Hi,
Most of this year I've been in the Kent countryside, convalescing and looking after my grandson. Consequently, I have been away from my equipment and studio.
So the only recourse to writing songs was with a laptop and Garageband Loops. BUT, what a revelation it has been. It's a fascinating world, and I have become a
bit obsessed with it. Did not know you could do so much with them.
I've always used midi, either hooked up to a guitar or keyboard, but I only started using loops when I went digital about 4 yrs ago (thanks to this lovely place
)
and even then I steered clear of them, thinking they were a cheat. And that is the problem I still have. Every time I write something using loops, I'm left with a
feeling as if I've done something bad. It's hard to describe, but usually when I've written something and played/sang it, I get a feeling of satisfaction that I just don't
get with loops. With loops I don't connect with anything physically....just a mouse and a keyboard. Even when I really like the end product, and it's been fun and
exciting to compose. I still feel as if there is something missing. Is this a problem that other people have ?? Or is it an age thing, that I must overcome ??
Anyway, I have now started writing stuff using just loops. Two of which I've recently posted on the Finished Song thread. The one for the Get Shorty Comp has had
some really good reviews. Is this the way forward ?? Should I be embracing them as another instrument to learn, and practice, practice, practice ?? Or are they just
another colour on the palette ?? They do have certain advantages. You can compose very quickly. The production is minimal. You can experiment with different styles,
and use instruments that you can't play, from all over the world
. It's a bit like a sweet shop.....
Love to hear some other views on this. Also, would love to hear anything written using just loops..