I’ve read a lot of threads and looked at a bunch of software drum machines (some free, some pricey) but none of them look like I could use them in a live performance. I play keyboard in a blues / classic rock band and our drummer can’t make half of the gigs. I’d like to have a drum machine available. EZ Drummer looks really appealing with the quality of the samples and the array of loops available, but that’s only part of the solution for me.
HOW I PLAY:
I don’t do studio recording. I play live jams in less than ideal conditions: I get singers that don’t know when to come in, I get guitarists that extend their solos by number-of-beers-squared bars, I get wild dance crowds that want a song extended, and I get apathetic audiences that require a quick end to the song. In short, a pre-programmed drum track will not cut it. I need the flexibility during performance that only a live drummer could really provide.
WHAT I USE NOW:
Right now, I’m using a Korg i3 Intelligent Arranger keyboard which has a GREAT midi drum machine built into it. It has great flexibility for live performing and good midi sounds as well. Unfortunately it’s so old the buttons are failing on it. The way I used it was to pick a “style” (from hundreds) select a drum kit, then set the tempo. There are buttons for start/stop, four loop variations, two fills, and two intros/endings per style. The cool thing is that I can select them whenever I want (like when the guitarist takes a 19 bar solo, I hit a fill then we’re back on track again). Or when I miss my entrance to a verse.
WHAT I WANT:
I’d like SIMPLE PC based software where I can select a style, tempo, etc and have the song progress as programmed. BUT… I want to use the keyboard/pedal/whatever to select/switch the various loops or fills in performance (keeping in time though). Imagine a LONG solo in the Doors’ “Light My Fire” where the rest of the band is wondering and waiting for the famous one-snare-beat drum fill that kicks off the intro again – I want to trigger that kick. Midi is even fine since I have a great sound module. I’ve briefly looked at a bunch of apps, but they seem either too big (create a multimedia presentation) or too small (just play the same loop over and over).
I’m the default conductor in the band. EZ Drummer looks like it will provide part of the solution. Is there any way to actually use it in performance as I suggest?
