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because of modular drum sounds and the lack of dedicated amplifiers for the e-drummer.
The module on a standard e-drum is responsible for sending sounds to the amp. According to most professionals, e-drums don’t produce the same tonal quality of acoustic sample programs like BFD2 or an acoustic instrument.
Not surprising then, when I connected my e-drums to BFD2, it produced one of the most positive experiences to date – a quality tone similar to that of the acoustic kit. This, in combination with my Roland KC880 amp, produced a tonal depth which would easily compare to my acoustic kit. Interestingly, because of the reliance on a computer, other possibilities like recording also became easier. Modern recording techniques summarily utilise edrums as a MIDI controller and connect to an acoustic drum program. I discovered the power of this concept when recording Danny Widicome’s album “Find Somebody” in mid-2011. This was my first attempt at performing/recording and engineering. The album was released through ABC/Universal Music, again highlighting the power of e-drums in combination with BFD2.
However, in the past, the biggest limitation when using e-drums with BFD2 live was the issue of latency (the delay between gesture and sound). By
developing and refining the interconnectivity of each device, (e-drums, Handsonic, controllers, interface and computer), latency is no longer an issue. Controversially, one of the world’s largest e-drum manufacturers informed me that latency is unavoidable with such a setup. However, in conjunction with the new application and interconnectivity, I’ve been researching and developing stick/finger gestures that allow the simultaneous performance on the Roland TD-9 and the Handsonic. These new gestural activities, in combination with the sonic enhancements, are now forming and shaping my current performance practices. These performance practices have also allowed for the integration of a DJ controller, giving rise to the most exciting development to date, the notion of a “DJ Drummer”. This concept has emerged through the gestural investigation of the research into simultaneous performance of two instruments. Currently, I’ve developed a one-stick technique for the right hand (e-drums) and a left-hand finger technique that performs the role of a percussionist and/or a DJ. The result of this concept is viewable on my YouTube Channel. This set-up is also extremely versatile as I’m currently completing a meditation and a dance album.
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