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Re: Spawning musical ideas?
On 7/22/64 11:59 AM, Gmail wrote:
How do you guys start your loop sessions? Where do you get your musical
ideas? I often have tons of trouble thinking of any kind of melody or
chord progression before actually playing, especially when performing. Its
like a consistent mind block that occurs every time. Any tips? BTW I loop
on a keyboard connected to my laptop.
I've gotten into starting 'performances' coming from different places
and rotating
these approaches to try and get diversity.
I usually arrange my set list according to timbres of instruments.
from there I have the ability to
start with
1) an ostinato rhythm either on percussion, bass or other melodic
instrument.
or
2) a chord progression
or
3) an ambiance (pad) that is not rhythmically oriented
Additionally, if I'm having problems on the day of a gig, I"ll write
out a set list
with starting point notes.
********
When you practise, try playing percussion first.........then do a track
starting from a bass line....
...then do a track starting from a chordal instrument (once with a
single line ostinato, another time
with a progression).
A good thing to remember is to make really, really simple loops. This
will give you a lot of space
to work with as you 'populate' your piece.
I tell my beginning looping students to set an alarm clock for 5 minutes
and force yourself
to play for one solid half hour, making sure that each piece begins and
ends in exactly 5 minutes.
This means you are forcing yourself to play 6, 5 minute pieces in 30
minutes.
Try that a few days in a row and watch what happens to your creativity.
Good luck.
Rick Walker