Gear Up: Go green with an iPad

Not too long ago, I was on a gig with a band when the sound board burned out (no flames, but some awesome smoke). After doing some research, they decided to replace the board with a new-tech board completely controlled by an iPad. There are several versions of this board, but this is the one they were looking at.

One of the most attractive features (for me, at least) is that I can control my own monitor mix from my own iPad wirelessly. Also, up until this point, the band was using (actual paper-and-ink) music notebooks, especially for longer shows that required switching up the set list on the fly.

So, announcing the upgrade of the soundboard and the end of the notebooks*, the band sent out an email requesting that all of the sidemen (yup, that's me) get an iPad by a certain date. I went shopping, and ultimately settled on a second hand, "unused," still-in-the-wrapper iPad 2 with 32GB of storage. It was expensive (yikes!), but I felt like it was a good deal.

But....I'm not gonna lie. I was pretty skeptical about the usefulness of the iPad beyond the obvious ones I've already mentioned. That being said, here's my short list of uses for the iPad that have sort of changed my world.

1. Truth be told, I haven't used the iPad with the new mixer yet, but if it's half as cool as the marketing videos, "'Nuff said."
2. I downloaded an app that allows me to store, edit and display the charts (usually spreadsheet format like Excel or Numbers) we use to play songs, so I have literally hundreds of songs at my fingertips at every gig, even without internet access.
3. When I do have internet access, I can pull up a chart for any song that is requested at a gig. In fact, at a recent gig we were able to respectably recreate at least a half dozen songs we'd never rehearsed. That goes a long way with making an audience or client very happy.
4. Continuing the "green" theme, an iPad is much easier to use than a smart phone or laptop to take quick notes, check a calendar, or send a message - with no paper, pen, pencil, chisel or stone slate.
5. Smart phones can do this, but iPads are a little better - taking photos or quick videos, recording sound or voice notes or sending emails, texts, HeyTell messages, etc.
6. Apps are awesome. They're even awesomer (I know it's not a word, but I can't resist using it) on a bigger screen with more capabilities. Most apps for iPhone have more features and usability on iPad.

I'm not saying you can't live without an iPad, but I am saying that they are far more useful than I had anticipated. I've even found myself taking it to meetings instead of my laptop. It's easier to carry, the battery lasts longer, and it's got all the features (for me, at least) needed to carry about my daily tasks.

Phew! It feels good to get that off my chest. 

*Honestly, this was a no-brainer. Every time we added a song to the setlist (over 200 at this point), it required a bunch of printing, collating, updating the notebook - blah, blah, blah. The iPad allows for quick, easy and "green" updating of basically everything we need for a gig.

Best technology for drummers

Given the rapid increases in technology in the past 100 years, I thought I'd take a stab at listing the top ten technological advances for drummers in the past century. Here are my picks.

1. Hearing protection. This is a no-brainer for me. Of all the critical tools a musician has, the ears are the most sensitive, and they're irreplaceable. And the tools available to protect your hearing while still allowing a full, satisfying musical experience are getting better all the time. You can check some of them out here.

2. Metronomes. I know, I know. You gotta have the pulse inside. Well, consider this tool a pulse-injector if you're willing to spend time with it.

3. Improved thrones. If your sit-down part is comfortable, you won't think a thing about it, but if it's not, you can't think about anything else. Long gigs absolutely require the most comfortable seating.

4. Sticks, brushes and mallets. For me, this is like the tires on cars. It doesn't matter what's under the hood if you can't control it on the street. Not only are there more choices than ever, but the quality and consistency are pretty unbelievable.

5. Pedals. Like sticks and mallets, pedals are the direct link between you and your drums. Especially in the past twenty or so years, I've gone from cursing to praising my footboards.

6. Shell truing machines (think Yamaha's YESS technology). There is nothing worse than a shell that's not round and true. Using the car metaphor, there's nothing worse than a beautiful automobile with an unreliable engine.

7. Head variety and quality. I know some players really dig calfskin, but I'm a huge fan of mylar and kevlar. In addition to sticks, shells and size variations, the heads you choose have a huge impact on how you sound and how the kit feels.

8. Cymbal variety and quality. Almost more than heads, the cymbals you choose will define your sound. I'm amazed every time I see the new releases - and new cymbal companies - that pop up each year. Unique and ever-more-expressive sounds are available to anybody with a little (okay, a lot of) cash.

9. Portable digital recording equipment. Obviously, there are lots of things that can fit into this category, but I'm thinking specifically of things like the Zoom H4N. The ability to record an idea, practice session or gig easily and with great quality is a game-changer.

10. Smart phones, tablets and laptops. Again, this category is huge, but I'm primarily thinking YouTube, educational apps and programs like metronomes, and specialized apps like SoundHound and Garage Band. Almost anywhere you go, the world is literally at your fingertips.

Honorable mention: Drum hardware in general.


What did I leave off the list or put in the wrong place? Let me know in the comments below!

Gear Up: Android and iPhone Apps

I have to admit that I was fairly slow to get on the smart phone bandwagon, and even slower to get an iPhone. And even then, I was pretty slow to start downloading apps. It's not that I was super-resistant to forward progress, I just didn't see how they'd make my life - especially my musical life - much better.

But, as they say in the TV ads, life changes fast.

My first revelation happened when somebody (a bass player, no less) gave me a run-down of some apps he uses pretty frequently. I found and downloaded a free metronome and chromatic tuner. Awesome! I could now put the ol' headphones in and practice to the click. I could also get my guitar in tune via the iPhone. Magic!

Check out some cool apps for musicians. 

From then to now I've used a variety of apps, both music-related and not. I've found a handful that are really fun, some that were a complete waste, and a rare few that have become indispensable. I now use my iPhone at every gig, at every rehearsal, and frequently during practice session.

One application that I use most is Frozen Ape's "Tempo." At its core, it's simply a metronome application, but also features a reliable tap function, and programmable set lists. It's huge for a gigging drummer, because I can program in my band's set list (which is usually pretty rigid for entertainment/corporate gigs) and have a tempo in my ears for each tune - basically with one touch.

Now I know that there are some purists out there that shudder at the idea of having a click-track on stage with you during a live performance. Believe me, I've been there. It took a lot of talking from my bandmates and a couple of other drummers, but I was finally convinced to give it a try. And I've got to tell you, it has made certain things a lot easier. I'm still getting used to it, but it's nice to know that you have the tempo dialed in and you aren't going to have rushing and dragging problems.

While there are a million (actually a lot more, I'm sure) apps out there, I recommend that you try to limit what you keep on your phone to those that you'll actually use, and those that will help you achieve your goals.

As with all things, smart phones can distract you and dilute your efforts. Stay focused, and use tools that will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly.

Happy drumming!