Help, first post

[Zeno61]

I've been playing solo guitar and singing for 25 years, and only recently begun using computer gear to record.
I'm in need of some serious advice on the best software to use for live performances. I'd like to use software to generate music to background my singing and playing (accoustic and slide steel), that I can then run through my PA.
It'd be really nice if the software had a song list interface that's easy to use on stage. I'd really welcome some suggestions.
Cheers

[garageband]

What a coincidence. I just got off a job today where I was doing this afternoon with my wife. At points, I was ready to wreck my computer, trying to make it do studio things live. I've come to the conclusion that I'll prepare the backing tracks ahead of time as aiffs and not try to make the software generate it live, with MIDI tracks and some prerecorded stuff. Man, what a hassle.

Since itunes doesn't want to play one at a time, I figured out to have the set loaded into Quicktime with individual windows for each song, grabbing each as I go. It's supremely hard to stay musical if a lot of your energy needs to be focused on running the equipment at the end of each song. Yep, that was the lesson learned today.

So there you go: serious advice.

[Zeno61]

Thanks, exactly what I was talking about. But I'm still trying to find a software that makes the whole thing as painless as possible.
I wouldn't even think about trying to generate backing tracks on stage.

[garageband]

Any old DAW will do. I use DP, but any of them (Cubase, Nuendo, Logic et al.) will drive modules or virtual instruments and let you record and mix the results.

I've got so much work to do now...

[String7th]

I think you guys are making it too complicated.

Export the mixdown of your music, midi instruments, and such into a wave or mp3 file with 20-30 seconds of dead air at the end of the song.
Put them on any mp3 player and plug the player to the PA and you have 20 secs before the next song plays, or press track-forward if you have it next to you.

[garageband]

Right. That's what I'm saying. But you have to make audio first and not just let it live as MIDI. So that means they all need to be mastered once they're recorded and mixed. A lot of work. Not so much complicated but necessary and time-consuming for two or three sets worth of music.

Actually, I found that if I drag the whole set into Quicktime, they'll all tile out on the screen and I just click on the tab and hit the spacebar and we're rolling.

[Zeno61]

Thanks guys, all very helpful.
My firebox has arrived, and I'm getting a handle on Cubase
to do mixes and drums etc.
Thank you