May 31, 2018 HURRY! Our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Special Ends TODAY!

UPDATE June 1: Special Extended until June 30th!

HURRY! If you haven't ordered your Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac upgrade yet - our special ends TODAY (May 31st)!

Band-in-a-Box purchase options for Mac.

Learn more about all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.new.htm

Posted at 12:58 PM

May 31, 2018 User Showcase Song - My Sad Story

https://soundcloud.com/charlie-fogle/my-sad-story

Key=D , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=2:28
Style is _JJSHUFL.STY (Laid Back Country Shuffle w/ Aco)

RealTracks in style: ~539:Bass, Electric, Pop Sw 120
RealTracks in style: 2124:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryShuffleJohn Sw 120
RealTracks in style: ~372:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 120
RealTracks in song: 2534:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, HeldChords
RealTracks in song: 1115:Fiddle, Background CountrySwingChops Sw 140
RealTracks in song: 1504:Pedal Steel, Soloist, CountryShufflePaul Sw 120
RealDrums in style: NashvilleBrushesClassicShuffle: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes,

Additional Real Tracks

609 – Resonator Guitar
610 – Mandolin
618 – Fiddle
1116 - Fiddle
1283 – Electric Guitar Soloist

Completed the instrument track completely within Band in a Box.

Posted at 12:54 PM

May 30, 2018 Xtra Styles PAKs Special Ends May 31st!

Update June 1: Special Extended to June 30th!

With the release of our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac, we're having a sale on all Xtra Styles PAKs!

Our most recent Xtra Styles release, Xtra Styles PAK 4, has over 150 RealStyles for Rock-Pop, Jazz, Country, and 'Folk and Beyond' styles, which work with the RealTracks included in any Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher UltraPAK/UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition!

We've put all of our Xtra Styles PAKs on SALE until May 31st! Until then, purchase any Xtra Styles PAK (1 - 4) for just $29 each (reg. $49), or snag ALL available Xtra Styles PAKs 1-4 (645 RealStyles) for just $99! www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=mac

Listen to all the demos of these new Xtra Styles here, or check out this video: www.pgmusic.com/?vid=Zl_wr47d2V0

Posted at 10:20 AM

May 30, 2018 User Showcase Song - May I?

This piece is my foray into more rock-oriented music.

I have been using Power Tracks Pro almost since its inception and for this piece, I used the latest version (2018) exclusively. The instruments were generated by Garritan and IK Multimedia vst sound banks. The vocalist is not me because, quite frankly, I want people to like the piece. laugh

The work is called "May I" and I wrote the words, played all the tracks, and produced the entire song. I hope you like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApTxbvm34M0

Posted at 08:52 AM

May 30, 2018 Time is Running Out - Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Special Ends May 31st!

UPDATE June 1: Special Extended until June 30th!

If you haven't ordered your Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac upgrade yet, hurry - our special ends May 31st!

During our special, we're having a SALE on Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Upgrade purchases - save up to 40% when you purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Upgrade, receive a FREE Bonus PAK, and save on Video RealTracks and Xtra Styles PAKs!

Band-in-a-Box purchase options for Mac.

Learn more about all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.new.htm

Posted at 08:50 AM

May 29, 2018 Piano Roll Window Added to Band-in-a-Box 2018 for Mac!

We've just added a MAJOR new feature to our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac program - the Piano Roll Window!

If you have already purchased your Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac, you can add this feature with our free patch update 258: click here to learn more and download build 258.

Piano Roll Window
The new Piano Roll window enables precise graphic editing of MIDI data including notes, velocity, controllers, program changes, channel aftertouch, and pitch bend.

See this new feature in action: www.pgmusic.com/?vid=GXuM5Y-O3xU

Posted at 09:09 AM

May 29, 2018 User Showcase Song - Swamp

This song is a bit different from my normal tunes and I don't think that I've heard anything quite like it here on the forums. It's a kind of anthemic rap rock song about not giving into societal norms and standing up for what you believe in.

https://soundcloud.com/user-742389722/swamp
Real Tracks:
644: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Hard Rock Thrash Hollow
1418: Bass, Electric, Southern Rock
1530: Guitar, Electric, Soloist Pop Power
Real Drums=Metal Slow Big Tom Groove

Besides the BIAB real tracks I also added 5 VST instrumental tracks using Hybrid, Xpand and Groove Agent. All mixing and recording was done in Cubase 9. There are 11 Vocal tracks With variouse effects on each channel. I will post a link to an isolated vocal sample as well as a Soundcloud link at the bottom of the post.

Posted at 09:05 AM

May 29, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Build 258 Update Available!

Attention Band-in-a-Box® 2018 Mac users... there's a free patch update available! For more information about this patch, click here.

Summary of Changes for Build 258:
Added: The Piano Roll window has been added!
This is a major new feature. The Piano Roll window enables precise graphic editing of MIDI data including notes, velocity, controllers, program changes, channel aftertouch, and pitch bend. There is a video tutorial here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXuM5Y-O3xU
Added: Transpose From To menu item added to Edit > Transpose.
Added: File > Open Special > Import MIDI file to interpret chords now also reads lyrics in.
Added: Melody > Edit Melody > Import MIDI file to melody now also reads lyrics in.
Fixed: Video rendering failed if using macOS 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
Fixed: The custom toolbar sometimes would be empty, and contain no buttons to customize.
Fixed: If editing a lyric in the edit lyrics event list, the lyric would become blank after editing the lyric.
Fixed: The font size of the lyrics big list box, and events big list box was changed after editing an individual lyric or event.
Fixed: The time field of either a note or lyric was getting messed up.
Fixed: Notation advancing and scroll-ahead issues (after measure 64).
Fixed: The floating mixer was not resizable if using macOS 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
Fixed: The StylePicker would not exit when pressing the Esc key.
Fixed: Import MIDI file dialog would start inside the Band-in-a-Box® .app.
Fixed: Lyrics could not be be loaded from Karaoke files (.Kar files, if they are renamed as .mid files).

Click here to download this free patch update.

Posted at 06:55 AM

May 28, 2018 User Showcase Song - You Got the Better of Me

New Country Song - You Got the Better of Me
By Elliott Kayne and U4EA Music Productions

SOUNDCLOUD LINK: You Got The Better of Me
https://soundcloud.com/ekayne/you-got-the-better-of-me

****** Song Summary *************
Title: You got the better of me
File:You got the better of me.SGU
Key=D , Tempo 135, Length (m:s)=3:18
No intro. 110 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 110. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Time signature,Volume Changes,
Style is _CDRVNPS.STY (Fast Drivin' w/ Pedal Steel )

RealTracks in style: 1693:Bass, Electric, CountryDrivin8thsA-B Ev 150
RealTracks in style: 1697:Pedal Steel, Rhythm CountryDrivin8ths Ev 150
RealTracks in style: 1696:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryDrivin8ths Ev 150
RealTracks in song: 844:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryRockPopping Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 847:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryRockRiff Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 413:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Train Pickin' Ev 130
RealDrums in style: NashvilleEven8^6-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, HiHat Open

Posted at 12:39 PM

May 28, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® 2018 - 40 Unreleased RealTracks in the 49-PAK for Mac

If you LOVE our RealTracks, it's a great time to add some unreleased RealTracks to your collection with the 2018 49-PAK, including Singer-Songwriter styles, Klezmer styles, World Accordion, Latin Percussion, and more Drum Kit & Percussion styles! To listen to demos, click here.

The 49-PAK is available during our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac special for just $49, and includes:
Video RealTracks Set 2: Country TrainBeat Band
40 UNRELEASED RealTracks
22 MIDI SuperTracks
101 Instrumental Studies
Artist Performance Set 8: Traditional Songs Sung by Béatrix Méthé.

Add a Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac package to your shopping cart and you will be prompted to include a 49-PAK with your purchase until May 31, 2018!

Posted at 12:36 PM

May 25, 2018 RealTracks Artist Quinn Bachand - Hard at Work!

Check it out - this is happening NOW... Quinn Bachand's latest RealTracks recording session!

Click here for image.

Listen to demos of Quinn's existing RealTracks here.

Posted at 12:34 PM

May 25, 2018 The Band-in-a-Box® 2018 PlusPAK Upgrade for Mac

Did you know....

If you are currently using a Band-in-a-Box® 2017 UltraPlusPAK or EverythingPAK and are wanting to upgrade to the new version, with the 202 new RealTracks that were just released, the PlusPAK upgrade is a great option! This is available on DVD, flash drive, or electronic delivery - simply install the content to your existing 2017 BB folder! Add the 49-PAK to your purchase, and you'll complete the RealTracks library with the 40 BONUS unreleased RealTracks!

This package is on sale for just $99 during our special (reg. $129): More information...

Posted at 12:17 PM

May 25, 2018 User Showcase Song - No White Flag

Down Under Gothic... or something along those lines.

https://soundcloud.com/user-564042721/no-white-flag-the-bushrunners-ballad-with-scottc

Lead & background guitars by ScottC
RealTracks : ~1546:Bass, El.Country Sw 085
RealTracks : ~530:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 085
RealTracks :2624 Guitar, BaritoneEl
RealDrums : BluesRock 128
Loops:Bodhran,Didgeridoo

© Robert Cordrey May 2018

Posted at 12:11 PM

May 24, 2018 User Showcase Song - Follow The Money

A song that always seems topical wherever (and whenever) you live.

Lyrics - Leon
Vocals & Harmony - Janice
I played some guitar solos.
Thanks to Bud for recording Janice and his mix input.

https://soundcloud.com/user-98254366/follow-the-money

The Band:
RealTracks in style: 2426:Bass, Acoustic, RockabillySlowSwing Sw 085
RealTracks in style: 2428:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm RockabillySlowSwingKevin Sw 085
RealTracks in style: ~~938:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm JazzFreddie Sw 110
RealTracks in song: 2533:Guitar, Acoustic, HeldChords
RealDrums in style: RockabillySlowSwing-01-Brsh,BrK [Multi]

Posted at 08:14 AM

May 24, 2018 Get to Know The Band-in-a-Box® 2018 49-PAK for Mac

Purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac during our special and you will receive a Free Bonus PAK which includes Video RealTracks Set 1: Pop Ballad Band, 10 MIDI SuperTracks, 7 Instrumental Studies, 40 AmpliTube Presets & 37 Associated bonus Styles, and 52 Loops for Band-in-a-Box!

Take it a step further and add a 49-PAK to your purchase for only $49! Add the 49-PAK to your Band-in-a-Box® for Mac purchase and you'll receive these GREAT Band-in-a-Box Add-ons:
Video RealTracks Set 2: Country TrainBeat Band
ALL 40 UNRELEASED Bonus RealTracks
22 MIDI SuperTracks
101 Instrumental Studies
Artist Performance Set 8: Traditional Songs Sung by Béatrix Méthé.

Get to Know The Band-in-a-Box® 2018 49-PAK: Video link - Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac- 49-PAK Overview

Posted at 08:09 AM

May 23, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® Version 2018 Pro & MegaPAK RealCombos!

We've added MORE to the RealCombos included in the Pro & MegaPAK packages with the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac!

The Band-in-a-Box® 2018 Pro includes 300 RealTracks instruments in over 100 bands - that's 100+ more than previous years - listen to them here.

There are now over 500 RealTracks in 300 Bands in the Band-in-a-Box® 2018 MegaPAK! Take a look at all the RealTracks & RealDrums in the MegaPAK here.

To receive the new version with these new RealCombos, upgrade during our special for as little as $59! http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm.

Get ALL the Regular RealTracks & RealDrums when you upgrade to an UltraPAK or Audiophile Edition!

Posted at 09:47 AM

May 23, 2018 Title Track Day, May 23, 2018!

Did you know... today is Title Track Day!

Which album do you think of on this special day? Better yet, have you created your own album and named it after a song?

Join the converation...

Posted at 08:21 AM

May 23, 2018 User Showcase Song - Avalanche

Here's something folky and a bit vintage sounding - this is called Avalanche:
https://soundcloud.com/user-157357144/avalanche

All BIAB Tracks:
1008: Bass, Electric, ElecRock Ev 120
1681: Guitar, Acoustic, 12-String, Fingerpicking Ev 120
405: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120
789: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CrossoverClean Sw16 090
Loop: vybez_70_shaker
Loop: Chillout/Chillout - dimensions_145_choir

Thanks for listening!

Posted at 08:08 AM

May 22, 2018 User Showcase Song - *Oh Please*

Hi all. I dont have a great vocal range but am messing around with some falsetto on this one.
Does it pass? Not sure if the vocal is too loud? All comments welcome. -Rob

Oh Please - SoundCloud

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Oh Please
File:Oh Please.SGU
Key=C , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=3:12
4 bar intro, 72 bar chorus, from bar 5 to bar 76. Repeat x1 chorus
Melody has 615 notes, Melody harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Soloist track has 564 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _SHADES.STY (Shades '60s Pop with Strings)

RealTracks in style: 1174:Bass, Electric, PopCalypso Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 1177:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Rhythm PopCalypso Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 1175:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm PopCalypso Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 1422:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopCalypso Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 2508:String Quartet, Rhythm PopEvenHall Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2690:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Slow16thsPopBrentSimple Ev16 075
RealDrums in style: PopCalypso^1-a:Snare, Closed HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Vocals My self

*******************

Posted at 12:44 PM

May 22, 2018 New! Video RealTracks for Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac!

NEW with Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac - Video RealTracks Sets!

Video RealTracks allow you to see the RealTracks artist playing that track - you can use them just like any other RealTrack, and you can generate a video which will display the musician playing your song exactly as you hear it. You can also include a chord sheet or notation in the video.

We've added Video RealTracks Set 1: Pop Ballad Band to our Free Bonus PAK included in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac packages during our release special (which ends May 31st!).
Video RealTracks Set 2: Country TrainBeat Band is included in the 2018 49-PAK, along with 40 Bonus UNRELEASED RealTracks, 22 MIDI SuperTracks, 101 Instrumental Studies, and Artist Performance Set 8: Traditional Songs Sung by Béatrix Méthé.

SPECIAL OFFER: During our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac release special, purchase our "Video RealTracks Set 3-6 Special Bundle Offer" to complete your purchase with the remaining Video RealTracks Sets for the low price of just $49! http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.videorealtracks.htm

Learn more about the new Video RealTracks and see them in action: http://www.pgmusic.com/?vid=fzkX6jO_hW4

Posted at 11:11 AM

May 18, 2018 User Showcase Song - One Piece

Here is my latest release on Musicoin. This version was mixed by Ogi Feel the Beat who does a lot of mixing of my songs for submission to Songtradr etc and I know on the previous song I posted some commented the mix was not to their taste so I would love to hear what you think of this one.

ONE PIECE

The song was a co-write with John Scunziano during FAWM this year but I never got round to posting the original mix.
Realtracks:
Bass: 1036
Drums: Nashville Brushes
Guitar: 897 and 702
Mando:1601

Posted at 08:52 AM

May 18, 2018 Video - 202 NEW RealTracks for Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac!

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac we also released 202 NEW RealTracks (in Sets 278-300)!

Listen to all the individual demos here: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.202newrealtracks.htm, or watch our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac - 202 New RealTracks Overview Video: http://www.pgmusic.com/?vid=7ZrfGSqjaOU

Get all 202 new RealTracks when you purchase any Band-in-a-Box® 2018 UltraPAK, Audiophile Edition, or the PlusPAK upgrade - on sale until May 31st!

Posted at 08:48 AM

May 18, 2018 Holiday Hours - Monday, May 21st

We're celebrating Victoria Day on Monday, May 21st. Our hours for the long weekend will be:

Customer Service:
Saturday, May 19: 7:00am - 5:00pm PST
Sunday, May 20: 8:00am - 4:00pm PST
Monday, May 21: 8:00am - 4:00pm PST

Technical Support:
Closed (will re-open Tues, May 22 at 10am PST)

Posted at 08:40 AM

May 17, 2018 Video - The Audio Chord Wizard in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac

Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac boasts over 50 new features and enhancements... including the Build-in Audio Chord Wizard!

The Audio Chord Wizard has been redesigned and is now built into Band-in-a-Box®. Previously, the Audio Chord Wizard was a separate app and not tightly integrated into Band-in-a-Box®. This app is still available from the [Audio Chord Wizard] toolbar button, but the improved built-in Audio Chord Wizard can be accessed from the Audio Edit window.

Watch our latest video to learn more: Video link - Audio Chord Wizard in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac

Posted at 01:55 PM

May 17, 2018 User Showcase Song - Life Ain't a Cookie Jar

Nothing fancy this time, just a standard 12 bar I-IV-V blues, although it's the first time we have done a major key blues.

https://www.reverbnation.com/blueattitudemusic/song/29528680-life-aint-a-cookie-jar

The band:
1922:Bass, Electric, TexasBluesRockSlow12-8 Sw 060
675:Organ, B3, Background Blues Monday Sw 065

I used EZDrummer2 to build the drum track, and I'm playing the lead and rhythm guitar parts.

Mixed with reaper using iZotope Neutron 2 and plugins from Waves, mastered using Ozone 8 and LMC

Posted at 01:50 PM

May 15, 2018 Video - Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac - Everything You Need to Know in Under 5 Minutes!

Want to quickly see the new features included in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac in action?

Check out this video, Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac® ! Everything you need to know in under 5 minutes*: http://www.pgmusic.com/?vid=XSSQpijRyxk

*The video includes an extra 2 minutes for the 49-PAK! The first 5 minutes show you all of the great new features and content available with Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac®, and it's followed by additional video showing off the 2018 49-PAK for Mac.

Posted at 02:01 PM

May 15, 2018 User Showcase Song - Silent Waltz

This track was 1st recorded about a decade ago but my parts were pretty messy and, having been recorded to cassette 4 track, fairly "lo fi".
I took the original tracks - transferred them to Reaper, re recorded the guitars, edited the cellos and added BIAB drums as well as organ.

https://soundcloud.com/rayc/silent-waltz-pygmy-beat-expanded-featuring-miriam-webb

I specifically bought RealDrums 07 for this project - and that set specifically for RealDrums:Swing8Waltz.
Organ: background B3.
Miriam Webb sang and played the good cello parts as well as writing the cello arrangement & vocal melody.
Gerry Steele of The Hamilton Steele Band played the lovely dual guitar solo.
I played the bad cello, bass, 12 & 6 string acoustic guitars.
The bass was DI.
The cellos were recorded with a Sony Electret 19b microphone.
New guitar parts recorded digitally with an MSH-4 which is a small diaphragm condenser with a built in micro-tube, (hand made at Naiant Studios), into a Focusrite Scarlett
Mixed in Reaper using
ReaComp
ReaVerb (imported convolution file - Wide chamber)
ReaEQ
PSP Vintage Warmer 2
Mastered by Fran Ashcroft of Happy Beat Studio.

Posted at 01:35 PM

May 14, 2018 Xtra Styles PAKs are ON SALE until May 31st!

Xtra Styles PAK 4 was initially released with our Windows version of Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Windows, and with the release of our Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac, we're having a sale!

Xtra Styles PAK 4 has over 150 RealStyles for Rock-Pop, Jazz, Country, and 'Folk and Beyond' styles, which work with the RealTracks included in any Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher UltraPAK/UltraPlusPAK, EverythingPAK, or Audiophile Edition!

We've put all of our Xtra Styles PAKs on SALE until May 31st! Purchase any Xtra Styles PAK (1 - 4) for just $29 each! (reg. $49) http://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=mac

Listen to all the demos of these new Xtra Styles here, or check out this video: http://www.pgmusic.com/?vid=Zl_wr47d2V0

Posted at 12:49 PM

May 14, 2018 User Showcase Song - Memento

Hi guys, another one in the New Age/whatever series. Hope you all like it. Memento: https://soundcloud.com/cubanpete/memento

Style is SPRING.STY (Spring - Gentle New Age Piano)
BassCustom Synth is Synth/Plugin Loaded
PianoCustom Synth is Synth/Plugin Loaded
StringsCustom Synth is Synth/Plugin Loaded
MelodyCustom Synth is Synth/Plugin Loaded
Style MIDI Instruments are : Pad-Warm (Slow) (90), Acoustic Piano (1), Electric Piano (5), Synth Strings 1 (51),
RealTracks in song: 624:Fiddle, Soloist George Ev 085

Posted at 12:21 PM

May 14, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac - 45 Requests Fulfilled!

Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac is here, and there's more than 80 new features! We've answered some user requests with this release, including:

Q. I am learning guitar. The RealTracks are very helpful in that I can hear great guitar players, and most of the tracks have tab and notation as well. But there is much more to guitar, could you include some videos of some of the RealTracks Artists? Because I would learn much more from seeing a guitarist than just hearing them.

A. We have a major new feature called "Video RealTracks." These work and sound like RealTracks, but you get to see a video of the Guitarist (or whatever instrument) playing as well. The amazing thing is that this works with any chord progression you type in. So, if you want to learn to play like the great guitarist Brent Mason, for example, you can type in chords to any progression you are interested in, and then hear and see a video of Brent soloing over your progression. Now you can learn much quicker, as it helps to see how a musician is performing, as well as to hear.

Q. I use the feature to make a video of the chord sheet from a Band-in-a-Box song. I use it to make backing tracks and upload them to YouTube. But these don't include any notation for the melody and lyrics of my songs. My viewers would like to see the melody and lyrics too. Is there a way you can include the melody in the video? I've tried recording this with screen capture programs, but it's time consuming, recording in real time, and the audio quality and sync are not that good.

A. Yes, Band-in-a-Box 2018 can do this now. You can save your song as a video of the notation track. So that includes the notation, guitar tab, and lyrics. And saving the whole video and audio just takes a few seconds, much faster than real time recording. Just load in your song with chords, melody, lyrics, and/or guitar tab, and press Save-As Notation Video. Your song will be up on YouTube in no time!

Q. I am songwriter and uses Band-in-a-Box to make backing tracks for my productions. I'm starting to make videos and upload them to YouTube. Can Band-in-a-Box help with my production videos?

A. Band-in-a-Box 2018 can now make videos with Video RealTracks, of the musicians performing the RealTracks. And they are playing along to your song's chord progression. You can include these videos in your own song performance, which adds a nice visual element.

Q. I use the Audio Harmonies in Band-in-a-Box. But I find the harmonies simplistic, in that they are mainly using chord tones. The Band-in-a-Box MIDI harmonies are more sophisticated, using passing tones. Why can't my Audio Harmonies work like that?

A. We've added support for new types of Audio Harmonies in the Audio Edit Window. These do allow you to choose any Band-in-a-Box MIDI harmony that has passing tones or sophisticated jazz voicings (adding 4 parts to make a 5-part jazz voicing for example). Band-in-a-Box automatically figures out the MIDI version of your melody so it uses this to create the harmonies.

Q. The new toolbar is nice, but needs more color options. Too much grey! How about skins?

A. We've added support for skins, and you can choose color or grey scale options for toolbar, mixer etc.

And more!!!

All of the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac can be reviewed at http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.new.htm

Posted at 08:15 AM

May 11, 2018 User Showcase Song - When Winter Leaves

So here we are near the mid of May and still we've been having snow in the air. Even for Iceland, that's pushing it.

That's basically the sentiment from which this song comes from (another 'co-written' by BBox & myself piece); sitting at the frosty window on a chilly but calm evening, with that longing for winter to be over.
I give you: WHEN WINTER LEAVES... - Enjoy! cool

https://soundcloud.com/eddie-icelander/when-winter-leaves

Formalities:

Style is _WINTER.STY

RealTracks in style: ~2311:Bass, Acoustic, JazzBalladRonA-B Sw 085
RealTracks in style: ~743:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Ballad Sw 060 (A:simple)
RealTracks in song: ~1499:Guitar, Electric, SoloAccompaniment JazzBallad Sw 060
RealTracks in style: 2792:Horn Section, Background CroonerBallad11-Part Sw 060
RealDrums: RealDrums in Style: JazzSwingLewis

Other instruments performed by yours truly.

p.s. Yes, I'm aware of the double-meaning of 'winter leaves', I can be clever like that

Posted at 11:04 AM

May 11, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac is Here - Up to 40% off Upgrades!

Just released: Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac with over 50 new features, 202 New RealTracks, 40 NEW Video RealTracks, 32 new MIDI SuperTracks, 108 new Instrumental Studies, 8 new Artist Performances, 52 new loops, and 40 AmpliTube presets with 37 associated styles!

We're having a SALE on Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Upgrade purchases until May 31, 2018 - save up to 40% when you purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac Upgrade!

This year we are celebrating 30 YEARS of Band-in-a-Box®! We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some amazing Add-ons: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.bonuspaks_2018.htm

If you check out http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htm, you'll see the new 2018 package options available. To summarize:

Band-in-a-Box® Pro $129
Upgrade from Version 2017: $59 (reg: $69)
Upgrade from Version 2016 or earlier or crossgrade: $69 (reg: $79)
Special 2018 Program Update from 2017: $49 **Requires Version 2017. Includes version 2018 program updates only. (No other Add-ons or Bonus PAK)

Band-in-a-Box® MegaPAK $269
Upgrade from Version 2017: $89 (reg: $149)
Upgrade from Version 2016: $99 (reg: $159)

Band-in-a-Box® PlusPAK
Upgrade from Version 2017: $99 (reg: $129)
(The PlusPAK is designed to upgrade 2017 UltraPlusPAK & EverythingPAK users who are downloading their upgrade or do not want to purchase a new hard drive)

NEW! Band-in-a-Box® UltraPAK Formerly the UltraPlusPAK $469
Upgrade from Version 2017: $149 (reg: $279)
Upgrade from Version 2016 or earlier or crossgrade: $169 (reg: $299)

Band-in-a-Box® Audiophile Edition $669
Upgrade from Version 2017 Audiophile: $199 - limited time offer!
Upgrade from 2017: $479
Upgrade from Version 2016 or earlier or crossgrade: $499
Upgrade from any previous Audiophile: $299

Learn more about all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Mac: www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.new.htm

Posted at 06:45 AM

May 10, 2018 User Showcase Song - Not Your Phone

This rollicking, upbeat number is sung by a guy who's encountered one of the hazards of 21st-century dating.

It's called "Not Your Phone" and runs 2:11: https://soundcloud.com/sam-buttrey/notyourphone

Style is _BLZROCK.STY (Blues Rock w/ 2 Electric Guitars)
SoloistCustom Synth is Hi-Q 028 01 Guitar, Electric, Classic Rock Sforzando.tgs

RealTracks in style: 1012:Bass, Electric, BluesRock Sw 140
RealTracks in style: 1013:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BluesRockCrispA-B Sw 140
RealTracks in style: 1016:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BluesRockFuzzy Sw 140
RealDrums in style: BluesShuffleHard^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Ride

Intro and fill drums MTPowerDrumKit 2

EQ on the vocal and reverb on the whole band from Reaper.

Have fun!

Posted at 12:32 PM

May 08, 2018 StylePicker Enhancements in RealBand 2018!

We added some great enhancements to the StylePicker with the release of RealBand 2018 (included in all Band-in-a-Box® for Windows purchases), including:

-Mixer-like control allows style customization within the StylePicker. This shows what tracks are used in the highlighted style in the list, and color-codes them according to the track types (MIDI/RealTracks/MIDI SuperTracks). There is also a menu button on each track, which allows you to change the instrument, disable/enable the track, or perform other track actions.
-A [Save as .STY] button has been added. When you have customized a style, you might want to save it so that it is added to the StylePicker list, and can be used easily.
-Recommendations of styles is improved when using the [Find Titles] button at the top right of the dialog. This also displays Subgenres.
-New user categories have been added, including Americana; Bebop and Fast Jazz; Bluegrass, Train, and Old Time; Dixieland, Gypsy, and Old Jazz; Fingerstyle Guitar; Funk, RnB, and Soul; Heavy Rock; Singer-Songwriter; and World.
-The buttons to copy the styles list to clipboard, set the dialog options, and reset the dialog to defaults have been moved to the [Action] button menu.
-The two buttons to rebuild a complete or partial styles list have been combined into a single button.
-Rebuilding the styles list also rebuilds lists in the RealTracks and RealDrums Picker dialogs.
-The option to change the font size of the text in the styles list has been moved to the StylePicker Options dialog.

Posted at 12:28 PM

May 08, 2018 Mixer-like Control within the StylePicker in Band-in-a-Box® 2018

New with Band-in-a-Box® 2018.... Mixer-like control in the StylePicker that shows what tracks and instruments are used in the currently selected style in the list, and color-codes them according to the track types (example: Green for RealTracks).

Plus, if you choose the [..] to the right of the mixer track in the StylePicker window, you can assign a different instrument to that track! The full list of options within the [..] menu includes:
-Select RealTracks
-Select a UserTrack...
-Select a Loop...
-Choose RealDrums
-Select Guitar/Bass Amp Plugin...
-Select MIDI Instrument (patch)
-Select Custom MIDI Style for this track...
-Track Settings
-Track Actions

When you customize the track, an asterisk (*) will be added to that track name, and check-mark appears next to "Custom" showing that the style will be overridden with your choices/adjustments. You can also choose to [Clear] or [Saveas .STY] if you want to use this customized style for future projects.

Posted at 10:54 AM

May 08, 2018 User Showcase Song - Bella Citta

Final song (for now) in my bossa's-in-Italy series..this one about the Eternal City.

https://soundcloud.com/tanomusic/bella-citta

==================================

STYLE = _BOSSANQ- Bossa Nylon Quartet Even
RT Rhythm Section: 464 (bass), 470 (Piano), 1104 (Guitar)
RD BossaBrushes
Midi sounds from ST3

Posted at 09:53 AM

May 07, 2018 Ship Your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK on a USB Flash Drive!

Order any Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK package and you can choose to have your installation files shipped to you on a USB Flash Drive !

For just $10 more, you'll receive a 32 GB USB Flash Drive that conveniently includes all the installation files for your purchase - we'll also throw in a free Band-in-a-Box® keychain with your Flash Drive order!

When placing your order online, the shopping cart will prompt you to select this option before you enter your payment information. Ordering over the phone? Just mention this preferred method for delivery type!

This offer isn't limited to just Band-in-a-Box® purchases... when you order ANY PG Music product you can choose to have it shipped on a USB Flash Drive!

Posted at 01:34 PM

May 07, 2018 User Showcase Song - Gold on Blue

A ballad about a lost love and the turning of the seasons.

https://soundcloud.com/user-98254366/gold-on-blue

Leon - Lyric & Vocal
I played rhythm and lead guitars and sang a little.

The Band:
RealTracks in style: ~2482:Bass, Acoustic, Bowed Held Ev 085
RealTracks in style: ~2503:Piano, Acoustic, HeldChords 085
RealTracks in song: ~1118:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 2667:Pedal Steel, Background DreamySingleNote Ev 075
RealTracks in song: ~~362:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2457:Strings, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085
RealDrums in style: NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Posted at 12:37 PM

May 04, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® - Tuba RealTracks!

Today is International Tuba Day!

Add some Tuba accompaniment to your song in honor of International Tuba Day!

Search for "Tuba" within the RealTracks picker window of Band-in-a-Box and you'll see that we offer 3 RealTracks Sets with Tuba:

RealTracks Set 143: Dixieland - Fast Rhythm Section (Artist: Brad Muirhead)
RealTracks Set 162: Dixieland - Medium Rhythm Section (Artist: Brad Muirhead)
RealTracks Set 248: Oberkrainer! Folk Music From the Alps (Artist: Philip Santner) these show up when you search for "Tuba" within the RealTracks picker, however they are Bariton Horn

Happy International Tuba Day!

Posted at 11:35 AM

May 04, 2018 User Showcase Song - Unpopular Hero

I never dreamed I would post this song.
I've never even considered recording it.
After clifton and David broached the subject in their songs, I went and dug this up.

This is a snapshot of a specific time in our history.
And the reactions and feelings from certain segments of America.
It tells the story of a "conflicted" veteran.
And how he (and others like him) were treated by a small (or maybe less than small), but very vocal group of the Americans he had gone to war for.

This sentiment, fortunately, no longer seems to exists.
But it ripped the fabric of America at the time.

We have healed.
The Wall commemorates those who gave their lives for the ideals of America.
Those who returned no longer face the anger and ridicule that some chose to greet them with at the time.
That should give us all hope for the future.

Again, keep in mind this was written in 1975. (I was 20).
A snapshot in time.

http://floydjane.com/Songs/Hero.htm

The BAND:
Style is _LAMENT.STY (Lament Modern Pop Country Ballad)

RealTracks in style: 1825:Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveHeld Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 1537:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBelieveArp Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 1037:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 3056:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16thsSyncBrent Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 836:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AltCountryRootsy Ev 075 (A:muted)
RealDrums in style: ModernPopBallad16ths^01-a:Quiet hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick

Posted at 09:56 AM

May 03, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® Video Testimonial Offer!

Take a look at the Band-in-a-Box® video testimonials created by program users just like you that we've already received at www.pgmusic.com/videotestimonials.php

If you submit your own video testimonial, we will send you a FREE Band-in-a-Box® Hard Drive when we share it on our Website and YouTube channel!

Learn more about how to submit your own video testimonial here.

Posted at 01:05 PM

May 03, 2018 User Showcase Song - Unknown

The name of the song came about by accident. I started this song back in mid March and it has taken this long to finish it. After I got the chord structure and tempo down to a bit of searching to find a style that seemed to make sense. Well I had to save it and could not come up with a name I saved it as unknown. Coming up with a melody was very difficult. Nothing seemed to work. After six weeks this was the result. Was it Van Gogh who cut off an ear trying to find inspiration lol. Hope you like it.

Unknown: https://soundcloud.com/scottt709/unknown

****** Song Summary *************
Title: Unknown
File:Unknown.SGU
Key=F , Tempo 90, Length (m:s)=2:39
No intro. 56 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 56. Repeat x1 chorus
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _BURDEN.STY (Burden Country Folk Trio)

RealTracks in style: ~2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 2917:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryFolk8thsMike Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 2916:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryFolk8thsBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2975:Vocal Oohs-Aahs, Rhythm Pop3-part Ev 085
RealDrums in Song: SmoothBalladBrushes: a: Snare, HiHatb: Snare, Ride

Guitar Gretsch Duojet
Amp Garnet Sessionman
Little bit of delay..

Posted at 10:10 AM

May 02, 2018 Band-in-a-Box® - Ukulele RealTracks & Features!

May 2nd is World Play Your Ukulele Day!

Our Ukulele RealTracks are found in:

RealTracks Set 101:Folk and Country Swing (Artist: Pat McGrath)
RealTracks Set 261: Sounds of Hawaii (Artist: Quinn Bachand)

Band-in-a-Box® Ukulele tips:

View the Ukulele fretboard in the Guitar Window: Within "Settings" change the fretboard to "Ukulele" from the drop-down menu.

View the Ukulele Chord Diagram by choosing "Ukulele" from the Notation Options | Guitar Chord Diagrams drop-down menu.

Posted at 09:02 AM

May 02, 2018 User Showcase Song - Endless Driveway

Hello, forum friends!
This is my new rock tune suitable for highway drive. The lyrics were written by Alt-H, whom I met on the website of Piapro, a vocaloid fan forum in Japan. So I had to use a vocaloid on the vocal track. It was written in 1980’s J-Pop style. Any comments encouraged.

https://soundcloud.com/animarorecords/endless-driveway

Title: Endless Driveway ～果てしない道～
Vocal: 初音ミク(Hatsune Miku), vocaloid

Style is _PSHINIG.STY
RealTracks in style: 1255:Bass, Electric, PopShiningA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1264:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopShiningA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1851:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningGrittyA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1259:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningRockA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 1260:Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopShining Ev 120
RealDrums: RealDrums in Style: PraiseWorshipShine^01-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Posted at 08:44 AM

May 01, 2018 Video - The Audio Chord Wizard in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Windows

Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Windows boasts over 50 new features and enhancements... including the Build-in Audio Chord Wizard!

The Audio Chord Wizard has been redesigned with Band-in-a-Box® 2018, and is now built in to the program! Previously, the Audio Chord Wizard was a separate app that was not tightly integrated into Band-in-a-Box®. This app is still available from the [Audio Chord Wizard] toolbar button, but now the improved built-in Audio Chord Wizard can be accessed from the Audio Edit Window!

Watch our latest video to learn more: Video link - Audio Chord Wizard in Band-in-a-Box® 2018 for Windows

Posted at 01:26 PM

May 01, 2018 Blog Post - How to Use the Band-in-a-Box Song Titles Database for Cover Songs

Joanne Cooper is at it again! Her latest blog post, How to use the Band-in-a-Box Song Titles database for cover songs, is a great step-by-step explanation of how she uses the Song Titles Browser feature within StylePicker of Band-in-a-Box to create a cover song!

Joanne's website: https://www.joannecooper.co.za/home
Blog post link: https://www.joannecooper.co.za/blog/blog/how-to-use-the-band-in-a-box-song-titles-database-for-cover-songs

Posted at 01:08 PM

May 01, 2018 User Showcase Song - The Post Bumping Blues

Y'all know I HAD to write this one.

https://soundcloud.com/herb-hartley/post-bumping-blues

It's a tongue-in-cheek look at the recent discussion on bumping posts.....

Quick write and even faster recording session.

Texas Blues style
Bass: 1717
Drums: blues rock something or other
Guitars: 1718, 1719, 1722 (Sol & Brent)
B3:674

Posted at 11:23 AM