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Soundcloud: Tongue-tied
YouTube: Tongue-tied

DEVELOPMENT
I wrote this in 2017 on guitar, which isn’t unusual in itself, but I probably do most of my song development in Band-in-a-Box, then sing and play it on guitar to ensure its ‘singability’. My recollection is that I was inspired by 'The Hard Way' by Thirsty Merc and the chord extensions they used in that song. While the songs are completely different, it motivated me to write this song. The title ‘Tongue-tied’ came to me while I was working out the chords and melody and I kept it as I felt it was going to be a useful concept for writing the lyrics. Once I had the melody, I put the chords into BIAB and chose a style. Here is the BIAB file rendered to mp3. Soundcloud: Original BIAB MGU
Regarding the lyrics, some of them can best be described as ‘oblique’ – meaning they only have a thin connection to the theme. In fact, just last week, I was still wondering if I should try and replace some of these lines, so in order to avoid effort, I asked Copilot AI what it saw as the connection between these lines and the main song concept. It responded 


“Your lyrics are rich with poetic imagery and emotional nuance, and the oblique lines you’ve marked beautifully reinforce the central theme of being “tongue-tied”—emotionally overwhelmed, inarticulate, or hesitant in moments that demand vulnerability or clarity.”
Thank you AI, you sycophantic devil, you! Copilot’s full interpretation of each line is included in the attachment.

I made a partial recording in 2018 after completing the lyrics, then in 2022, recorded my bass, rhythm guitars and added layers of vocals - probably too many layers. My vocals were a bit flaky, so I always intended to come back to them. In this 2025 remix, I add piano, smarten up the mixing of the vocals and add a guitar solo outro. The guitar solo is the sort – pinching one of my own phrases – ‘Rhythm guitarist decides to have a crack at lead guitar and lead guitarist shakes his head’. I decided to make the intro vocals acapella (I think that's what it's called) – also influenced by another Thirsty Merc song ‘My Completeness’, which IMHO is an absolute banger.

BIAB SUMMARY
While there is not much left of the BIAB band apart from the drums, I have included a link (above) to Soundcloud where you can hear my original chords and melody in the BIAB MGU file.
Style is _RCKWLZM.STY (Rock Waltz w/ Muted Electric Gui)
RealTracks in style: 778:Bass, Acoustic, PopWaltz Ev 085 (B:energetic)
RealTracks in style: 861:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockWaltzSustainHeld Ev 140
RealTracks in style: 858:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockWaltzMutedSteady Ev 140
RealTracks in style: 856:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm RockWaltzStrumming Ev 140
RealDrums in Song:PopRockWaltzBrushesEv: a: Brushes b: PopRockWaltzBrushesEv
M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKV using Spitfire Audio LABS Autograph Grand instrument
SE X1 Condenser mic
2 x lead vocal tracks
9 x BV tracks
Recorded and mixed in Reaper.
On the first recording, I had used ReaTune to manually pitch correct all BV tracks (yes, it took ages!) but took it all off in the final render as it did nothing.

LYRICS
INTRO

VERSE 1
There’s some things unsaid, so it goes
It’s a quiet wind that runs between the trees
When one ship passes by, one cloud in the sky
Always moving, always changing but never alone

VERSE 2
The stream – down from the mountain it flows
There’s joy in friendship - everyone agrees
When the players play as one and the marathon is run
Together, lonely never, free and found

PRE-CHORUS 1
Though I want to say it loud
My throat is gagged and bound
Can I ever? Will I never? Will I freeze?

CHORUS 1
I don’t know what to say, I’m lost, yes I’m tongue-tied
I know it’s only words they’re the only words I know
You say you never hear me say – my heart’s so hard to find a way
The stakes are high, you call my bluff
My good intentions just ain’t quite enough
But you’ll ease me through the tough times when I’m tongue-tied

VERSE 3
There’s a time when all things must said
But it’s not a place I’m comfortable being in
Why do the words I want to say quickly slip away
If the truth be told, yes it must be told, yes it must

PRE-CHORUS 2
Words will fail me, disengage me
Thoughts will come and then escape me (n.b. I should have gone with 'assuage me')
Floundering and listless on my knees

CHORUS 2
I don’t know what to say, I’m lost, yes I’m tongue-tied
I know it’s only words they’re the only words I know
You say you never hear me say – my heart’s so hard to find a way
The stakes are high, you call my bluff
My good intentions just ain’t quite enough
But you’ll ease me through the tough times when I’m tongue-tied

SOLO

CHORDS
Intro, Chorus and Outro
F / / / / / Fmaj7 / / / / / Bbmaj7 / / / / / G7 / / / / /
F / / / / / Fmaj7 / / / / / Ab7 / / / / / C7 / / / / /
F / / / / / A7 / / / / / Dm7 / / / / / G7 / / / / /
Db / / / / / Bb / / / / / Bbm / / G7 / / / / /
Gm7 / / / / / C7 / / / / / F / / / / / C7 / / / / /
Verses
Gm7 / / / / / C7 / / / / / Am7 / / / / / Dm7 / / / / /
Gm7 / / / / / C7 / / / / / Am7 / / / / / D7 / / / / /
Bb / / / / / C7 / / / / / Dm / / / / / Bb / / / / / / / / / / /
Bbm / / / / / C7 / / / / / / / / / / /
Pre-chorus
Gm / / / / / Am / / / / / Gm / / / / / Am / / / / /
Dm / / / / / Gm / / / / / Db7 / / / / / C7 / / / / /

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
AI comments on oblique lines.png (156.39 KB, 87 downloads)
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Hello Mr Dee

Well that opening was really interesting, it really didn’t give any indication where the song was going to go and for a moment there I thought perhaps there wasn’t going to be any lyrics at all. How did you go about compiling and producing that sound, it’s almost a mesmerising chant. I really like the intro and whilst it set the opening mood, I was left wondering why there wasn’t a reprise, either in the middle or at the outro. I don’t suppose it had to be and that’s where artistic expression comes into songwriting and as listeners we shouldn’t be anticipating what the musician is going to do, even though we naturally do. Your vocals were steady and measured throughout and the backing Vox were excellent. The lead guitar on the outro was also really good, you needn’t worry about that. Another good write, Mr.Dee.

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Andrew, another very hummable rock gem. Like your vocal ensemble in the intro and transition to the main song. Cool BGVs. Super lead vocals. These doubled tracked vocals are a bit of a change of sound, but I like them a lot. The BiaB drums work fine, and very fine playing by you everywhere else, most conspicuously in the guitar outro. Sublime stuff.


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Originally Posted by Knee Wobbler
Well that opening was really interesting, it really didn’t give any indication where the song was going to go and for a moment there I thought perhaps there wasn’t going to be any lyrics at all. How did you go about compiling and producing that sound, it’s almost a mesmerising chant. I really like the intro and whilst it set the opening mood, I was left wondering why there wasn’t a reprise, either in the middle or at the outro. I don’t suppose it had to be and that’s where artistic expression comes into songwriting and as listeners we shouldn’t be anticipating what the musician is going to do, even though we naturally do. Your vocals were steady and measured throughout and the backing Vox were excellent. The lead guitar on the outro was also really good, you needn’t worry about that. Another good write, Mr.Dee.
Thanks Lee! I recorded the intro with 9 tracks - 3 x 3 - so I mapped the chord progression with the notes in each chord and worked out the high, mid and low notes of each chord and worked out the notes each set of 3 could take with minimal movement - I think this technique is called ‘voice leading’? Three takes per note were to smooth out any vocal deficiencies and to provide depth. It is the very same stems from the intro copied and pasted sitting under each chorus.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Andrew,

That's a great intro and a great song. You are doing some very creative things vocally in this one. Awesome production as well. I really enjoyed it.

Bob

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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Andrew, another very hummable rock gem. Like your vocal ensemble in the intro and transition to the main song. Cool BGVs. Super lead vocals. These doubled tracked vocals are a bit of a change of sound, but I like them a lot. The BiaB drums work fine, and very fine playing by you everywhere else, most conspicuously in the guitar outro. Sublime stuff.
Thanks Ron! I’m reasonable happy with the guitar solo. Listening back, there are a couple of phrases where I wished I had used hammer on and pull off rather than picking each not - to add some smoothness to it. I learned a new lick trick for this solo and pretty happy how it came out. I think I need to experiment with different amp and fix settings to understand how what I hear ‘live’ translates to the recorded results.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Andrew, this is an outstanding song. Great vocal. Loved the background aahs. The guitar lead fits like a glove; you should play more leads. You picked the perfect backing band for this song. Super mix also.
An outstanding song.


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Liked this a lot, Andrew, especially the chorus. The intro was fine, but felt detached from verse one - something to musically connect them would be nice. Vox good, lyrics good, a fine outing here!


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Originally Posted by MarioD
Andrew, this is an outstanding song. Great vocal. Loved the background aahs. The guitar lead fits like a glove; you should play more leads. You picked the perfect backing band for this song. Super mix also.
An outstanding song.
Thanks Mario for your generous comments! I don't have a lot of 'licks' in my lead toolkit, so I tried to base a lot of the solo around phrases in the chorus melody. I heard someone say once to play lead like you want to sing it. Given I am not a quick singer (syllables can trip me up), that suits me fine.
Andrew

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Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Liked this a lot, Andrew, especially the chorus. The intro was fine, but felt detached from verse one - something to musically connect them would be nice. Vox good, lyrics good, a fine outing here!
Thanks a lot Rob - I'm glad you liked it. The original recording had the full band playing with the intro BVs, but I felt it was a bit much, so I muted all the band then brought the drum fill in to lead into the verse. I recognise there is not a lot of melodic movement in the intro ATM. If I revisit, one idea to build more connection might be to put a subtle chorus instrument melody over the intro (the intro is the chorus chords) so there is some familiarity with the chorus when it reappears.
Andrew

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Ooooo Ooooo Oooo I like your ooopening, and then hte rest of the song really jumped out as an wonderful mix of the opening and the melody you brought to it. I understand what TM Bob is saying about in connecting them, but you did exactly what I would have done. Drums. Man, that video is perfect to accomany the lyrics. You extend the definition of tongue-tied, and didn't stutter once.


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Hi Andrew, I listened to this earlier on youtube and then just now on Soundcloud. I have to say I liked it more the 2nd time around. It has a kind of nostalgic rocker feel. I hear Beatles; I hear Thompson Twins. I like oblique lyrics (think Michael Stipe) because the listener gets to impose a unique and personal meaning to them.

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Just popping back to add... I'd heard the progression you used in the beginning somewhere somewhere before. I couldn't pin it down, it was such a distant memory. Now I remember! It's the Beauty School Drop Out song from Grease!

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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Ooooo Ooooo Oooo I like your ooopening, and then hte rest of the song really jumped out as an wonderful mix of the opening and the melody you brought to it. I understand what TM Bob is saying about in connecting them, but you did exactly what I would have done. Drums. Man, that video is perfect to accomany the lyrics. You extend the definition of tongue-tied, and didn't stutter once.
Thanks Marty! Glad you liked it - and the video. When I found the stock footage of people standing frozen in crowds, I yelled ‘Yes!’
No stuttering, but I did have a minor lisp when I wath younger, and tho did my wife, but mosthly dithappeared for both of uth.
Andrew

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The coolest intro I've heard in a long time.
I was pleasantly surprised that it's a waltz, and a good one at that.
Enjoyed my listen a lot!

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Originally Posted by BYOBand
Just popping back to add... I'd heard the progression you used in the beginning somewhere somewhere before. I couldn't pin it down, it was such a distant memory. Now I remember! It's the Beauty School Drop Out song from Grease!
Hi Beth! I remember that song. I had to go and listen and also look at the chords on Ultimate Guitar. Unfortunately (fortunately for me) there are NOT a lot of similarities in the chord progressions of the two. My progression jumps out of the key signature quite a bit more than Beauty School Dropout. However, they do sound similar. I think the similarity in sound is aided by the 6/8 time signature and the comping of the piano in both songs which were prevalent in songs of the late 50s and early 60s - which is what I was aiming for.
In reply to your first post, I am only aware of one Thompson Twins song - Hold me now - but my favourite Beatles song off the Abbey Road album is ‘Oh Darling’ which also has 6/8 and piano comping (or is it my favourite? Ahhh! So many good ones to choose from!) which is nowadays only receiving the popular acclaim that it deserves. If forum members have not heard that song, please listen to the masterclass that is Paul McCartney’s vocals on that song - something he dares not perform live.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
The coolest intro I've heard in a long time.
I was pleasantly surprised that it's a waltz, and a good one at that.
Enjoyed my listen a lot!
Thanks B.D.! I’m never quite sure the difference between 3/4, 6/8 and 12/8, but, yeah, one of those! I am glad you liked the intro. Originally it had the full band underneath it, but at close to 5 minutes, this was one of the choices in my remix to create some difference in texture, inspired as I mentioned in my OP by the vocal intro to My Completeness by Aussie band Thirsty Merc.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Hi, Andrew.

Cool intro!

I like the pared-back backing.

With retro piano vocal doubling, it's got a touch of John Lennon to it.

It works for me.

Nice!


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Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Andrew.
Cool intro!
I like the pared-back backing.
With retro piano vocal doubling, it's got a touch of John Lennon to it.
It works for me.
Nice!
And, yes - AI can be super-irritatingly boot licking. laugh
Thanks David - glad you liked the intro - I wasn’t hesitant about it, but did wonder how it would go down.
Andrew

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Great work! I esp like the dah-dah-dah-dah rhythm of the piano and the pace that it gave it. I agree with others that the intro is really cool, but doesn't seem connected to the rest--maybe you made 2 different songs in one--perhaps consider splitting it off and developing it separately--it's so nice! Guitar work is really good. And so nicely produced. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed it!


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Originally Posted by Tano Music
Great work! I esp like the dah-dah-dah-dah rhythm of the piano and the pace that it gave it. I agree with others that the intro is really cool, but doesn't seem connected to the rest--maybe you made 2 different songs in one--perhaps consider splitting it off and developing it separately--it's so nice! Guitar work is really good. And so nicely produced. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed it!
Hi Tom!
If I developed the intro separately, it would be this song - the intro is in fact the BVs underneath the chorus and follows the chorus chord progression. The intro originally had the band with it and I had considered opening with the chorus, but felt that it was too much. The BVs in the intro were copied and pasted to the other choruses.
Thanks for listening, and glad the piano worked for you!
Andrew

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I've never used Co-pilot - and now that I've seen it's programmed review I think I'll continue flying solo! - but my simpler response is that I think the lyrics work fine and that you've penned a really cool song. Well done on the BVs, too!


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Originally Posted by WaoBand
I've never used Co-pilot - and now that I've seen it's programmed review I think I'll continue flying solo! - but my simpler response is that I think the lyrics work fine and that you've penned a really cool song. Well done on the BVs, too!
Thanks Chay! I’m not averse to oblique lyrics (no pun intended), so I think I will continue to not overthink it and just go with the flow. Sometimes, the ‘flow’ has spat out some gems that I’ve been happy with.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Andrew,

Cool opening.
Nice piano
Very cool vocals. Lennon-ish.
Good bass
I like the write
An expressive outro lead

Very much enjoyed the listen

Fj

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Originally Posted by floyd jane

 Very cool vocals. Lennon-ish. 

Thanks Floyd!
I can’t hear it myself, but what’s that saying about a fox not being able smell its own den? I’ll take it anyway.
Thanks for listening and your generous comments!
Andrew

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I agree---very Lennonesque. I enjoyed the nostalgic sound and the creative BGVs.

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Originally Posted by Ezekiel's Storm
I agree---very Lennonesque. I enjoyed the nostalgic sound and the creative BGVs.
Thanks Scott! Lennonesque? I wonder which parts? If I knew, I would bottle it.
Re BVs, the first time many years ago that I started dabbling with harmony vocals, it seemed like magic to me. What? I can sing a different note above or below and it sounds cool? That was a moment I fell in love with music even more.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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I quite like ReaTune - I stack it..basically set it up and draw in gentle changes then duplicate that plug a couple of times to get a smoother, gentler correction.
COOL song, the vocals are much stronger and on pitch - you're improving with every performance & production.


Cheers
rayc
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Originally Posted by rayc
I quite like ReaTune - I stack it..basically set it up and draw in gentle changes then duplicate that plug a couple of times to get a smoother, gentler correction.
Thanks Ray! If I understand you correctly, you apply tuning, then duplicate track with tuning applied, then tune again (maybe different sections?), then duplicate track with tuning 
? So that tuning adjustments are not so stark?
Quote

 COOL song, the vocals are much stronger and on pitch - you're improving with every performance & production.
I think so, but my singing was a bit more difficult on this one, but hopefully I’m learning what to listen for when mixing and editing. I’ve been using stretch markers a bit more to align my vocal takes - just here and there.
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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'Oblique lyrics' I like that description. Some of the best songs ever written have lyrics that don't necessarily connect.

Someone mentioned 'Grease.' This has a very 60's sort of vibe to my ears too. Enjoyed it.


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Originally Posted by Scott H. Olson
'Oblique lyrics' I like that description. Some of the best songs ever written have lyrics that don't necessarily connect.

Someone mentioned 'Grease.' This has a very 60's sort of vibe to my ears too. Enjoyed it.
Thanks Scott!
Lyrics are not my strong point and I often shudder at the thought of having to write them in order to finish a song - this is where my phrase comes in ‘The words are just the vehicle for the music’. Sometimes, the connections are quite vague, and other times I can amaze myself with words that work.

Yes, I was deliberately seeking that 50s/early 60s feel that you and Beth identified, so I’m glad that it landed well. Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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"Regarding the lyrics, some of them can best be described as ‘oblique’ – meaning they only have a thin connection to the theme."
We call that a "connect your own dots" lyric ... a style we always find engaging.

We're late to the party and plenty of well deserved accolades have been written.
Suffice it to say we agree and enjoyed the tune and the standout arrangement.
All of your performances are very good and the mix sounds excellent on the Kalis.

Well done!

J&B

PS Interesting backstory too.


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Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
"Regarding the lyrics, some of them can best be described as ‘oblique’ – meaning they only have a thin connection to the theme."
We call that a "connect your own dots" lyric ... a style we always find engaging. 

Thanks J&B!
I’ve seen you mention your ‘connect the dots’ references before. There’s been a couple of times recently where I’ve been working on words that are oblique and hear my mind saying ‘J&B say it’s okay to connect the dots’. Ha! 😜
Thanks for listening!
Andrew

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Band-in-a-Box¼ 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-BoxÂź 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-BoxÂź for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026Âź for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź!

Band-in-a-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-BoxÂź 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-Box¼ 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.

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-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź!

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-BoxÂź!

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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 2026 for MacÂź!

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-BoxÂź style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź 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-BoxÂź. (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!

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