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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,066
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,066 |
Tiger, I appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts on this important issue. Personally I would make rather listen to someone who speaks English rather than an attorney who speaks legalese. Your answer is much more practical. I would also add that there is a huge difference between practical real world advice and theoretical "what could happen if' advice you get from an attorney. I've seen people waste so much money on attorneys needlessly, typically motivated by fear. A couple problems: 1. Much of Tiger's information is wrong. FYI, I was also told by Ember at PG Music that there is no copyright issue. So just because it's not clearly mentioned in the licensing agreement, that fact that multiple employees over probably a long period of time are making this claim does weigh in on this importantly. PG music will ultimately be the one to be sued more likely, than any individual making music. 2. That's not quite right either — as you were informed in the other thread. When you are told something, it's a good idea not to make things up. You are not, however, permitted to claim the demo songs in your copyright. Band-in-a-Box (BIAB) demo songs are copyrighted by PG Music Inc., meaning you cannot claim copyright to them or use them commercially without permission.
Copyright Ownership:
PG Music Inc. owns the copyright to the demo songs and RealTracks/RealStyles within Band-in-a-Box.
No Permission to Claim Copyright:
You cannot claim copyright to the demo songs, even if you've used them as a starting point for your own compositions.
Commercial Use Restrictions:
Using the demo songs commercially (e.g., selling them, using them in a commercial project) without permission from PG Music Inc. is a copyright violation.
Copyright Protection:
Even unreleased music is protected by copyright.
Seeking Permission:
If you wish to use a demo song or RealTracks/RealStyles in a commercial context, you must obtain permission from PG Music Inc. As cool as many of them are, those cannot be registered by you.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Songwriting
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
I don't know if this is a valid workaround, but when I have been faced with a similar dilemma, I've used the track as create in BB, taken credit, and assigned it Creative Commons Fair Use (Give credit.) A good studio musician can mimic the Real Track in such as way as to legitimize claim to originality.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,667
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,667 |
I hope I'm stating the obvious here, but I suspect not and I think there may be some misunderstanding and consequential confusion, so...
Songs created by you using BiaB RealTracks, RealDrums and/or MIDI are your creations and may be copyrighted and released by you.
The Demo Songs that PG Music use to give an example of how the RealTracks and RealDrums may sound when in use, were created by and are copyright of PG Music. You may not release them as your own work, even in modified form.
I believe the musicians that play the content of RealTracks and ReadDrums sign away their copyright of the samples expressly so that PG Music customers will be able to use them as above. If they didn't or wouldn't, PGM's business model would be very different.
PGM also expressly ask that you do not credit those musicians on your work. That feels odd, but I think there are several good reasons for it.
Mike, I you believe I'm mistaken, I'm sure you'll say.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932 |
It is always advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer who deals with the music industry to answer any type of legal questions.
Having said that, myself and thousands of other people have published songs that were created using BIAB software. As far as I know there have been no lawsuits as a result of those actions.
The issues of copyright are about as complex as it gets and no forum has the expertise to guarantee all your questions will be answered correctly.
As with most things, nothing normally happens unless there is money involved. Make a song with BIAB that generates millions in revenue and things could get pretty complicated.
Billy THIS! This right there is your answer. Full stop. My practical advice is just do your thing and enjoy yourself! Statistically speaking, you are unlikely to ever generate enough money with your songs to get the attention of corporations and their lawyers. If you happen to get lucky enough to generate big money you can then afford lawyers to help you figure out how to hang onto it!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,066
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,066 |
I don't know if this is a valid workaround, but when I have been faced with a similar dilemma, I've used the track as create in BB, taken credit, and assigned it Creative Commons Fair Use (Give credit.) ... Those tracks belong to someone else; you cannot assign rights to anyone. Using tracks as a starting point and modifying them in BIAB is not the same—it's what we are expected to do—but using them as-is requires written permission as I have already quoted. A good studio musician can mimic the Real Track in such as way as to legitimize claim to originality. That's not the same as using the tracks as-is. Once again: If you wish to use a demo song or RealTracks/RealStyles in a commercial context, you must obtain permission from PG Music Inc. Their words, not mine. Let's be clear, I will point to or quote licenses or US Copyright law, sometimes the Berne Convention. I never, ever, ever give my opinion in threads like these—same with my clients. "I believe..., I think..., IMO..." Nope, I don't go there. Neither will I post what I do or or don't agree with. If you need a legal opinion, get an IP attorney. I advise my clients to do the same. I worked in Licensing in Silicon Valley for many years and am retired from the legal dept. of a billion$ music entity; occasionally work for another. Most of my private practice consists of answering questions along the lines of, "Can we do…?" Yes, here's the clause in (this license) that gives you permission; here's the form you have to file to report it or No, you need this license; I'll make the call for you. Most of the rest is fighting takedown notices by stating that (…) was written in 1644 with words by (someone who died in) 1890 and the song is in the Public Domain — that or, attached is the sync license from (actual publisher) granting permissions (I probably negotiated it). If it comes to a fight and I have to write, "The reason I believe..." I have to stop. Attorneys get to have beliefs and opinions on legal matters, not I.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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