If you are a song writer or a musician AI music will have a strong negative impact on your career! Ain't no ifs and or buts about it. It was only months ago I was uncertain about what this all ment but I now see the direction and capability and it scares me more than ever.
My take on this is yes it will get better and some people will use it over and over again. But eventually some kids will say enough is enough and start to learn and instrument and then start a band. Every time a style or genre of music gets popular young people will take a different route; think The Beatles over Elvis and the other early 60's singers, or grunge over the "hair bands". This happens many times in music's history.
I chuckled when he said "it OK to jam with something generated by AI". Hell I've been doing it for years using BiaB!
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
If you are a song writer or a musician AI music will have a strong negative impact on your career! Ain't no ifs and or buts about it. It was only months ago I was uncertain about what this all ment but I now see the direction and capability and it scares me more than ever.
It's called "progress" I guess! Similar thing happened to those who worked in the buggy whip factories. And the hot air balloon uber drivers. And the oil field workers. And so on. Right?
In fact, there is this software program I know of that replaces bass players, rhythm guitar players, drummers and even lead guitar players! What's next? Replacing banjo players and polka guys? Of yeah, it does that too!! All that without any AI! (Sometimes it seems a little light on the I too!)
The +++ Bob Doyle video +++ Tony1000 links to has a great tutorial about using Band-in-a-Box to provide backing tracks for existing songs. Well worth the view.
Beato's Beat Up supported by Dr Dan's Dire Divination? A.I. won't affect my career because I don't have one, I don't anticipate one, I don't want one & I'm not up to what's needed for one. I write & record songs for the same reason used to paint: I do it because I need to - as a form of release, expression, fun, engagement and, often, as a means of working with other people now that I'm not working. Beato's safe - well, until the boomer stars are dead but then again he can still "What's so great about...?" old songs and whine about the top ten to his hearts content. It's in Beato's interest to beat up an atonal apocalypse or diatonic duopoly because it's ace CLICK BAIT.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I get somewhat amused by this AI media obsession. I have video/photo apps that I’ve used for years and the latest updates have been branded AI by the companies. Folks seem to think it all started with ChatGPT. I suggest the abacus.
Bud
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 write & record songs for the same reason used to paint: I do it because I need to - as a form of release, expression, fun, engagement and, often, as a means of working with other people now that I'm not working. .......................................
Same here! That is what making music is all about but I will add regardless of how you do it.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I get somewhat amused by this AI media obsession. I have video/photo apps that I’ve used for years and the latest updates have been branded AI by the companies.
Excellent point. My photo software On One Photo Raw is now AI based.
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Folks seem to think it all started with ChatGPT. I suggest the abacus.
Bud
Excellent point!
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I do agree with Beato, we are at an inflection point and some people will lose their jobs. It's happened before when technology has experienced a step-change.
But I question if his kids could really tell that "Carolina-O" was AI-generated. But that doesn't matter. The vast majority of the listening public won't be able to tell and probably won't care either way.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
History has many occasions where new technology was going to take away people's jobs and, whilst that has happened, generally people get newer and different jobs. Technology can, and sometimes does, improve productivity. The trick is to work out how best to use the technology to one's own advantage.
That said, this looks at present a bit like AI taking the "good jobs" and leaving us with the tedious graft. I doubt long term that that will really be how it is, but it's hard to be sure.
The number of fundamental changes in technology just in my lifetime is quite staggering, but it never stopped me working and often made me more efficient. I hope AI can do the same. Conversely, I sincerely hope that it doesn't turn song production into bland, grey mush.
I'm also amused and encouraged by McDonald's pulling their AI ordering system due to some very silly errors.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
"Conversely, I sincerely hope that it doesn't turn song production into bland, grey mush."
Ugh, well, we are certainly in no danger of that. Because production HAS been bland grey mush for quite a while.
Now, it is just a question of how much more bland, grey and mushy it can be.
Perhaps AI can help us with that.
"Write me a crappy hit song for Spotify that sounds like Max Martin and a chipmunk about my bestie and my BFF and my last breakup with a tequila shot in there somewhere and post it to my Instagram channel."
The future looks bright.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
the charts illustrate an old yorkshire saying ... cream and also c**p rise to the top. sadly too much the latter these days. with ai no work sweat is needed to do songs....very sad.
it makes me wanna cry when i hear the talent on pg showcase that doesnt get exposure and end up on the charts. the prob with ai is a ton of junk is prolly gonna crowd out the talent.
yep bland is in...thanks to record companies useing marketing formulas...its all about the money.
happiness.
om. 🇨🇦🇨🇦. 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 06/22/2404:48 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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)
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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(Sometimes it seems a little light on the I too!)
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