Blue Couch Dog: Realtime Percussion Jam

Live on-the-spot improvisation using timpani, Java drum, and an FM8. Everything is controlled in realtime. I'm using a Zendrum LT, a Novation Zero SL with various pedals, and a plastic white 13" Macbook (with 4GB of RAM). On the software side, it's all Ableton LIve and various Native Instruments plugins, including two Battery 3 instances and two FM8 instances.

I'm trying to show some of the subtlety and breadth of both the Zendrum and the virtual super-instrument that I've created. The ideas fall apart too fast and I think I get into distorted noise a bit too much, but who knows. Anyway, download the adjusted MP3 at http://www.thesixtyone.com/dr2050 (it's Blue Couch Dog).

Only I hear the click.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• percussion
• experimental
• electronic
• improvisation
• drums
• zendrum
• finger-drumming
• drumset

[dr2050productions]

Thanks @RadianJasmin. To be honest, I've kind of hung up my Zendrum for now in lieue of several wavedrums. The expressiveness of a "real" (or quasi-real) acoustic instrument cannot be matched by triggering samples. Don't get me wrong: the audience will hear amazing stuff from your Zendrum, especially if you use BFD or whatever. But to you, the player, the range is limited. Hope to post something soon...

[gregoryburrows]

nicely done, one of the really interesting things w/ elec. percussion. I recently sold my HPD15 and want to dive back into elec. perc. (I'm a jazz drummer mostly). Is Zendrum a pro-level instrument?

[dr2050productions]

Thanks Greg, there is no question that it's a pro-level instrument with a pro-level price. And that price is without the "brain" that produces the sound... in other words, you'll need a sound source inside or outside your computer. But yeah, the Zendrum is ultra-sensitive and bliss compared to the HPD-15, even though I didn't know it when I sold my Handsonic :)

[vampiremonkiesgohome]

ice toys to play with..somewhat creative....but personally i think you need to understand and study rhythm a bit more and use the instrument to it's full potential....instead of using it as a glossy noisemaker.

Anybody can do that!

Just my .02

[dr2050productions]

Thank you Vampiremonkiesgohome. I agree with some of that analysis. Using the instrument to its full MUSICAL potential... that's right on. I'm working in that direction, but it'll be a slow (but steady) process. Please check back in a month or two. Thanks again!

[grisekk]

El final bueniiiiisiiimo!

[dr2050productions]

Gracias Grisekk!

[RadiantJasmin]

Very Cool Daniel! I'm a happy Handsonic player and found you on the Yahoo group. I've been drooling over the Zendrum and hopefully will be able to buy one within the next few years ;-)

[winfred55]

what kind of controller is that? i know it can work with drums.

[rosensta]

Wow--lots of range, development, cool stuff! I'm digging this!

[dr2050productions]

Thanks Pharmacopia! We're trying to get the dog midi control, but it's difficult. She just likes to smell things.