|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,057
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,057 |
Just keep it a forum. No need to turn it into a transient fast scrolling social media page. And bump away … I’ll take a bumper over a dumper any day!  Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012 |
David,
Your asking great questions and this has been an interesting conversation to follow. I've been surprised at how positive and consistent the responses have been.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I think it is a balancing act. I am relatively new to songwriting. I also have been playing off and on for years.
There is nothing more disheartening than posting something, lets say in Facebook, and have no response at all. (Not even from my sister.) On the other hand, if you get your heart torn out of your chest it is just as bad.
As for constructive criticism, isn't it different for a newbie vs. someone that has been writing, playing, performing forever? The newbie would be thrilled with "great for a first try. Here is something you may want to consider." The more seasoned performer would be happier with something much more advanced.
...Deb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
I post songs and people can give me as much or as little feedback as they wish and, while I do appreciate tips on the mix, etc., once I post a song it usually is completed as far as I can take it. My recordings are basically the roughest of demos. I do not pretend to be a musician, vocalist, or production engineer. My main talent is writing lyrics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
David, Like HTL, I thought the User Showcase was/is meant for FINISHED songs.
I also thought this one would be used by songwriters wanting what you describe. I'd like to see this divided or stickied some way so all the helpful links posted wouldn't swamp those kinds of posts.
Josie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,469
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,469 |
Thanks Josie. I think you are right, and we should keep thinking about good ways to do all of this. In most of my in-person songwriting groups (or even Zoom groups) there is a real collegiate atmosphere and you are with people you respect and trust because you have heard THEIR songs. (The same applies with many friends I have made here, including you. I have heard you, so I know you know what you are talking about.) The only wild card with Internet forums is sometimes you will have crackpots flying in out of nowhere spouting all types of blowhard stuff, but you will never, ever hear a tune from them, so you have to just bite your tongue. But that is a fraction of the population. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism from true colleagues is invaluable. Blowhard remarks from psychos is hard to take, but we don't have much of that here, as I say. So, let's keep thinking!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,231 |
I rarely post a finished song until it's been in the Showcase forum, and elsewhere, so I've had some comments, suggestions and crits to mull over and experiment with.
I usually post a song when I've brought it to listenable stage.
I ask for comments and I try suggestions.
I'm looking for things my ears, skill level or biases don't give me: perspective, accuracy, a good ear.
Work In Progress was my initial thought too, Mark.
BUT to make that work I'd need to know certain ears are going to visit the page.
Knowing a person's work and recent interaction certainly helps sort the useful comment from the pleasant one before reading.
I enjoy the convivial, conversation, congratulatory pat IF the songs is at that stage.
I enjoy listening to the work of others and offering commentary that might improve a song posted by another forum member. That also ties in with my keenness to collaborate...learning/feedback/perspective etc.
I've also made the mistake of commenting on the track of a thin skin or someone who doesn't want any suggestions. (dcuny gently made aware of the forum's custom and practice...that those who want it will ask).
There are times when I'm REALLY confused...when a song is posted that is a decent idea but poorly executed or has some other problem like a voice that, like mine, travels through several key changes in a bar yet folk actually rave about it. Even if that poster has asked for feedback I'll hold off as I don't want to kill the thrill. It does leave me wondering about my ears, taste & doubting my sanity.
It's problematic, it's cultural and we need to do what our "druthers" would have us do in the forum as well if a cultural change were to be effected. I was taught, early on in my working life, that the way toward improvement often needs to served in a sandwich: praise - a staple to nourish the person, some sauce to add spice through a suggestion or through a constructive criticism and finish with something of solid substance - the daily bread but not so thinly sliced that it's transparent.
I certainly don't like mayonnaise on a sandwich.
Last edited by rayc; 09/06/21 06:47 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,061
Posts799,619
Members40,025
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean