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I dig the upbeat instrumentation and the positive vibe of the lyrics, with the optimism of the down but not out persona. Good, catchy write that keeps playing in my head.
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Solid song, as usual. Excellent vocals and guitar, and good write. Catchy and upbeat, works with the lyric. I knew the slowdown was coming, but it still took me by surprise.  Thanks, David. Marty,
I'm amazed at how easily this kind of subject matter can be turned into a song.
It's not something that anyone can do.
I think your vocals are also very appropriate.
The tempo changes are also done well.
Dave's guitar also hits the spot.
The video is also great.
Enjoyed my listen and watch a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi Thank you, Shigeki. I've been listening to your lovely new album, and this is one of the more cheerful songs on it, musically and melodically, so it's quite suprising that the message is not that cheery. But it's the hope that shines brightly and you and Dave have made it work perfectly. The chorus is very catchy sing-along one. The slowdown is very creative idea, to give the listener a chance to hear also the darker side of the situation (and I like the bass sound there). The band, the mix, the vocals, harmonies - everything clicks into a perfect shuffle.
Janne Thanks, Janne. Yeah, the message only gets cheery when someone responds to the request for help. You're right, too, the darker side has so much more to talk about, but nothing to sing about. Wait...what? You actually listened to the album, Janne. Wow, thank you. I was wondering who the other one was. As Floyd mentioned the juxtaposition of narrative and vibe is, initially, contradictory but eight seconds in the point that this is a song of hope rather than hopelessness makes itself clear.
fabulous bass n guitar parts.
There were one or two spots where the vocal at the start of a line was lower than the rest.
I really enjoyed the song, the message & the vibe. Thanks so much, Ray. Yeah, you know I really don't know what I'm doing in this DAW atmosphere, but, thanks to folks like you, I'm learning. Whenever I "cut up" the vocal track to remove some unwanted "sighs & stuff," I still sometimes overdo the fade ins.
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As I commented on YT, A really worthy song on a crucial subject..
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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Cool song.
Pertinent topic. I've never been homeless but I've been close. It's not a good thing. You might recall my friend and former band mate Danny. He was homeless for a while. He managed to scrape up the money to buy an old sailboat that barely floated. That was his home for several years without heat. In his last year he was living in a shed in his sister's backyard. It's a tough life when you are down to the bottom.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Your song reminds us of the Churchill quote we keep on the frig: “We make a living by what we get. . . We make a life by what we give.”
This is a perfect song for the Christmas season and a sweet reminder of the Golden Rule.
You and Dave sound great and the BiaB guys fit right in.
That’s a good video also, especially showing the comfort from the dogs!
Merry Christmas!
J&B
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
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I dig the upbeat instrumentation and the positive vibe of the lyrics, with the optimism of the down but not out persona. Good, catchy write that keeps playing in my head. Thanks, Scott. You got it: "down but not out persona." As I commented on YT, A really worthy song on a crucial subject.. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment, Chay. Much appreciated. Cool song.
Pertinent topic. I've never been homeless but I've been close. It's not a good thing. You might recall my friend and former band mate Danny. He was homeless for a while. He managed to scrape up the money to buy an old sailboat that barely floated. That was his home for several years without heat. In his last year he was living in a shed in his sister's backyard. It's a tough life when you are down to the bottom. Thanks, Herb. That was tough for Danny. Still, it sounds like he had some happy moments. Your song reminds us of the Churchill quote we keep on the frig: “We make a living by what we get. . . We make a life by what we give.”
This is a perfect song for the Christmas season and a sweet reminder of the Golden Rule.
You and Dave sound great and the BiaB guys fit right in.
That’s a good video also, especially showing the comfort from the dogs!
Merry Christmas!
J&B Great saying, J&B --and Winny. That's so much better than many of the other quotes he needed to say. Yeah, I was happy finding that video with the dog. Many homeless folks (especialy as a group) adopt stray dogs. They make each other happy.
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I had forgotten all about this one. Good song about an important subject, well done my friend.
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Hi Marty,
This is the second time I listen to your 'cheerful' song. First on YouTube now SoundCloud.
It feels the same (no, that's silly humourrrr).
I love how you keep that cheerful sound, even when the tempo goes down in the break and then comes back again.
Clever done!
And Dave did a very good job on this one, although he seems forgotten he did that (look at the post above mine).
He and you are some 'song machines'. The tempo in which you make them is amazing. And they're al very good!
Hans
maybe our song can get a new boost?
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Hey Marty and Dave, Cool song! You manage to have kind of a "rock around the clock" type perkiness in the song to a subject matter lyric that is a little more sad, so that makes it very interesting. It is also genuinely touching, and speaks to the unbreakable human spirit. Nice work! Everyone seems to be expressing these old troubled times we live in, but in different ways and genres. In contrast to everyone else, I am too shallow I suppose. All I want to be is a Swiftie. Ok that is stretching it.... Happy Holidays!
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I had forgotten all about this one. Good song about an important subject, well done my friend. Thanks, Dave. We have a bunch more done that you've likely forgotten, and a bunch more you haven't heard yet but are waiting for you. Hi Marty,
This is the second time I listen to your 'cheerful' song. First on YouTube now SoundCloud.
It feels the same (no, that's silly humourrrr).
I love how you keep that cheerful sound, even when the tempo goes down in the break and then comes back again.
Clever done!
And Dave did a very good job on this one, although he seems forgotten he did that (look at the post above mine).
He and you are some 'song machines'. The tempo in which you make them is amazing. And they're al very good!
Hans
maybe our song can get a new boost? Hello, Hans! Yep, our song is still on deck (a baseball term  ) It hasn't struck out yet, and it's sure to get a hit (more baseball stuff). You've heard and commented on this song on YT, too, and I appreciate all of your comments and friendship. Hey Marty and Dave, Cool song! You manage to have kind of a "rock around the clock" type perkiness in the song to a subject matter lyric that is a little more sad, so that makes it very interesting. It is also genuinely touching, and speaks to the unbreakable human spirit. Nice work! Everyone seems to be expressing these old troubled times we live in, but in different ways and genres. In contrast to everyone else, I am too shallow I suppose. All I want to be is a Swiftie. Ok that is stretching it.... Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays to you, too, David. Nice catch on the unbreakable human spirit. And, yep, they often have to move at a rock-around-the-clock pace. HEY!! Swiftie's are not shallow. That's just gaga.
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Hi Marty,
You've done a great job writing this song. Homelessness is and all the helplessness that comes with it is an immensely important subject that all too often gets swept under the carpet. I have a theory that the increasing homelessness we're seeing all around the world today is a measure of the success Capitalism. We're in a world that abounds with greed.
I love your and Dave's performances. Both of you should seriously think about creating some Usertracks! I've been investigating them and working out the best way to get the most effective tracks. After the hoohar of Christmas has died down, I'll get my thoughts down in a forum post.
This was an enjoyable listen and highly thought-provoking.
I wish you a Happy Christmas and beyond.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Loved this tune Marty. Excellent vocal and lyric. Backtrack had a very cool groove. Daves guitar work was excellent as well. Bass lines gave the song such a cool feel..
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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!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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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):
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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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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.
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- 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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
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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)!
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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