September 30, 2016 Last Day of our Xtra Styles Contest & Special!

There are now almost 70 different songs entered in our Xtra Styles Contest!

The contest is open for submission until midnight September 30, 2016... that's tonight!!!

Listen to the songs already submitted here: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=91

Plus, today is the last day of our Xtra Styles Special! Learn more about the Xtra Styles purchase options here: www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php.

Posted at 01:03 PM

September 30, 2016 Band-in-a-Box 2016 for Mac - German Version!

Our Band-in-a-Box 2016 for Mac version is now ready!

www.bandinabox.com/bb.php?os=mac&lang=de

Posted at 12:56 PM

September 30, 2016 The Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac Special is BACK!

Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac is better than ever!

With the recent Build 143 update (released September 28th), we've added:

-AU and VST plugins are now supported! There is a new Plugins tab on the Mixer window, that allows you to add/edit MIDI or audio plugins on each track. We include the Sforzando VST sample player, along with the PG Music HiQ Instruments. Watch the video - Plugins Feature for Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac.
-HiQ instruments have been added. These are high quality MIDI sounds that make the MIDI tracks (both regular and MIDI SuperTracks) sound much better. You can audition and choose a HiQ patch for any track by control+clicking on the track --> "Select HiQ MIDI Patch".
-A Plugins Options dialog includes an option to scan for VST plugins on bootup and options for how plugin windows are opened, closed, and arranged on the screen. Plugins that are essential to Band-in-a-Box® (eg the "Apple: DLSMusicDevice" or "Sforzando") are scanned for regardless of the "Scan for VST plugins on bootup" or "Scan for AU plugins on bootup" settings.
-We include AmpliTube, which is a VST Guitar Amp Simulator, and can be used effectively with the Direct Input RealTracks.
-We've added Sforzando, which is a .sfz sample player made by Plogue that has been customized for Band-in-a-Box® and is used to play the HiQ Instrument sounds.

To celebrate this MAJOR update, we've relaunched our Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac Special!

This means we're offering some phenomenal pricing on Upgrade packages (until October 31st), and a FREE Bonus PAK is included with most purchases!

Check out all the purchase options click here.

Learn more about all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac, visit hwww.pgmusic.com/bbmac.new.htm.

Already own Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac? You can learn more about the free patch update to Build 143 & download it here.

Posted at 08:51 AM

September 30, 2016 User Showcase Song - Marita, Marita

A soft country/rock waltz: Marita, Marita.

https://52tracksblog.com/2016/09/29/track-39-marita-marita/

All country waltz RTs including Paul Franklin solo pedal steel.

Thanks for listening!

Posted at 07:42 AM

September 29, 2016 Video - Plugins Feature: Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac

Get to know the new Plugins feature included with the latest Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac Build 143 update when you check out this video: www.pgmusic.com/?vid=zfM9Y6TZuoY

Have you updated to the latest patch yet? If not, download it here.

Posted at 01:29 PM

September 29, 2016 User Showcase Song - Autumn Dawn

Another "Short", this time in the style of Bach.

Describing a crisp Autumn morning where the sun rises and spreads golden rays over the Autumn forest.

Bach_1.STY
EWQL Pianos Gold - Bosendorfer
EWQL Symphonic Orchestra Gold - Contrabass

Produced in BIAB 2016
Mastered (normalized)in Audacity

All midi!

Posted at 11:01 AM

September 29, 2016 Visit Our User Showcase Page!

We've just updated the User Showcase page on our website, which includes more than 4,000 songs! www.pgmusic.com/user-showcase

This page lists most of the songs shared to our User Showcase Forum. We've split them up by genre: Country / EZ Listening, Jazz, Rock/Pop, RealTracks, and Other.

You can even search this page by Song Title or Artist (Forum member)!

Posted at 10:53 AM

September 28, 2016 Major VST Support, Hi-Q Instruments, and More Added in the Band-in-a-Box 2016 for Mac Build 143 Update!

This update is free for Band-in-a-Box 2016 users, and adds significant features; AU (audio unit) and VST plugins are now supported, we've added Hi-Q MIDI instruments, and more! Download the Band-in-a-Box 2016 Build 143 update.

There is also a plugins installer which you should download in addition to the new build. Download the MIDI and Audio Plugins installer here.

Summary of changes for build 143 (since build 132) (Sept 28, 2016):

Added: AU and VST plugins are now supported. There is a new Plugins tab on the Mixer window, that allows you to add/edit MIDI or audio plugins on each track. We include the Sforzando VST sample player, along with the PG Music HiQ Instruments.
Added: HiQ instruments have been added. These are high quality MIDI sounds that make the MIDI tracks (both regular and MIDI SuperTracks) sound much better. You can audition and choose a HiQ patch for any track by control+clicking on the track --> "Select HiQ MIDI Patch".
Added: Sforzando is a .sfz sample player made by Plogue that has been customized for Band-in-a-Box and is used to play the HiQ Instrument sounds.
Added: We include AmpliTube, which is a VST Guitar Amp Simulator, and can be used effectively with the Direct Input RealTracks.
Added: A Plugins Options dialog includes an option to scan for VST plugins on bootup and options for how plugin windows are opened, closed, and arranged on the screen. Plugins that are essential to Band-in-a-Box (eg the "Apple: DLSMusicDevice" or "Sforzando") are scanned for regardless of the "Scan for VST plugins on bootup" or "Scan for AU plugins on bootup" settings.
Fixed: StylePicker Options dialog was stuck behind the StylePicker dialog.
Fixed: Opening the lead sheet would cause Band-in-a-Box to crash if the current song had bar-based lyrics.
Fixed: Rendering a video of the chordsheet would sometimes make a corrupt file (eg. no audio can be heard, and the playback is sporadic).
Fixed: When "Display C9sus as C11", "Display 2 as sus2, or "Display sus as sus4 was enabled, it was not possible to enter the chord by typing or using the Chord Builder.
Fixed: There were some inconsistencies in color between the mixer and track radio controls.

Posted at 12:27 PM

September 28, 2016 Discuss Your Methods & Gear for Making Music on Our Forum!

If you frequent our forums, you might be familiar with our Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production forum, which is an ideal place to post discussions about methods and gear for making music!

Whether you have questions about installing other music software, are looking for resources to help with production etc., came across some great information or free plug-ins you'd like to share, etc. - this forum is perfect for sharing!

Recent posts to this forum include:
Garritan install
Confused as Heck About LUFS
Article - 6 Chord Tricks For Songwriters
Learning Notation Function
...and more!

You'll even find posts here from our PG Music Team - like the recent post by Kent: Ethan Winer's Audio Myths workshop!

Posted at 10:11 AM

September 28, 2016 Xtra Styles Contest - 2 Days Left!

There are now almost 60 different songs entered in our Xtra Styles Contest!

The contest is open for submission until midnight September 30, 2016 - submit your song before then for a chance to WIN 1 of 4 prizes of $150 PG Bucks!

Listen to the songs already submitted here: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=91

Learn more about the Xtra Styles purchase options (we're still having our sale until Sept 30th!) here: www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php.

Posted at 09:50 AM

September 28, 2016 User Showcase Song - 34 (Instrumental)

An instrumental (jamming with Brent Mason) with a bluesy feel (still had the tremolo amp setting from Average Mojo).
Based on a chord progression from an old song we wrote called 34.
Didn’t save the sgu but it is 2 acoustics, drums a bass and Brent Mason on Baritone guitar and I added 3 additional guitar tracks.

Posted at 09:17 AM

September 27, 2016 #TipTuesday Band-in-a-Box for Windows Keystroke Commands

Speed up your song creation when you use Keystroke Commands in Band-in-a-Box® for Windows!

For example, here are the commands for switching between the different Windows in Band-in-a-Box®:
Ctrl+W Toggle Notation and Chord Sheet windows.
Ctrl+O Movable Notation window.
Alt+W Lead Sheet window.
Ctrl+T Display Notation screen or Chord Sheet in full screen.
Ctrl+~ Conductor window.
Ctrl+Shift+A Audio Edit window.
Ctrl+Shift+D Drum Kit window.
Ctrl+Shift+G Guitar window.
Ctrl+Shift+J Ear training window.
Ctrl+Shift+L Big Lyrics window.
Ctrl+Shift+M Mixer Window
Ctrl+Shift+N Big Piano window.
Ctrl+Shift+S Plug-in mode for DAW.
Alt+Shift+L Practice window.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+L Lyric Document window.

....and that's just a taste!

You'll find the complete list is available within the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows program manual PDF. You can also view it here.

Posted at 11:50 AM

September 27, 2016 Informative Joanne Cooper Blog Post! 6 Simple Steps... #TipTuesday!

Joanne Cooper is a long time Band-in-a-Box user, and has been a member of our forum for years! We've all listened to the many songs she's shared (and loved every single one of them!), and many of our Forum members have also tuned in to her performances on Street Jelly!

Joanne has her own website, www.joannecooper.co.za/home, where you can listen to her music, watch some videos, scroll through photos, and more! She also shares her blog on this site, which has most recently been updated with the posting 6 simple steps to make cool backing tracks for popular cover songs using Band-in-a-Box.

Read through this informative Blog posting and you'll learn how she creates her backing tracks while using Band-in-a-Box!

Joanne has also created a Band-in-a-Box Video Testimonial, which can be viewed here.

Thank you Joanne for writing this blog post & sharing it with us!

Posted at 09:01 AM

September 27, 2016 User Showcase Song - Love Will Never Give Up On You

Well, here is my 2nd effort on the trusty iPad! Both my Mac and PC are still on the blink. I'm enjoying the feel and portablilty of the iPad. Auria is a strong daw with some really good plugins.

This one is called Love Will Never Give Up On You. I have some friends who have gone through some devastating events in their life recently, and I was thinking of them when I wrote this one today.

I played the piano, and the strings and flute softsynths, and the rest is all RealTracks.

Love Will Never Give Up On You

Here are all the Realtracks used...

RealTracks in song: 2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 910:Piano, Electric, Rhythm SmoothBallad Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 1595:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop8thsSteady Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 2542:Pedal Steel, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 2028:Fiddle, Soloist CountryAndy Ev 065

Posted at 08:28 AM

September 26, 2016 Listen to Songs from other Band-in-a-Box Users on Our Forums! #MondayMotivation

If you're looking for some motivation to help you get started writing songs using Band-in-a-Box, pop in to our User Showcase Forum or the Xtra Styles Contest forum... both of these pages are loaded with songs other users have created with Band-in-a-Box (or other PG Music software).

When you've created your own song, feel free to share it on our User Showcase Forum, where you will also receive feedback from other forum members.

Posted at 11:15 AM

September 26, 2016 Xtra Styles Song Contest - 1 Week Left!

Add your song to the entries for your chance to win 1 of 4 prizes of $150 PG Bucks! That's right... we're giving away a prize for each genre: Country, Jazz, Rock-Pop, and Singer/Songwriter!
The contest is open for submission until midnight September 30, 2016.

Listen to the songs already submitted here: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=91

Posted at 10:44 AM

September 26, 2016 User Showcase Song - Another Day In Big Sky

Another Day In Big Sky

Bonfire Style (Country)

Drums Motown Funky Triplets
Bass 1136 AcousticSW
Guitar 1141 Electric Rhythm CountrySwing Clean Picked
Guitar 2440 Acoustic Fingerpicking FolkySwing
Loop House Techno Trance haptwothree_135_e
String Quartet 2452
Harmonica 424

Posted at 08:13 AM

September 23, 2016 The Xtra Styles Special - There's Still Time!

There's still time to add over 160 professionally mixed RealStyles included in the new Xtra Styles PAKs for the introductory price of $29!

That's right - our Xtra Styles Special is going strong, but time is running out! Until September 30, 2016 you can purchase the All Xtra Styles PAK 1 for just $29 (reg. $49).
www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php

The Xtra Styles PAKs require the RealTracks and RealDrums included in your Band-in-a-Box® 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition. A handful of these new RealStyles use RealTracks from the 2016 49-PAK. If you don't have the 2016 49-PAK, there is a special purchase option: the "All Xtra Styles PAK 1 & 2016 49-PAK Bundle" for just $49! Note: This package is only available until September 30th.

Once you've added the Xtra Styles PAK to your Band-in-a-Box® collection, create an original song using one of the 164 RealStyles included and enter it in our Xtra Styles Contest!
There are four prizes of $150 "PG Bucks" to be won - one for each genre: Country, Jazz, Rock-Pop, and Singer/Songwriter! Entries can be submitted until midnight September 30, 2016. Click here for complete contest details.

Add versatility and a modern flair to your current RealTracks and RealDrums library with Xtra Styles PAKs!

Posted at 01:22 PM

September 23, 2016 #FunFactFriday - Where is PG Music Inc?

Did you know that PG Music Inc. is located in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada)?

Victoria, BC is located on Vancouver Island. Don't let the name fool you, we are not located in Vancouver (a common mistake...)

Our city is home to and endless list of attractions, including: the Legislature Building (we are the capital city of British Columbia), the Craigdarroch Castle, loads of Art Galleries, Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, CFB Esquimalt, and loads of other great tourist stops! We are also lucky enough to have a huge music scene (a few of our PG Team members perform often!).

There has also been a lot of movies and TV shows filmed here - including X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and X-Men: The Last Stand (Royal Roads University is the Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters)!

Want to learn more about Victoria? Visit the Tourism Victoria website: www.tourismvictoria.com/

Posted at 12:59 PM

September 23, 2016 User Showcase Song - Caribbean Moon

All Real Tracks
Style is _SMBRERO.STY

RealTracks in style: 1293:Bass, Electric, TexMexCountry Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 693:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming AcRockBright Ev 120 (B:eighths)
RealTracks in style: 2541:Pedal Steel, Background ModernPopCountry Ev 110
RealTracks in song: ~2201:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 1177:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Rhythm PopCalypso Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 2157:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm FunkyGroove60sJohn Ev 100
RealDrums: RealDrums in Style: TexMexCountryEv8^1-a:Groove, Shaker & Scrapper , b:Ride, Shaker & Scrapper
RealDrums: RealDrums in Song: PopCalypso^1-a:Snare, Closed HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Loop in Song: Percussion Loops/Loop124bpm Conga 8ths 2 bars.m4a

Posted at 10:44 AM

September 22, 2016 Herb Hartley's Song Success!

If you frequent the User Showcase Forum, then you've likely heard one of the many songs shared by "Guitarhacker" (Herb Hartley) - most recently Something To Die For & Jesus Is Risen.

Well, Herb just announced that his songs have also landed some TV show placements - how amazing is that!?!
In case you missed it, read all about this announcement here.

Here at PG Music, we think this is awesome! Congratulations Herb!

Posted at 01:35 PM

September 22, 2016 #TBT - The MIDI File Chord Interpretation Wizard!

Travel back in time to December 2001, and the release of Band-in-a-Box 11 for Windows... which included the new feature The MIDI File Chord Interpretation Wizard!

This new feature was described as:
Many people who play music by ear think of songs in terms of “Chords and Melody.” However many MIDI files lack chord symbols, so they become difficult to learn without the user having to figure out the chords in a time consuming process. Now you can open up any MIDI file in Band-in-a-Box, and Band-in-a-Box will automatically figure out the chords of the song for you. It automatically analyzes the MIDI file, figures out where the bass, piano, melody and other tracks are, and then figures out the chord changes for the song. The chords are written onto the Band-in-a-Box chordsheet like any other song. This allows you to quickly learn how to play a song from a MIDI file - just read it into Band-in-a-Box and you’ll see the chord symbols, and then learn the Melody! You can also read tracks into the Melody and Soloist tracks.

If you're interested in reading about all the features released with Band-in-a-Box 11, visit this page. Other new features added with this version back in 2001 include Jazz Music Fonts for Notes, Symbols, Chords & Titles, Multiple Tracks of Notation, "Direct-to-Disk Audio Rendering, and more!

Posted at 12:35 PM

September 22, 2016 Introducing The Band-in-a-Box Keychain!

For just $5 you can add your very own Band-in-a-Box keychain to any order you place with us!

When placing an order for any item on our website, our shopping cart will offer to add this item to your shipment.

You can also purchase it on its own, here: www.pgmusic.com/bb_keychain.htm

Posted at 09:42 AM

September 22, 2016 User Showcase Song - Icarus

Hello Friends,
Icarus was from part of my learning days with BiaB its all Midi only RT drums Nashville even was reluctant to post at first, but I think the story line has enough merit to do so
I am going to try 're work it, especially closing up the breaks a bit shorter. I am looking at Rts like 1004 Guitar 12 string Acoustic Rhythm and 1513 Guitar electric soloist country Brent and I was amazed at the punch they give. Any co opting on project would be great, as my huge drawback is my poor ability with DAWS

Paddy G

Posted at 09:25 AM

September 21, 2016 Band-in-a-Box® 2016 Chord Sheet Enhancements

With Band-in-a-Box® 2016 (for both Windows & Mac) we added some great Chord Sheet enhancements that included Layers, chord display options, customizable color options, mouse-over indicators, changing the number of columns that are displayed, and more!

We explain and demonstrate this new feature in our Band-in-a-Box® 2016 New Feature Video:
For Windows: http://www.pgmusic.com/?vid=iKUE4vSfISc&t=1323
For Mac: www.pgmusic.com/?vid=_eqADUKt71A&t=1998

Posted at 11:11 AM

September 21, 2016 Welcome to the PG Team Will & Mathew!

We are thrilled to announce that we have recently added two new faces to our PG Team: Will Ballantyne and Mathew Valente!

Will and Mathew have joined our Customer Service team, and bring with them some strong musical talent as well as backgrounds that include technical & sales support!

Welcome to the team, Will & Mathew!

Posted at 06:58 AM

September 21, 2016 User Showcase Song - On Fire Love

Here's a progression I've had in my head for several months now, but I didn't have any lyrics. So a couple of weeks ago I come up with an idea for an "On Fire Love"... Which includes most of the clichés you could imagine. wink

This is not the feel I had in my head for this song, but after messing around with quite a few different styles... I decided this was a pretty cool way to do it. cool I mention that because someone posted recently that they couldn't get BIAB to do what they were hearing in their head and it was bothering them. I'm sure we've all had that problem... I don't think of that as a problem anymore. I just let BIAB be a tool to help me expand on what I hear in my head. grin Anyway just my .02 on that.

I've listed the RT's below, other than that it's me on the vocals and my Telecaster "Trigger" on leads & fills.

All comments welcome.

Greg

Drums-CountryTrain
RT427 Bass, Acoustic
RT431 Guitar, Acoustic, Strum
RT428 Fiddle, Rhythm
RT434 Fiddle, Soloist
RT590 Banjo (Rhythm)
RT2024 Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm

Posted at 06:35 AM

September 20, 2016 Import & Export MusicXML Files with PowerTracks Pro Audio 2016!

With PowerTracks Pro Audio 2016, you can easily import a MusicXML file that you have saved in notation programs (like Finale, Sibelius, Guitar Pro, etc.). Just use the [Open] toolbar button to import the file.

Plus, you can easily export the song as a MusicXML file to notation programs when you use the [Save As] toolbar button to save the file as MusicXML!

The MusicXML feature was a very popular request to add to the many features already included in PowerTracks Pro Audio. So, if you have an idea for a new feature for PowerTracks Pro Audio, make sure you post it to our PowerTracks Pro Audio Wishlist Forum!

Posted at 01:22 PM

September 20, 2016 #TipTuesday - Band-in-a-Box® for Mac Hot Keys

Speed up your song creation when you use the Hot Keys in Band-in-a-Box® for Mac! From muting instruments, adjusting volume, copy tracks, undo, etc... there are over 100 different keystroke commands available!

A few popular Hot Keys include:
-Open favorite/recently used song: shift+F3
-Chord Builder: control+shift+H
-Edit current bar: F5 or option+B
-Play from bar #: control+F
-Play from current bar: X or control+X
-Pause/resume playing song: control+H
-Stop playback: esc
-Set tempo and play: [=] 4 times
-Set tempo: [+] 4 times

The complete list is available within the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Mac program manual. You can also view it here.

Posted at 09:10 AM

September 20, 2016 User Showcase Song - Saguaros

This is an instrumental tune. I'm playing clarinet, all else is from the style, and the violin is a soloist.
I am continually fascinated by the Saguaros here in Tucson, and this tune was inspired by those crazy cacti.

I used Logic X to put it together. I'd appreciate any and all comments; I'm very new at using Logic!

Here's the information from the song memo:
Title: Saguaros
Key=G , Tempo 140, Length (m:s)=5:47
8 bar intro, 48 bar chorus, from bar 9 to bar 56. Repeat x4 choruses
Soloist track has 260 notes, Soloist harmony is
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _EQUATOR.STY

RealTracks in style: 2284:Bass, Acoustic, BossaRon Ev 140
RealTracks in style: ~2288:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm BossaKenny Ev 140
RealTracks in style: ~1216:Vibes, Rhythm Bossa Ev 140
RealTracks in style: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealDrums: RealDrums in Style: BossaBrushesFull^1-a:Sidestick, Brushes , b:Sidestick, Ride

Posted at 07:55 AM

September 19, 2016 RealBand 2016 Feature - Render Track and Save as UserTrack

With RealBand 2016 you can render an audio track (a highlighted section or the whole track) as a .WAV file and save it to the UserTracks folder!

To use this feature in RealBand, select a track or a section of the track and go to menu Render | Save as UserTracks (highlighted section or whole track). This will open the Save as UserTracks dialog. If you are creating a new UserTracks, select the "Create new UserTracks" option and type in the new name. If you want to add to the existing UserTracks folder, select the "Add to Existing UserTracks" option and press the [Choose Folder Name…] button.

UserTracks allow you to create your own audio styles - you can make your own RealTracks! And, just like RealTracks, UserTracks will play with that chord progression! For example, if you've made your own UserTrack by recording yourself playing a guitar groove, you can then type any chords into Band-in-a-Box, and the result will be that it will play your guitar groove over these completely new, original chord changes!

To learn more about UserTracks, visit www.pgmusic.com/usertracks1.htm. Want to hear UserTracks created by other users? Visit our UserTracks Forum - you can even share your own UserTracks there!

Posted at 01:14 PM

September 19, 2016 Band-in-a-Box for Windows® 2016 Download Manager Feature

If you've purchased your Band-in-a-Box® 2016 for Windows, and want to download your order - we've made it even easier with the new Download Manager feature!

Launched from within the program, this feature automatically downloads and installs all of the Band-in-a-Box® content (like RealTracks & RealDrums) in the background. Now you can let the Download Manager do the work for you – freeing your time up to do what you love… writing music!

This feature can be accessed from within the program - just click on the "2016 New Features" button and choose to "Run Download/Install manager now..." or go to "Help | Utilities | Run Download/Install Manager now."

Learn more about this new feature here.

Posted at 10:00 AM

September 19, 2016 User Showcase Song - Mysterious Pop Rock Ballad

Here's a ballad half pop half rock with a melody played by a Dream Piano which wants to share its secrets...

RD NashvillePop16^1
RT 1636 Electric Bass
RT 2537 Electric Guitar
RT 664 Acoustic Guitar
RT 1839 Piano
RT 2013 Solo Piano
RT 1167 Solo Electric Guitar
YAMAHA QY700 Dream Piano

Posted at 08:05 AM

September 16, 2016 Submit your Xtra Styles Contest Songs Today!

If you haven't created your song to submit to the Xtra Styles Contest yet, maybe the weekend is the best opportunity to find some creative time?!

The Xtra Styles Contest runs until September 30th, and entering is easy!

Step 1: Purchase Xtra Styles for your Band-in-a-Box 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition.

Step 2: Create your song using the new Xtra Styles. The song can be entirely Band-in-a-Box tracks, or you can add vocals, additional instruments, etc. to it!

Step 3: Save the audio file for your song to SoundCloud (or another online player).

Step 4: Post your song to our Xtra Styles Contest Forum!

Note: You will need a Forum account to post your entry.

**Don't forget to start a new thread for your song entry. Make sure you include the title of your song in your post title.**

We're giving away 4 prizes of $150 "PG Bucks" - one for each genre category: Country, Jazz, Rock-Pop, and Singer/Songwriter!

Complete contest information can be reviewed here.

Good luck everyone!

Posted at 01:31 PM

September 16, 2016 Band-in-a-Box Radio on SoundCloud!

Earlier this year we launched our Band-in-a-Box Radio SoundCloud page, which is packed full of songs that have been shared on our User Showcase Forum.

With the SoundCloud iTunes & Google Play apps, you can play the Band-in-a-Box Radio songs wherever you go!

We've made listening even easier by splitting up the songs by genre: Jazz, Rock & Pop, and Country & Folk. We've also added playlists for Recent Songs and Featured Songs.

If you've been submitting songs to our User Showcase Forum, but don't have a SoundCloud account yet, please sign up for one and use it to share your songs in the future - that way we can add them to our Band-in-a-Box Radio playlist!

Posted at 08:33 AM

September 16, 2016 User Showcase Song - I Love You When It Rains

A co-write with David Snyder.
Don't let a hurricane go to waste...

The players:
RealTracks in song: ~~387:Bass, Electric, Metal Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1850:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningGrittyMuted Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2541:Pedal Steel, Background ModernPopCountry Ev 110
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2058:Strings, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1606:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 110
Royalty free loops from Drums On Demand.

Posted at 08:05 AM

September 15, 2016 Xtra Styles PAK Special Pricing Available Until September 30th!

There's still time to purchase the All Xtra Styles PAK 1 for the special price of just $29! We're offering this discounted price until September 30th (regular price: $49).

During our Xtra Styles Special you can purchase all 164 new RealStyles for only $29 (regular price $49) with the All Xtra Styles PAK 1, or bundle these new RealStyles with the purchase of a 49-PAK when you choose a All Xtra Styles PAK 1 & 2016 49-PAK Bundle for only $49 (a $98 value)! These new Xtra Styles are also included in every purchase of a Band-in-a-Box UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition during the special!

You might be asking yourself "What are Xtra Styles?"
Xtra Styles are RealStyles that our development team spent time creating which utilize the RealTracks & RealDrums in the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, Audiophile Edition, and a handful from the 2016 49-PAK. There are 164 in total!

Learn even more about Xtra Styles, listen to demos, or purchase yours today when you visit www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php.

Please note: The Xtra Styles use RealTracks from the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition, and require the latest patch update.

Have you already received your new Xtra Styles? Check out the Xtra Styles Song Contest we're running right now! You could win $150 PG "Bucks"!

Posted at 10:23 AM

September 15, 2016 Share your PG Music Products Tips & Tricks on Our Forum!

Have you come up with some technical tips or tutorials that are related to our products? Share them with fellow users by posting them to our Tips & Tricks Forum. There are already 500+ threads posted with valuable tips from other PG Music product users!

Not only will you see helpful posts from other Forum members, you'll also see posts from PG Staff!

www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=31

Posted at 09:30 AM

September 15, 2016 User Showcase Song - Animal Farm

Here's a tune that one might call Orwellian in more ways than one. Hope you like. Lots of realtracks here.

BIAB
Style is _BLUGRSF.STY

RealTracks in style: ~427:Bass, Acoustic, Bluegrass Ev 130
RealTracks in style: ~426:Banjo, Bluegrass Ev 130 (Rhythm)
RealTracks in style: ~431:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Bluegrass Ev 130
RealTracks in style: ~428:Fiddle, Rhythm Bluegrass Ev 130
RealTracks in song: ~433:Banjo, Bluegrass Ev 130 (Soloist)
RealDrums: RealDrums in Song: CountryEven8Reduced: a: Brushes, HiHat b: Snare, Ride

Logic Pro used to mix. Ozone to master.

Posted at 08:08 AM

September 14, 2016 The User Showcase - More Than 4,100 Original Songs!

Click here to visit our User Showcase Forum, where Forum members post their songs created with our software daily. This is an ideal location to post links to your original songs and receive some great feedback from other program users.

For a more detailed page where you can search for songs by genre or Forum member name, we've put together the User Showcase page: www.pgmusic.com/user-showcase/. This page has just been updated. There are 4,100+ songs found on this page that were all originally posted to the User Showcase Forum... which is full of talented people! The best part? Each song entry on this page includes links to the original Forum post!

Have you been creating songs using Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, or PowerTracks? Make sure you're posting them to the User Showcase Forum... Everyone would love to hear your songs!

Posted at 01:12 PM

September 14, 2016 Amazing Band-in-a-Box Song by Johnny Zell!

Johnny Zell might be best known as the trumpeter from The Lawrence Welk Show, but among many other things he's also a long-time Band-in-a-Box user & Forum member!

Johnny recently posted an amazing song created with the help of Band-in-a-Box and some incredible RealTracks! Listen to this song here.

While you're on Johnny's Soundcloud page make sure to listen to the other songs he's shared - you won't be disappointed!

Want to create your own song using the RealTracks in Johnny's song? Add RealTracks Set 236 : Cocktail Jazz Horns! to your Band-in-a-Box library!

Posted at 12:18 PM

September 14, 2016 Xtra Styles Song Contest - Keep 'Em Coming! (30+ Submissions So Far!)

Wow - the submissions for our Xtra Style Songs Contest all sound AMAZING! If you haven't listened to the songs yet, make sure you visit our Xtra Styles Contest Forum today to find your favorite song!

The contest deadline is September 30th - so there's still time to prepare your own submission!

Learn more about the Xtra Styles purchase options (we're having a sale!) here: www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php

Posted at 09:15 AM

September 14, 2016 User Showcase Song - MilkyWay

This is my newest vocaloid song.
I wrote it with full orchestration (changed from simple arrangement using RealTracks only) stimulated strongly by Noel’s newest post “Oh! Susanna Variations for Oboe and Flute” using the contrapuntal techniques.
I only used MIDI in this song.
Comments encouraged.
Have at it.

Title: MilkyWay
Vocal: 初音ミク (Miku Hatsune), Vocaloid

Style is HRPORK44.STY
Style MIDI Instruments are :
Bass (49) assigned to Contrabasses,
Piano (47) assigned to Celesta,
Guitar (45) a little modified and assigned to 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos,
Strings (50) assigned to 4 French Horns,

Style is alberti.STY
Acoustic Piano (1) assigned to Concert Piano,

Other instruments (1st violins, Solo violin, 2 Flutes, Oboe, Harp, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Wind chime) by myself.

All instruments played with EastWest symphonic orchestra except Concert Piano played with Steingberg The Grand.

Posted at 09:10 AM

September 13, 2016 User Showcase Song - Memories of Past Encounters

This is a little piece I put together for a mood feeling of the evening a few days ago. It features Andy Leftwich RealTracks Fiddle, Soloist Country Andy Ev 065.
Other RealTracks:
366: Bass
1725: Piano
Real Drums NashvilleEven16
~368: Guitar, Acoustic
~367: Guitar, Electric

Posted at 09:31 AM

September 13, 2016 Major VST Support Added in the RealBand 2016 Build 10 Update!

Download the latest RealBand 2016 Build 10 update today and you'll be adding improved support for time-based VST plugins!

Now the synchronization/tempo lock works for plugins such as JamStix, Addictive Drums, EZ Drummer, and RapidComposer. This allows, for example, plugins like JamStix Virtual Drummer to generate and play drum arrangements in real-time!

Posted at 07:53 AM

September 13, 2016 Major VST Feature Added with Band-in-a-Box 2016 Build 438 for Windows!

The latest Band-in-a-Box 2016 Build 438 update is all about VST support!

We've added improved support for time-based VST plugin features! Now VST Plugins like JamStix, Addictive Drums, EZ Drummer, and RapidComposer will receive MIDI Synchronization information from Band-in-a-Box. Now plugins like JamStix Virtual Drummer will generate and play drum arrangements in real-time, and more!

You can download this update patch here.

After installing the update, give it a try! We'd love to hear what you think of this new feature. And, if you use it while composing your next Band-in-a-Box song, don't forget to post it to our User Showcase Forum!

Posted at 07:40 AM

September 09, 2016 Band-in-a-Box Tutorial Videos on Our YouTube Channel!

You may have noticed that we added a new Forum called I Just Heard Band-in-a-Box on YouTube. This forum will be a great place to post videos you find that include Band-in-a-Box (tutorials, backing tracks, etc.)!

Did you know that we also have our own YouTube channel? It's packed with Band-in-a-Box New Features videos, Tips & Tricks, How-to's, Video Testimonials, and more! Check it out at www.youtube.com/user/pgmusicinc.

You'll even find videos that highlighted the new features released with older versions, like this Band-in-a-Box 2004 New Features Video! (For all our long-time users to take a walk down memory lane...)

If you've thought of a video that could help Band-in-a-Box users, and don't see it listing on our YouTube channel, please pass your suggestion along to us!

Posted at 02:12 PM

September 09, 2016 Listen to the Great Songs Entered in our Xtra Styles Contest!

Have you been checking in on our Forum for the Xtra Styles Contest song submissions? There are 20 posts so far, and we've only been running the contest since August 22!

It runs until the 30th - so if you haven't posted your song yet, there's still time!

The song submissions must include 1 of the 164 new RealStyles in the new Xtra Styles purchase option. To learn more about these, visit www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php

Posted at 12:55 PM

September 09, 2016 User Showcase Song - Average Mojo

Janice and I have long wanted to do a “swamp blues” style song. Tony Joe White pretty much owns the genre and is still recording amazingly good stuff nearly 50 years after his first big song.

His style is characterized by southern US swampy imagery, minimalist instrumentation, simple chord structures and lots of fuzzy guitar. John Fogerty and others have borrowed heavily from him.

I attempted to write a song in this style and asked PeterF if he’d be willing to join in with his guitar. He agreed and offered up some cool guitar and harmonica tracks that were right in the genre pocket. The project was quite a vocal departure for Janice vocally and even more so after I went with more “grit” in processing her vocal.

Perhaps an obscure genre but we did have a lot fun producing it. And, yes, there is a lot of distortion, tube sims, saturated tape sims, vintage compression sims and a hot mix. Goes with the style!

Janice agreed to me using a photo of her in the intro/outro page of the video. That is a first!

Oh BTW, a "gris gris" is a good luck amulet.

Vocal: Janice - processed with Izotope’s Nectar 2
Drums: RD - Blues Rock Even - processed with Izotope’s Alloy 2
Bass: RT - 572 Bass Blues Even - processed with Izotope’s Alloy 2
Rhythm Guitar/Solo Guitar/Harmonica: Peter - processed with whatever he does grin I put a hint of overdrive amp sim on the harmonica.

Mixed in Logic Pro X and mastered with Izotope’s Ozone 7 Advanced using a host of vintage modules

Many thanks to Peter for both the instrumental work and help with the arrangement.

Posted at 12:33 PM

September 08, 2016 User Showcase Song - A Traveler

I have received several comments how my songs remind of Pink Floyd and Alan Parsons so I tried to make a song with more feel of those artists. Although the song is long, I have tried to keep the song interesting with instrument variation and a tempo change. There is also a chord progression which is used throughout the song, but with melody only in the end. Lyrics are inspired by the unique beauty of our planet.

Thanks to Band-in-a-box for making it so easy to realize musical visions, Vocaloid for testing the lyrical flow and RnAM for once more giving their excellent talent for my use.

RealDrums: NashvilleEven16
RealTracks:
Electric Bass #1036
Acoustic Guitar #1596, #1902
Acoustic Piano #1602, #1690, #1904
Electric Guitar #573, #833, #1000, #2650
Electric Guitar Solo #576
Sax Tenor #2411
Organ #673

+some sound effects

Vocals: RnAM
Child choir: Vocaloid Oliver & Ruby

Mixed in Adobe Audition, final mix with vocals by RnAM.

Posted at 11:23 AM

September 07, 2016 New Forum - I Just Heard Band-in-a-Box on YouTube!

If you've visited YouTube and come across a video about Band-in-a-Box, we now have a Forum you can share this too!

The new "I just heard Band-in-a-Box on YouTube" Forum is a great place to see, hear and help to publicize how Band-in-a-Box is used on YouTube and other sites (tutorials, backing tracks, etc.).

Posted at 10:28 AM

September 07, 2016 User Showcase Song - This Means War, Mario

Ok, Mario and I just couldn't resist this, taking full advantage of the Xtra Styles. Mario D, Right Channel Guitar Duel. Listen for shout outs to BIAB Forum at End. Sorry Frank Zappa, but you started it man.

Style is _TARPIT.STY

Genre is: CRAZY

This Means War, Mario
By David Snyder

with Mario D, Guitar (right channel)

Apologies to Frank Zappa

Posted at 08:04 AM

September 06, 2016 Band-in-a-Box UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, and Audiophile Edition Include Xtra Styles!

If you're purchasing your 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition during our Xtra Styles Special, you'll receive all 164 RealStyles at no additional cost! (a $49 value!)

Hurry - this offer is only available until September 30, 2016!

...and if you've already started with your Xtra Styles, don't forget to enter your song into the Xtra Styles Song Contest for your chance to WIN! Click here for more information on this contest.

Posted at 02:24 PM

September 06, 2016 User Showcase Song - Toast and Jam

Here is a new song:

Toast and Jam

It is a light blues jam.

Style is Buddy G Raucous 12/8
BB Real Bass 366
BB Real Drums CountryEven8

Have added some rhytym tracks
Guitar, Piano and Organ

Hope you like it

Posted at 12:26 PM

September 02, 2016 Submit Your Xtra Styles Song in Our Contest!

With all the excitement we've experienced due to the release of our Xtra Styles purchase options, we're happy to be running an Xtra Styles Contest until September 30th!

If you have already purchased your Xtra Styles, make sure you enter your song here for your chance to win $150 "PG Bucks"! While you're there, listen to the song submissions we've received so far - they're pretty impressive!

If you thought you missed your chance to purchase the Xtra Styles at discounted prices during the month of August, you didn't! We're now running our Xtra Styles Special until September 30, 2016 - purchase all 164 new RealStyles for only $29!

Posted at 11:48 AM

September 02, 2016 User Showcase Song - Wishing Now Was Then

Here is a change of pace for week 35, Wishing Now Was Then. A slow jazz ballad with a great quartet backing me up.

I used all RTs: Acoustic Bass, Piano, Tenor Sax, and Brush Drums. The Tenor solo is amazing--BIAB is constantly delighting me.

Thanks for listening and for your helpful comments.

Posted at 08:18 AM

September 01, 2016 Xtra Styles PAK Special - Extended to September 30th!

If you thought you missed your chance to purchase the All Xtra Styles PAK 1 for the special price of $29, don't worry! We've extended the special offers until September 30th!

During the extended special you can purchase all 164 new RealStyles for only $29 (regular price $49) with the All Xtra Styles PAK 1, or bundle these new RealStyles with the purchase of a 49-PAK when you choose a All Xtra Styles PAK 1 & 2016 49-PAK Bundle for only $49 (a $98 value)!

Learn more about Xtra Styles, listen to demos, or purchase yours today when you visit www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php.

Please note: The Xtra Styles use RealTracks from the Band-in-a-Box® 2016 UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition, and require Build 437 or higher.

Have you already received your new Xtra Styles? Check out the Xtra Styles Song Contest we're running right now! You could win $150 PG "Bucks"!

Posted at 12:50 PM

September 01, 2016 User Showcase Song - Things You Didn't Say

About as close to a rock song as I`ve done so far, this was written 20yrs ago but had a redo after I began listening to the Waterboys. I tried to get close to their great wild fiddle folkrock sound here.
This forum has been very helpful to me... your comments are welcomed!

Style is _NRTRKSW.STY (Northern Rock Swing 8ths)

Posted at 08:10 AM