What is your 'Sound?'

As a keyboard player, I am often tasked with providing sounds on stage that cannot be made by any of the other instruments available. Like when a band needs strings or horns, but has no string or horn players on stage, who ends up covering that part? Usually, it's the keyboard player.

For the record, this never bothered me and I have enjoyed the challenge, but over years of covering sounds, I learned one important fact:

There Are Limits to What One Person Can Do On Stage

Like everyone else in my band, I can only do my small part to help fill in the sound on stage. For example, in a song like Dua Lipa's Levitating, there are many synth and string sounds used in the recording, but when played live, unless I want to have the band playing over a backing track, I have to limit my coverage.

I do what I can by splitting my keyboard into two sound sets: samples from the original recording played in my left hand and a string sound in my right. I do not try to play every sound that is in the recording, only the ones necessary to make the song sound great live.

When performing on stage, it is important to understand that you have the opportunity to create your own sound. Whether you write and perform original music or play cover songs, you can use your time on stage to make that music your own.

What makes your music sound like you?

You might notice that some artists carry a unique signature to their sound. For example, Keith Urban, B.B. King, & Slash all have their own guitar tone that is instantly recognizable as their sound. I feel this is true for a lot of top musicians.

But, why is that?

If you play 5 shows a year, you might try something a little different at each performance. You might even prepare a little differently. 

But, if you play 50-100 shows a year, you quickly learn a couple of things:

1. You don't have as much time to prepare for each show to be different.
2. Much of the music you play can be narrowed down into a handful of sounds or tones that you actually need.
3. Too many options can make your overall sound become inconsistent, which makes it a guessing game for your soundman and a lower-quality show for your audience.

Limit your options and find 'your' sound ...

Like a kid in a candy store, these days, performers have access to endless options. However, all of these cool things we 'can' do on stage often get in the way of a performer really finding their best sound. Recording studio pros say the same thing about their access to digital recording software and plugins. Most of the time, it's beneficial to pick 2-3 EQs, compressors, reverbs, etc., and stick with those so you learn them well and create a consistent routine. 

You can kind of look at this like the Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 rule). 20% of your available options will get 80% of your resulting sound. Let's talk about how a few types of musicians might do this on stage to limit their options and solidify their sound.

Guitarists

1. Number of guitars 
   How many guitars you bring should be based on your gig needs, but I suggest no more than the following:
   1. Two Electrics
   2. Two Acoustics
   3. One of each  
   4. If traveling far for a gig, maybe keep a backup backstage.
2. Pedalboard 
   You have all kinds of options here, so ask yourself these questions:
   1. Whether all in one or multiple pedals, what do you use every time to create your tones?
   2. What is necessary vs. what is not?
   3. What do you really like to have on stage?
3. Tone Choices 
   Try limiting yourself to the following:
   1. Two Clean Tones
   2. Two Distorted Tones
   3. One Lead Tone
   4. Incorporate extra Wah, Chorus, Flangers, Phasers, and Reverbs as needed.

Keyboardists

1. Number of keyboards 
   Many players bring two for different playability and readily available sounds. I have personally played 99% of my gigs with one keyboard. As a backup plan, I will take an extra keyboard when I am gigging far enough away that traveling home is not an option (Usually anything further than 30 min away)
2. Sound Choices
   Having lots of experience here, these are my keyboard patch recommendations:
   1. Piano Sounds
      (1-2 of each)
      1. Acoustic Piano
      2. Rhoads / Wurlitzer Electric Piano
      3. 80s DX7 Style Piano
      4. Clavinet
      5. Organ
   2. Orchestral Sounds 
      (1-2 of each, Aim for one realistic sound and one synthesized sound)
      1. Strings
      2. Brass
      3. Woodwinds / Sax (if needed)
   3. Synth Sounds
      (1-2 of each)For Ambience
      1. For Filling in the Overall Sound
      2. For Synth Lead Solos
   4. Drum / FX Sounds
      (As Needed)
      
      1. One Drum Kit
      2. FX Patches for special sound effects
      3. Sound samples added from outside sources
3. Performance Mode, Patterns, Sequencers, & Samplers
   (Use your keyboard's extra functions to make your life easier on stage)
   1. Performance Mode - Combine different sounds together into a single patch for thicker sounds or volume control. Less need for button pushing.
   2. Patterns /Sequencers - Prep pieces of your songs ahead of time to play more parts when needed.
   3. Samplers - Bring in outside audio files to play on your keyboard (I've used this for specific song samples and harmonizing my own voice.)
4. Find your favorites - Use them religiously
   I personally like to find 4-5 sounds that I can use for 80% of my show so that I don't need to make as many changes. Check out this YouTube Short of my favorite synth sound.

Drummers

1. What Kind of Drums to Play
   Depending on your playing style, gig schedule, and sound needs, you have the option of two different kinds of drumsets and many other percussion options that don't require a full set. 
   
   1. Acoustic Drum Sets
   2. Electronic Drum Sets
   3. Electronic Drum Pads
   4. Congas, Bongos, Shakers & Percussion
2. Triggers, Pads, & Samples
   If you are looking to supplement your sound with samples from triggers and pads, you need to tread carefully.
   1. Too many different samples can be a nightmare for your soundman. (Like using a different kick or snare sound on every song)
   2. Try not to worry about matching every song you need to play. Instead, find samples that will work for most of the music.
3. Control
   As the drummer, you control the energy level of the band with your sound. Understanding when to play, when not to play, and how much to play, will affect the overall performance. Think about these things during each show:
   1. Am I playing too loud or quiet?
   2. Am I playing too fast or slow?
   3. Is my playing "in the pocket?" (Is the feel right?"
   4. Am I adding too many or too few drum fills?

Final Thoughts

As musicians, it is important to be keenly aware of what we contribute to a group. Too much variation in your sound can make you come off as inconsistent and amateur. Too little and you can sound boring and unoriginal. Finding that sweet spot for your sound can take your show to the next level.

Thanks for reading. Have a great week!

Danny