June 30, 2016 User Showcase Song - Love Knows No Color

This is my first multimedia production. It was inspired by a photograph which came out around last Summer/Fall. It will be obvious which one when you watch the video. I found it so inspiring it brought tears to my eyes. In all the complexity of race relations, and those who choose to use it as a wedge issue, I found the photo to be unique and powerful in that it broke through all the garbage and stripped things down to our basic humanity. The title came to me immediately, and within a week or so, the music just broke through. I cannot remember the real tracks but they are the same ones I used in Catch Me When I Fall around just over a year ago.

Posted at 01:26 PM

June 30, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows - Build 436 Update Available!

The latest update is available for Band-in-a-Box® Version 2016 for Windows!

Click here to learn more about this patch update, which is a free download for all Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows users.

Posted at 11:58 AM

June 29, 2016 July 1st is Canada Day - Limited Hours

Friday, July 1st is Canada Day! Although our Customer Service Department will be open, we have limited hours that day:

Sales line and Live Help: 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8)
Tech line: Closed

Our hours will return to normal on Saturday, July 2nd.

Posted at 02:06 PM

June 27, 2016 User Showcase Song - Just A Dream (with Josie Beck)

ere's a little known song that Josie Beck and I put together a few years ago - this version features new instrumentation and a fresh mix… smile

This is called Just A Dream.

All BIAB/RTs - recorded & mixed in GarageBand.

Style: BEATBOX.STY
2474: Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
1943: Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance Strings Ev 120
2267: Synth, BellPad, Rhythm 80sPopPads Ev 085
2448: Guitar, Electric PopDreamyBrent Ev 085
RealDrums: UrbanPop Ev GoodGirl 1 Kck1, b:Clap

Thanks for listening!

Posted at 09:02 AM

June 23, 2016 User Showcase Song - When The Cows Come Home

Here's my first effort at a full song. It's called "When the Cows Come Home."

It uses BIAB's Marley1.Sty style.

I used the Reaper DAW. The Real Drums are used directly as audio.

The "BB Bass" was put though TAL Bassline VST, "Soft Bass" path;
"BB Organ" was put through Synth1 VST, "Rock Organ" patch;
"BB Guit1 Clean" was put through Suburban Guitarist VST; and
"BB Guit2 Mute" was played by "sfz" using a "Mute Guitar" soundfont.

Vocals were recorded by me. I've lost track of the F/X chain temporarily, but there was some compression, de-essing, and tune correction. Sorry about missing this detail.
"Sax" was MIDI recorded by me on keyboard through the DVS Saxophone VST.
I used the "Reaverb" VST for global reverb.

I hope you enjoy it.

Posted at 01:09 PM

June 23, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows - Build 435 Update Available!

If you're using Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows, there's a new patch with updates that can be downloaded! Download it here.

This patch includes:
Added: "Highlight selected cell" checkbox added to Display Options. If enabled, the currently selected cell will be highlighted instead of just out-lined. Select "Cell highlighting" in the color picker to pick the highlighting color. This feature is useful for JAWS Screen Reader users.
Added: "Play when chosen" option added to StylePicker.
Updated: Help file.
Updated: PDF User Guide.
Fixed: Clicking on the Print button in the Big Lyrics window would open the old version of the Options for Copy Lyrics to Clipboard dialog.
Fixed: Diminished chords were recognized wrong when "Treat 'dim' chord as a diminished triad (Cdim5) instead of CDim7" setting was disabled. Entering a 'dim' or 'dim7' chord would result in a 'dim5' chord. Entering a 'dim5' chord would result in no chord.
Fixed: In the Notation Window, changing modes with the right-click menu would not highlight the correct mode button (eg. from editable to regular mode).
Fixed: It is not possible to enter "Faug" as a slash chord, unless typing Roman Numerals ('iv') or Nashville Notation ('4') for the root.
Fixed: It is not possible to enter 'Fadd2' as a slash chord, unless typing Roman Numerals ('iv') or Nashville Notation ('4') for the root.
Fixed: Lines drawn under the stave in the lead sheet.
Fixed: Song memo did not show information about audio loops or UserTracks in song.
Fixed: The GUI for some VST plugins did not fit into the plugins window. An example plugin is XLN Addictive Drums 2.
Fixed: The GUI for some VST plugins sometimes change size, and the plugins window would not grow or shrink to match. An example plugin is the Roland soundCANVAS VA.
Fixed: The Higher Banks dialog was limited to 1983 patches. The new limit is 10000.
Fixed: The lead sheet print range always defaulted to the first chorus.
Fixed: The right-click menu in the Notation Window would not do anything if in non-editable mode.

Posted at 01:04 PM

June 22, 2016 User Showcase Song - Cricket in the Yard

I like how easy it is to generate musical ideas into audio tracks with BIAB very quickly.

Shot some video with a cat named Cricket teasing my dog Rico. I thought the Gypsy Jazz RT complimented the moment captured in video. Hope you like the one minute music video.

Posted at 08:07 AM

June 21, 2016 User Showcase Song - What's It Gonna Take

RealTracks in style: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 1807:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveHigh Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: ~~2503:Piano, Acoustic, HeldChords 085
RealTracks in style: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~2051:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~2200:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 085
Royalty Free Loops, Multitrack Instrument and Song Files and Multitrack Drums from Drums on Demand

Vocals, Acoustic Guitars additional Bass and Keyboards, Tom Adams

Posted at 07:44 AM

June 21, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac - Build 129 Update Available

Learn more about this update and download it here.

Summary of the changes:
Added: "Highlight selected cell" checkbox added to Display Options. If enabled, the currently selected cell will be highlighted instead of just out-lined. Select "Cell highlighting" in the color picker to pick the highlighting color. This feature is useful for JAWS Screen Reader users.
Added: "Play when chosen" option added to StylePicker.
Added: Additional Chord Display layer now has an option for "Normal" display.
Added: Option to load the previous song or style "At program bootup..." added to Preferences.
Fixed: BossaTerryClark variation 3 named incorrectly in RD Picker
Fixed: Chord entry during playback was very slow.
Fixed: Command+w would close Notation Window, but not automatically switch to the chord sheet.
Fixed: Control+Minus would not set the relative tempo to 50%.
Fixed: Diminished chords were recognized wrong when "Treat 'dim' chord as a diminished triad (Cdim5) instead of CDim7" setting was enabled. Entering a 'dim' or 'dim5' chord would result in a 'dim7' chord. Entering a 'dim7' chord would result in no chord.
Fixed: Hitting TAB key while in the Notation Window would cause key input to stop working.
Fixed: If "Auto-open/close editable layers" is enabled, and a song with lyrics is opened from the Finder before Band-in-a-Box is open, the lyrics would not be loaded.
Fixed: It is not possible to enter 'Fadd2' as a slash chord, unless typing Roman Numerals ('iv') or Nashville Notation ('4') for the root.
Fixed: It is not possible to enter 'Faug' as a slash chord, unless typing Roman Numerals ('iv') or Nashville Notation ('4') for the root.
Fixed: It was not possible to select "1st/2nd/3rd" or "1st/2nd/3rd/4th" type endings in the repeats dialog.
Fixed: 'MIDI QWERTY Keyboard Wizard' feature was not working.
Fixed: Opening a song from the Finder would not automatically start playback.
Fixed: Song memo did not show information about audio loops or UserTracks in song.
Fixed: The "Play when selected" option in the Song Picker had no effect.
Fixed: The chord sheet did not work properly with keyboard layouts other than US.
Fixed: The Select Track dialog would get stuck behind the Load XML dialog.

Posted at 07:39 AM

June 20, 2016 User Showcase Song - Heapin' Helpin' of Blues

I used an old PG Music blues jam track from probably a decade ago to create this live improv. It seems like these tracks came with Power Tracks pro. I wish these styles were available in the Real Tracks collection. Hope you enjoy!

Posted at 07:33 AM

June 20, 2016 The 49-PAK for Mac - It's Here to Stay!

If you think missed your chance to purchase the 49-PAK during our Mac special, we have news... you didn't!

We're keeping this purchase option available with the Band-in-a-Box^® 2016 for Mac packages. Add it to your Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase for just $49!

Plus, we are including the 49-PAK with all regular priced purchases of the UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, and Audiophile Edition packages!

Learn more about the 49-PAK & listen to demos at www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.49pak.htm.

Posted at 07:31 AM

June 15, 2016 The Band-in-a-Box® 2016 Mac Special - Last Day: June 15th!

Today is the LAST DAY of our Band-in-a-Box^® 2016 Mac Special!

If you haven't ordered your upgrade yet, now is the time! We are offering up to 50% off, and you'll receive a Bonus PAK with your order! (special runs until June 15th)

Learn more about your upgrade options here: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm

Posted at 10:32 AM

June 15, 2016 User Showcase Song - The Hobo

A little travellin' music.
Title: The Hobo
File:The Hobo.SGU
Key=C , Tempo 72, Length (m:s)=3:26
No intro. 60 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 60. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Volume Changes,
Style is _ATMSPH2.STY (Atmosphere Rock Ballad)

RealTracks in style: 1592:Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 065
RealTracks in style: 1003:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm ClassicRockPicking Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 1598:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Pop16thsGritty Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 2542:Pedal Steel, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065
RealDrums in style: RockNorthern^4-a:Snare, Loose HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Posted at 07:21 AM

June 14, 2016 User Showcase Song - Fool in Love

This is one of my oldest songs, but I've never been happy with the recordings, I must have tried 6 different arrangements. Lately I've been having fun borrowing elements from other bands, and it occurred to me that this song has dynamics similar to material by Boston. So I researched and studied the production techniques Tom Scholz used on More Than a Feeling, and borrowed a few of them in this arrangement.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Untitled Song
File:Fool in Love.MGU
Key=G , Tempo 126, Length (m:s)=5:17
No intro. 163 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 163. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
Soloist track has 102 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Time signature,Volume Changes,
Soloist is saved with the song : Blues - (Even 8ths) Organ (20)
Style is _80SYRCK.STY (HardRockLA w/ 80s Synth)

RealTracks in style: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120
RealTracks in song: ~1030:Guitar, 12-String Electric, Fingerpicking Ev 120
RealTracks in song: ~1030:Guitar, 12-String Electric, Fingerpicking Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 999:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockLAFuzzyA-B Ev 120
RealDrums in Song: RockClassicBritEv^1-a:Snare, Closed HiHat , b:Snare, Ride Bell

Posted at 07:31 AM

June 13, 2016 2 DAYS LEFT - Band-in-a-Box® 2016 Mac Special!

The Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac special ends in 2 days! (on June 15th!)
So, if you haven't purchased your upgrade yet... there's still time!

Learn more about the purchase options for Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac here: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm

More about the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac release special...

-It's a MAJOR upgrade that customers have been waiting for (including a redesigned/enhanced Chord Sheet, StylePicker, a Fake Sheet mode with repeats and 1st/2nd endings, and more!)

-There are 201 new RealTracks - double the usual number - with total over 2,500 hours of RealTracks in the UltraPlusPAK!

-We're offering Special Pricing on Upgrade packages - up to 50% off! Plus, with your purchase you'll get a Bonus PAK that includes 1 Artist Video Performance, 3 MIDI SuperTracks, and 4 Instrumental Studies!

Posted at 08:27 AM

June 13, 2016 User Showcase Song - Missing You

My first time posting a song here, but I’ve enjoying using Band in the Box now for some time now. In the song I wrote and sharing is “Missing You”.

Missing You

RTS tracks
701 Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 085
364 Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 065
RDS Nashville Even 16^3 Sidestik, HHat O
838 Guitar, Electric, Rhythem PopBalladClean EV 85
702 Guitar, Aucoutic, Strumming, Spirited EV065
367 Guitar, Electric, Background Dreamy Ev 065

I’m playing piano, organ, and singing lead and harmonies. Orchestra is a blend of real string players and my Roland keyboard.

Mixing of audio and video tracks was done on Sonar and Cyber link Power Director. While I’ve used Band in the Box to help lay down tracks behind documentary videos before, this is my first real music video I’ve made and liked the practice it gave me. Some of the video clips are stock videos and the guy singing in the video is me. Hope you enjoy.

Posted at 07:59 AM

June 10, 2016 User Showcase Song - One More Story

Here's another song leveraging the beat box style - I like this style a lot and have been experimenting with it a bit lately.

This is called One More Story.

All BIAB/RTs - recorded & mixed in GarageBand.

Style: BEATBOX.STY
2474: Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
1943: Synth, Rhythm, EuroDance Strings Ev 120
2267: Synth, BellPad, Rhythm 80sPopPads Ev 085
Organ, B3 Background Pop Ev 085
2448: Guitar, Electric Background, PopDreamyBrent Ev 085
RealDrums: UrbanPop Ev GoodGirl 1 Kck1, b:Clap

Posted at 07:22 AM

June 10, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 Mac Special - Ends June 15th!

If you haven't purchased your upgrade yet... there's still time! The Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac special ends on June 15th!

More about the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac release special...

-It's a MAJOR upgrade that customers have been waiting for (including a redesigned/enhanced Chord Sheet, StylePicker, a Fake Sheet mode with repeats and 1st/2nd endings, and more!)

-There are 201 new RealTracks - double the usual number - with total over 2,500 hours of RealTracks in the UltraPlusPAK!

-We're offering Special Pricing on Upgrade packages - up to 50% off! Plus, with your purchase you'll get a Bonus PAK that includes 1 Artist Video Performance, 3 MIDI SuperTracks, and 4 Instrumental Studies!

Learn more about the purchase options for Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac here: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm

Posted at 07:17 AM

June 09, 2016 Send Us Your Band-in-a-Box Video Testimonial!

Send us a Video Testimonial letting us know how you use Band-in-a-Box®, and when we use it on our Video Testimonials page we'll send you a FREE Band-in-a-Box EverythingPAK!

Click hereto learn more about this project.

Posted at 03:23 PM

June 09, 2016 User Showcase Song - What Am I Without You

What Am I Without You

https://soundcloud.com/kfl44/what-am-i-without-you

Bass 1418 Elec Southern Rock

Piano 1839 Acoustic Pop

Drums Rock Brit Driving EV16

Guitar 2644 Elec Rhy Modern Pop Hard

Guitar 1168 Soloist Rock Ballad Brent

Organ 2619 Rhy Funk

Thanks for listening and commenting,

Posted at 03:21 PM

June 07, 2016 User Showcase Song - That Sounds Techno!

Here is my new post. Hope you'll enjoy

RealTracks dans ce morceau song: ~539:Basse,El,Ry,Pop Sw 120
RealTracks dans ce morceau song: 1943:Synth,EuroDance Cordes 120
RealTracks dans ce morceau song: 694:Guit,El,MD ElecRkArp Bin120
RealTracks dans ce morceau song: 694:Guit,El,MD ElecRkArp Bin120
RealDrums dans ce morceau: EuroDance^6-a:Bass , b:Bass Pumping

Posted at 08:57 AM

June 07, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows - Italian Review

Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows was recently reviewed by www.sprea.it!

You can read this review here.

Posted at 08:55 AM

June 06, 2016 User Showcase Song - Neighbors

As you know JonD and myself have been composing and playing songs together for sometime now. Well JonD recently moved 4 doors down from my house. So to celebrate we decided to jam a little. This is the result of one of those jams.

We hope you like it for what it is.

BiaB style = Fusion swing w/Tenor Sax
Deleted all but the real drums
JonD is playing the keyboard and I am playing the guitar and bass parts.

Posted at 08:44 AM

June 01, 2016 User Showcase Song - Old and Gray

Here is an old one from 2009. I maybe had BIAB for2 months or so, so the mix is "eh". I'll post the newer FAWM one in a while. This one is my only "war" type song, mostly a civil war story. It seems the only one semi-appropriate fro Memorial Day. I'll be commenting on the other memorial day songs while I am here.

Kevin: Vocals
Bethan Mathis: Backing Vocals
PG Music: drums, bass, fiddle, resonator guitar, acoustic guitar, piano

Posted at 07:48 AM

June 01, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac Special - Extended to June 15th!

If you thought you missed out on our Band-in-a-Box^® 2016 for Mac special, don't worry! It's been extended to June 15th!

We have great savings (up to 50% off!) on most upgrade packages and a Free Bonus PAK!

Place your order online at www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm or give us a call: www.pgmusic.com/contact.htm.

Posted at 07:44 AM