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 StudioCat DAW dual screen 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.
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.
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).
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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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Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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