Re: is using Pre-recorded Loops Cheating

[Mike Crain <mike@mikecrain.com>]

I'm all for the musicality of the performance. It doesn't matter to me  
if you use Loops that are pre-recorded. It's like pre-composition;  
most of us have some sort of idea in regards to what we are going to  
do on stage in 'the moment.' however, I wouldn't want to sound like  
any distinctive loop given in the presets of any application. I  
recently heard one of a dance group in Bali through a friend of mine  
and it was a loop from GarageBand!!!!! Yeah, the lame guitar one if  
you're familiar with it. It was actually quite funny, and completely  
brought the overall performance vibe down for me, and most probably  
had no idea. Poor taste IMHO. When everyone is using the same tools,  
where is the creativity? Spice it up a bit, I say. One can use those  
loops, but alter and make it your own. You're a 'musical chef' with  
many options for tools. Use them.

And that goes for click tracks too. Why not? If we can use drum loops  
that we create in a live situation or in the comfort of our studios to  
be used in a performance setting, whether it enhances the sound or  
provides cues, what is the difference? Okay . .. you hearing the same  
thing as the audience, but it's still a click track of sorts. Is that  
cheating? I don't think so. If it helps you to stay synced with simple  
or complex rhythmic ideas or facilitates and enhances the performance  
then do it. It can still be musical and interesting. Even at that,  
playing with a click is not that easy. Edmund Campion, 'classical'  
composer at CNMAT, composes super complex pieces that are nowhere near  
the Looping World, but all require a click track. His stuff is amazing  
and probably impossible without a click.  Hmmmm . .. . maybe I should  
attempt it?

Great thread you guys!!! Fabulous ideas are spawning!!

Peace.

mike