Playing steelpan in a band is one of the greatest thrills a pan player can have. Yet, with the current uncertainties surrounding the global economy, playing in a full band has become a luxury for many players. To present clients with a full-band sound with fewer players, it’s become necessary to use backing tracks to play along with for clients looking to spend less on the performance.
While some frown on using tracks at all, it is still a necessity for many players. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to obtain tracks and what to look for with them.
1. Buy Karaoke Tracks
These might seem like the easy way out, but buying tracks can be a fast, cheap way of getting quality-sounding tracks that not only fulfill the purpose of having a full band sound behind you, they sound almost as good as the real thing, depending on the company you buy from. Each track varies in terms of its accuracy to the source material and some can be kind of short, so it’s important to check the track before purchase. You can also extend the track using recording software like Cubase, Protools, and Garage Band.
2. Make Your Own
For the sake of some players spending a great deal of time making their own tracks, it’s usually better just to make your own as opposed to trading or buying from other people. One way to do that is to record each part individually, which can be time-consuming, but the most rewarding. Another method is to create it digitally using various software. Native Instruments offers some nice equipment for that purpose, including Maschine, which features an on-the-go app option that allows you to make tracks at the gig. Alesis offers a more classic approach with its traditional sequencer, . The midi sound can be a bit tired, but it’s a good option for making a tailored track in a hurry.
3. Buy From Reputable Sources
Indigisounds is a great source to create your own and buy pre-made tracks, but there are other sites that have great offerings as well to help you round out your collection. These sites include Musician Backing Tracks.com, Groovejetmedia.com, and backing tracks.biz.
4. Trade
Most players in your region will likely not be down for this, potentially seeing your inquiry as a threat. But occasionally, you make friends and this becomes a non-issue, so long as you give equally. Another option for trading is to contact other players from around the country or globe and ask them. They can be found on Facebook through some of the people interviewed for this publication, or on other websites like PanTrinbago.
Despite the need to be prepared for any occasion with your own digital, band-on-command, remember that nothing beats the real thing. As a player, you should know how to play both solos and in a group. You should also know how to convince the client of the pros and potential cons of each option. Learn what the client wants before you make a suggestion, and always push for the full band experience first; the rest of us have to eat too!
