That reminds me of the time in 1991 when we played an event for recovering alcoholics and we started drinking beer at 1pm during setup. By the time we started at 8 we were HAMMERED!!!
That didn't go over well.
At all.
That was probably a collective bad decision as I look back on it now...
There is more than one way to do this. What's right for one isn't necessarily right for the other.
Unlike Eddie, I actually enjoy playing Mustang Sally and the others.
To me, simple songs are like potato chips or Cheetos, junk food for the ears. Not a lot of nutritional value, but a lot of fun to play.
I enjoy nutritious 'art songs' too, and play some of those as well.
I enjoy playing WITH the audience. It's a dialog, it's give and take, and they enjoy what I do, even when I add something for myself. I'm rewarded with love from the audience and enough money to meet my needs.
I don't consider entertaining a sell-out. Other's do. To me, the ultimate sell-out is to take a day job, so I can play 'art music' one day a week for drinks and tips or very low wages. Other's disagree, but that makes us both right.
I had two 'day jobs' in my life while testing what it was to be normal, and to me a bad day at playing music is better than a good day at any other job I can think of.
And I don't agree that the average audience would like whatever you played, as long as you do it well. If I decided to play a set consisting of "Four", "Moonlight Sonata", "Marzy Dotes", "Camptown Races", "Brandenburg Concerto", "Bemsha Swing", and "Night In Tunisia" 90% of the people in the USA wouldn't like it. None of these are considered pop music to me.
During one of my day jobs, I played Sunday afternoons in a jazz band. The guitarist taught at the University of Miami and was in Ira Sullivan's group for a while. Real heavyweights in the industry came to sit in with us because they knew him well. I enjoyed that gig.
For a few years, I played in a top40 band, and ended up being the opening act for top stars of the day. Enjoyed that one too. Plus, I've gigged in a blues band, Salsa band, punk band, sonic-wallpaper band, disco band, psychedelic acid-rock band, show band, symphonic band, and an oldies band. I enjoyed them all.
I just like playing music, and I like entertaining an audience. It's the most fun I can have with my clothes on. YMMV
That reminds me of the time in 1991 when we played an event for recovering alcoholics and we started drinking beer at 1pm during setup. By the time we started at 8 we were HAMMERED!!!
That didn't go over well.
At all.
That was probably a collective bad decision as I look back on it now...
Years ago, an agent booked us for a New Year's Eve party at an Alcoholics Anonymous club. I discovered it was A.A. when we got there to set up our gear. I told the guy who let us in, "You know, you took away our competitive edge!" He laughed a bit, grinned a lot, and I knew it was going to be OK.
They had coffee, doughnuts, soft drinks, finger food, and people from all classes of society were there, from the poor to the well-heeled. Inside A.A. they all got along despite their class differences because they had one major thing in common.
We had a great time at the gig, and I felt a little safer driving home that night.
And I don't agree that the average audience would like whatever you played, as long as you do it well. If I decided to play a set consisting of "Four", "Moonlight Sonata", "Marzy Dotes", "Camptown Races", "Brandenburg Concerto", "Bemsha Swing", and "Night In Tunisia" 90% of the people in the USA wouldn't like it. None of these are considered pop music to me.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
I would LOVE to hear that set and anyone who could accomplish it. The Brandenburg is the killer. But that’s just me.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
There is more than one way to do this. What's right for one isn't necessarily right for the other.
Unlike Eddie, I actually enjoy playing Mustang Sally and the others.
To me, simple songs are like potato chips or Cheetos, junk food for the ears. Not a lot of nutritional value, but a lot of fun to play.
I enjoy nutritious 'art songs' too, and play some of those as well.
I enjoy playing WITH the audience. It's a dialog, it's give and take, and they enjoy what I do, even when I add something for myself. I'm rewarded with love from the audience and enough money to meet my needs.
I don't consider entertaining a sell-out. Other's do. To me, the ultimate sell-out is to take a day job, so I can play 'art music' one day a week for drinks and tips or very low wages. Other's disagree, but that makes us both right.
...................................... Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Unlike you I was a weekend warrior for years playing in wedding bands. Other guitarists called me a sell-out but I just laughed all the way to the bank.
Like you we interacted with the audience and played what they wanted to hear and not necessarily what we liked to play. The plus side of this is that we had more gigs then we wanted and had to turn down many gigs because we were already booked.
During the down times, all in the winter months, we played at VFWs, American Legions, etc. Again we were booked year after year.
The bottom line is that you have to decide what you want to play and not criticize people who take a different path.
YMMV
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
SIMON! That was spectacular. I'd call it stripped down metal, maybe. It has the 'elements' even when it was quiet..the jagged rhythm, dissonance, and all that.
It's just that they were out of costume (except the drummer, but only when he was shirtless). They look like the next six or so hipsters through the doors at Starbucks. How can they be metal without the costumes?
But that singer! Lord-a-mercy. Those are probably the best vocals I've heard in a long, long, long ever.
Glad you liked it! Your reaction is spot-on - Einar's vocals are absolutely out of this world.
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
On topic: Pop is like [*****]. I have a hard time defining it, but I know it when I (see) hear it. I've always liked the majority of what made it to radio, as long as it doesn't wear out its welcome.
I agree. I think we all get tired of whatever we hear too much of - for example listening to Kiss a few times is fun, but a hundred thousand times might get a bit old.
Originally Posted By: eddie1261
I will play what I want to play, and I am going to have a band that plays it SO WELL that they will have no choice but to adore us for what they are hearing. And it will include about 20% of my own writings.
Drivers really loved the Corvette and the Firebird. Should every car maker have tiptoed down the party line and make one of what every other car maker is already doing, or is there something to be said for being unique?
Valid point. Don't get me wrong here, those are two beautiful cars, and one could argue that they are universally accepted as the pinnacle of automotive design, but having driven more than my fair share of Firebirds and their Camaro siblings I can confidently say I would never want to own one.
Same goes for music. Having listened to my fair share of country, hip hop, blues, top 40, and other genres I don't typically listen to, I can confidently say that I would likely be bored at a gig that focused on these genres. You could put me at the front row of a Beatles concert and I would probably get bored and walk out, much like how most of you would walk out of a Meshuggah concert.
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
It's not your choice what you can sing in certain venues.
Especially if you're getting paid.
Originally Posted By: Notes Norton
I don't consider entertaining a sell-out. Other's do. To me, the ultimate sell-out is to take a day job, so I can play 'art music' one day a week for drinks and tips or very low wages. Other's disagree, but that makes us both right.
Much how I don't consider working here at PG a sell-out. I could try and start my own music studio, which would likely end up a very expensive exercise in futility, but I'm happy receiving a regular paycheque while still working a job that allows me to be musical and creative. Not to mention I share an office with a very expensive grand piano that I get to play regularly...
I would LOVE to hear that set and anyone who could accomplish it. The Brandenburg is the killer. But that’s just me.
The third movement of Moonlight Sonata might come a close second!
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Having driven more than my fair share of Firebirds and their Camaro siblings I can confidently say I would never want to own one.
Darn Simon, I had you in my will to get my Camaro. I guess I'll have to find someone else to give it to when I pass......
Haha I meant Camaro's are the best car ever and I've always wanted one of my own hahaha
*edit* Realistically, most of the Camaro's I've driven were 80's models that were very well worn - one had been extensively modified, but not very well (a rear-end swap that totally messed up the gear ratios). The Firebirds I've driven were all similar, save for my dad's '99 Firebird Formula, which in my opinion was just not as fun to drive as my old '94 Mustang V6, my '91 Probe, or my '99 Cougar.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 09/23/2111:30 AM.
Yeah, I wasn't a big fan of the mid 80s - 90s Firebird/Camaros that were a little smaller. The big late 70s - early 80s were much better. My Dad had a couple late 70s TransAms that were awesome to drive. All the electronics and tech features in them today make them very fun plus the retro body style. I really like to play Pop Music!!! There, back on topic....
nice car sslecta. lol...camaros/firebirds/corvettes etc common as cheese. get a real mans car lmao... as i mention in my song coastal highway in the pg user showcase.. A CATERHAM (links/pics on you tube in the showcase).
all the women i know lol...say real men choose the caterham option to build your own.
lol...if you get a caterham, all you american guys. note >> englands women like american guys accents and also flash sports cars. i should know cos when i lived in uk , i would pretend to be american by hanging around with some american buds...lol...thats how i got dates. so i went to america where the american women like english blokes. opposites attract lol
ps love eddies bobble pic. happiness to all om ps i once owned a wreck of a 79 firebird with a special engine if i remember forgotten engine model. wish i had kept it now and refurbed it. 289 ?
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/23/2112:16 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
You guys need to come to visit me so you can see both cars and guitars!
.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Come on down Simon. I have a 200-watt metal amp from hell I custom-built just for you to play through. But better bring a helper because the Mercury Magnetics transformers tip the scale at around forty pounds.
Oh, and just in case you don't like the Ferrari you can take the Countach for a spin...lol
Billy
Last edited by Planobilly; 09/23/2112:47 PM.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Head to Rick Beato’s YouTube channel as he goes through a recent list of the most paid for downloads on iTunes. Not streaming, but what people are paying for the right to listen to particular songs at will
The closest thing I had to a Ferrari was a Fiat 128 Spider. Its name was "Freddy" (the only car I ever had with a male name). Body by Pininfarina, tuned exhausts, red, convertible, 2 seater, it was fast, and it hugged the road.
The speedometer went to 140 mph (225 km/h), but I never took it over 135 (217) because the tach yellow-lined there.
I got a ticket for going 95mph on I-95 once.
That car cost me a lot of money in fines.
But it was a lot of fun.
When I went from carrying two saxophones and a flute to the gig, to carrying a complete PA to the gig, I had to get something bigger. So it was "Arrivederci, Freddy."
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Norton Music
.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean