http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html For music and songwriting software posts and items related to songwriting - both craft and career - and updated page postings. en-us Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:49:56 GMT Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:49:56 GMT songwriting-software.com http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Lyricist-Now-Works-On-Vista Our number one selling lyric and lead sheet writing program Lyricist now works on the new Microsoft operating system Vista. All new Microsoft based PCs now ship with Vista and of course currently in use PCs can be upgraded to Vista. One cautionary note though; if you're considering buying a new computer and or upgrading check with your software vendors about whether all the programs you use will work in the Vista environment. For a look at the Lyricist Vista instructional click on the link below. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:31:51 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/music-recording-software.html More kudos for the Window's based Acoustica's Mixcraft music recording software - it was recently featured on the Windows to Apples blog as, in short, having the look, feel and much of the functionality of GarageBand. See more of the write up in the following quote. "The primary application that I would find difficult to do without is GarageBand. Much to my relief, I have recently discovered an excellent Windows program with the look, feel and much of the functionality of GarageBand - it's Mixcraft. Mixcraft, produced by Acoustica, ships with an impressive library of sounds, effects, loops as well as the ability to import and play my favorite import GarageBand AIF files. The user interface and program design make it easy to transition from GarageBand. I am impressed. Microsoft claims it is on an a mission to acquire technologies and companies. If they have not begun development of a competitor for GarageBand perhaps they should take a peek at Mixcraft. Buy and bundle Mixcraft with Vista and throw in a dozen or so impressive effects and transitions to Windows Movie Maker." Check out more about music recording software choices and further reference to Mixcraft on our Music Recording Software page linked below. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:57:55 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Band-in-a-Box-2007-Upgrade-Now-Here---Its-So-Big-Its-Been-Renamed-Band-in-a-Box-2007.5 Numerous upgrades have been made to the most recent version of Band-in-a-Box, the chord based program great for songwriters. If you're not familiar, this program is great in creating full band arrangements from just the entering of the chords to your song - you simply just pick the style and it creates essentially a demo arrangement for you - just add your vocal. To review all the main and new features I advise simply clicking to PG Music's main page (see link) and if you can take the time to watch the one hour demonstration video that walks you through the nuts and bolts of the program's primary features. The biggest enhancement to the program is definitely the Real Drums feature. It utilizes actual recordings of pro players in all the styles of Band-in-a-Box and it's tempo sensitive too - to the tempo you set initially or may change it too - as you edit and fine-tune your song. The Real Drums sound very impressive to my ears and I was taken right away on a quick listen, just through my laptop, from their online demo video. You can elaborate on a Band-in-a-Box arrangement too by simply dumping the tracks into its sister sequencing program Power Tracks or your own sequencer. Get all the nitty gritty details by clicking on the link. Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:30:00 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Music-Writing-Program-Workable-On-Macs-And-Windows-For-Under-$100-US. Our best selling music writing program is Play Music but it does not as yet work on Macs. For those of you looking for a very good music writing program that's on the easier end of user operating and can work on a Mac as well as in Windows check out Ars Nova's Songworks II. Also for a decent music writing program it's relatively cheap at under $100 - find a good buy on this at midiguy.com (see the link). Thu, 31 May 2007 05:17:06 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/guitar-chord-chart.html Guitar chord chart that is handier than any book or software program for guitar chords. Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:06:10 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/robert-curtis-bio.html A brief introduction and biography of your site host and songwriter in residence Robert Curtis. Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:31:27 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Band-in-a-Box-2007-Now-Creates-Chords-For-Your-Melody One of the most frequently asked questions I get is: "Is there a program that will put chords to my melody?" And now I can say yes there is. PG Music has created a feature in the latest release of their Band-in-a-Box program (2007) that does just that called the Reharmonist feature. Not only will it create a chord progression for you but if you don't like it you can re-create it or have it do or redo just part of your song, like your chorus, and keep the verse chord progression for example. Also it can take an existing chord progression and enhance it - again it can be re-worked until you get the harmonic part (the chords) you like. Check it out further at the PG Music site at the link below. Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:26:28 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/masterwriter.html MasterWriter songwriting software stimulates creativity lyrically and musically in your songwriting with supercharged songwriting tools. Thu, 30 Nov 2006 03:48:07 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Sell-Your-Songs-Directly-With-SafeSell---Now-Includes-iPod-Downloads In the October issue of Songwriting Software Express I told you about a service that allows you to sell your songs as downloads directly from your site - via SafeSell. At that time the files were Microsoft PC based and allowed iPod usage as well via a few hoops you had to jump through. However, SafeSell has just informed me that when a customer purchases a file they'll now be able to also get an iPod file as well of the purchased song beginning this month - November. Essentially any songs that you may want to sell directly can now be played on most types of devices - mp3 players, PDAs, cell phones and the like and an iPod (see the SafeSell site link below for more specifics). Thu, 02 Nov 2006 21:43:20 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#Proceed-Cautiously-With-New-Intel-Macs---Re.-Plugins The new Intel chipped Macs may be great and the digital audio workstations (DAWs) like the commonly used Digital Performer and Logic have versions that work on the new Macs but there is one thing many may be overlooking - plugin adaptability to the new Macs. Okay your DAW may work on the new Macs but what about your favorite plugins? For example a commonly used plugin is Atmosphere and as of this writing it can not work on the new Macs and when that will be is unclear. The point is is that if you're considering upgrading to a new Intel based Mac make sure your favorite plugins will work or will have versions out shortly enough and affordably enough to your liking. Happy recording. Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:03:13 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/paramind.html Expand your ideas with ParaMind brainstorming software. Sat, 30 Sep 2006 21:21:49 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/play-music.html Notate music more easily, even with no music theory training, with Play Music. Sat, 30 Sep 2006 21:18:40 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/lyricist-features.html Lyricist is an all in one songwritng software package loaded with lyric and music writing benefits and features. Sat, 30 Sep 2006 21:12:29 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-express.html Songwriting Software Plus' free monthly newsletter. Help writing your best songs. Wed, 30 Aug 2006 03:19:15 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-software-blog.html#New-Product-From-Cakewalk---Dimension-Pro-Software-Synth I just had the pleasure of a live demonstration from Cakewalk's West Coast representative here in California of their new product Dimension Pro. I must say I was very, very impressed. If you're in the market for a software synth that has over 1500 incredibly sounding sound samples including the best concert grand I've ever heard (is it live or is it Memorex?) then you'll quite likely be very happy spending the $249 (average online sales price) for this program. And the strings sounded like the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall - so sweet and real. It's packed with 7 GBs of sound samples (yes 7 gigs) yet runs very little cpu power usage - so it sounds great and puts very little drain on the average computer system. And it works for PCs and Macs. The 7 gigs come on a couple of dvds and take about a half hour plus to load on the initial installation. The sounds are incredible though - so as the rep. put it to me, pour and enjoy some coffee while these puppies load into your system. I know I'll be getting a copy soon. Mon, 08 May 2006 06:31:35 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/chord-guitar.html Chord guitar playing, or chord style guitar playing, is a fast way to learn and play guitar for songwriting and playing. Mon, 08 May 2006 00:49:10 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/writing-musicals.html Get the basics on writing songs for musicals and other important aspects like the book. Sat, 28 Jan 2006 07:26:14 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/blog.html Find out what's new and what's developing at Songwriting Software Plus. Thu, 26 Jan 2006 05:40:09 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/music-computers.html Things to consider as you look to upgrade or buy computer systems for your music and song writing. Fri, 23 Dec 2005 23:13:11 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/songwriting-links.html Songwriting links to resources, programs and other songwriters. Tue, 20 Dec 2005 05:36:13 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/lyricist-savings.html Save on Lyricist - the essential songwriting software. Thu, 08 Dec 2005 03:20:05 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/10-blunders-1.html Songwriting tips for avoiding the top ten blunders so you can make your good songs great. Sat, 01 Oct 2005 19:59:12 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/music-recording-software.html Music recording software for your home recording studio. Featured songwriting software is simple to operate and includes reverb, compression, distortion, equalization, etc.. Sun, 18 Sep 2005 20:29:48 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/drums-software.html Drum discussion of various types of drum software and kits for creating grooves. Sun, 18 Sep 2005 19:18:58 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/collaboration.html A discussion of the basic points of co-writing and a sample collaboration agreement for song publishing. Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:02:02 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/piano-keyboard-ware.html A breakdown of top software for learning, writing and recording piano keyboard parts for your songs. Tue, 09 Aug 2005 05:22:27 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/sound-audio.html Better understand sound cards and or audio interfaces and how they can improve your sound quality. Fri, 08 Jul 2005 04:27:08 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/goal-setting-software.html Goal setting software to help you define and achieve your songwriting and life goals. Featured goal setting software includes ability to include pictures, audio and even video for extra motivation! Fri, 01 Jul 2005 06:20:38 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/guitar-software-overview.html An overview of guitar oriented software for songwriters from learning to burning cds. Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:25:20 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/brainstorming.html Brainstorming software to help stimulate and expand your song ideas and even your title ideas. Wed, 29 Jun 2005 07:15:27 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/writing-song-lyrics.html Writing song lyrics made easier using lyric writing software to stimulate your creativity with a rhyming dictionary, thesaurus and many other lyric and music writing features and benefits. Wed, 29 Jun 2005 06:38:53 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/guitar-chord-chart-considerations.html Guitar chord chart pros and cons, software and wall charts. Fri, 27 May 2005 07:49:22 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/piano-chord-chart-considerations.html Piano chord chart considerations. What chart works best for you? Fri, 27 May 2005 07:42:50 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/upload-test.html Mon, 25 Apr 2005 12:37:53 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/lyricist-boyles-review.html Songwriting software review of Lyricist by Tom Boyles. Lyricist is an all in one songwriting software package making lyric and song writing easy. Wed, 06 Apr 2005 03:31:34 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/play-music-reviews.html Reviews of Play Music notation program. Wed, 23 Mar 2005 01:53:45 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/chord-piano.html Chord piano playing, or chord style piano or keyboard playing, is a great way to learn and play piano or keyboard for songwriting. Wed, 09 Mar 2005 05:39:40 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/video.html Promote your songs with an easy video system for your web site and in your emails. Sat, 26 Feb 2005 01:56:03 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/learn-to-play-guitar.html Learn to play guitar with this easy to learn ebook for songwriters. Sun, 06 Feb 2005 21:55:53 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/itunes-install-instructional.html How to download and install the iTunes programming onto your computer to shop iTunes. Mon, 13 Dec 2004 07:23:53 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/about.html The mission of this songwriting site and coming attractions. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 08:02:08 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/lyricist-description.html Lyricist is an all in one songwriting software package making Mon, 15 Nov 2004 07:52:15 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/song-steroids.html Free songwriting e-course loaded with tips, tools and software to pump up your songs. Tue, 12 Oct 2004 16:39:25 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/tracknotes-review.html A review of the music recording track documentation software that makes recording several tracks manageable. Sat, 18 Sep 2004 19:18:13 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/tracknotes.html TrackNotes organizes information about each track in your music recording software program or track console so you don't lose track. Sat, 18 Sep 2004 18:21:39 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/site-building-success.html Build your own successful online venture using this FREE turnkey site building guide. Sat, 24 Apr 2004 18:37:59 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/emotional-staying-power.html Explanation of why classic songs are enduring. Wed, 31 Dec 2003 20:22:44 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/goalpro-description.html Goal setting software to help you define and achieve your songwriting and life goals. Featured goal setting software replaces hand written goal setting with an interactive, multimedia capable program. Fri, 26 Dec 2003 18:59:34 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/guitar-software.html Guitar software puts guitar chords over your lyrics. Featured software has 2,550 chords to cut-paste and a chord wizard (plug in the notes, it tells you the chord!). Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:24:49 GMT http://www.songwriting-software.com/evyn-charles-bio.html Evyn Charles, author of the guitar songwriting book From Guitar Owner To Guitar Player. Tue, 09 Sep 2003 16:57:56 GMT