Working with backing tracks

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by stratoliner66

Thanks for your input... you've convinced me to use a looper instead of backing tracks.

Good call. Several people nailed it when they said that the dynamics, for most people, playing or singing with backing tracks can be very stiff and lifeless. The caveat is that ANYTHING used for performance needs to be very-well rehearsed and polished. Using any accessory poorly (echo, reverb, loopers, tracks...) comes across as very unprofessional. Conversely, the use of any of these garnishments so that they add to rather than support or dictate your performance can be done in a manner that the audience doesn't even notice. Because loopers have limited memory, using one on a few or small percentage of songs in a performance - if done without (see Ed Sheeran or KT Tunstall) creating a crutch and if done extremely smoothly, can add wonderful layering of yourself with yourself and enhance a solo performance if not overdone (just like with reverb, echo, delay, room....). Good luck.

[lkingston]

I have seen shows where a live band was mixed with pre-recorded tracks (on circuses, cruise ships, casino shows, and even in major touring shows) where the sound was very good. The tracks didn’t play all the time. The drummer was fed a click track, and the rest of the band followed him. In these instances, the additional tracks can sound really good. One guy playing guitar and singing along with backing tracks sounds nothing like this though.

[stratoliner66]

Originally Posted by Spook

Loopers are good. However, they are a lot harder than they look. Especially in performance. Tip: get a looper with 'soft' switches.

Nothing wrong with backing tracks. I think we're talking coffee shops here.. not halls with sound guys to worry about. A lot of acoustic amps take a line in from a phone or pad. Us a music stand mount and just click on a file you downloaded or recorded. The better the quality of the backing track (real sounding instruments) the more transparent it will be to the audience. Also make sure the track is far back in the mix. Audience is there to hear your contribution, not the track.

And don't worry about those that call it karaoke (as if there is anything at all wrong with karaoke). Musicians are prone to narrow arrogance. Audience members, typically, are not.

Great input...and you're right, musicians sometimes forget that our goal is to entertain and... let's face it, "impress" an audience. The audience does't care how you get there, they only care that you can take them to a place that connects with a certain song. If you can do that..... mission accomplished.

[fcmusician]

And don't worry about those that call it karaoke (as if there is anything at all wrong with karaoke). Musicians are prone to narrow arrogance. Audience members, typically, are not.

Exactly. Stick in the mud musicians that are dead set on backing tracks have never even tried it. Bass and drums and that's it for me to my guitar and singing. Made some good money and played a lot of places. Still doing it too. On the flip side there is nothing worse than hearing a solo act bang away on an acoustic guitar and sing stale songs....Haven't seen too many people get up and dance to that. sorry! Worse yet ...two acoustic wanna be's playing all night long.

[tbirdman]

I have used backing tracks although I've only been playing for 1 1/2 years. Next Friday's open mic that I play at once a month, I will play three songs without any backing tracks. So the first time without any backing tracks.

Interestingly the one of the guys who wants me to stop using backing tracks, using the drums on his keyboard for accompaniment when he plays his keyboard. Isn't that the same thing?

Anyway, my songs with backing tracks have been well received and allows me to play 3 new songs every month with no repeats. It also help me play solo gigs way before I would have without any backing tracks.

Here's an example of me playing and Travis picking that was well received by the audience.

[slooky]

I start with an acoustic and me. Then I use backing tracks. Soundcue is the app I use. Music is fed to the right side, left side is the count in that goes to my earpiece. All the backing tracks I use are created from my Korg keyboard.

[Br1ck]

When I hear any recorded backing, canned drums, or anything else not human, I leave. That just may be me, but I can't stand it. Loopers are fine, provided they are done in real time, which is hard to pull off live.