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Songwriting
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Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jul 2022
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I write songs exactly like Paul does, but he is _slightly_ (ahem) more successful with that than I am.
But in general, I think it's a pretty good approach to let the song guide where it wants to go.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
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Paul's ongoing revelations about nothing in particular, what he likes, what he thinks etc. suggest a very symbiotic relationship with the media: they need to keeps the Boomers happy and he needs relevance assurance. He was in a great band. In that band he wrote some truly appalling songs and pushed them down the road toward the mawkish & the music hall. John wrote some drivel too. Paul's solo career was based on the road he'd started along in the Beatles. John started of strongly but he ended it writing the mawkish domestic stuff Paul would've been jealous of.
Did Paul write intuitively? I would assume, like most songwriters, he did often enough, early enough but there's plenty of evidence to the contrary as well. In the end he seems to be, subsonically, singing the chorus of "Love Me Do" in every interview.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Re: Paul McCartney: ...He was in a great band. In that band he wrote some truly appalling songs and pushed them down the road toward the mawkish & the music hall...[/ . I've witnessed similar kind of song talent comparisons here also, especially with some of the much more local content. I guess I'm comparing Paul's success with other successes that are occasionally provided locally. I doubt that the jury is still deliberating.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,279
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Re: Paul McCartney: I'm comparing Paul's success ... Yet,"success", whatever data point or criterion you may base it upon, isn't germane to this discussion. A "jury" is any two people discussing the matter. DC is a kind and forgiving fellow and he does point to a stellar pair of albums that, if they were the sum total of Sir Pyawl's output, would declare my assessments redundantb BUT the topic was "intuitive" writing - clear evidence that both L & M did otherwise is "out there" and the great revisionist's personal "stay back" behaviour at Abbey Road also suggests a much more calculating and fine detail focused writer. That's not to say that you don't have a point, but more to suggest that point is, within the circumstances, pointless.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,494
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Hmmmmmm. I can't say that I truly understand some of the naysayer comments here about Paul McCartney's insights or his process.
I myself have a complete regurgitatory response to songs that sound like they came out of a songwriting workshop, or are too formulaic. I can't bear to listen to them.
On the other hand, Paul McCartney has written hundreds of songs that seem like they just came out of nowhere, but took flight on magical wings. It's just incredibly obvious that these songs were intuitive and summoned up by magic. Lady Madonna is but one example. It's just an absolutely phenomenal piece of intuitive genius from beginning to end.
So I really like this article myself and I found myself resonating with it on many levels. I've never been one to pay much attention to songwriting feedback or songwriting manuals or songwriting theories myself. They just bore the living hell out of me. I would rather be writing music with my eyes closed.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,192
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Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,192 |
Firsty, let me say I am one of those that finds Macca's songs sublime. (I even find songs like 'Why can't we do it in the road' an interesting diversion.) I can say this because I like styles of music with very strong melodies and chord progressions that move outside of the diatonic - something The Beatles were inherently brilliant at. It's a generalisation, but today's I - V - vi - IV production formula is the antithesis of this. Melody has been forsaken for rhythmic, arranged production. The brilliant contemporary music is hidden and not often on the mainstream. To some extent, my Brit background and age provide a fertile bed for The Beatles' music to be planted in. However, I wonder how much my favouring of their style of music allows me to exalt their songwriting to a level well above others? e.g. as a contrary, I am not a country music fan, so no matter how brilliant Garth Brooks is, I am never going to regard him highly. (Don't crucify me  ) In reverse, I am sure this might be the case for a Garth Brooks fan as well. This is not discounting that McCartney (or Garth Brooks) has wide appeal. Clearly, The Beatles were writing and recording at a time of extraordinary change in modern music and rode that wave all the way to the shore. While Lennon, McCartney and Harrison wrote some excellent songs post The Beatles, I can't quite say they hit the same high-water mark IMHO, but there are some good ones: Maybe I'm amazed; New; Every night; This never happened before. I wonder how much the cross-inspiration (competition?) between them drove them on. I have created some post-Beatles playlists combining the best of McCartney/Lennon/Harrison/Starr for each year from 1970 to 1980, and they still don't seem to match The Beatles' repertoire - at least from Rubber Soul onwards. There would be nothing more *potentially* restrictive to a songwriter than the idea of a series of 'tools', techniques or tips. 'I'll just pull this songwriting screwdriver out of my bag.' However, there are many tutorials that describe the vast array of songwriting tips and maybe the vastness of the array means one doesn't over-rely on a narrow few, or the tool itself become sthe inspiration. I also understand why Sir Paul would want to stay away from a formulaic process. It could ruin the magic. I think all songwriters stand on the shoulders of giants - meaning we are all building upon / being inspired by someone or something we have heard before. This is why I use BIAB - the many styles immediately take me out of my comfort zone to think of something I would never have. In one way, and understanding a little about Paul McCartney's upbringing and being immersed with Lennon and others from a young age, I can see how he may have been marinated in a very creative soup. As a tangent, has anyone seen any analysis of songs Macca didn't write, but his talents brought those songs to perfection? e.g. I am thinking of his bass work on 'Something' or 'Hey bulldog'; his vocal harmony on 'Every little thing', 'Wait' or 'While my guitar gently weeps'.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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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):
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.
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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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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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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.
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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!
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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