| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
owenthesheppard
New Contributer
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
 Posted - 10/04/2012 : 12:48:47
|
Guys, I won't give you a huge back story. I was taught drum kit and orchestral percussion from a very early age but then stopped lessons after getting past grade 8 drum kit about 16 years of age. Never did percussion grades but used to play a lot of tuned. I've been playing drums professionally for about 2 years out in night clubs since I finished uni. I basically accompany DJs, mostly house music. Also involved in production and several other musical projects but in terms of playing drums thats essentially it. Here's a video I recorded the other day:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/6RYvyCnZAnM
I'm looking for some constructive feedback on how I could improve my technique, setup, etc. The next thing I am implementing in to my setup is a Roland SPDS sampler so i can incorporate 808 hand claps and snares amongst a hold host of other stuff.
Thank you :) |
http://soundcloud.com/yacht-club-uk/shake-preview |
|
|
gdrumfoot
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
996 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2012 : 15:36:53
|
Welcome to the forum. Believe it or not at the grand old age of 64 (at the time) I was asked to do do a gig like this in a local club, I'm known in the area for playing some percussion in addition to kit in various rock bands. Having never done it before (I'm up for anything!)I asked questions about what was req, whose music/types etc and didn't get much of an answer so I gave up on it. I wish in some ways I had done it but I think the DJ's hadn't got a handle on what they really wanted. Having seen your vid that's pretty much what I thought my imput would entail.
I thought your interpretation was quite good I think as the actual track your playing to was a bit down in the mix unless thats what you intended.
If your in music production you've probably thought,as I did, already that the congas (congita's?)timbales,bells should have there own track and be mixed in and out ie timbales for fills. I didn't think the ice-bell worked, it needed a cymbal (poss 808?)
Nowt wrong with your technique mate.
As for set-up would it not be better to get the conga's above the timbales so you have so you have more options and the bells to one side as it doesn't have to be an authentic latin arrangement to do contemporary stuff, this may require more or different hardware so there may be a cost.
You definately need electronics for this genre. How about a foot pedal for handclaps?
Funnily enough I'm now learning mallets (as well as aux perc)in a local concert band having bought cheapish glock/xylo, never can tell whats next!!!! Good luck. |
Black Country drum technique = Gi'e it sum 'Ommer!
Tama, Gibraltar, Mapex, Ludwig, LP, Meinl, Sabian, Zildjian, Dream,Roland & Jobeky. |
 |
|
|
Captain Bubble
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
14790 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2012 : 17:44:13
|
| Obviously I understand that the video is there to show us what you do, but I would prefer to hear percussion more balanced with the music! That aside your playing seems fine so just get all the experience you can! In a lot of music the role of a drummer is somewhat confined by traditional expectations, whereas a percussionist is sometimes able to be more decorative, so really just keep developing new ideas. |
Marcus de Mowbray
www.330studios.co.uk/marcus |
|
|
|
gdrumfoot
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
996 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2012 : 19:30:43
|
| Well put Capt, u goin' to Jobeky? My neck o' the woods. |
Black Country drum technique = Gi'e it sum 'Ommer!
Tama, Gibraltar, Mapex, Ludwig, LP, Meinl, Sabian, Zildjian, Dream,Roland & Jobeky. |
|
|
|
Captain Bubble
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
14790 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2012 : 20:53:40
|
| Looking unlikely sadly, I met you there a couple of years ago, maybe next year again. |
Marcus de Mowbray
www.330studios.co.uk/marcus |
|
|
|
Niall Gregory
New Contributer
Ireland
10 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2012 : 15:52:50
|
| How about trying to learn how to play some of the instruments your are using in a traditional way ? I dont want to be overly critical or anything but the bongo and timbales have certain functions within the music and if used in this manner can have great results . For a start the tuning on both the bongo and timbal sound really flat and lifeless , if they are cheap instruments you wont be able to tune them as high as you need to tbh . Learn Martillo on Bongo and Cascara and all its variations on timbales , this will enable you to groove with the music instead of just constantly filling all the time . Best of luck with it Man ! |
|
|
|
gdrumfoot
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
996 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 11:35:38
|
| Hello Niall, I think we know each other from congaplace :-) |
Black Country drum technique = Gi'e it sum 'Ommer!
Tama, Gibraltar, Mapex, Ludwig, LP, Meinl, Sabian, Zildjian, Dream,Roland & Jobeky. |
|
|
|
mjw001
New Contributer
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 20/04/2012 : 20:40:06
|
| Technique wise it looks as though your upper body is very tight as you play. Though playing in this kind of setting doesn't necessarily require you to play exactly to traditional patterns and techniques ( god knows I've done a few and spent more time telling people "no you can't have a go on my 'bongoes'" than actually playing, it seems), learning them will give you the edge in terms of sound and stamina to play for a few hours straight. |
|
|
|
zabumba
New Contributer
4 Posts |
Posted - 27/04/2012 : 22:35:30
|
| Don't do this any more but did a lot of clubs and festival gigs like this in the late nineties/early 00's. I agree with what's said above. You need to establish a more sparse groove - ie cascara or ago go plus shaker , or cowbell and clave etc and then the fills really lift the music. Yes, better sounding timbales and bongos will also make a difference, as would congas (can't believe how many people in clubs play them with sticks - grrr). Lots of toys look great with a bit of showmanship too. Electronics wise - would swear by an HPD-15 Handsonic - definitely give a wow factor if you are on a stage - you don't want people coming up and trying to have a go on that! .Good luck |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
All Forums
Video: Looking for constructive feedback!
New Topic
Printer Friendly