haven’t been here for quite a while - hope you’re all doing fine.
Over here - like in other countries - some restrictions are being loosened, but I’m afraid we’re still not out of the woods.
Oh yes, that lockdown was and is pretty hard to bear, but sittin’ home doesn’t necessarily have to lead to severe depressions: Here's my modest suggestion, so get your butts out of those TV chairs and
Music & Lyrics: Stefan Nchtsheim (2021) Key / BPM: Bb / 160 BPM
Vocals: Stefan Nachtsheim, voc & bgv
Back Line: Dave Francis, b (BIAB RT1731) Brent Mason, g (BIAB RT2352) Sandy Williams, g (BIAB RT882) Gene Rabbai, org (BIAB RT690)
Solos (Audio): Mark Douthitt, as (BIAB RT1951)
Solos (Video Closing only) Brent Mason, g (BIAB RT2575) Tom Leenlyside, ts (BIAB RT715) Paul Franklin, psg (BIAB RT2004) Kevin McKendree, p (BIAB RT2152)
Well, this took me back a lot of years! I was a teenager when the Twist was popular in the 1960s. Yikes ... I'm old!
Your videos are always so dang entertaining ... what fun! Good to see that Maha has been feeling good enough to perform and edit. She is is so talented with putting these videos together. And, my dear friend, you sound terrific! You always do. I wish I had half your talent. You're more than a great singer, guitarist and songwriter ... you're a first class entertainer.
That's quite a cast you assembled. You and Maha must have friend all over town! Thanks for a really fun listen and a great video to go with it. Wishing you and Maha all the very best. Take care and be safe. I'll send you a message tomorrow night - Thursday morning your time. See ya then ...
It has been a while Stefan but you put a smile on my dial in style. Fun, as usual, fully explored visually, as usual, ace Maha Mix, as usual. Fabulous - THANKS.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Fun song, and the video as usual is brilliant! Enjoyed watching the credits at the end too.
Tip of the hat to Maha for the fabulous mix.
We (in Canada) are in a similar stage as Germany as far as the lockdown goes, my friend Christiane keeps me in the loop as to what is happening over there. Seems we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel
The song and the video combine an explosion of rainbow colors, nostalgic and high-energy music, and the gleeful, rejuvenating sight of 'grown-ups' dancing up a storm and having tons of fun as they liberate the inner child within them.
In your own uniquely creative way you've brought back something that I believe Chubby Checkers' introduction of the original 'Twist' back in the 60's gave to the world, and that is the simple happiness that people enjoy when they get TOGETHER on the dance floor to move & groove to the music.
Thanks for reminding us what the 'good times' can really mean!
Sincerely,
LOREN (a.k.a. 'bluage')
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
Hallo Stefan. This is brilliant . It put a big smile on my face, vielen dank to you and your friends for giving me some comic relief from the depressing times we find ourselves in. You should be in Hollywood! Gruße Gary.
Well, this took me back a lot of years! I was a teenager when the Twist was popular in the 1960s. Yikes ... I'm old!
Your videos are always so dang entertaining ... what fun! Good to see that Maha has been feeling good enough to perform and edit. She is is so talented with putting these videos together. And, my dear friend, you sound terrific! You always do. I wish I had half your talent. You're more than a great singer, guitarist and songwriter ... you're a first class entertainer.
That's quite a cast you assembled. You and Maha must have friend all over town! Thanks for a really fun listen and a great video to go with it. Wishing you and Maha all the very best. Take care and be safe. I'll send you a message tomorrow night - Thursday morning your time. See ya then ...
Alan
PS: Di says "Hello" to both of you.
Dear Alan,
like so often before your plaudit made me blush - thank you so much for your incredibly nice words. Of course I don't consider myself by any means as especially talented - maybe diligent and patient. And with a lot of love and devotion to what I'm doing. With every song YOU post you prove what an incredible musician YOU are !
But of course it made me happy to read that you enjoyed both the song and the video - that is a huge award for me.
Looking forward to our next contac - please give Di a big hug and pass my 'Hello' to her.
It has been a while Stefan but you put a smile on my dial in style. Fun, as usual, fully explored visually, as usual, ace Maha Mix, as usual. Fabulous - THANKS.
Hi Ray,
well, putting smiles on people's faces - that was our main aim. And although both of us wouldn't regard that Twist era as an outstanding musical highlight I felt that there was something I'm missing these days: pure andd harmless fun and energy.
Thanks for your kind comment. And special thanks for yor positive words on Maha's mix. She's in the hospital now (and will have to stay there for many weeks) and it definitely lightened up her day when I told her about your plaudit.
Stefan, you are still one of my favorite entertainers, and Maha is genius with the video. Man, nobody does it better. Always brilliant lyrics and the prefect band, and a wonderful list of characters. So glad you're back. After I sat down, I realized it was like 7 minutes. Thanks for the workout!!
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Stefan, Good to see you back in action! Wonderful and entertaining tune you cooked with Maha. Listens very well. I deeply respect yours and Mahas dedication to music and fun. Thank you for sharing, Misha.
Fun song, and the video as usual is brilliant! Enjoyed watching the credits at the end too.
Tip of the hat to Maha for the fabulous mix.
We (in Canada) are in a similar stage as Germany as far as the lockdown goes, my friend Christiane keeps me in the loop as to what is happening over there. Seems we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Best to you and Maha.
Hi Dave,
thanks a lot for your very kind words on the song and the video - I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
I passed your opinion about Maha's mix to her (being in the hospital) - she appreciated it a bunch and said 'Thanks a lot' .
Yes, let's hope the light at the end of the tunnel isn't another train approaching ...
A clever write. Excellent vocals. Terrific backing. Exceptional mix!!
Stellar job on the video. Entertaining! Made me laugh that the credits were as long as the song! HAHAHA!
Keep twisting!
fj
Hi Floyd,
I'm glad you enjoyed our twist 'remedy' - thank you so much for commenting so kindly on the details.
The length of the credits - well, my bro said not so long ago that he considers this a new art form - the creits are the important part of the flick and since they need something to refer to, there must be some preceding stuff , maybe a song or something else ... I think I'm gonna call it 'credits art' !
Maha always appreciates your comments on her sound job very much, so she was happy to hear what you wrote about the mix.
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.
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)
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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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... I think I'm gonna call it 'credits art' !
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