Great yacht rock composition. I love the singer, I don't care if it is AI. I prefer your more poetic, contemplative lyrics, but this is good, too. Excellent use of multiple resources to complete a masterpiece. Well done!
Great composition, very mideastern sound to my ears. A very unsettling mood that was perfect for your description of the donut. Great use of BIAB and other sources. First call work, I'm ready for more!
B.D, There is so much fun and happiness in this song. The Reggae sound is a perfect fit for this. (Ich habe es gern!). You create great music that's always worth the time to listen. Loved this one! Alan
Thank you so much for your really nice comment, Alan. Much appreciated
Terrific job by all involved A stunning arrangement and production Solid bass and strings Impressive vocals Wolfgang’s guitar work is outstanding Superb mix Music as it should be fj
What a stunning track, Floyd! You hit the nail on the head nothing beats the thrill of the human touch, a pen, and a blank sheet of paper. The soul and truth in this song are exactly why AI will never replace real artistry. It's wild how the universe works, turning a personal therapy session into a crucial turning point for your musical. It fits that narrative vibe perfectly. The musical arrangement is top-notch your piano work and those PRS leads sound incredibly tasty over that BIAB foundation. "Paper and Pen" is an absolute gem. Keep rocking! 🎸 Andi ;-)
Thank you all for the helpful tips. The link to jford's article was particularly helpful and also highlighted the overall problem that I originally posted about. The BiaB manual is very dense with lots of very useful information about song creation features. In the distant past I think the reference section contained much more information about how BiaB itself works behind the scenes in order to produce the outcomes for all its features. Jford’s article demonstrates what BiaB does behind the scenes to play and audio demonstration of a midi stryle when the Demo button in the Stylepicker is clicked. I was aware of the behaviour BiaB when the same file name is used with wmv files, but I wasn’t aware of how this could work with the clicking of the Demo button, especially the fact that the filename with the same name as the midi style file, but with a wma extension, would cause BiaB to search in specific folder and play this file. I’m sure there are many more features that users could take advantage of in their own work if these mechanisms were provided in the reference of the manual. The Songs folder can be searched recursively and so there is a great opportunity organise the user song library to best effect. The Styles folder does not operate this way and so there is a single folder into which everything is lumped. It may be that all of this information is contained in the manual (I’m not the best at finding these things), if so then I apologise for complaining unnecessarily.
Read the title and instantly thought, "Cool. It's in the PD now." Cooler still that you are the one singing it, Bob. Chet's version is one of the best, but i'd always trade it to hear your harp. The two parts you credit to "me" blend so well. Quite the range on your vocal too. Perfect quality. i stayed for Sunny Side, so now i'm hooked again. Great stuff here, Bob.
Excellent bass and guitar licks. Marty, your lyrics get better with every song. Great stuff. Vic
Thanks, Vic. i really enjoy the process of making lyrics, but can't claim i ever direct it.
Originally Posted by WaoBand
This is a really excellent song and sound. Great verses and an even better chorus. Your material and Dave's lead guitar always fit so well together.
Thanks so much, Chay. Dave can fit anywhere --any style. [i know because i gave him some clunkers that he made shine]
Originally Posted by jannesan
"Keep the way your way. Don't forget your plan or you'll lose" I love that philosophy, or more like the doctrine of Martyism Marty and Dave are in the best shape of their careers. Excellent composition and thoughtful lyrics with powerful chorus melody. Perfectly selected band, soulful vocals and the heartbeat of the big bang can be heard in the bass playing. Amazing storytelling by the guitar fills and solos, Dave's fingers make the quarks dance in every corner of the atoms. This song satisfies my soul, no-one is going to stop me from choosing to press the play button over and over again, this is my way and my plan. Fantastic imaginative video, your soulmate is pictured so beautifully! Only true Martist can make this kind of a cosmic masterpiece that tells all about the universe and its laws in 3 minutes, just by using carefully selected words and notes! Janne
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Janne. Your imagination sometimes makes me think we're twins from different parents.
Originally Posted by MarioD
Marty meets Santana. If you hadn't mention Dave on guitar I would have thought that you did have Santana playing - excellent job Dave. Great vocal and mix. Loved it
Thanks, Mario. In many many ways i prefer Dave, but know he'll appreciate such a finely worded comparison.
Hey, not bad for a Euro guy on a French beach sipping wine. It's apparently not that hard to "Write a Hit Country Song". However, no self respecting country bro would ever use the words "beverage store". That is just so.... what's the word I'm looking for here? Oh yeah, "European". The song is catchy and well done. Next thing you know you'll be writing Rodeo Cowboy songs about 8 second rides and cowgirl cuties.
Great intro invites excellently to chilling out with you. Great selection of instruments, especially the baritone guitar fills and the rhytmic piano create a restful atmosphere. I enjoyed the breezy chord progression and the beautiful melody. The song 70's soul mood and your voice really fits with that style. Nostalgic mood, but with lovely positive message for the weekend or summer vacation.
Thanks Janne! It probably is a song that expresses my desire to think and speak more positively than I once did. I think we have a common interest in finding and using interesting chord progressions.
Originally Posted by WaoBand
Really creative song all around Great chorus, and the negative harmony info was new to me. Excellent! I agree with Bob about it being one of your best.
Wow! Or should I say Wao! I've always liked this song, but never thought it would get this sort of reaction -thank you Chay! Thank you both for listening and commenting! Andrew
Excellent song, Herb. You're getting better and better with each new one. Beautiful ballad, well produced, nothing not to like. Well, maybe the snare sounds a little lo-fi, but that's the only nit I can think of. Enjoyed my listen. A lot
Nice to have you back, Hans. I hope your health issues are (more or less) resolved. A beautiful yet sad song about the inner conflict you face when you have three wishes. Help the beloved ones? Help the ones who need it even more? Or, what I would do, wish for many more wishes so I could help even more people? The song and the chord progression supports your lyrics well. Good choice of instruments, good mix, and effective use of stops and dynamics. A very good song
Just reporting back, the G9sus/C consistently does the trick. Using G7/C sometimes works but sometimes does not, when BIAB adds different character to a ninth it might add. It's much more variable. Thank you again.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 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-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 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-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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!
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Marty and Dave are in the best shape of their careers. Excellent composition and thoughtful lyrics with powerful chorus melody. Perfectly selected band, soulful vocals and the heartbeat of the big bang can be heard in the bass playing. Amazing storytelling by the guitar fills and solos, Dave's fingers make the quarks dance in every corner of the atoms. This song satisfies my soul, no-one is going to stop me from choosing to press the play button over and over again, this is my way and my plan. Fantastic imaginative video, your soulmate is pictured so beautifully! Only true Martist can make this kind of a cosmic masterpiece that tells all about the universe and its laws in 3 minutes, just by using carefully selected words and notes! Janne
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