We found these videos a few months ago and meant to post them..but thanks to our friend Jake Sumner for reminding us of them.  Nathan Nockels talks you through some of his loop process.  As a producer for most of the Passion Recordings and as part of Watermark with his wife Christy, he has helped to completely define the sound of Worship Music for the past few years.  Its cool to hear his approach to loops and some of the gear he uses.

Benefits of Loops

Loops for a Mighty Fortress

Making Loops

No related posts.

We had a blast at Unleash 2010 this year!  Thanks to everyone at Newspring Church for putting on a great conference!  If you didn’t get to go this year we really suggest you check it out next year!  We wanted to put down some of the things we learned while there.  We set in on Lee Mcderment’s Worship Leader Session as well as Shane Duffey’s Session on Planning a Service.  Here are some of the things we learned.  If you were there what did you learn?  We’d love to hear your thoughts!

-Everybody loves the idea of Progress its the Sacrifice that we have a problem with.

-Are we building HIS church or asking Him to build OUR church?

-When was the last time you got away and just sought after Jesus?

-The Perfect Church Strategy= Listen to God, and Do what he Says

Our Priority as a Worship is all about our Identity.  We are:

1) Children of God

2) Ministers to People

3) Worship Leaders

-Your calling in life is to be with Jesus…that’s it in it’s simplest form!

-As a Worship Pastor you should be the biggest Cheerleader and Fan of your Pastor Around

-Don’t hide the gift God has given you!

-Invest in your Gifts

-It is more important to operate from Godliness then from Giftedness

-It’s not about HOW you did it, it’s about WHY you do it

-Consistency is King

-The best product of a service is, a distraction free environment where people clearly hear and see Jesus.

-Do the best with what you have

-Put everything before a filter, and don’t “try” out your material in front of your congregation.  Test it before it goes before them.

-Present people with a proper picture of Jesus

-You can’t throw a Sunday Away

-If there’s anything that gets people’s attention and it doesn’t point people to Jesus it’s a distraction.

-Only DO, what only YOU can do

-You’ve got to build Equity with your People

What have you learned so far at Unleash?  Leave a Comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

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I’ll be hanging out at the Unleash Conference tomorrow at Newspring Church. If any of you want to chat about loop stuff or Ableton or see what Elements and Foundations are all about shoot me an email at

will@loopsinworship.com

or send me a tweet or DM at

@loopsinworship

This is my first time there and I’m looking forward to hanging out and learning from all the Newspring guys!  If your gonna be there I’d love to meet you and chat about Loops in Worship.  Lets meet up!

See you there,

Will

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This is one of the most important posts in the Transitioning your Band to Using Loops series.  We’ve talked about the importance of Taking your Time, and How to Introduce loops to your band, How to work with your drummer to play to a click, but.. It all comes down to this.

Before you step on stage to lead worship with loops, your band should rehearse with them and then rehearse 14 times more.  I’ve heard it said before, in rehearsal you shouldn’t rehearse until you can get it right but until you can’t get it wrong.

A good band is a band that challenges themselves in practice with new ideas and tries things in Rehearsal, but does what they KNOW they can do when they Perform.  Don’t buy a loop on Friday and then show up on Sunday and expect to use it flawlessly, no matter how simple it is.

Don’t use loops live until your band is comfortable with the idea, and the only way to get comfortable with using them is to rehearse the heck out of it!

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There are tons of Free Loop Resources available for people interested in creating and using loops.  Getting started with using loops no longer requires a big money or time investment up front. You can comfortably try out the idea of loops with your band by using some free loops, and ask questions in “community” based settings.  You can learn quick tips & tricks on free blogs. In this post we’ll provide not only free content resources but also some blogs and communities available to you.  We’ll be updating this post frequently as we find new Loop Resources.  Let us know what some of your favorite ones are, by leaving a comment below and we’ll add them to the post.

Blogs

Our Rising Sound- A great blog by worship leader Kyle Campos.  Kyle has alot of great things to say about using loops with your worship band.  He’s got some great videos posted as well.  You can check out some of the loops that he offers as well and have him create Custom Loops for you.

www.ourrisingsound.com

The Monobox- Doesn’t seem like Matt has updated the blog recently but there are still some great posts on using loops there.

http://matthuber.wordpress.com/category/loops-and-sequences/

HeaterCore- How about a Live tip everyday for a year?  Sounds good to me.  Thats what producer Jon Margulies is doing for 2010.  So stroll over and learn something new everyday.

http://www.heatercore.net/livetips/index.html

Create Digital Music-Lots of great music gear reviews and interesting posts.

http://createdigitalmusic.com/

Communities

Bwacks Forum-The orignal “Loop Community” from Bwack the drummer for the David Crowder Band.  There’s always something great happening over there.

http://www.bwacksforum.com

The Worship Community-Not just a community for using loops but a great place for any Worship Leader to hang out.  The forum is full of some really useful content as well.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/forums/using-loops-software-synths-sequencing-etc/

Ableton Forums- The offical forum for Ableton (the company that makes Live).  If you want to ask the guys who make Live a specific question, or stay up to date with releases this is the place to do it!

http://forum.ableton.com/

If your looking for loop content (including free content) then check out this post.  This post is a work in progress and we need your help to fill it up with as many loop resources that you can find.  Let us know about your favorite loop blogs, and resources and we’ll add them to this post!

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I
f your about to start using loops, you could not have picked a better time to start.  There are more resources, content and training available now then ever before.  One of the scariest things people face when starting to use loops is figuring out where to get loops from.  Most people think they are going to have to create all their loops on their own.  They don’t feel confident in their own abilities, and therefore are hesitant in starting to use loops.

The great thing is there are alot of great resources around that you can get loop content from.  In this article we will highlight a few of those resources for getting loops.  We’ll also touch on some free loop resources for content.  Lets dig into where to get loops…

1) Pre-Made Content

If your new to loops your not going to want to spend alot of time upfront having to create content.  Here are two websites that have tons of Content that you can use for your loops.

Interactive Worship Live-They provide “Interactive Backing Tracks” for Ableton Live.  The tracks don’t only provide you with “loop content” but also the full band original master tracks.  This is great, and extremely useful when your looking to supplement the sound of your band with tracked instruments.  Also, if you want to solo out and slow down a guitar part for your guitar players to work on you can take Lincoln Brewster’s solo and send it to your players to work on. ($50)

Interactive Worship Live

Praise Charts-Besides providing tons of charts to use  with your band (orchestra, horn section, choir, vocal teams etc..) they also provide “Click Tracks” and “Rhythm tracks”.  Click tracks are basic loops that follow the arrangement of the charts you can purchase.  They work well to supplement your band.  They include some basic rhythmic elements and a few keyboard parts.  They are mono loops (Click L, Loop R) and you can use them in Itunes or on an Ipod or run them off your laptop and your favorite Recording Program.

Their Rhythm Tracks are built to serve smaller churches without a band. They include Drums, and bass and the same basic elements included in Click Tracks.  If you lead worship from the keys or Acoustic Guitar, they provide you with a “backing band” to fill out your sound. ($3.95)

Rhythm Tracks

Click Tracks

2) Free Loop Resources

If your still “testing the waters” with loops, this is a great way to go.  You can try out some different loops for free and see if it works with your band, and in your setting without alot of commitment (Time or Money).  Here are a few of the ones we’ve collected..

Sacred Loops-The original “free loop” sharing resource for Worship Leaders.  They’ve got tons of great loop files for Reason and Ableton.  They are a great place to start!

Sacred Loops

Loop Community-One of the newer sites out there, but already lots of great user submitted content available.

Loop Community

Looping Worship- A new site that provides User Submitted Loops. They use a rating system to rate both”Playability” and “Creativity”.  It provides you a good idea of what your getting before you download the loop.

Looping Worship

The Great Promise- Dale Baker is a drummer based out of North Carolina.  He’s played with more people then we can mention here (we did an interview with Him on the blog here ).  He uses this site to post free loops, primarily of recordings of Himself.  They are always really unique and very percussive.  If your looking for some great percussion loops this is a great place to look.

The Great Promise

Sample Swap-A site with over 5.5 gigs of free content that you can use.  You have to sort through lots of samples to find what you want but there are some real hidden jewels posted there.  Plus.. how often do you get access to 5.5 gigs worth of free content!  Its worth checking out.

Sample Swap

Free Sound Project-Lots of free content similar to Sample Swap.  They don’t just have loops, but lots of noises, foley, sound effects, that you can use in your video creation as well.  Lots of cool stuff here.

Free Sound Project

ccMixter- A site that provides samples and a cappellas under a creative commons license.  There is some good content here.  Just search around and see what you can find!

ccMixter

Togeo Studios-A Site that has lots of free Ableton Live samples and Sounds.  You can find some good synth patches as a good starting point.

Togeo Studios

Anchordown Band-A now defunct band, but they still offer some loops they’ve made on their site for free. (Thanks to Steve for the Tip on this Resource!)

Anchordown Band

3) Make your own loops

Although making your own loops may not be “getting loops” its still worth mentioning.  It allows you to create loops that fit your bands needs (instrumentation, arrangement, etc).  It may take a bit of time investment up front, but it will pay off in the end.  Here are a few resources to help you with some tools as you create.

Loops in Worship- It would be difficult for us to talk about creating your own loops without mentioning two of our own products, Foundations and Elements.  We promise to not make this an infomercial but, we feel like they are two of  the best resources out for creating your own loops.  Foundations provides you with click tracks that you can use in Live, Garageband, or Logic.  They are all sub dividable and we provide you with two click sounds.  Elements are sample collections specifically made for Worship music.  They work at any tempo, in almost any song, and almost any Recording Software. Check them out! ($10, $30)

Foundations

Elements

Spectrasonics Sample Libraries-They offer some of the best sample libraries on the planet.  ”Metamorphosis” is at the heart of just about every commercial and movie soundtrack everywhere!  ($99+)

Spectrasonics

Reason-If your really into creating your own loops, then Reason is an absolute must.  Its like having a virtual rack full of great synths, effects, and drum machines.  Definitely worth it. ($299)

Reason

What other tools to you use to create loops?  What sites do you get samples and content from?  Let us know and we’ll add it to this post!

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Depending on your budget, the size of your band, and what you want to do with loops, the equipment you need to use loops will vary.  Remember, there is no one “right” way to use loops.  Be weary of people that swear by “X” setup, and don’t feel like you’ve got to use the same equipment as “X” church.  Your budget and band is unique so you need equipment that fits your needs.  In this article we’ll provide you with a framework of what is typically desired/required for using loops, and present you with a few options.

We will be starting a new section of the blog devoted to reviewing gear related to creating and using loops. We need your help to decide what Gear you want to see reviewed. We’d love if you’d take 30 seconds to fill out this quick form to let us know what gear you want to see reviewed. Also, if you consider yourself a gear-head or have access to gear and enjoying writing/blogging we’d love to bring you on board as a blogger for Loops in Worship. We’d love if you take some time and fill out this form. Thanks!

No matter your budget or band your going to need Equipment to meet two basic needs.  Those are:

Loop Creation/Production-This is the basic process of creating loops.  Even if your buying pre-made content set to pre-set arrangements you’ll probably want to tweak it a bit.  You can go pretty heavy here as there is a ton of great Production and Recording tools available these days.

Loop Playback-Once you’ve got your content created and edited you’ll need someway to “playback” those loops in a live situation.  Unfortunately people seem to spend the least amount of money/thought in this area.  They create GREAT content using lots of great gear, but their playback is reduced to a mono loop ran off an I-pod (You don’t have to be restricted to an Ipod, but if it works for you thats great).

To meet those needs you’ll need to use a combination of both Hardware and Software.  Some people are purely Hardware guys and some people are purely Software guys but the most power and flexibility comes when you use a combination of both.  Explained by a guy named Moore , Computers are getting more powerful and cheaper everyday.  This means that the tools available to people with a few bucks and a laptop are limitless.  So lets jump in and take a look at what tools are available to us for using loops.

Loop Creation/Production

Recording/Editing Software-You’ll need to be able to “chop” up audio, “record” audio and rearrange pieces of your loops to fit your needs.  Most DAW’s include tools for generating sound as well, so everything you need can be tucked away nicely in your recording software.  Realize that you don’t necessarily need another software for “generating” sounds, you most likely could get by with just your Recording Software (we’ll look at some VST’s in a second).

Protools-The industry “standard” when it comes to Recording and Editing Audio ($149+).  On the web.

Logic Studio- One of the other “industry” standards, know for its great built in Plugins/Instruments ($199+) On the web.

Garageband-A versitle “free” DAW included on any Apple Computers.  A great introduction to Logic (Free w/Mac’s, $79 in iLife suite) On the web.

Live-Originally created for DJ’s its found a great home with Computer based Live Performers ($99+) On the web.

Cubase/Nuendo-Great solution for Windows guys, and Post-Production Audio guys (Cubase-$149+,Nuendo-$1799) On the web.

Audactiy- A “freeware” solution for Recording($0) On the web.

Sound Creation-If your creating your loops from scratch you’ll need some sort of “sounds” to use.

Vst’s-Virtual Instruments hosted in your Recording Software

Motu Instruments-From the same Cat’s that brought you Digital Performer ($279+) On the web.

Reason-A Virtual Rack full of great synth’s, Effects, and Drum Machines ($299+) On the web.

Native Instruments-Great Instruments of all kinds, Synth’s, Pianos, Organs, and more…($79+) On the web.

Arturia-Great Virtual versions of Classic Synths ($99+) On the web.

Ivory-More piano than you can shake a stick at ($279+) On the web.

Spectrasonics-If you’ve ever watched Tv or a Movie your familiar with their work.  They’ve redefined the sound of Commercial music as we know it. ($279+) On the web.

Drum Machines-Loop production for the OG’s.

Akai xr20-A great Beat Production Box ($299) On the web.

Akai Mpc Series-The Original “Music Production” tool for Rappers, still heavily used today ($599+) On the web.

Korg Electribes-Cool little production boxes ($469) On the web.

Keyboards-Not just for Piano Players, or Piano sounds they are chock full of great sounds and super stable

Yamaha-From their CP series to the Motif, many people consider Yamaha’s sounds and gear second to none. On the web.

Korg-Great Synth sounds and Workstations.  On the web.

Nord-Great Rhodes and Organ Sounds.  On the web.

Open Labs-If its good enough for Lil’ John and Timbaland its good enough for you. On the web.

Loop Playback

Software Based Solutions-Portable “in the box” solutions for playing back loops

Digital Performer-Functioning both as a Recording Software/Sequencer, we saved it for Loop Playback as its great for Live Performance with loops. ($495) On the web.

Live-Listed as a Recording Software as well, Live is considered by most the Go to Solution for Live Performance with Recorded Material ($99+) On the web.

Logic (Mainstage)- Included with Apple’s Logic Suite, it provides lots of great tools for Live Performance with Loops ($199+) On the web.

Hardware Based Solutions-For those looking for a more hands-on “out of the box” solution.

Open Labs-Quickly becoming a standard for Studios and on-stage performance with loops. ($2799+) On the web.

iPod- Most people have one and can quickly start using it for loops. ($59.99+) On the web.

Interfaces-For people that want to run loops in Stereo and want more outputs.  They often Provide a “cleaner” and more flexible output.

Presonus-Tons of great Audio Interfaces for Recording and Live Performance ($99.95+) On the web.

Motu-Great High Quality Portable and Rack Based Interfaces ($549+) On the web.

M-Audio-In-expensive Audio interfaces that work great and even work with Pro-Tools Systems.  ($79.99+) On the web.

Apogee-Know for super High Quality sound, they have great mobile and studio Interfaces. ($249+) On the web.

Digidesign-From M-boxes to their “OO3″ series Interfaces, they work great along side Protools ($249+) On the web.

Controllers-For people that want to get away from using a mouse and keyboard in their Music Creation.  They work great to control your DAW as well as firing Loops live.

Korg-Their Micro Series looks super cool and is incredibly inexpensive so you can buy a few ($49/$59) On the web.

M-Audio-From their now discountined “Trigger Finger” to their “Oxygen” series keyboards they have tons of great controllers ($99+) On the web.

Novation-The “Launchpad” is one of the coolest new Controllers around. ($99+) On the web.

Akai-From their “laptop” series controllers to their “Mpd” and “APC” series, they make great “feeling” controllers ($69+) On the web.

Behringer-Their FCB 1010 is used by many guitar players and Worship Leaders to control their loops from their feet ($149) On the web.

Roland-Their FC 300 is another well used foot pedal for guitar players ($399.97) On the web.

aBility Foot Controller-Baron Youn’s creation for use with Ableton Live is an awesome controller for Worship Leaders wanting to control loops from their feet ($275) On the web.

In-Ears-To get the most out of loops you should definitely be using some type of In-Ears.

Westone-Great Quality In-ears for every situation.($299+)  On the web.

Ultimate Ears-In-Ears to the stars.($129+) On the web.

Shure-Great In-ears that have been around for a while.($99+)   On the web.

In-Ear Monitoring Systems-From Wireless Packs to Personal Monitoring Systems, you’ll need to get audio from your board to your In-Ears

Senheiser Wireless Packs-Hands down they have the best Wireless Packs around($699.99+) On the web.

Shure-If you don’t use Senheiser then your probably using these. ($599+) On the web.

Aviom-They’ve quickly become a standard in Churches across the US ($5000+)  On the web.

Hearback- A low-cost Personal Monitoring System that works great. ($1495.97) On the web.

Remember when your starting to use loops start where you are with what you have and make a plan to complete your setup.  You can use this guide to help find what other pieces of gear you need.  Take your time and slowly over time build up your Equipment list.

Need help figuring out what gear you need and what suits your Worship Ministry the best? Let us help! We can help with consulting and act as a “Personal Shopper” to help you pick out what gear you need. Drop us a line through our Contact Page. We’d love to help!

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The Odds are you’ve heard Dale Baker play drums for years.  In fact if you’ve turned the radio on anytime in the past 10 years, You’ve definitely heard him play. Most likely though you don’t know Dale by name, but that is exactly why He’s an Incredible Drummer.  If you Listen to a song Dale’s played on you won’t first notice the drums.  But again, thats why Dale is so great.  He plays to compliment the song, and serve the song, not make himself sound like the world’s flashiest drummer.  Don’t believe me then check out the list of some of the artist He’s Played with on his site “Sessions, Gigs and Recordings“. I’m pretty sure he has played on more CD’s then I even own!  Dale is an adjunct instructor of Percussion at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary a Toontrack Endorser and a Vic Firth artist.  He current travels playing drums, teaching lessons in Durham NC as well as teaching clinics and workshops and recording/producing.  While we are on that subject If you’d like to have Dale play on your project, or teach you to play drums then get in touch with Him.  We Jumped at the chance to be able to chat with Dale this past fall and try to pick His brain a bit about playing Drums and his approach to playing with loops.  This will definitely be a post you’ll want to share with your drummers!

Can you tell us a little about your Musical Experience?  How did you get started playing Drums and who are some of the people you’ve played with?

I began playing drums in 5th grade as part of my elementary school band program.  Soon after that I began taking lessons with Mel Obsen, a drummer who had lived on the West Coast and was now living in my hometown.  One of the best things he did with me was give me a chance to sub for him in a Summer Musical that a local college was putting on.  Without a lot of training, I was thrust into an opportunity that stretched and forced me to grow.  Eventually I ended up playing for more college musicals (I was in junior high at the time) and participating in the college’s wind ensemble, jazz band, and even a few combos.  All this before I’d even graduated high school!  Many of these opportunities wouldn’t have presented themselves had I not been fortunate to live in a small town where there weren’t a lot of drummers.  These early experiences taught me to listen to my fellow musicians, to follow the conductor (or band leader, or vocalist), and play and adapt with a sensitivity that supported the ensemble.

After meeting Greg Bissonette at a Maynard Ferguson concert (he was playing drums for Maynard at the time), he spent some time with me after the show and told me that if I was serious about pursuing percussion, there was only one place to go:  University of North Texas.  He had just graduated from there, and was really keen on the idea that I check the school out.  So that’s what I did, and though the place was so intimidating to me, I stuck it out and eventually finished with a Bachelors of Music degree with an emphasis in Music Education.  Of the 60 or so Freshman percussion students that I began college with, there was only one other guy in my entering class that graduated with a music degree. It was an intense program to say the least! Most guys either changed majors, or dropped out to pursue other performing opportunities.  While at UNT, I played in almost every major ensemble they offered, including the 1:00 Lab Band, the award winning UNT Marching Drum Line, African ensemble, Steel Band  ensemble, Gamelan ensemble, and countless other small percussion ensembles and jazz combos.  Some highlights: I participated in a clinic/ lecture with Tito Puente where I played claves (in the midst of a blazing Cuban rhythm section!) and performed concerts with Bobby McFerrin, James Moody and saw one of the first clinics ever by Dave Weckl before he started playing with Chick Corea.  I was fortunate to take lessons with Colin Bailey, Ed Soph, Frankie Malabe, and hang out with the likes of Matt Chamberlain, Jim Riley, Keith Carlock and a bunch of other amazing musicians who all went on to some pretty big things post college (to say the least!).

Post college, I contemplated moving to NYC, LA or Nashville, but decided to settle in Dallas where I lived with Martin Baird, a producer/ engineer who had recently moved back from Nashville.  He began recording bands out of the house we were living in, and one of those bands was Sixpence None the Richer.  They recorded their first demos with him.  From those demos they were eventually signed, and when they began looking for a drummer to tour Martin put me in touch with them and after auditioning, I got the gig.  This was around ’93 before they had really started doing any shows.  I stayed with Sixpence from ’93 until I left the band in early 2001.  Playing with them was an amazing experience and allowed me the opportunity to grow in countless ways.  I was fortunate to record on all of their recordings during the time I was in the band, as well as add percussion tracks, and participate in the arranging and production of some of the songs.  During my time with Sixpence, I eventually moved up to Nashville, TN and began doing session work for other artists when I wasn’t working with Sixpence.  I worked with Derri Daugherty on one of his solo records early on, played on some tracks for Rebecca St. James, did some B-Sides with Jars of Clay (which I think are still unreleased), played on a few City on a Hill records that Steve Hindalong and Mark Byrd produced.  I worked with Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Michael W. Smith, Steve Taylor and did some jingles and soundtrack work for Scholastic Books, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Southwest Airlines along the way as well.  I also did some sessions that were specifically set up for tracking drum loops, two of which were the debut album from Plumb and some early work for Natalie Imbruglia’s first record, “Left of the Middle.”

After leaving Nashville, I toured and recorded with Over the Rhine, during their “Films for Radio” period, and have played with regional songwriters and artists here in North Carolina and across the US.  I’ve done work with Claire Holley, Rob Seals, and Lucy Hale (Los Angeles), ByWord (Idaho), Anthony Gravely (South Carolina), and Mark Williams (Samoa).  Here in North Carolina I’ve worked with Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple, Tim Carless, Wade Baynham, Jeff Crawford, Mike Garrigan and the bands Luego, The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers, and The Physics of Meaning (to name but a few!).  I also play most Sunday afternoons at Emmaus Way – an emergent church here in Durham, and occasionally will play at The Summit, Chapel Hill Bible Church, St. Philips Episcopal Church, and a few other churches in the area.  Sometimes I feel like I’m one of those Methodist itinerant preachers going from church to church, except I play drums. You could say I’m an “itinerant drummer!”

I’ve also been touring a bit with Christa Wells and Nicole Witt, along with Ben Trimble (Fly Golden Eagle) doing house concerts, chapel services, and shows.  We recently opened for the Indigo Girls in Cary, NC and finished a short tour of shows in the upper Midwest.  We are also playing at colleges and high schools doing concerts and teaching master classes/ clinics.  Christa and Nicole will typically teach a workshop on songwriting (they are both professional songwriters for Curb Records) and I’ll lead a master class on drumming.  We’ve all really enjoyed playing together and are excited at the opportunities we’ve been getting to play and teach.

What Programs do you use to Create loops?

My favorite program right now – because it’s so easy to pull up and start using -  is iDrum. It’s a little drum machine app that can also be played in stand alone mode.  I’ve been talking with one of the guys at Toontrack Software, (the company that makes EZ Drummer) and they’ve sent me some of their software to try out, but so far I haven’t had enough time to sit down and figure that program out.  It looks pretty awesome so far…I just wish I had more time to sit down with it and wrap my head around what it can do and how I could use it in my work.  I also like to record myself playing percussion, and create loops of the live audio that I’ve played.  Occasionally I’ll take my loops or audio bits and re-record them onto a cassette tape with vari-speed, to create some textures and nuances, to give them a different vibe.

What software/tools do you use live when you use loops?

For playback, I’ll typically use Ableton Live, or Apple Logic.  In certain instances I’ve used Reason.  But my go-to solution will probably always be Ableton Live, because of how their interface seems perfectly suited for midi-mapping and using the program in a Live context.

What tips can you give to drummers at churches that play with loops?

Playing music in church is probably one of the most challenging yet most rewarding things I feel privileged to do.  I enjoy the feeling and sense of responsibility I get when I’m a part of a team whose primary mission is to serve and create an atmosphere that allows us all to worship and “move” closer to God.  There is an aesthetic and theological aspect to all art, and in a church context those two dynamics are acknowledged in a way that rarely happens outside of the church.  Playing music in church is about serving the greater “whole” and when adding additional elements (instruments, vocalists, etc) it’s important that we improve the sound and musicality of the group without distracting the congregation.

For drummers, I think it’s important to play in a way that creates space for the loop to exist as a separate element, in the same way that you adapt your playing style when a percussionist or another instrumentalist is added to the group.  The more elements that are playing together, the more simply you must play.  Creating space for the loop to “add” to the environment and make it more musical and worshipful is something that a good drummer should be aware of as they develop their arrangement and parts for a song.

How do you approach playing a song that has a loop?

First off, I make sure that I can hear the click track.  If I’m unable to hear the click clearly, I will stop playing.  Better to let the loop play by itself, than to potentially cause a train wreck.  Depending on the loop, I will often times have the loop a little softer in my mix than the Click.  Sometimes, I will almost have the loop turned off in my mix which only happens after I’ve heard it enough times to know what it sounds like and how I will play “with” it.  The reason for doing this is that some loops will have effects or delay, or slightly be out of time – or loose – and that can sometimes be distracting when I’m trying to hold down the rhythm for the song.  If I’m “tight” with the click, I’ll be “tight” with all the other elements that are going on.  When I program my own loops, I will pay special attention to the ambient sounds that are present (if it’s a live loop that I’ve recorded) and try to correct any timing discrepancies that are related to additional effects such as reverb or delay.

What CD’s are you currently listening to?

Recently, I’ve listened to the newly re-mastered Beatle’s Abby Road, and the original vinyl version of the Magical Mystery Tour.  I’ve been enjoying Brian Blade and Daniel Lanois videos on You Tube (specifically the one’s tagged “Black Dub.”).  Jess Ray and the Rag Tag Army, Kelly Colbert (of The Basics) solo CD “Almost Back to Happy,” worship/ multimedia leader Nathan Fancher’s recent CD are some folks I know and I’ve been enjoying their music and hearing them blossom and continue to develop as artists.  The other day I heard Richard and Linda Thompson’s  “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” and just was blown away that I’d never heard that record before.  Last night I listened to a bit of Jeff Beck’s newest “Live at Ronnie Scott’s” with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.  And then I continue to be moved by Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Vrioon.”  As you can tell, my listening is all over the map!

If you’d like to have Dale come work with your band at your church or do a “Drum Clinic” for your drummers you can contact Him through his Site. Make sure while your there to check out his Blog. Almost every Tuesday Dale posts some loops that He’s created. You can download them for free from His Site as well. He’s also still actively doing session and touring work so you may catch him on the road somewhere soon or better yet, have Him play for you sometime!

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If your like me when you start something new you want to dive right in full force.  You got some new software and you know every inch of it within 2 days of getting it, and your ready to start using it this Sunday.  Its important when we start using loops to slow ourselves down.  Its easy to get excited and show up with a loop for every song on Sunday that is super programmed. Your band will hate you, and YOU will hate YOU after that Sunday.  The odds are very high that it won’t go well, and most likely you’ll end up not using loops again any time soon or EVER again.  Remember like we talked about earlier when your working with Amateur Musicians you’ll have to take your time.  Still set your expectations high by take time to reach those expectations.  In this post we’ll talk about a few ways to Start Simple when your using loops.

1) Start with songs your band knows

We’ve preached this idea over and over but it is crucial to the success of your band using loops.  When your starting out with loops, use them only on songs that your band knows.  They’ve got to know the Arrangement, the Chords, everything.  You don’t want them to think about how to play the song as they are “learning” to play with a click and loops.  It’s best to pick a song you’ve done alot and you might want to pick a very familiar song that your Congregation knows as well.  Here’s why.  Your band and your Pastor and your Congregation will more likely notice how loops can add to a song.  If they are used to hearing a song and know how the song normally sounds and one sunday they hear it with something new, and it works, they will be on board with the idea of loops.  It’s not about manipulating them into being on board, but give them a good example of what using loops will be like.  If you keep it simple so that you can’t screw it up then you’ll succeed in your goal of getting everyone on board with using loops.

2) Start with simple Loops and Click

Remember the reference up above to those of us that “over do ” it by trying to use crazy busy loops right off the bat?  This one will be difficult for us.  The first time you use a loop start with something simple.  Just use a tambourine or shaker.  You’ll be surprised at how much it can add to your song.  If you want to use a “loop” and not just an acoustic sounding instrument then use a “simple loop” that repeats itself.  Something similar to whats found in our Elements collections.  Don’t start with a loop that is arrangement/length specific.  You don’t want your band to be worrying about when to play and not play, while also playing with a loop for the first time.  Don’t make them think about when to come in and when to switch between the verse and the chorus, just let them play and see how using loops can add to the sound of the band.

You may want to just use a click for a while before you even use any loops.  Your band will see how much “tighter” they sound when everyone has a “true” that they can follow.  We have a solid foundation for your band to “build” their sound upon.  You’ll be able to see how it all locks in.  Sure there are times you want a song to flex and flow in tempo, but don’t let your band use that as an excuse to not use click.  A negative response to change is typically based upon insecurity not wisdom.  People that aren’t confident in their abilities will always try to convince you that doing “X” isn’t the right thing.  Playing with a click is a challenge at first and its difficult, but don’t say its useless until you’ve tried it and succeeded in playing with one!

3) Start with what you have

People are often afraid to start using loops because they’ve heard how much money it cost.  Their buddy at the church down the road just bought a new Macbook Pro, and Ableton Live, and Reason, and an M-audio keyboard and interface to use loops.  Your yearly budget is $500 and your thinking how in the world will I be able to use loops?  Don’t feel like you have to go out and spend $4,000 on all new equipment.  There aren’t alot of churches/people that can afford to go out and do this, and most likely the churches that are doing it, are going into debt to do it.  Plus, if your using equipment that you or your band already has and you’re not buying new equipment, there is a very low commitment level.  If using loops with your band doesn’t work out your not out of a ton of money, and you don’t have tons of expensive equipment just sitting around.  So if you want to start using loops look at what Equipment you have.

Do you have?

• a Laptop
• an Ipod
• In-ears
• an In-ear System (Aviom, Hearbacks, Wireless in-ear packs)
• Headphone Amps
• Small Mixers
• Recording Programs

First, figure out what you’ve got, then figure out what you need.  If you’ve got an Ipod and In-ears then your off to a great start.  Start with some free software like Audacity to make quick edits to your loops.  Keep your loops & clicks simple so that your not spending alot of time editing lots of parts with a simple software.  Now what do you need next?  You could buy a better recording software, then a laptop, then eventually an audio interface.  Figure out what you need to fill in the gaps in your equipment list and make a game plan to purchase everything else you need.  Your making a much wiser financial decision and you’ll make everything else easier on your band and yourself in the long run.

In our next post we’ll be taking a look at what equipment it takes to use loops.  Make sure to not miss it!  What has helped you while starting using loops?  Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

Related posts:

1. How do I start Using Loops?…Determine what you want to do with loops In this post we look at a few different "types"...

When most people think of using loops with their band they don’t think about the fact that there are different “types”/ “styles” of loops that they can use.  Before you begin using loops we need to “start with the end in mind”.  Look 5 months down the road and visualize how you see loops being used in your band.  How do you want to see them added to your band?  What do you want them to add?  What do you want to accomplish with loops?  We will look at a few different options available and give a few tips and suggestions of what type of loops you should look at.  As we go into this post it would be great to get caught up on our previous posts in the series.  You can find them here and we will be referencing this post frequently so make sure to read through it before you dive in!

1) You want to make your band sound “bigger”

Your probably in a smaller band, and most likely in a mobile environment.  You’ve got a Drummer, Bassist, and your probably the Worship Leader and play guitar.  You’ve got a solid band already but there are some songs that you feel like could sound bigger.  There’s only so much you can do with a three or four piece band.  Before you get irritated because your band isn’t good enough musicians to adapt to their environment, stop and realize your at a disadvantage.  Sure Great musicians will adapt their style and playing to adapt to their environment, i.e. play to make it sound “bigger”.  But stop and listen to any typical Worship Recording.  There are at least 4 Electric Guitar tracks, 3 or 4 Stereo Keys tracks, Drum loops, Bass, Drum tracks, BGV’s, and stacked lead vocals.  Oh and thats only the “Live” worship recordings!  Trying to pull off these tunes with only 3 musicians is tough, even if they are all great musicians.  So using loops is a great way to make your small band “bigger”.  Here’s a few things you probably are looking for in your tracks:

• Keyboard Pad/Synth Sounds
• Piano Parts
• Acoustic/Electric Guitar Parts
• Drum Loops
• Shaker, Tambourine loops

If this is the situation your in here are a few things to think about and be careful with.

1. Use sounds that provide a “base” for your band to play on top of.  Use a Pad sound that holds down the bottom, and middle end that would allow your guitarist to play higher voicings, and not be tied to open chords, or power chords all the time.
2. Don’t create too busy of a sound.  We’ve all experienced 3-4 piece bands that sound like they have 4 BGV’s and 4 guitars and 4 keyboards in them.  If you go overboard using loops can easily become a very hokey, over-produced, non-legit thing.
3. Be careful to not add too many Acoustic Sounds.  Don’t track full on Piano Parts for each of your songs, even if you don’t have a Piano player.  You could probably get away with some simple chords or fills every now and again, but tracking a full piano part for an entire song and not having a keyboardist on stage at all can be very hokey.
4. Use “simple loops” or shakers & tambourines, that help to keep time and allow your drummer to “open” up his playing a bit more.
5. You may want to re-arrange songs that are “heavy” on instruments you don’t have.  Make a piano-heavy song, guitar driven and track minimal piano parts to fill in the tune.
6. Make sure you rehearse your transitions well.  Don’t let people feel like you are “pressing play” and waiting a measure before every song.  Start some songs without the loop or just singing a Chorus.  Your transitions are crucial to make sure you don’t become a “Worship Robot” that is tied down to a computer and a click.

2) You want to use loops to “redefine” the sound of your band

You’ve probably got a band that either sounds acoustic driven, or very alternative sounding.  You may want to take the mindset of a “musical missionary” and translate the songs you do into the “musical context your congregation speaks”.  This is difficult because not everyone listens to Lady Gaga, but look at the Billboard “Hot 100″.  How many of those songs are Electronic sounding, either Pop or Hip-hop?  How many of the songs we do on Sunday sound like that?  Most of our songs are written by nerdy white guys that play acoustic guitar.  How many of the people on the Billboard charts are nerdy white guys playing guitar?  (one more rant then I digress..I promise)  We wouldn’t go into Ethopia and play country music to try to “reach” the people there.  For some reason we’ve gotten this idea in our head of what type of music is “acceptable” in church.  We play all the tunes off the new Hillsong, and Passion CD’s but we could never do a Hip-hop, or Techno song in church, our people would hate it.  Unless your people live in a bubble they most likely turn on some Jay-Z and Black-Eyed Peas once they get back in the car on the way to lunch after church on Sunday.  Why should the style of music they enjoy outside of church be “unacceptable” inside the church.  So.. I say all that to say if you feel like translating your Worship songs into a more “Electronic” sound that might better speak your “people’s language” then loops could help you accomplish this.

Here are a few things to think about if this is the direction you want to go.

1. Your going to want to create new “arrangements” of the songs your currently do.  Don’t just take Holy is the Lord and add synth licks and techno-loops, and expect it to sound correct.  Your going to want to re-adapt your songs.  Simplfy your Chord changes in the songs and you may want to speed up or slow down the songs.
2. Your going to want to make loops the “fifth Beatle” in your band.  Don’t just layer sounds on a loop and press play.  Your loops are going to have sounds that you couldn’t get any other way.  Beeps and Blips, and not just sounds to “fill” out your sound.   Make sure your sound guy mixes the loops with your band, don’t bury them in the band mix, but mix them as if they are part of the band.
3. Your band will have to change they way they play.  Your guitar player will have to be conscious of what lead synth parts are happening and make sure to compliment the synth part.  Your drummer will want to open up their playing and really incorporate loops into their playing.  They’ll have to think about what the loop is doing and really make the drum loop part of their sound.
4. Incorporate your band in the loop creation process.  Have your guitarist/bassist create some of the synth parts for the loop.  Have them play some of the synth parts live, or play pads when they can.  Do as much as you can live, but still incorporate the loop.  Have your drummer create loops that compliment his playing.  He should use loops to “complete” his sound and be conscious of what the loop is doing at all times.
5. Make sure your band is on board.  If you haven’t picked up on that yet, its probably the most important part in the whole process.  If you just add in this “Electronic” sounding loop on top of what you normally do your band will sound cluttered and you’ll lose more then you’ll gain.  Make sure they are cool with  this and on-board with the challenge.  It will be exciting and the results will be fun to play and fun to hear.

3) You want to use loops to “polish” your sound

You’ve probably got a full band.  You’ve got two guitarists, drummer, bassist, a keyboardist or two, and probably a few vocalists.  You may even have a percussionist.  If this is you your probably interested in just “sweeting” your sound. You’ve already got a fairly complete sound.  You would like to use loops to add another dynamic to your song.  The biggest way that loops can help you is to help smooth out transitions.  You can have some cool sounding intros with just a simple loop and a cool synth part.  You can have an outro loop that continues to run into the next song and helps to smooth out your song to song transitions.  If this is you then take a look at a few of these suggestions.

1. Put control of the loop in the hands of your drummer, or percussionist.  Allow them to fire all the loops and clicks.  Steer away from tracks set to a preset arrangement.  Allow your drummer to fade in and out loops to start and end songs.  He really can treat the loops as another extension of his drums.  Essentially “external” percussion.  Using Ableton Live you can fire your clicks and bring your loops in and out when you wish.  You can fade them in and out when you wish or program them to come in and out when your want.
2. Your band probably isn’t going to need to change the way they play.  Your primarily going to be using loops in certain sections of the song.  You can add a loop to a drum solo to make it bigger, or use a loop to fill out what would typically be a vocals only chorus.
3. Keep it simple.  Since you’ve got a complete sound already your not going to need to add lots of synth’s and busy sounds.  You may want to add a few filler synth parts and some simple drum loops.  If you have multiple keyboard parts that you can’t cover live you may want to track some of those.  Make sure to track the “easiest” ones.  Your probably better off to track a Pad part and play the rhodes part.

4) You want to use loops as your band

You’re probably in a mobile enviroment. Your probably a worship leader at a church plant, you may not have a full band everyweek and stressed trying to find players to play.  You probably play Acoustic guitar or Keyboard and you want something more.  If this is you then here are a few things to look at.

1. Don’t feel like you’ve got to use backing tracks.  You want to fill out your sound, but don’t feel like you’ve got to use sounds that sound like your band.  Don’t spend all week programming Acoustic and Realistic sounding drum parts, and Electric guitar parts.  This can feel very hokey to be the only guy on stage and playing with a full band.  Its almost like “Karaoke Worship”.  Use simple washy loops to keep time and keep rhythm.  You can use Pads to give you a base sound.  You can use a “Drone” type sound to help drive the song along.  You don’t have to have a “full band” sound.  Use what you might consider a “disadvantage” (not having any musicians) as an “advantage”.  Don’t try to sound like a band.
2. Control your loops yourself with a Midi Foot controller or midi keyboard.  If your playing Acoustic it will probably make the most sense if you use a midi foot controller.  If your playing keys you could use another keyboard as a controller, or you may even be able to use your current keyboard if its got “midi assignable” functions.
3. Don’t tie yourself down to a strict arrangement. Use Ableton live to fire your loop in sections.  You can repeat the intro as long as you need to or do another chorus if needed etc.  If your the only person on stage make sure YOU are controlling the loops, don’t let them Control YOU.
4. Consider using “solo loops”.  Solo loops are very similar in style to “The Postal Service” or “Owl City”.  They are loops that have synth bass parts, some sort of drum part and some synth leads.  They have a very “Electronic” feel to them.  You don’t have to make every song sound like  a Techno song if you don’t want to.  Like we discussed earlier use your “disadvantage” of not having a band to your “advantage” and create a unique sound.

So what do you want your loops to do for you?  What do you want them to add to your sound?  The most important thing is to remember to do what fits your situation and serves your people the best.  Don’t use loops just like “so and so..” does because they said its the only “right” way to use loops.  Do what is best for you.  Its also important to remember that you don’t have to only use one type of loops. You can do a sunday without your band and use “solo” loops, and then use loops every sunday with your band to “polish” your sound.  So try out all the different types of loops you can and figure out what works best for your ministry.

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3. How do I start using loops?…Take your Time! Want to start using loops? In this post we take...

It’s important when you start to use loops to take your time.  You have to realize that using loops is a process.  Just like learning to ride a bike, you won’t be able to pull it off perfectly right off the bat.  You’ll fall down a few times, and you’ll make mistakes before you’ve really got it. Remember, at some point something WILL go wrong with your loop setup, and thats okay.  Learn from it (We’ve discussed this concept before here).  So if you haven’t started using loops yet, realize that it will take time to really get the process down.  Here are a few things to keep in mind as your Transitioning your Band to Using Loops.

1) Set your Expectations

Is part of your Vision for your band, for them to be able to play with a click and loop?  If so then make that an Expectation and STICK to it!  Its important to remember when working with amateur musicians that you shouldn’t lower your expectations of them.  You just need to Elongate the time period in which you want to see those Expectations met.

When working with a group of Amateur Musicians don’t Lower your Expectations. Elongate the time period in which you want to see those Expectations met.

You may have a band full of 80’s metal heads that swear that REAL musicians don’t have to use a click.  Don’t give up on these guys though.  As long as they are WILLING to do it they CAN do it.  It may just take them longer to accomplish the task of playing with a click then it would Pro Musicians.  Note that I said they must be WILLING to do it in order for them to be able to do it.  The truth is you may need to lose a few band members before you can fully integrate the idea of using loops.

If using loops is part of your ultimate Vision for your band and you feel strongly that this is something God has called you to do, to help progress your band musically to the next step, then stick with it.  If you have band members that aren’t willing or ready to align with your vision and heart then they may need to leave the band or sit out for a few weeks or months.  So.. if you really want to use loops then make it an Expectation(in order to play in the band) and then set a date in the future to accomplish your goal.

2) Set your Goals/Deadlines

Pick a date sometime in the future that will be GO time for using loops.  Lets say that we want to be fully “Using loops” in 2 months from today.  Now set smaller and earlier goals to work up to that one.  Work up to this Goal slowly.  Lets say that in 2 weeks we will do one song in practice with click.  Pick a song that your band knows inside and out, and use that song as your trial “Click song”.  Then in 3 weeks from now say that you’ll do a song with click and loop and one song with just click.  Again make sure you pick songs that your band knows really well.  Then say in 4 weeks we’ll start integrating loops and Click on Sunday morning.  Develop a schedule that works for your team and helps you work up to your deadline.

It’s important to let your band know that “This is our Deadline, and I’ll provide you with everything you need to succeed and make it happen”.  Prepare your band well.  Don’t just expect them to be able to play with a click.  Provide them with every resource and training tool that you possibly can.  Set them up for success.  If you want them to succeed with the idea of playing with loops then help them as much as you possibly can.  Here are a few ways you can help them prepare:

1) Provide them with Song Samples of Great songs that use loops and how the band plays with them
2) Provide them with Click Samples to play with on their own
3) Provide them with loops ahead of time to play with
4) Be Patient with them and be willing to help them out as much as you can

3) Know your Priorities

You may have the desire to use loops, and it may be part of your vision for your band, but right now may not be the RIGHT time to try and use loops with your band.  What do you have on your list of to-do’s for your band?  It may look something like this:

• Learn to play to Slash Charts
• Learn to play with a click
• Learn to play with loops
• Learn basic Music theory
• Learn the Nashville Number System
• Play on Sunday without a music stand
• Get another Acoustic Player
• Have your Piano player learn to play a Keyboard

Which of these Priorities is most important and most urgent for you?  Don’t try to teach your piano player to play with a click if you also have them learning to play a keyboard for the first time.  Don’t throw Multiple things at your band at the same time if you want them to be successful at any of them.

Don’t throw multiple things at your band at the same time, if you want them to be successful at any of them.

If you deem any of those things on that list more important or urgent then using loops, then hold off on trying to start using loops.  Its okay if you don’t use loops and it’s okay if you can’t start using them for another few months.  In the church world we too often see “Church X” do “Thing X” and we say next Sunday we will be doing “Thing X”.  God has called us to be carbon copies of “Church X” so don’t worry if you don’t start using loops right away or ever for that matter!  Make sure to stayed tuned to the blog for the next few weeks as we’ll continue to explore where to start when you want to use loops.

Looking for a good click for Live or Garageband? Then check out our new Foundations!

Related posts:

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2. How do I start using loops?…Start Simple Using loops doesn't have to require a large investment in...
3. Using Loops without In-Ears Even as I write this I am cringing. At the...

we’ve gotten so many Questions over the past few weeks specifically from people just starting on the journey using loops.  Questions like.. How do I start? Where do I get the loops from?  How much will it cost? What do I need to buy..etc?  With all these Questions we’ve decided its time to go back to the basics.  Start from the beginning and work our way up.  We won’t be talking about “Why you should use loops” because the majority of the people we’ve talked with Want to use loops just don’t know where and how to get started.  If your in this boat, where your ready to go but just don’t know where to start then make sure to follow the blog for the next few weeks.  We’ll be adding these post in our already popular “Transitioning your band to Using Loops” series.  If you haven’t read the posts we already have there make sure to get caught up first!  You can read all those here.

Here’s what we will be looking at for the next few weeks on the blog.

1) Where do I Start?

We’ll look at a few tips that will help when your first starting out using loops.  We’ll talk about a easy way that everyone no matter your budget or timeframe can easily do.

2) What do I Need?

We’ll take a look at what you’ll need to use loops.  We’ll look at everything you’ll need in the chain and provide a few options depending on your budget.

3) Where do I get loops?

We’ll look at a few different ways to get loops.  We’ll examine Paid loops, Custom made Content, Free Content as well as Making your own loops.

4) Free Loop Resources

We’ll take a look at a few different resources you can use while learning how to use loops.  From blogs, to content providers, to Sample sites.  Best of all they are all free!

We need your help as we venture into this new series. If your new to using loops we want to know WHAT you want to know.  If we get enough Questions we’ll create a Frequently Asked Questions post to add to this series.  If you’ve been using loops for a while don’t feel left out.  We’d love to see what questions you have as well or anything you know now that you wish you knew when you started.  We’ll start this Wednesday with the “Where do I start?” Post, make sure to not miss it.

Remember you can Read our Blog by using your favorite RSS reader by Subscribing here. And you can have our newest blog post delievered to your Email by Subscribing here

Looking for a good Click for Live or Garageband? Check out our new Foundations. Looking for samples to create your own loops, or simple loops to use in your songs? Check out our Elements.

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1. Using Loops without In-Ears Even as I write this I am cringing. At the...

If you’ve been following our site for a while and unless you’ve been hidden under a rock that whole time you know we’ve had the site “down” since the first of this year. We took it down to make some improvements to the flow and look of the site, to speed it up and add some new products.  We are very pleased with the results. We figured it was important to take some time and highlight a few of those changes to the site.  We’ll also be post soon showcasing some of the new products we’ve got.

Testimonials Page

We’ve had the privilege over the past year to have some great Customers.  We’ve strived to make the best possible products we can, and to provide Worship Leaders and Worship Musicians with the tools to create and use their own loops. We’ve heard from some of our great customers and we wanted a place to shine the spotlight on them.  So we’ve created a Testimonials Page where you can see how our products have impacted them and maybe even get to know them a little better.

If your a customer (and yes we consider all our blog readers customers as well) we’d love to hear how our products or the blog have helped you and your ministry.  You can contact us via our Contact Us page (more on that in a second) and we’ll post your thoughts on the Testimonials Page.

Contact us Page

We’ve always wanted to make sure we can stay in touch and in contact with all our customers.  So we decided we should post our Email contact as well as our Facebook Page and Twitter name so you could get in touch with us.  We’ve got our phone number up as well if you’ve got a problem, remember we are a small company so the easiest and most effective way to communicate is Email.  But in case your just a phone person or don’t feel like writing an Email then you can give us a call.  Plus we’d love to hear from you on Facebook or Twitter as well. We are posting updates to facebook and twitter often so it’s a great way to stay in touch.  However you do it, we’d love to hear from you!  Check it out!

Support Page

As hard as we try there will always be someone who isn’t completely pleased with a purchase or is having problems downloading a product.  As much as we want to hear from pleased customers we also want to hear from dis-satisfied customers as well.  That allows us to know what to fix and how to improve.  So we created a Support Page (More like an Area) for you to post questions, ask questions via a ticket system as well as voicing your concerns about the products and what you’d like to see improved.  We’ve got a FAQ section you can check out and product specific forums as well.  If your having a problem with a product this is the best way to find your answer.  Check it out!

Training Page

We’re still working on getting the training page up but we are very excited about getting it un-veiled.  We’ll be able to finally release our training solutions we’ve been working on for a while.  The site has always felt unbalanced with only “Tools” available as we’ve always see our purpose to provide both “Training” and “Tools”.  We’ll be going live with that page shortly and we’re exciting to hear what you think about it!  We’ll let you know as soon as the page goes live.

Feel free to look around and check out the site. If you have any questions remember you can always contact us and we’d love to help!

If your new to the site then we’d suggest starting with our Elements Collections and then checking out our newest product Foundations

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Before you read this blog post any further I want to sympathize with you.  The last thing we need right now is another person playing Monday Morning Quarterback with the Ipad.  This post won’t be that at all.  Its interesting to see the large amount of people that have deemed the iPad Apple’s next great FAIL.  But does Apple really fail at anything?  When your a 15 billion dollar company what do your Fail’s really look like?  The truth is there are people that would buy whatever Steve announced yesterday whether it be an iPad or an iEnema.  I’d be careful to call it an Apple Fail, because as Apple always does in a few months they’ll come out with their new iPad model that will blow everyone away.  But in this post we won’t critique the iPad for what it is, but look at what the existence of the iPad could mean for music.  So put your criticisms aside for a few moments and dream with me about what the iPad COULD mean for music.

Ultimate Touch-Screen Controller

This is the most obvious conclusion to draw from Wednesday’s announcement.  There have already been plenty of blogs to speculate on how the iPad could be used as a killer touchscreen controller. This is expected as we are currently Controller Obsessed.  There’s been a huge emphasis on getting your hands off your computer and onto a controller.  Now we’ve got the APC40, the Launchpad, the APC20, and even Openlab’s creations. Imagine connecting to your computer via bluetooth with no cables and being able to control every aspect of your DAW with the controller.  You could walk around on the stage, start a song off stage and walk on stage with it, etc.  Where the iPhone started this possibility the iPad is allowing it to come to fruition a little more practically.  A bigger screen means bigger buttons and better ability to really interact with alot of parameters.  With your controller being a Virtual interface and not a physical device that means you could have 15 pages to controller 550 different functions or more.  Where other controllers have attempted to be “mobile” the iPad could really truly be that “mobile” controller.  The fact is this possibility is already very much a reality.  Think of running Novation’s Automap software on an iPad and having complete control over your Live set.  The possibilities are endless.

Virtual midi Keyboard

A phrase I’ve coined over the past few years is “Everyman needs a Oxygen 8“.  M-audios 25 key midi-controller is incredible when it comes to having an external controller.  It can function as a controller to fire scenes in live, to controller your VST setup, or even play some pretty hot Synth Bass or killer lead lines on.  Imagine having the same function as an Oxygen 8 under your fingers.  We’ve already discussed the ability to use the iPad as a controller, but how about it as a Keyboard.  Imagine programming your Drums using a screen with 8 “drum pads” on it.  Or imagine playing a synth part into live using your “virtual” oxygen 8.  You could switch octaves and create multi-velocities for each key.  Sure the keys wouldn’t be weighted, but have you ever played an Oxygen 8?  It’s not like its the best “playing” keyboard ever anyways.  Plus theres not too many people trying to play Chopin on an Oxygen 8 anyways.  Having the ability to pull out your iPad and program your keys parts or drum parts comfortably with your laptop would be super cool.

DAW in the Cloud’s

This is probably the coolest possibility I see for using an iPad.  Its still a little “futuristic” sounding but could very easily be pulled off soon.  Imagine being able to run Ableton Live on your iPad and reference samples and instruments that aren’t on your device.  Imagine being able to open Live sets that you created on your home computer and being able to upload those to a location on Ableton’s site.  You then bust open Live on your iPad.  It automatically loads based on your preferences you have on your home computer.  All your preferences and Midi and Key mappings are exactly the same.  Change a few knobs and hit save and its the same when you get home to your computer there.

Imagine having the ability to reference your 21 gig Sample Collection on the go.  Use any sample you wish, just select it and drag it into your set and your good to go.  Imagine being able to collaborate “over the air” with your friends also running Live on their iPad or computer.  You could provide them with access to your set and they could control parameters in Live, and you could control their Live sets.  Oh yeah and remember earlier when we talked about having access to a keyboard and a controller ON your iPad.  Imagine having that and Live all on one device!

We may still have some work to do to get to where we could trust samples and sets for live performance but the way technology works and things continually speed up I don’t think we are too far off from it.  For now just dream with me a little bit and get excited about the possibilities.

Affordability

One of the complaints everyone seems to be presenting is why would I spend $500 on a tablet when I have an laptop and an Iphone already.  Well its important to remember that the iPad is supposed to be our “middle” device.  Its supposed to meet the need that Netbooks have attempted to meet.  Its unclear whether or not it will be able to successfully do that yet…But lets look at it within the context of a Musician and how it could be more “affordable”.  Lets get more specific and say someone who travels and uses a few pieces of external gear in their music performance along with their laptop.  Lets look at their gear list.

1) M-Audio Oxygen 8 ($69) *This could be higher if you we’re to get a Newer Keyboard with more features*

2) Akai APC-40 ($399)

Total = $468

So with just that gear alone we are only $31 short of an iPad!  You’ve cut down on the size of your gear and your now carrying less of it.  Oh yeah and your new peice of “music gear” answers emails and has internet access and has access to over 140,000 apps.  All those “extras” for only $31.  Sounds like a deal to me.  Sure you’d still be using your laptop to run Live but you were doing that anyways.  And whenever we get into the Future (cue.. “In the year 2000…”) you’ll be able to run Live directly on your device and maybe be able to keep your laptop at home.

I’ve chosen to be more on the optimistic and Excited side about the iPad then most people, simply because of what it could do to Revolutionize music creation, production, and Live performance.  Lets see what the next few months look like for Apple and the iPad and maybe we’ll revisit this topic.  Let me know your thoughts, and whether you’ll being getting one!

Leave a Comment below and Let us know Your thoughts on the iPad. And make sure to check out our new site/layout while your here!

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Wow…What a year 2009 has been!  We figured before the ball drops and all the Fireworks go off, we’d take a look back at 2009 and look forward to 2010!  Again we’ve got to thank all of you for your support.  Whether you’ve purchased our products or follow the blog regularly or both, Thanks!  We are incredibly thankful to be able to serve and equip the church in a unique way.  We have customers and readers from all over the world.  We’ve been able to chat with a handful of you guys as well, and help troubleshoot issues with Live or figure out the best way to set things up, as well as hear how our products have helped you in your ministry.  We’ve been able to do some Custom Loops and have enjoyed working one on one with people across the US and Canada to put those together.  We were selected as a top online resource by Worship Leader Magazine for 2009!  We’ve been nominated by Worship Leader for their Reader’s Choice Awards for our Elements Collections!  We’ve connected with a bunch of you over Twitter and Facebook as well as the blog.  All that being said..Thanks so much for a great First year!  We are incredibly excited about 2010 and what it holds.  Here’s a few things we are looking forward to about 2010.

-Getting to know more of you.  We’re on both Facebook and Twitter and we’d love to chat with you guys.  Shoot us a tweet and become a Fan on Facebook and write on our wall.

-More Blog Posts (We’ve slowed down lately to focus on some planning for 2010 and preparations, but we WILL be blogging much more frequently this year for Sure!)  We’ve got a few Interviews that we’ve done that we are excited about unveiling in the next few weeks and months.  We’ve heard from a few of you about what you’d like to see more of and we’re working on rolling out those posts as well.

-We’ve been working on a new site layout-and rework.  We’ve been testing and tweaking to make the site more accessible, manageable, pretier, and faster.  We are excited  about unrolling those changes (more about that in a second.)

-We’ve worked hard on correcting some kinks in our Customer Contact Process.  We’ve now made sure that if you purchase a product from us or send us an Email you’ll hear from us a whole heck of alot sooner then before. If we’ve missed you in the past please get in touch again.  We’ve made mistakes this past year but we’re confident we’ll get back to everyone that contacts us and do it quickly!

-We’ve been testing a few new products the past months and are very excited about getting those out.  We’ll be able to offer even more solutions for Worship Leaders and Worship Musicians who are wanting to Create and use their own loops.

-We’ve been making plans for our next Elements Collections and we are sure that you’ll enjoy them.

-And probably most fun for us..We are finally able and ready to announce our Training Solutions that we’ll be able to offer. From the beginning our heartbeat has been to provide the church with both the TRAINING and TOOLS to create and use their own loops. We’ve been able to partially provide some tools but haven’t been able to venture into the training we’ve wanted to.  BUT.. we are now finally able to do so!  We are excited about releasing our Video tutorials as well as another training solution in the works that we can’t mention now but soon!

One thing we will be doing in preparation for a new and exciting year, is taking down our site Starting January 1st.  We hope to have the new site up by the 4th of January as long as everything goes to plan.  So that being said make sure to pick up our Elements Collections today or tomorrow before the price goes back up, and the site goes down!  Also before we take the site and blog down for a few days, We’d love to hear what you want to see more of in 2010.  What blog posts do you want to see?  What products would you like to see released?  What have you enjoyed that we’ve done in the past?  Let us know.. leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you guys.  Thanks again for making 2009 such a great year and we’ll see you next year!

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This Sunday was yet again another gentle reminder.. Leave your Emotions at the Door when your troubleshooting a technical issue.  This is something we’ve hit before specifically here and here.  Most of the time when working with Computers if something goes wrong its User Error.  You hit the wrong button, or assigned the wrong task to the wrong button, or opened the wrong file, etc…It’s important when things do go wrong and your trying to figure them out, that you calm down and think logically.  Train yourself to not freak out when something goes wrong.  Slowly examine whats taking place.  Am I hitting the right button?  Do I have the correct file open?  Is everything plugged in?  Is this Cable bad?  Does my DI need batteries or Phantom Power?

And hey.. If something does go wrong or a Loop cuts off too early or too late, is it really that big of a deal?  Sure we should strive for Excellence in ALL things, so yes you should figure out why that happened and try to fix it so it doesn’t happen again.  But I’m pretty sure that God is big and powerful enough that even if Live accidentally shuts down  and we lose click and loops for the first service that He CAN still change Lives.  Don’t lose sight of that!

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With the release of Snow Leopard a few months ago and the recent release of Windows 7 there have been a lot people dealing with glitchy software.  When you use your computer for your Worship service every week you really can’t afford that. Glitchy software means people get very frustrated with their equipment and too often people will take the opportunity to remind you that, “This is why you shouldn’t use computers in Worship”, or “Music was better before computers and Auto-tune”! Granted.. could modern music exist today were it not for computers, and auto-tune?

(Well we at least know T-pain wouldn’t exist were it not for Auto Tune.. But then again neither would “Auto-tune the News” and the phrase “Shawty”.. and I don’t think I could live in a world where those didn’t exist!)

So in this post we will take a look at a few simple steps to make sure your Music Software is running smoothly, and hopefully help to restore the crucial relationship between people and their machines!

Hold off on OS Updates

Whenever a new Operating System is released, more often then not the newest version has some “drool” worthy features.  You may see things that would make your life so much easier, or features you feel you just can’t live without (even though you’ve made it this far without them!)  But if you use your Computer in your worship service, or use it to make a living, graphic designer, music producer, musician, etc.. You should wait.  Apple and Microsoft will often release updates within a few weeks of their new OS’s to fix minor bugs in the software.  And after a few weeks/months you’ll be able to see how its working out for everyone else.  Check out online forums, blogs, and google like its going out of style to see if people using the software/setup your using are having issues.  Chances are  after a little bit of time you should be good to upgrade to your new OS.  The company that makes your software will at some point put out a public release saying our software is or isn’t compatible so wait until you hear from them, after all they know the software the best.  Often times they will even release a update to the software to make it compatible with the new OS’s..which leads us to our next point.

Make sure your software is up to date

You know that there has been a recent OS upgrade or release when your computer is full of software versions that are numbered 8.0.1.2.5, and 2.1.2.3.  The fact of the matter is that when a new OS is released software companies test their software with that OS to see if it is compatible.  More often than not the software may have a small bug, and in some cases may be completely incompatible with the new OS.  That is where software updates come into play.  There are different versions of software ie.  Pro tools 7 or Pro tools 8, Live 7, Live 8, but there are also upgrades to those “versions” of software.  Typically an upgrade doesn’t add a new feature but it helps deal with compatibility issues, either with other software or hardware.  So you may upgrade your OS to Snow Leopard but if your not running the most recent update then chances are there will be issues.

Plus if your one of the guys thats still chugging away on a version of software thats 2 or 3 versions old, i.e. running Live 5 or Live 6, it’s time to upgrade!  Often times after a few OS’s later your software may or may not work.  Software companies seek to solve this problem, and save you money by allowing you to upgrade for a cheaper price.  You don’t have to go out and spend the full price for the new version, you’ll be able to get it for cheaper.  It’s important to remember though that no matter how good your software is, if your computer can’t keep up then its of no use….

Make sure your Computer meets the system requirements

Have you ever heard anyone complain about how the new version of “software X” crashes their computer all the time, and they can’t even run two tracks at the same time without the computer freezing?  They take the time to remind everyone “This is why Software X sucks and is so much worse then Software Y”.  We’ll if you ask them what computer they are running the software on, they tell you that it’s a 7 year old PC running windows 98. DUH!  Make sure your computer meets and in most cases exceeds the minimum system requirements for the software.   Make sure your processor(s) are fast enough and that you have enough RAM, and your hard drive is big enough and fast enough.

You don’t have to upgrade your computer everytime a new model comes out.  As long as you keep your computer maintained, make sure software’s up to date, make sure they are no bugs, wipe the hard drive a few times, etc.. Your computer will last and shouldn’t have any issues.  In most cases you can upgrade the RAM, and buy an External Harddrive that will make things run alot smoother.  Most people would rather spend a 200 bucks to make their current computer work then spend 1,000 on a new one!  Remember your setup is more than just software its hardware too…

Make sure your drivers are up to date

If your running music software then your probably also using some sort of a Interface that allows you to plug multiple things into your computer and get multiple outs of your computer, while giving you a cleaner  and better sound.  Some people have MIDI keyboards or control surfaces that they use also.  It’s important to remember that upgrading to a new OS may render your hardware unusable if your not running the most up to date drivers.  In the same way its important to monitor your Software companies website to make sure you’ve got the most up to date software, you need to do the same with your Interfaces and Control Surfaces and MIDI keyboards.  But.. how many of issues with software are just simply User Error?…

Make sure you KNOW your software

This is probably the most important piece of keeping your software running smoothly, but the one that most people don’t think about.  About 98% of all computer/software issues are User Error.  If you tell your software to do something, most of the time (if it’s well-written, stable) software it will do what you tell it to.  Make sure you know your Software’s Manual, and read up or watch absolutely anything you can on your software.  You’ll find out new techniques on how to use it, and you’ll learn wheter the way your using it is the absolutely best.  Oh.. and you know that one thing that irritates you about your software always “messing up”, well in most cases you’ll find a fix.. Give it a try..

So.. try these steps and take part in helping to restore a healty relationship with our computers!

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For the past few weeks we’ve been looking at Using an Ipod or Itunes to use loops.  The first week we examined the possibility of using an Ipod or Itunes and the next week we looked at the Pros & Con’s of using an Ipod/Itunes for loops.  We’ve come to the conclusion that using an Ipod/or Itunes for loops isn’t the best possible way to use loops but if you want to get into using loops and don’t have the money it will get the job done.

With today’s article we will take a look at some useful tips and tricks for using loops this way.  This Article will only have a few, but if you use an Ipod or Itunes for loops, then leave a comment below and we’ll add your Advice to the article.  Let’s pack this thing full of advice!

Get a Good Head Start!

Last week we talked about how using an Ipod/Itunes with loops will limit your flexibility.  You’ll have to decide on your parts and arrangement ahead of time and then stick to it. Theres no changing it on the fly.  It’s important when using loops this way that you plan properly.  Make sure you start ahead of time to test out your arrangement and make sure that your parts are good.  Don’t make a loop like this on Saturday night before Sunday Morning!  As long as you start ahead of time the lost flexibility won’t be so evident.  Plus remember it will take more time using loops this way then using some type of Recording software, so don’t put yourself in a situation that you have to rush to create something. Chances are you’ll make a mistake on a part or the arrangement, so get a head start!

Know where your Going!

Once your arrangement is created, your stuck!  You can’t go back a measure and start over, so make sure you know whats coming next. It’s a good idea to make sure your chart follows exactly along with the track.  Even if you don’t play with charts on Sunday at least have something there in practice that has the order clearly stated.  Make sure you know how many measures of pre-roll or count-in you have.  A good idea is to go ahead and make it a rule that there is always a measure or two-measure click intro.  Don’t devote brain power to trying to remember how many measures of Click are before the song.
Sunday will go much smoother if there is no question on the order of the song.  Nail this out before Rehearsal, and then make sure to Rehearse it so that on Sunday you’ll have the arrangement locked in, and you can do it without having to think about it.

Leave some Space!

Put a “dummy” track between each song.  Make a track of silence and put it between each song.  That way when one song ends you’ll have some dead space before the next song begins.  Don’t program your set so that each song flows into each other with no pauses.  If thats the case then you’ve lost all spontaneity and your loops are ruling your service.  Having the space in between at least allows you to change the order of songs if you need to, or pray or talk in between songs and not be restricted by the order/timing of the loop.

Keep it Simple!

When working with loops this way your only working with one channel of loop which means you’ll have to use click one side and loop the other.  You don’t have the full stereo spectrum to work with, which means instead of using your pans to “place” sounds, you only have your volume.  You can use your EQ to tweak sounds, and “cut out” space for parts to fit, but you’ve got to be extra careful to make sure to not layer too many parts.  Try to make the best loop with the least amount of sounds/parts as possible.  Don’t clutter your sound, enhance it.

Remember this post is a work in progress.. If you’ve got ideas or any tips & tricks to add, then just leave a comment below and we will edit your tip into the article.  We’re looking forward to seeing what ideas you guys have to offer.. so offer away!

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If you missed our intro article on using loops with an Ipod or Itunes then make sure to check it out.  We took a look at an article from Brandon Divine, Worship Leader at The Church at Chapel Hill in Georgia.  He was discussing using Itunes to play loops instead of using a laptop with Ableton Live.  In this article we are going to take a look at how it went, with a follow up article from Brandon.  After his Article we are going to take a look at using an Ipod versus using a Software solution like Ableton Live.

Brandon’s Article

A couple weeks ago I experimented w/ running our click track and loops from iTunes. It worked pretty good, but as almost everything does, it had it’s pro’s and con’s.  After mixing down the songs to stereo tracks in ProTools and importing them into iTunes, everything went really well. Our drummer fired the tracks from iTunes and we really didn’t have any issues.  It wasn’t until the following week when I went to put the tracks together for the weekend set list. We were doing a brand new song and so, like normal, I recorded a few loops and tracks for it. Again, I panned the loops to the right and the click to the left. Unfortunately when I went to “bounce” the file, I forgot that I had muted the click track while I was mixing the loop tracks… and since I was in a hurry, I didn’t listen back to the bounced AIFF file.  When we got into rehearsal, the drummer pulled up the track and it started running.  The pads and loops sounded fantastic, just as they had the week before, but there wasn’t a click running alongside it. The lightbulb went off in my head and I realized what I had done.  The biggest problem w/ running tracks from iTunes or any other 2 track set up is that you’re stuck w/ whatever is in the tracks at that moment. You can’t adjust tempo, volume of individual tracks, or even add tracks quickly.  The next day I went in and built our worship set in Live which worked beautifully as it usually does.  Here’s the practical lesson I took away from this: When working in worship you have to BE FLEXIBLE. While iTunes is a great tool and can be used…. for us it’s not the best way to stay flexible in our worship experiences.  I’m always looking for new ideas on running loops, however the one thing that I don’t ever want to loose is flexibility.

Now that we’ve heard from a Worship Leader that has experience with both Ableton Live and using Loops from I-tunes lets take a look at the Pros & Con’s of Using Loops with Itunes or an Ipod.

Pro’s

Almost everyone has an Ipod. If you don’t have one, someone on your team has one. Apple from time to time runs specials that allow you to get an Ipod for free if you buy a laptop. So the fact that you probably already have an Ipod means that you can start using loops today. If you have a Laptop and don’t have an Ipod you can run them out of Itunes. Money no longer has to be an issue to stop you from using Loops.

Almost everyone knows how to work an Ipod and Itunes. A few clicks and hits of the spacebar, and your good to go. Alot of people are fearful of using Recording Programs, but feel more than comfortable with an Ipod or Itunes.

If your a Church that has multiple campuses then its much cheaper and easier to equip each campus with an Ipod then it is to equip them with a laptop, software, interface, etc.

Con’s

Using loops with an Ipod or Itunes will take quite a bit of time to Create. You’ll have to render out your loop to be the exact length you want it to be.  Even to just use a click you’ll have to render out a file of that click at the correct tempo for each song.  If you are using Ableton Live, you can set up a setlist with all your clicks for Sunday in less then 5 minutes.

Once you’ve got your Loop and/or Click rendered out.. Your mix/arrangement is set in stone. If the pad is too loud, or the loop doesn’t mesh well with the drummer, you’ll have to go back and re-render your loop, which will take more time. If you miss a cue and accidentally do the verse too short, you’ll have to cut the loop, because you can’t skip ahead or repeat a section. If your fast enough on your feet you may be able to play a measure longer somewhere and recover, but most likely you’ll end up cutting the loop.

Probably the biggest thing we preach around here is the idea of playing “with” loops and not “to” loops. When your using loops set to a preset arrangement and order, you very much play “to” the loop. You don’t have the ability to change and morph the arrangement on the fly, like you do when using Live.

Wrap-Up

If you want to use loops and don’t have the money to buy a laptop and software, then you can use an Ipod or Itunes and get by just fine.  Now more than ever though, Software is becoming cheaper and cheaper, and more accessible for churches with smaller budgets.  Using an Ipod or Itunes for loops means you wont have to teach your team much, as they most likely already now how to operate it.  But with programs like Ableton Live you can assign each song to a key on a keyboard so that all you have to do is press “1″ or “2″ on your keyboard to fire a loop.  There aren’t too many people that can’t figure out how to do that!

If you and your ministry are looking to use loops, realize there is no ONE perfect way.  You’ve got to find a way that best suits your needs and budget.  For some people that will mean using an Ipod for loops, but for some people that will mean using Abelton Live and a 8 output interface. So start with what you can afford, and then build your setup from there.  For the best flexibility and to truly play “with” loops, nothing beats using Ableton Live, but just because you can’t afford it now, don’t think you can’t use loops.

Make sure to check out our final Article next week when we will take a look at some tips to make the most out of using an Ipod/Itunes for loops! If you want to contribute any make sure to send us an email to liwstaff(@)loopsinworship.com! See ya next week!

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If you’ve followed the Blog for a even a little while you know we are big on using Ableton Live for loops, and not just treating loops as “backing tracks” but interacting with loops and treating them as their own instrument.  Well we stumbled across this post a week or so ago from Georgia Based Worship Leader Brandon Divine from The Church at Chapel Hill and we were reminded that churches need to hear what he was talking about.  There are churches that want to use loops but don’t have the budget to buy Live or in-ears, and so we want to let those churches know that you can still use loops even without those things.

If you read our “Using Loops without In-Ears “ post you’ll remember that we talked about how there is no right or wrong way to use loops but simply good and better ways.  It is still important to focus on those “less then best” ways because it allows churches that can’t enter into the world of using loops a chance to do so without spending tons of money.  Almost everyone has an ipod laying around, so imagine if you could use what you already have available to start using loops now and not having to wait until you can afford more equipment.  If thats you, then these posts are for you!

If you use I-tunes or an Ipod for loops we want to hear from you.  We will continue this post with some tips for people running loops out of I-tunes or an Ipod and we would love to include your thoughts..shoot us an email at liwstaff@loopsinworship.com.  For now check out Brandon’s article below and let us know your thoughts and special thanks to Brandon again for letting us share his thoughts with you guys!

“After last weeks Abelton Live fiasco I decided to try and find a simpler way to play our loops/click tracks.  Our previous set up was using Abelton Live with an MAudio 410 interface. We ran 6 outputs from the 410 to the FOH (front of house). 1 for click and the rest, pads, loops, strings, synths, percussion etc…. It’s a great, no wait, fantastic set up. however it’s complicated and i’m the only one on our team that currently knows how to run Live. It’d take me about an hour or more every week to set up the Live tracks.  Anyway – this past weekend we hosted Aaron Shust, Chris Sligh and a few other artists at our church for a concert. The drummer had a macbook pro setup running loops so I ventured up to find out how he was running it.  To my surprise I saw his laptop w/ an 1/8th stereo cable split to 2 1/4 inch cables going into 2 DI’s.  I couldn’t believe it. I asked him if he was really running it like that and he said “Yep”. He then went on to tell me his story. It was exactly the same as mine. He wanted a simpler set up that he didn’t have to use “out of the box” gear (i.e. audio interface etc…).

Here’s the deal. You take your tracks in ProTools, Logic or Garageband for that matter. Send the Click to the Left side of the master output channel and then mix all the other tracks to your liking and then pan them all to the Right master output. Bounce the files down to AIFF files and dump them into iTunes.  It’s simpler for the FOH engineer as well. You don’t have to worry about them not pushing up certain sounds in the loops at certain times etc…We rehearsed w/ this setup tonight and it worked awesome.  I’m not saying we won’t use Abelton again – but considering the time this saves… I could see us using iTunes a lot more in the future.”

So stay tuned for our next post in this series where we will take a look at Brandon’s Response to using loops this way, and we will look at the pros and con’s of using Itunes/an Ipod for using loops.  And remember if you want to use loops this way, make sure to not miss the last post in this series where we will give you some tips and advice on how to use loops this way!

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I have been listening to the new Crowder Album ALOT recently.  It’s one of my favorite albums this year so far.  I knew at first listen that people would either love or hate it.  One of the reasons people may not like it, is because it is heavily programmed.  My next thought was, “Why are people afraid of Electronic music and why has church friendly music been confined to Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham and Hillsong’s musical taste?  Why must Worship Music sound like a certain thing to become acceptable?  I remember when no one did “My Glorious” until Chris Tomlin did it, and then it suddenly became a Worship Song.  So in that train of thought I began to think about Dance music and what Worship Music could learn from Dance music.  This isn’t a critique of worship music for the sake of being critical but a look at a few things worship music could adapt and learn from Dance Music.  Enjoy!

1) Computers are Instruments

There is a great interview with Chris Martin on 60 Minutes, heres a quick segment, where Chris Martin discusses the ”Band Rules” that Coldplay has created.  One of the most interesting is that “Computers are Instruments, not Recording Aids”.  Think about this within the context of Dance Music.  You see DJ’s on stage with their Decks and Laptops, using their Computer to morph recorded samples and create new sounds and Technology as a whole is embraced by DJ’s to get new sounds.  We have started to see more and more churches with laptops on stage, either for keyboard/synth sounds or to run tracks.  But most people have to see a certain church do it before they feel like it’s OKAY for their church to do it.  The extent to which they are actually using the computer is to press play on the track and then to stop it at the end.  They aren’t interacting with the computer, it isn’t being treated as an instrument, its just there to play their sounds to make their band sound bigger.  Just imagine what it would look like to have a computer on stage to trigger samples, filter sweeps and to add spontaneous elements to the music.  What would worship music sound like if we treated the computer as it was an instrument and valued spontaneity?  We have definitely made great advances already with using computers in Worship Music, but there is always room to grow!

2) Embrace and Create Energy

Its impossible to just listen to Dance music. You have to get up and Dance or move somehow.  The goal of Dance Music is to create a certain vibe or energy and get you up off your feet.  What if Worship Music tried to create more energy.  There are some Worship Artist that are incredibly energetic and really get the crowd involved and interacting, but their are some Worship Leaders that simply just get up on Stage and engage themselves in worship but never engage the Crowd to respond and create energy.  This doesn’t mean just make every song a “4 on the floor” Kick pattern, but use your message and your music to create that energy.  How many churches have you seen sing about how Christ has Rescued them and Raised them up from the Dead but stand there with their hands in their pocket, half asleep?  Lets attempt to create some energy and embrace energy once created, and not for the sake of emotion or creating a feeling, but because the message we are singing about and the one we are singing to is worthy of getting Excited about!

3) Smooth Transitions

One of the best things about Dance music is the focus on Transitions between Songs.  Each song flows into each other and tempos and keys are similar enough that this transition isn’t awkward.  How many worship Services have you been in when the Worship Leader transitions into the next song via saying something or praying, or that Each song starts and stops and they are all in different tempos and keys and don’t fit together at all?  Worship Leaders should spend extra time making sure that all the songs flow together so that when you start a set, each song sounds like it’s supposed to go where it is.  There are clearly times for stopping and talking and praying, but don’t use them as a crutch because you can’t re-arrange the song to fit.

4) Remix Everything!

For every song that comes out there a million different remixes of it.  All in different Electronic Genres.  Worship Music could benefit greatly from taking what they hear on a CD and adapting it to fit their congregation.  The good thing is there are popular Worship Leaders that are already leading the way with this.  Take for example “Everlasting God”.  There is the Brewster version, Tomlin version, Brenton Brown’s original version.  So we now have three options to pick from.  But what if when you heard “Everlasting God” you said I want to adapt it to fit my church, speed it up and change a few chords.  Once that arrangement gets old slow it down and simplify the chords, make an old song fresh and new.  The message is important enough that it should be adapted to fit different situations.  All it takes is a little imagination and creativity to make any song fit your crowd or situation.

Worship Music has made huge advances since I started leading worship for my youth group.  The next generation of Worship Leaders has so many more advantages and tools at their disposal then we did when we first started.  But if our goal is to continually improve and advance lets all take a long hard look at our own ministries and Worship music as a whole and see what steps we can take to improve it!

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We are so excited to announce that Worship Leader Magazine has selected Loops in Worship as a Top Online Resource of 2009 for their Best of the Best Edition! Thanks to all of our faithful blog readers and all of those that have purchased any of our Elements Collections for your Support! We have heard alot of really great stories of how Worship Leaders across the Nation are using our Elements, and learning from the blog posts.  If you want to read about a few of them you can check them out here on our brand new testimonials page!  We are very excited about what we have in store for the next year, and we hope you’ll continue to follow us on this excited journey!

If you don’t subscribe to Worship Leader Magazine you need to!  You can check out their website here.  Each magazine is packed full of excellent, qualified advice and training for Worship Leaders.  They also have their National Worship Leaders Conference Each year.  If you haven’t been able to make it yet, you need to check it out for this year!  So.. Make sure to pick up an October “Worship Leader” Magazine, and then make sure to subscribe after that, we are sure you wont regret it.

If you’ve got a success story about Loops in Worship or you enjoy our Blog Posts and want to let us know, you can do that with our Contact Page and we would love to post your thoughts for the new Testimonials Page. If you want to stay up to date with whats going on with us then you can follow us on Twitter, Become our Fan on Facebook, and even Join our Monthly Mailing List.  Thanks again for your Support and we look forward to talking with you all soon!

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Looking for a good Click sound for Garageband or Live? Check out Foundations for Garageband and Foundations for Live . Dual-Sound, Click Solutions that you can Subdivide

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On Friday Apple Released Snow Leopard the newest version of their Operation System.  OS upgrades are always somewhat unnerving because of the frequent Software incompatibility issues involved with third-party software.  If you use Reason and Live every week on Sunday you don’t want to upgrade if you can’t run your software without issues.  We’ve compiled a list of most major DAW’s and Hardware and their responses to Snow Leopard compatibility.  We’ve also got a few reviews of Snow Leopard that we’ve found and a great article on how to properly install Snow Leopard on your Mac.  Let us know how your Recording Software is working for you!

ABLETON

http://www.ableton.com/pages/faq/osx_106

PROPELLARHEADS

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/08/27/snow-leopard-watch-ableton-propellerhead-respond/

DIGIDESIGN

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=48&langid=100&itemid=38671

PRESONUS

http://www.presonus.com/news/press/Detail.aspx?NewsID=107

M-AUDIO

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.faq&ID=e27a7952a1a8e63c26cb37276be04f73

MOTU

http://www.motu.com/newsitems/are-you-ready-to-tame-snow-leopard

List of Compatible software

http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3258

Snow Leopard Reviews

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/snow-leopard-review/

http://reviews.cnet.com/macintosh-os/apple-mac-os-x/4505-3673_7-33676737.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

http://www.macworld.com/article/142423/2009/08/snow_leopard_review.html?lsrc=top_1

How to Install

http://www.macworld.com/article/142454/2009/08/install_snow_leopard.html?lsrc=top_1

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Even as I write this I am cringing.  At the very least 30% of all the questions I get about using loops are “Can I use loops without In-Ears?”  Whenever anyone talks about what it takes to use loops they mention the absolute need for in-ears.  The problem with this is that there are tons of worship leaders that really want to start using loops but don’t have the budget to buy in-ears. They’ve got a mac and garageband but no In-ears.  So can they use loops?  Most people will quickly answer no and move but, Yes you can use loops with out in-ears ( I cringe…) but keep in mind Attempt at your own risk!

Right and Wrong, Better and Best

Using loops isn’t a matter of right and wrong, its more a matter of better and best.  There is no “Right” way to use loops (even-though i’ve experienced ways so bad I’m pretty sure I can say they are wrong). There really are ways that are okay to use them, and then there are ways that are better, and there are the best ways to use loops.  It is all based on your situation and what best fits your needs.  That being said using loops with out In-Ears is somewhere between okay and better.  The fact of the matter is, if you can afford In-Ears and have the ability to use them then DO.  Even the argument of using them with loops aside your band will sound much better and your Ears will thank you!  But for those of us that can’t afford In-Ears here are a few do’s and don’ts to using loops without In-ears.

DO’S

Always use a Click

Even if you don’t use in-ears it is still crucial that you play to a click when using loops. If your band isn’t experienced with using a click stop reading this post and check out our post on Using a Click, give it a few weeks or months, then come back here.  You need your drummer to have the ability to play to a click.  It is important to not just run the click to the drummer, i.e. out of your laptop then click only to the drummer.  You will find a need to turn up the click in the monitors during the rehearsal at times to help out the other band members or to help learn a song.  If you run the click to your soundboard and then back to your drummer via a personal mix then he has the ability to hear the click and when need the rest of the band can hear it as well.  It is important to make sure your sound tech turns off the click in the house.  If your running your loops mono (i.e. straight out of your headphone jack on laptop) then make sure the click side gets back to the drummer with the ability to give it to the others when needed. If your running your loops in stereo (i.e. multi-output interface, click & loop L, R) do the same thing.  It’s also important to make sure the drummer can get the proper balance of loop vs. click, enough click to stay in time and enough loop to hear whats happening and play with it.

Put your Drummer on In-Ears

If you dont’ have the ability to purchase in-ears for the band you need to at least run a personal mix back to your drummer so that he can hear the click.  If you have an open channel on your snake you can use a few adapters and a headphone amp (to boost and give better control of the sound) to create a personal mix for your drummer.  If you have the budget you may want to buy him a pair of nice In-Ears if not a decent pair of headphones.  Make sure they get some practice playing with this mix.  Make sure they have plenty of click in their mix so that they can stay in time and so they can keep the rest of the band together.

Have your Drummer keep time

One of the nice things about using loops with In-Ears is that you dont’ need the drummer to keep time on their hat or ride in the low sections of the song.  When you aren’t using in-ears the safest bet will be to have the drummer keep time (even if its just 1’s) to make sure no one gets off the click.  As your band gets tighter this need may die down but it still is best to always have the drummer prepared to keep time in case tempo begins to waver…

Always have a constant Rhythmic Element Present

It is important that you always have some sort of Rhythmic Element going in the loop to keep the rest of band in time.  There shouldn’t be verses of nothing and then a huge loop kicks in, in the chorus.   Always keep something going whether its a shaker, tambourine or washy filtered loop.  You may be okay if all you have is a tamborine in the Chorus and the drummer either plays or keeps time the entire Verse you can probably get by with empty space.  But the safest bet is always to have some sort of Rythmic Element going.  You can have them not come in till the rest of the band comes in (ie. two measures of click for the drummer, and he counts you in on the 2nd measure) then the element comes in with the band and stays in until the end.

You can also fade in and out the loops at the beginning and end of the song, but make sure the drummer is aware of where the song is and able to count the band in when needed.

Crank the Loop in the monitors

Make sure the rest of the band can hear the loop well enough in the monitors. This will help give them a good feel for the song as well as keep them in time.

Always have an “Oh Crap button

As mentioned in our Overcoming Technical Anxiety post, make sure to always have an Oh crap button. If things can go wrong, at some point, some where..they will.  So always be prepared to kill the click and loop whenever needed.

DON’TS

Crank the Click in the monitors

No matter how much you want to, don’t put the click in the vocalist’s or band’s monitor wedge during a performance. Its screams of cheesiness and makes you loose the professionalism of using loops. If you follow the steps above you will have no need for any click in the monitor whatsoever.  Keep in mind there may be times in rehearsal that you want to bring the click up for the rest  of the band to hear.  This is okay and a good thing from time to time!  Once you get In-ears for the rest of the band you should highly consider putting everyone on Click so make sure they can get used to practicing to it at times.

Use only loop and no Click

Go back and read #1.  Even if you have a loop that is always going, it will still bomb if you don’t use a click. There may be 1% of the people that use loops that may be able to do it without click, but for the the other 98% of us we need to use it.  So don’t be silly or stubborn just use it, and you will start to see an improvement in your band.

Use loops for every song for the first 4 weeks

Okay so even if you are using In-Ears you don’t want to use loops for every song when your starting off.  Ease people into the process of using them.  Start easy then work you way into more complex things. As you gain the ability to get In-Ears you will begin to gain the ability to do much more loop wise.

Be encouraged as you start your journey.  You obviously see the need for your band to progress musically and Using loops is a great way to do that.  I strongly feel that the people that do the most with the least are the most creative, so get excited that you are gonna have to use your brain and a little elbow grease to make this happen.  It will get easier with time and eventually your budget will grow and you’ll have the ability to use In-ears. When that time comes your band will already know how to play with loops so you’ll be one step ahead!  But Good luck on the journey and keep up the hard work!

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This may be one of the shortest blog post to be posted on the blog, but one that deserves mentioning.  At some point or another we have all experienced the dreaded “Midi Input Problem” pop-up when opening Reason.  And more than likely we’ve dealt with it every-time we open Reason with hopes to fix it next time…and a few months or years later…we’re still being annoyed by it.  So today we will simply look at how to get rid of it.

Why it’s there

First things first, the pop-up appears because a previously selected midi keyboard or controller isn’t plugged into your computer when you start Reason.  So as you start Reason, it is looking for that keyboard and if it can’t find it, it lets you boldly know by flashing up a message and halting the start process.  This may not be a big deal but if you use your Midi keyboard very in-frequently but use Reason frequently then you may want to get rid of it.  If thats the case then here’s how.

Say Goodbye

Open Reason (you’ll have to deal with the pop-up only one more time).  Navigate to Preferences and go to Advanced Control.  Under “External Control” you’ll see the culprit.  In the case of my setup, it is my missing M-Audio Keystation keyboard.  You’ll see whatever keyboard that is missing has a Red X beside it.

To say goodbye to this pest, simply select whatever bus has the X beside it and select “No midi Input”.  And just like that no more annoying pop-up!

Next time you use your Keyboard again just repeat this process but select whatever keyboard you want to use, and it will work perfectly again!  So.. If you use Reason alot and don’t use your keyboard often and your tired of seeing this message then do a few easy steps and your life will be so much easier!

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This past Thursday Apple released the newest version of Logic Pro.  I’ve been a casual Logic user for a few years now. Most of my work is done in Live and Reason but from time to time I have made a trip over to Logic.  My time there has been pleasant, so at the announcement of a new release of Logic I jumped for Joy (ish..).  I spent some time reviewing the news on the apple site and have made a few observations on what I feel will be the biggest benefits for Worship Leaders and Churches.  I have yet to spend some Hands on time with it so I can’t attest to the full potential of all the features but merely predict how some of the features will be beneficial to worship leaders.

1) Guitar Players

Logic 9 contains 25 modeled amps and 30 modeled Stomp boxes that will provide most guitar players with a decent sized palate to choose sounds from.  I’m as big of a fan of the “Real thing” (tube amps, effects pedals, vintage guitars etc..) as the next guy but there are times and places for modeled gear.  I have in fact used Logic’s guitar modeling on stage for a weekend gig before when my A & B plans failed (including the backline amp catching fire, and the airlines misplacing my pedal board), and It wasn’t as horrible of an experience as one might think.

Probably the most appealing feature of Logic 9 for guitar players is the integration with Apogee’s new controller/interface “Gio”.  It has built in Transport controls, five effects selector switches, Preset select buttons as well as stereo output, all while being an USB Audio interface.  Apogee has a reputation of creating highly quality, great sounding gear so I’m positive the integration will be excellent and sound great.  Again not too many guitar players will have the desire to stand on stage with all of their tone coming from a computer, but for those times when your amp catches fire or when you need to quickly track a demo guitar part Logic 9 will now allow for that process to be a little less painful.

2) Editing

Anyone that has spent anytime behind the screen of a computer editing audio in a DAW knows that Editing can be your best friend or your biggest of Enemies.  At times Creativity flows and you can edit yourself to a masterpiece and at other times everything sounds cluttered and your eyes are strained beyond repair.  Logic 9 seems to integrate some features that will hopefully reduce those eye straining times to a minimum.

Flex Time

Flex time is a new feature that allows you to drag sections of your track to better line up with the rest of the Recording. You can completely reshape a Vocal track and add a new feel to it or simply just make things sound a little more “together”.  This function seems very familiar to options available currently in Ableton Live but it’s not uncommon to see shared or similar features make their way into new releases of Software.  Flex Time would definitely take alot of the headache out of editing drum tracks.

Selective Track Import

Selective Track Import is a cool new feature to Logic 9 that will allow you to import not just Audio from other projects but any effects, sends, or automations that are assigned to that track.  The demo video shows how you can drag in effects and automation to a pre-existing vocal track without having to import the vocal track those effects are assigned to. This will be a huge time saver!

Drum Replacer

Again, another time saver for those grueling times of editing drums.  The process with Drum Replacer seems to be vary straight forward and quick allowing you to improve the sound of any drum track by replacing existing sounds.  This will allow your drum tracks to shine and sound as polished as you wish for them to sound.

3) Live Performance

Some of the biggest improvements in Logic seem to come in the updated form of Mainstage.  Mainstage 2 packs a lot of new features that seem to make it much more stable and useful as a tool to Perform Live music.

Playback

Playback is a new plug-in for Mainstage that allows you to drag in “Backing Tracks” and perform with them.  If you exported your sessions from Logic then all your Markers will be intact.  The apple site and accompanying video to  Playback says you can jump seemlessly to the next marker and even loop sections.  The video doesn’t showcase this feature very well.  You also have the ability to automatically start playing new files when you select a new patch.  This would help provide seamless transitions between songs in a song set.

My big thought is will Playback allow you to adjust when it will jump to the next marker (similar to Live) or will it just jump as soon as you trigger it?  If it provides the functions similar to Live then this could be a great tool for people wishing to perform to Backing Tracks Live.  None the less for people used to performing with their tracks running out of I-tunes or of an Ipod this will be a huge upgrade.

Rewire

Mainstage 2 also now works with Rewire which will allow you access to all your other sounds.  This would allow you to use your Reason Synth sounds and Ableton loops all while working in Mainstage.  This will allow you to further integrate Mainstage will all your other computer based “toys”.

4) Affordability

As great as the Mainstage updates are the best Upgrade and feature of the new version of Logic is the Price.  The entire suite or Logic instruments and effects is now only $499.  That means for a very affordable price you can have the same tools professionals use at your fingertips.  And Logic isn’t just a great program to record audio but it aids in the Creation, Production, and Performance of your music.  This means churches everywhere despite budget and size can now improve the quality of their sound and production.  For those people already on the Mac Platform using Garageband you’ll be able to import the same files you created in Garageband and make use of the features of Logic. This means you can buy a Mac and get started in Garageband now and when you make the transition to Logic it will be a seamless one.

You don’t have to be a technical genius to understand Logic which means you’ll be able to get to Creating your music a lot quicker.  As Apple always does they make hard tasks easier and quicker so that you can get to the important parts quicker and be more efficient.  I am interested to see how the low price of Logic will allow more churches to venture into the DAW world.

Anyone already upgraded or spent some time using the new Logic?  Let us know your thoughts and comment below!

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For those of us that grew up watching “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” this video will be extra special.  If not it still is a super cool example of how Live can be used.  I can’t believe Jazz can still make beats after Uncle Phil threw Him out so many times..

watch?v=Yv0-JjCybzM

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