I've always loved traditional Asian music, particularly Japanese and Chinese. To me, it always sounds very emotional. So, I thought I'd try out BIAB's new Chinese RTs, and this is what I came up with. I tried to keep it as true as possible to the traditional style, with just the few instrument choices available. I did use a barely audible drum track from BIAB. The Dream.STY was the closest style I could find for a starting point. I removed everything, other than the drum track and bass line, and replaced the removed tracks with the ones annotated below.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoy this style. BIAB opens so many musical doors that I would never have thought to compose in. Is this marvelous software - or what? I voter for marvelous.
The Lotus is a floating flower that's held in special esteem in China, particularly in Southeast China. They believe it holds the secrets to rebirth and aspiration.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Alan
File:Longing For The Lotus.SGU
Key=C , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=2:58
Style is _DREAMT.STY (Dreamt Country Folk Ballad)
RealTracks in style: 3121:Bass, Acoustic, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 4567:Dizi Flute, Background CalmingMelodic ev 065 RealTracks in song: 4566:Guzheng, Background CalmingMelodic ev16 065 RealTracks in song: 4381:Erhu, Background SimplePentatonic Ev 060 MIDI SuperTracks in song: 4688:Synth, Pad, SynthmasterDistantGalaxy RealDrums in style:NashvilleBrushesBalladPushEv16: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes Taiko drum (the very deep sound at the beginning of most measures) is part of the Synthmaster Distant Galaxy Pad
Alan, this sounds VERY cool! I know nothing about this style of Asian music except that I like it. Am looking forward to exploring these and other new world RealTracks when 2024 arrives...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Beautiful, contemplative and mysterious... A really superb piece of music. Love this blend of tracks.
This mix is great - everything has it's space and works perfectly together.
Excellent!
Bob
Hi Bob,
Thank you very much! In my opinion, many of the Asian slower songs have somewhat of a mysterious sound. And I love it! I'm delighted you enjoyerd your listen.
Alan, this sounds VERY cool! I know nothing about this style of Asian music except that I like it. Am looking forward to exploring these and other new world RealTracks when 2024 arrives...
HI Ron,
Thanks for dropping in for a listen. I've been exposed to a fair amount of Asian music. But I I didn't have any technical knowledge about it. I just knew that it appealed to me.
Before I wrote this one, and another one I'll post later, I did 6 or 8 hours of research and actually learned a little bit about it. It's usually in the pentatonic scale. Interestingly, I learned that Asian music typically has no chord pattern as chords aren't acknowledged - just wherever the song melody leads, irrespective of linear pattern. That's not true of most modern Asian music but holds true for nearly 100& of traditional music.
If you've not listened to them, you might want to check out The Waggaki Band from Japan. They take traditional Japanese music - and poems - and give them a modern treatment, usually a Jazz-Rock makeover. They're a great band, in my opinion. If interested, here are a couple of links to their music:
Alan!! I'm freaking out. Seems Soundcloud is done --get a 502 error. I'll be back. Couldn't find it on your website either. I'm intriqgues by the title and the comments.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
Always cool to see folks doing new stuff. Sounds to these Western ears that you did a good job with the new instruments.
The Erhu becomes tiring to me ear after a while. But that might be because it's not a sound or style that I would listen to. (I actually have 2 Erhus that my wife carried back from a trip to China - decades ago. They hang on my wall. I've never even Tried to play them. I had to look up the instruments in your list to even know they were called that)
Mix is good. Of course. And, as always, your instrumental has good structure.
Okay...let's see you use all those new Metal tracks for an instrumental!
Alan!! I'm freaking out. Seems Soundcloud is done --get a 502 error. I'll be back. Couldn't find it on your website either. I'm intriqgues by the title and the comments.
HI Marty,
I just clicked the link, and it took me to the song. If you would, please try again and let me know what happens.
Also, I should be done with your book in the next few days. I've been slow reading it, but it won't be long until the last chapter.
As a teenager most figured I'm just the weird kid because i had albums like this. Well, okay, those albums weren't as good as this, but it was all that was available before the stoner age. I found it the best style to tell a story, and you've written a very intriguing story with this one, Alan. Man, this is such a delight. I didn't notice this style in Biab, but you are absoluetly right about how much fun it is to compose so easily in so many different music rooms with this program. I'll use the word ineffable when describing the BiaB experience.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
Always cool to see folks doing new stuff. Sounds to these Western ears that you did a good job with the new instruments.
The Erhu becomes tiring to me ear after a while. But that might be because it's not a sound or style that I would listen to. (I actually have 2 Erhus that my wife carried back from a trip to China - decades ago. They hang on my wall. I've never even Tried to play them. I had to look up the instruments in your list to even know they were called that)
Mix is good. Of course. And, as always, your instrumental has good structure.
Okay...let's see you use all those new Metal tracks for an instrumental!
fj
HI Floyd,
Well, as I said, it's not everyone's cup of tea! But i appreciate you listening anyway and the nice comments.
You have 2 Erhus? I don't think I've ever heard someone say that before!
The only place I've been to in China is Hong Kong - when the British still administered it. I wouldn't mind visiting the interior sometime. I'd better hurry, though - I'm getting pretty old!
The new metal tracks, huh? I'll take that as a challenge. It's not a favored genre for me, but I'll work on it and see what happens.
As a teenager most figured I'm just the weird kid because i had albums like this. Well, okay, those albums weren't as good as this, but it was all that was available before the stoner age. I found it the best style to tell a story, and you've written a very intriguing story with this one, Alan. Man, this is such a delight. I didn't notice this style in Biab, but you are absoluetly right about how much fun it is to compose so easily in so many different music rooms with this program. I'll use the word ineffable when describing the BiaB experience.
Hey Marty,
Thanks for the 2nd effort - glad it worked this time!
You are much too kind with your words, and I appreciate it very much! And yes,most traditional asian music is based on folklore, handed-down stories, centuries-old poems, etc - all of which have a story.
And yeah - BIAB is pretty coll!
Many thanks, my friend. I wish you everything good.
This is excellent listening. Really excellent. I love what you've created. Right now, I'm sitting here thinking about how it's so inspiring to be presented new ideas like these ones of yours. Thank you for those video clips, too Over the last few years, I've watched many Chinese drama series and I love the music. The pentatonic scale has a distinctly oriental flavour. Especially when when used in it's minor form. As the video below shows, it's easy to hear a pentatonic scale because it sounds quite unique. You've inspired me to try my hand at using it.
I thought you might like having a listen to the music below. It has both classical and modern elements (in vocals and instruments) and is distinctly Chinese.
Thank you so much for those encouraging and thoughtful comments. Your comments always give me additional inspiration to keep on going with my music creation. The music keeps me going when the going isn't all that smooth. For that, I'll always be grateful.
I don't know many of the technical aspects of music creation. I have a good ability to make things work - at least I think I do - without knowing all the hows and whys. I just indigenously know they work. I don't appreciably read or write notation. When I go over to the other forums in which the technical aspects of the music arena is under discussion, I am almost always completely lost - literally have no idea what is being written about. I guess I find enough satisfaction in my efforts because of something my grandfather once told me: I rather be able to do and not be able to explain it than to be able to explain without being able to do it.
I listened to and watched the link you provided. That was pretty awesome for me! the vocalist had such a pure voice. And the melding of the old and new was perfectly executed. I have already created another tune using those same instruments as i used with this one - but with relatively full orchestration' I'll be posting it in a week or two. If interested, here's a preview:
Of course, "Longing for the Lotus" has a drug meaning, as the blue lotus has mind altering effects, and the Homer's lotus eaters were in a "state of dreamy forgetfulness and idleness as a result of eating the fruit of the lotus plant."
Great venture into what is assuredly for us the unknown!
So many adjectives ... moody, sublime, mysterious, contemplative and more.
Nicely mixed and an adventure for you and your listeners.
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 are here on our website.
I have already created another tune using those same instruments as i used with this one - but with relatively full orchestration' I'll be posting it in a week or two. If interested, here's a preview:
My gosh, Alan. "Whispering Asia" is beautiful. It's really well-crafted and was the perfect start to my Sunday here in Australia. You've got quite a knack for using these instruments.
I don't know if it interests you, but I recently posted a video clip of a medley from the Phantom Of The Opera that uses classical Chinese instruments (with a hint of western orchestral backing here and there). If you are feeling adventurous and would like to listen to it, the link to the "Best of Youtube" post here on the PG Forums is below...
Fantastic!!!! Sounds like a movie score!!! The solo track is panned left. I think it could be center, a bit quieter and a bit wetter.....just a thought. The composition is gorgeous!!! Take care. Greg
Always pleasure to hear that there are new BIAB world instruments and how they are used in your capable hands. Mesmerising mood, a very good counterweight to contemporary pop songs. This and your another one Whispering Asia are great introduction to these RTs and I hope to hear more this kind of songs from you and other forum members, hopefully inspiring also myself (although I probably wouldn't/couldn't use those RTs in a traditional way like you have excelled).
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:
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-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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!
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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.
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