brought a big smile to me! Hi Hans, I listened to your English song first and then this one. I like this one better actually, maybe because it's more bluesy Very good vocal! And nice job on the guitar, placing the licks properly so it sounds like they were meant for this song. Nice use of the flute right at the end! Wasn't expecting that but it sounds great. Good song! I'll have Kathy give it a listen later on. Hello Dave, I am very curious what Kathy understands, or make of the dutch lyrics. This song had 2 versions: One with a gospel background and this one. I liked the gospel version, but it was in higher key. It asked too much from my vocals (especially after singing the song a lot of times). But in a lower key, the gospelsound was bad and stayed so, in spite of all my effort to get the prefered sound. So I choose this version, without the gospel. I also prefer this song above the English song and for almost the same reason you mentioned. But I liked the melody of that English one (from a song I made in 1975). I rewrote the lyrics after a discussion about intolerance or bigotry (is that correct?) and all the fuzz around this around the world. So the song has quite a history. And thanks for the observations and qualifications on the song. I appreciated them very much! Hans,
This is really good. The BAND sounds great. That guitar is excellent.
Your vocals sit in the mix really well. It sounds "comfortable" (that's a good thing!). Your best, I think. A nice "warmth" to it.
I very much enjoy the listen. Well done.
fj Hello Floyd, I smile with pride when reading your words. Really! It stimulates to sing more in Dutch, so hold tight! Thanks all of you and stay safe, Hans
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We also listened to and commented on the English version first. We agree with Dave that although both versions are excellent we prefer the more blues rock sound to this one...but then we are long time blues rock fans Regardless they are both excellent productions! J&B
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Wow what an awesome intro. Made sit up straight in my share. I loved the way the lyrics flowed. I did not understand them but I liked the way you delivered them. Lovely backtrack. Well done Hans Scott: You said very nice things! I wished I could have seen that reaction you wrote of! i told my son. He is 'beginning to become' a bit more impressed about his fathers skills. One more son (and a wife) to go. But we're coming closer to that goal with your kind of posts! But about understanding the lyrics I must share a little secret; I had problems with the meaning of some sentences too. I noticed that in her poems my mother sometimes wrote very 'wide'. I asked myself "what did she want to say"? In some occasions I rewrote them in modern Dutch (do you understand what I mean?). Hans,
Dutch version wins hands down. Very solid composition and progression. Vocals & mix are very good! Flute sits well in the song and a good choice for ending, but toward the end (ending) I would pull panning more to center. Thank you for sharing!
Misha.
Wow Misha, those are nearly as nice words as Scott wrote! I really appreciate your observations of my improvement. Your words about eq-matters allways glow up when I'm busy mixing my songs now. And you were right, it pays off. One day I can mix as bright as Floyd does! So thanks for your comment. I'm not really convinced if panning of the flute towards the end is necessary. But I am stubborn as you know! "...to me, the words are nice the way they sound...it doesn't much matter what they mean..." James Taylor.
Here's a confession, Hans. Almost every new song I encounter might as well be sung in Dutch to my English-speaking ears. It's a hard pill to swallow for someone who has tried (and is still struggling) to write a good lyric...but I don't think anybody really cares (at first listen) and some never do. It'd be hypocritical for me to expect otherwise. I "hear" perhaps a repeated vocal/melody/words "hook"...and that's all. I'm "listening" to the way the words sound, seeing as how they carry not just meaning, but melody, rhythm, and tone. Capture me with those, and I'll listen to your lines and thoughts and maybe then get your meaning.
There's an up and a down side to the custom and practice of posting lyrics here at this showcase. Mostly, it's a good thing and I wouldn't change it. But it's an awful lot to absorb and there are times when "pre-absorption" is injurious to a simple good listen.
Okay...enough philosophizing. I dig this. Power and tenderness in every lick and measure. Tangmo, what a nice quote from j. Taylor. And what nice words from you. Very philosophical, but so true! Although I know people barely listen to lyrics in songs (except the diehards), still it doesn't mean you can suffice with nonsense. You couldn't too! And a whole lot of us on this forum neither. I hardly saw any weak lyrics here. So I agree AND disagree with the 'hard pill (In Dutch politics we succeed in eating the cake and spare it ;-)), but i do understand what you say. The same with how you deal with the words in a song. I too see them also as some kind of instrument. But as I said earlier: you are putting it very philosophical. So thanks for your comments, judgement and positive conclusions, Hans
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I think I have associated Dutch songs to folk music, so this blues comes like a surprise, because the lyrics would suggest something folky. The lyrics are very beautiful, nice fragile stone and sea imagery. The blues approach fits the theme very well, the edgy guitar, flying flute and your emotional voice create an enjoyable combination. And lovely chording, not just some old blues progression.
Janne
Hi Janne, that very nice said of you! and you are right, Dutch songs mostly have another way of singing and melody choice, although they are improving... ;-) And I thought 'why not some kind of Bluesy, Gospel song?'. In the version you heard I skipped the Gospel Choir for several reasons, most of all, I didn't get them right in another key. But I regretted my choice and replaced the version you heard with the gospel version. That is even further away from normal Dutch songs... And thanks again for what you said about the instruments I used. We also listened to and commented on the English version first. We agree with Dave that although both versions are excellent we prefer the more blues rock sound to this one...but then we are long time blues rock fans Regardless they are both excellent productions! J&B Hi J&B, I can imagine you like the bluesy one more. I do too, but ýesterday I replaced it for the 'Gospel version. Now let's see if you stay to your choice! ;-) You are all quite busy listening to all my songs and never a bad word about one of them, unless the choice you made between these two songs means you dislike the other one very much. But I don't really think that (I'm teasing a bit). The only strange thing I see happening is that while the Dutch song is more preferred because of its melody, it gets less attention than the other song. But that is another discussion. Thanks for your judgement and nice words. Because Covid doesn't want to pass, I want you to stay safe, Hans
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I really wish I knew Dutch--I'll bet there this is some lyric/rhyming magic in the words that cannot be grasped by my English-speaking mind..the cleverness and little gems that are part of the recipe that makes a song fly--I'm sure that's there, thanks to you and your collaborator-mother.
Enjoyed this song and I'll have to find the English=-language version to get the gist of your meaning.
The production was very nice, and the only comment I would have is that a little bit of vocal doubling over some key phrases might add something, but it is well-done as it is.
Thanks for posting this!
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Hi Hans. Thanks for the English translation. I particularly like to hear the Dutch language. You could call me all kinds of things and say terrible things about my mother, and I'd still smile in delight. Great choice on instruments. That solo is stupendous, and the B3 is so sweet. Your voice and writing are the things that really send this over the top though. Keep up the good word --no matter what language.
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One of your best IMHO, liked all the musical choices you made and it had very good gestalt, to use a German word. Keep up the good work!
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Hans, For me, you are sitting in a total groove these days . . . everything I’ve listened to from you lately is right there in that perfect place. This is no exception. Love that you are taking your Mom’s poems and putting them to music—inspirational. Thanks for providing the English translation . . . I'm afraid my Dutch isn't what it used to be. Hope all is well in your world, Deej
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Hans, I love that Gospel/Blues sound you have going on here! You did an excellent job of putting this all together! Thanks, Torrey
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I really wish I knew Dutch--I'll bet there this is some lyric/rhyming magic in the words that cannot be grasped by my English-speaking mind..the cleverness and little gems that are part of the recipe that makes a song fly--I'm sure that's there, thanks to you and your collaborator-mother.
Enjoyed this song and I'll have to find the English=-language version to get the gist of your meaning.
The production was very nice, and the only comment I would have is that a little bit of vocal doubling over some key phrases might add something, but it is well-done as it is.
Thanks for posting this! Hi Tano, thanks for your nice post. You are right, it was quite impossible to translate these Dutch lyrics. A lot of words mean something else as the literal concept. We use 'tje' behind nouns. In English you put the words 'small or little' in front of that noun. But in Dutch you get a different understanding of those words; the distinction in the emotional value of a word is imprtant. But how to translate that? About your suggestion of vocal doubling.... I always use 2 vocal tracks and tweek them slightly different. That is not the same as doublin the vocals. I do doublin or some kind of harmony on a lot of sons. In this one, I thought I stay 'naturel'. But I promise I give it a second thought. Thanks! Hi Hans. Thanks for the English translation. I particularly like to hear the Dutch language. You could call me all kinds of things and say terrible things about my mother, and I'd still smile in delight. Great choice on instruments. That solo is stupendous, and the B3 is so sweet. Your voice and writing are the things that really send this over the top though. Keep up the good word --no matter what language. Hi Marty, you made me laugh! "you could call me all kinds of things...etc", just marvelous! Dutch isn't easy. especially not for singing or translating poetic works. You could read also what I wrote Tano. And I'm glad your stomach was strong enough for this language issue! Thanks for your nice compliments on the instrument choices. There was a lot I could use from BiaB, a very good piece of software, don't you agree? One of your best IMHO, liked all the musical choices you made and it had very good gestalt, to use a German word. Keep up the good work! Du bist zu nett zu mir, TuneMonger. I'm glad we have some common ground! Stefan Nachtsheim would have loved this. Thanks for the IMHO compliment! But I hope some of my new songs reach that qualification too! Thanks everyone and stay safe! Hans
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Awesome sound here Hans! I really enjoyed this!
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Hans, For me, you are sitting in a total groove these days . . . everything I’ve listened to from you lately is right there in that perfect place. This is no exception. Love that you are taking your Mom’s poems and putting them to music—inspirational. Thanks for providing the English translation . . . I'm afraid my Dutch isn't what it used to be. Hope all is well in your world, Deej Deej, that's a very nice compliment you gave me. Thanks for that! As I wrote to others, the translation isn't covering enough of what is meant in the song. But that's the problem in almost every language. But -of course- I am a little disappointed that you have neglected your Dutch language. What can we do about that? Hans, I love that Gospel/Blues sound you have going on here! You did an excellent job of putting this all together! Thanks, Torrey Torrey, thanks for your words. the first ones reacting on my song couldn't hear the gospel ladies, because they weren't in. I changed the versions later, because I also liked this version more. You underlined this here!
Awesome sound here Hans! I really enjoyed this!
David, what nice of you! I'm glad you listened to the second version, what else would you have written ...? Thanks all of you and stay safe, Hans
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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®!
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