Members arashi Posted October 1, 2005 Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 It's still fairly early in the developement of my band but we have decided not to look for a drummer at the moment. I don't think it will be a HUGE deal for now since we are more electronica based and it's not uncommon in that genre. I was just wondering if anyone else works sans drummer, or anyone else for that matter and how you think it affects the band overall. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fendercaster Posted October 1, 2005 Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 I used to play in a two piece group, me on guitars and vocals, and a keyboard player who also played hand and pedal base. We used an Alesis SR-16 drum machine, and it worked out well. Programming it was a pain, but with its looping capabilities, we could extend the songs and throw in extra leads if we wanted to. Of course, we were limited somewhat ( a machine really can't duplicate a live drummer's nuances), but we played regularly, and made good money. We could play the smaller rooms that couldn't afford a full band, and still do well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Dave Martin Posted October 1, 2005 Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 Well, I'm playing without a drummer this evening, so I don't have a problem with it. it's a jazz gig, with upright bass, archtop guitar and a vocalist. But still... Seriously, I'd suggest that if the music you choose to perform with your band doesn't require live drums, then you don't need a drummer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lee Flier Posted October 1, 2005 Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 I don't know... for me personally, I can't ever see playing without a drummer. It's just no fun. The drums are what really propels the energy of the performance. Not that I've never seen other acts perform well without a drummer... just depends on the individual and the style of music. If you're happy with how you sound without a drummer, no problem. If you think your sound could be improved with a drummer, then find one. Or try to find one and then decide whether it improves things or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members THB Posted October 1, 2005 Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 Originally posted by Dave Martin Well, I'm playing without a drummer this evening, so I don't have a problem with it. it's a jazz gig, with upright bass, archtop guitar and a vocalist. But still... Seriously, I'd suggest that if the music you choose to perform with your band doesn't require live drums, then you don't need a drummer. Hey, as long as you've got your music stand, right? sorry Dave, that was uncalled for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members arashi Posted October 1, 2005 Author Members Share Posted October 1, 2005 Seriously, I'd suggest that if the music you choose to perform with your band doesn't require live drums, then you don't need a drummer. Thanks for the replies so far. It's making me feel better about the decision. Not that we are ruling out a live drummer at some point...It makes practicing a lot easier too since we can turn things down when we have to. Nice to hear that not everyone is against it also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GZsound Posted October 2, 2005 Members Share Posted October 2, 2005 I play in a four piece band with no drummer every now and then and it's a lot of fun. The volume difference is amazing, we can play smaller rooms and do more "acoustic" type tunes. For me, it is a welcome break from my five piece show band. Besides, where else can I do bluegrass tunes on my sax? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wikwox Posted October 2, 2005 Members Share Posted October 2, 2005 Since your doing electronica, go for it. Other genre's like jazz or folk, no problem. Rock or blues forget it. The crowd can't tell the difference between a bass and a guitar but they know when the drums are missing. The above comment about volume is spot on. Almost always the bands on stage level is determined by the drums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted October 2, 2005 Members Share Posted October 2, 2005 Most of my gigs are solo, so that goes w/o saying they're "drum-free", but I also do an occ. duo gig w/ Wendy on bass and some of those we do w/ my digital drum machine, some w/o, depending on whether or not there's an expectation of dancing. It's all good....music stand or not, eh, THB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Dave Martin Posted October 2, 2005 Members Share Posted October 2, 2005 Originally posted by THB Hey, as long as you've got your music stand, right? sorry Dave, that was uncalled for Nah, it was great! Especially since the guitar player wrote the charts (But didn't play the songs like the charts). So in the end, there were 4 different sets of changes to choose from - the ones the ones the guitarist wrote, the ones the guitarist played, the ones the singer apparently heard - and the right changes for the songs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Scheming Demon Posted October 3, 2005 Members Share Posted October 3, 2005 Thank God my band doesn't, I'd be out of a job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lee Flier Posted October 3, 2005 Members Share Posted October 3, 2005 Originally posted by Scheming Demon Thank God my band doesn't, I'd be out of a job! Well you can always count on me to spread the love for drummers! You guyZ RuLe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tdempsey Posted October 3, 2005 Members Share Posted October 3, 2005 The place I play with any kind of frequency is only asking for the trio lately - they won't pony up for the 4th person. As a bass player it's not my first choice but it's a gig nonetheless.I just bought a drum machine (Boss DR-880) and have been importing some MIDI patterns for looped type grooves (think Blues Traveler "Runaround") but I have to pitch it to the guitarist who's a little skeptical. There is a known "cheese" factor and I persuaded him that that is due to the sound of the drum machine, and I overspent to have the best one out there today. Next gig, I'm going to start phasing it in. Unless the drummer is "invited" by the pub - which is really my first choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hazyjames Posted October 3, 2005 Members Share Posted October 3, 2005 Get a drum machine, they're dependable! Alesis makes a great one foe around $150. hj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Meatball Fulton Posted October 4, 2005 Members Share Posted October 4, 2005 It all depends on the style of music, eh? I play in various folk groups that don't have drummers. I wouldn't care to do rock gigs without a drummer (though I have and not been happy with them)...electronica or hip-hop, sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members brassic Posted October 4, 2005 Members Share Posted October 4, 2005 We don't have a drummer and it's fine, though people seem to place us in the electronic category because of the drum machine. When we started up we didn't know any female drummers who had the same attitude or mindset, so we haven't bothered yet. The only people who have suggested that we should use live drums so far have been...drummers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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