Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

[unleashthejay]

I wrote a folk song and want some tips from you guys who have recorded folk songs before :friday:; and any instrument suggestions ect. at the moment my song will be guitar, harmonica, vocals, drums & bass

Does anyone know of any Folk songs that use a drum machine well?

:cool2:I ask because I recently wrote a Folk Song and got the best compliment you can get at a open mic, a fellow musician asked "hey, that song you did with the harmonica, who does that song, like what artist." I was happy because he liked it enough to think it was a old classic song and he did not even think I wrote it. When he found out he suggested I recorded it so I want to try a couple things. I know I should and probablly will use a real drummer but wanted any tips on recording it using a drum machine, I just never herd a folk son with that in it maybe I should try it and see if it works.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

Short answer - Daniel Lanois.

The Goldtop Edition re-issue of his album Acadie features demo recordings of his hit song The Maker. This is almost exactly the arrangement formula that you describe. It is also an object lesson in recording technique.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

You're going to need a pretty good drum machine with lots of dynamics and a big sample libray for each hit. I would record my own drums for folk because it's very much a "feel" based style and I don't think a drum machine would ever cut it.

 

[P.A.Foholic]

Re: Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

You're going to need a pretty good drum machine with lots of dynamics and a big sample libray for each hit. I would record my own drums for folk because it's very much a "feel" based style and I don't think a drum machine would ever cut it.

I agree with this. You have to be a one hell of a programmer/magician to get nice drums for folk music. I don't say it can't be done but recording own drums would be much easier.

 

[cream123]

Re: Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

I wrote a folk song and want some tips from you guys who have recorded folk songs before :friday:; and any instrument suggestions ect. at the moment my song will be guitar, harmonica, vocals, drums & bass

Does anyone know of any Folk songs that use a drum machine well?

:cool2:I ask because I recently wrote a Folk Song and got the best compliment you can get at a open mic, a fellow musician asked "hey, that song you did with the harmonica, who does that song, like what artist." I was happy because he liked it enough to think it was a old classic song and he did not even think I wrote it. When he found out he suggested I recorded it so I want to try a couple things. I know I should and probablly will use a real drummer but wanted any tips on recording it using a drum machine, I just never herd a folk son with that in it maybe I should try it and see if it works.

There is a great kit called Jazz Funk for Kontakt that is free...the kit is at least that has a vast array of great sounding and dynamic drum hits...Other than that I would suggest either getting a real drum kit and drummer or fully embracing the electronic drum sounds and going all 808 on its ass :laugh2:.

That said, folk music doesn't need to be totally folky.

 

[P.A.Foholic]

Re: Need any tips on recording Folk Music: Drum Machine or real drums

Other than that I would suggest either getting a real drum kit and drummer or fully embracing the electronic drum sounds and going all 808 on its ass :laugh2:.

That said, folk music doesn't need to be totally folky.

I like the way you think, sir!