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 12, 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 12, 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
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 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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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.
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
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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)
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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!
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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.
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!
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