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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
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 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, 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; 09/23/2112:30 PM.
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; 09/23/2101:16 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; 09/23/2101:47 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."
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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