If you use a flute, a piano, any other instrument(s) or even Band-in-a-Box to capture and present deep feelings that represent an "expression" of your soul, then I am eagerly waiting to hear. Yes, a tool is just a tool. It is the "soul" part that is most important.
I really have no idea what this means. I can't take it literally and I don't relate to the metaphor. All I know is that you think pre-1954 musicians FOR THE MOST PART had Beautiful Souls and present day musicians FOR THE MOST PART have souls like garbage dumps.
Here's a challenge.
Go back in time, if you can, to 1953. Literally, in a time machine.
Spend a year listening to everything that was coming out back then.
Condition: Your memories from 2021 are wiped when you go back, so you won't have a cheat sheet of what to listen to, where to find the good stuff. You won't remember any of it. You're just a 1953 guy listening to 1953 music, including all the crap that has by 2021 been relegated to the dustbin of musical history.
Then come back to 2021 and tell me 1953 was really so much better a year for music than 2020. Bet you won't!
Harsh? Is it any harsher than releases ending up in budget bin at Tower Records? The difference is the bin is much larger now because technology made 'music creation' more accessible to those who can't make it otherwise.
This started as a discussion and should by no means be an indictment. The bar should always be high.
Harsh? Is it any harsher than releases ending up in budget bin at Tower Records? The difference is the bin is much larger now because technology made 'music creation' more accessible to those who can't make it otherwise.
Can't say I know how to solve that equation.
The thing is, if technology expands the set of people making music, say, 100 times, you would certainly wind up with a lot more crap but you should also presumably wind up with a lot more good stuff. Maybe it's an ugly ratio, maybe you have 100x more crap and only 3x more goodness, but that's still more than you had before. Hypothetically speaking.
In any case, I was reacting to your comments about BIAB, which did seem pretty dismissive of it as a possible tool for serious music production.
If you use a flute, a piano, any other instrument(s) or even Band-in-a-Box to capture and present deep feelings that represent an "expression" of your soul, then I am eagerly waiting to hear. Yes, a tool is just a tool. It is the "soul" part that is most important.
I really have no idea what this means. I can't take it literally and I don't relate to the metaphor. All I know is that you think pre-1954 musicians FOR THE MOST PART had Beautiful Souls and present day musicians FOR THE MOST PART have souls like garbage dumps.
Here's a challenge.
Go back in time, if you can, to 1953. Literally, in a time machine.
Spend a year listening to everything that was coming out back then.
Condition: Your memories from 2021 are wiped when you go back, so you won't have a cheat sheet of what to listen to, where to find the good stuff. You won't remember any of it. You're just a 1953 guy listening to 1953 music, including all the crap that has by 2021 been relegated to the dustbin of musical history.
Then come back to 2021 and tell me 1953 was really so much better a year for music than 2020. Bet you won't!
Mark,
Again, this is not what I said. You are toying with my quote which you totally [*****] [this word is getting purged and it is not a curse word, oh well] the first time. You need to read a little more carefully.
I never said that ALL musicians from a certain day had beautiful souls, etc. etc.
I also never tied 1953 to that. It was a tongue-in-cheek comment in another point.
And I never said all musicians today have the soul of a garbage dump.
What I AM saying is that there was a time when I heard a lot of music that I felt on the level of my soul. It moved me.
And I am saying that MOST new stuff I hear coming out today sounds soul-less and robotic. TO ME. It just does.
I am not the only person who feels this way. But for the purpose of the discussion, that is not important. It is what I feel. Most new music today to me sounds canned, artificial, robotic and soul-less.
If you cannot understand that I am saying that, I can't help you. If you feel differently, then get out your credit card and buy it dude.
Over and out.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
You miss my point. Of course people will do what they want. Again, I was chiming in on the original post and its legitimate concern that those who made music prior to 15 years ago did so because they had some musical skill in which to do so. There was very little to hide behind and the crap was quickly identified as such and promptly placed in the budget rack at your local record store.
A good song is a good song regardless of how it was created.
Originally Posted By: GodTripped
BIAB and tools like it lend polish to the ill equipped save their mouse clicks and processing power, and to the point of the original post, the market is flush with dismissible works. The question to ask is, if you strip BIAB out of the equation will the song and the musicianship hold under its own weight? I boldly say no.
I think you have to be careful here. There are a number of excellent guitarists and vocalist here who's musicianship does hold up under its own weight.
I have said it before but I will say it again buying a music creation program does not make you a musician anymore then buying a paint program will make you an artist. If you are a musician or an artist then those programs will enhance your work.
YMMV
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
[quote=GodTripped] In any case, I was reacting to your comments about BIAB, which did seem pretty dismissive of it as a possible tool for serious music production.
It is important to be clear because nothing I said on this exchange suggested I was dismissive of BIAB - I am the one who identified it as a "tool" much like your garden variety DAW is. Where your perception is spot on is there is no way it serves in the category of 'serious music production'. For the record, I thought it might be, but as a guitarist there is no way you can rely on BIAB to play in the same manner you would do for obvious reasons (timing, strumming technique, dynamics, even proficiency). However, you can approximate, which again is fine for fleshing out a concept but it will never be you. Unless, of course, it is.
All of my comments have been presented on the backdrop that BAIB is indeed useful for framing out musical ideas. So much has been talked about on the subject of projecting the soul of one's music yet it stands to reason that the more an 'artist' relies on BIAB the less it reflects the signature of who you are.
The good news is the software is useful to all of us.
Thanks for the word of caution. I look in the mirror often and judge myself harshly on the musical front. My comment about stripping "BIAB out of the equation" doesn't target those who are excellent songwriters and musicians - only those who think they are because BIAB enabled them to think so.
Where your perception is spot on is there is no way it serves in the category of 'serious music production'. For the record, I thought it might be, but as a guitarist there is no way you can rely on BIAB to play in the same manner you would do for obvious reasons (timing, strumming technique, dynamics, even proficiency). However, you can approximate, which again is fine for fleshing out a concept but it will never be you.
I grant you, a guitarist who bought BIAB in the hopes of using it to make records while recovering from a broken wrist would probably be very frustrated.
Where your perception is spot on is there is no way it serves in the category of 'serious music production'. For the record, I thought it might be, but as a guitarist there is no way you can rely on BIAB to play in the same manner you would do for obvious reasons (timing, strumming technique, dynamics, even proficiency). However, you can approximate, which again is fine for fleshing out a concept but it will never be you.
I grant you, a guitarist who bought BIAB in the hopes of using it to make records while recovering from a broken wrist would probably be very frustrated.
***
This is for Mark and "God": I am so glad that God decided to join the forum by the way. I was wondering what was taking so long. Also God, it is great to meet you, and I was wondering what kind of trip you prefer. Is it shrooms? Are you a shrooms guy or a Ayahuasca guy? Or lady, sorry!
Anyway, by "serious" music production do we mean using some loops in Ableton and writing songs about our wet....hmmmmm....wet noses??? With Justin Bieber?? Would that be serious???
On the other aspects of Band-in-a-Box, has anyone here ever played a studio session??? I mean, actually??
Is it not apparent that aside from whatever guitar you are going to play yourself, and vocals you are going sing, piano you are going to play, violin, pan flute, whatever, that NO ONE (or few) is going to be able to tell that the bass, synth, or mandolin came from BIAB???
A backing track is a backing track.
It is what you DO with it.
Remember????? Writing songs and stuff.
Hello...hello...anyone out there???
Anybody tuning up????
Oh, and Mark, I remember you from that AOL chat room. That was some crazy a.... s.....you used to say, but I will never bring it up.
Promise.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Lyrics Welcome to cyberspace, I'm lost in the fog Everything's digital I'm still analog When something goes wrong I don't have a clue Some 10-year-old smart [*****] has to show me what to do Sign on with high speed you don't have to wait Sit there for days and vegetate I access my email, read all my spam, I'm an analog man.
The whole world's living in a digital dream It's not really there It's all on the screen Makes me forget who I am I'm an analog man
Yeah I'm an analog man in a digital world I'm gonna get me an analog girl Who loves me for what I am I'm an analog man
What's wrong with vinyl, I think it sounds great LPs, 45s, 78s but that's just the way I am I'm an analog man
Turn on the tube, watch until dawn One hundred channels, nothing is on Endless commercials, endless commercials, endless commercials
The whole world's glued to the cable TV It looks so real on the big LCD Murder and violence are rated PG, too bad for the children They are what they see
The whole world's living in a digital dream It's not really there It's all on the screen Makes me forget who I am I'm an analog man
Yeah I'm an analog man in a digital world I'm gonna get me an analog girl Who loves me for what I am I'm an analog man
has anyone here ever played a studio session??? I mean, actually??
Guilty. Too many to count over the decades.
Why?
Quote:
…Is it not apparent that aside from whatever guitar you are going to play yourself, and vocals you are going sing, piano you are going to play, violin, pan flute, whatever, that NO ONE (or few) is going to be able to tell that the bass, synth, or mandolin came from BIAB???
Basses always give away that one is using BIAB. There are tricks to humanizing them but I have yet to find the miracle that makes then natural.
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
I can think of one horn guy, Matt somebody, I think he has played a studio session once or twice...lol There is a couple of Bob guys, B3 and Sax, they have been known to lurk around a few studios...lol
I am surprised we have not had a hundred "me too" on the studio list.
Does Sugar Hill count? Or Blacktop studio in Slidell Louisiana?
If I went there in a Studebaker does that disqualify me?
No vinyl but two-inch tape...lol $168 dollars a roll if I remember right.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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)
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