My performance

ADVANCE PERFORMANCE WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION

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 Introduction

My initial project title was (An Investigation into contemporary Loop-Based performance) Using a Looping pedal or Loopers in Music Software has transformed and raised the bar for live performance artistes by simplifying the process. Over the years music production and performance keeps transforming from the known traditional in studio works onto the stage where gadgets like the MIDI controllers, drum machines, guitars, keyboards loop pedals and many software as in Ableton have been used to produce music right on the spot during live performances.  My project is therefore aimed at studying and analyzing contemporary looped-based performance using a looper pedal and successfully synchronizing it to the Ableton DAW for a live performance for my Advance Practice Project.  

Technical Development

I initially planned to synchronize my Jamman looper pedal with the Ableton Software but for some technical reasons I had to abandon that process and strictly use just Ableton and my Yamaha SX 900 keyboard for the performance.

So I had to research on how to use the looper plugin in Ableton, also how to record and overdub whiles performing real-time.

The theme for my performance was Criss-Cross rhythms. Initially I planned to pre-program my drumbeats and then add my chords and melodies whiles performing on stage.

With my content, I took inspiration from Richard Bona the legendary Cameroonian musician who occasionally does solo performance with the looper pedal and researching into how music being universally presented based on location, culture and lifestyle. So, for example taking a song from Europe and presenting it the African way.

Technical preparation

I made sure had all the necessary cables and midi gadgets (arturia drum pad, m audio midi controller) ready and to map them to Ableton knobs.

Also I made sure I had my audio interface so I can connect both my laptop and other audio inputs to the interface for effective sound outputs.

Mental Preparation

I was emotionally and mentally prepared for my show and most of the performance was based on improvisation. I also made sure to have a moment where I will invite a vocalist to perform with me at a point in time and that will be the climax of my show.

Stage arrangement

To make things flexible for me I planned to position my laptop right in front of me and the Yamaha keyboard to my right-hand side for easy operation. Also I made provision for a microphone with a stand on my left hand side to be used by my vocalist I invited to perform with me.

Reason for this project

The reason for this project was to establish two facts, firstly to prove how music is universal and its based on the basic chords and melodies that can be presented differently based on culture, location and life style and secondly to prove how technology can make music performance simply and easy for a single person to perform.

This performance has a technological connotation and that can be seen with the looper plugin in the Ableton software.

Personal reflections

For the past three years this course has really improve my ability as a researcher, a producer and a performer. It has also increased my knowledge and understanding in music production and performance.

It has also made me dig dipper interns of artistes, technology and research. Going forward I will use all these knowledge I have acquired to enhance my musical journey.