Why I'm PRO BACKING TRACKS/LAPTOPS Live for Musicians 

I'm a solo guitar/singer that plays covers in bars. You've made me feel better about using BTs in my shows. I have people that stay for a good portion of my 3 sets, (they want to see what I'm going to play next). I think their ears would grow tired of the same guitar sound all night. I play a lot of Yacht Rock and 80's pop. I plan to add drums, bass and a lower volume piano for the more uptempo songs and play them all in the third set. Thanks for the tips!

I'm old. Haters gonna hate. Use every tool you have at your disposal to get the sound out of your head into a form the listener can hear. There are no rules other than be in tune and be in time. If you see people hating on a tool that is a clue it's someone you should probably avoid anyway.

This is one of the best channels out there for all things music. Scott, I've played over 4000+ live gigs and for the last 10 years, I've used backing tracks (which I make, similar to you). This has enabled my covers trio (me on electric guitar/vocals, stand up drummer on an Electronic kit/vocals and a lead singer) to sound like a big band (though only having 2 instruments), play in large or small gigs (because a 3 piece takes up less room than a full band) and still get paid well (because there's 3 of us and not 5!). We use backing tracks to our advantage - and definitely less members = less headaches! Though I know a lot of the stuff you're talking about, I still find great tips and information in your videos. Your work is invaluable. Great channel and great workload putting out there what you do, for other musicians to learn.

Very interesting comments and information. Personally, I started creating my own backing tracks back in about 1991. My band broke up & went different directions. I owned an Ensoniq SQ80 synthesizer. I mentioned to someone that I might create my own band, using that keyboard. They thought I was nuts, and that it couldn't be effectively done. I took that as a personal challenge. I have successfully programmed hundreds of songs over the last 30 years, or so. I have played literally thousands of gigs over that time period, playing live guitar, along with my trusty SQ80. I use a Digitech VHM5 Vocalmaster via midi to my sequencer to supply the needed harmonies. The many songs had to be split into smaller sequences, linked together, to key the harmony on and off, as required, for each individual song. I'm sure I've spent over 9000 hours programming songs over the years. My lights were simple 100W colored par bulbs, connected via Radio Shack modules and controller. I had each color programmed to a different frequency on the module, and could therefore, easily change or mix colors. No fancy stuff, but it did create a wash effect to light up the scene. To keep track of all the words, I had a binder full of song lyrics. Now I have transferred my lyric sheets onto my iPad, which makes scrolling to a different song my easier. I just bought a Chauvet light system. Your videos have inspired me to break out my old Sunn Sun Spots PLC 816 midi lighting controller. I've never used this, since I didn't have right kind of lights to use this with. I saw your video on the Dore Midi to DMX converter. I have one on order, and plan to use the midi lighting controller via the Dore unit to program my Chavet lights. It will be interesting to see what I can come up with. You can check out my "Invisible Band" here, if interested . Keep up the great work!

I’m so glad I found your channel! I’ve been struggling to get going. Thanks for this!

Excellent video, Scott! Thank you. Keep up the good work. I really am enjoying going through your video content.

All fair and good points, and I'm that guy who has the shortcomings as a player and just cannot play to a click, but I'm always open about it, I'm also a tech guy so I fully understand the whole process and work with others to troubleshoot/setup their systems. I enjoy the end result when bands/artists use it well, and have huge admiration for those that use it to boost their performance

I haven't used tracks live yet, but I have used them for rehearsals. Getting the schedules of all the band members together can be difficult sometimes. Drummer can't make it? Well, we can still do rehearsal with tracks. It's also helped me out when I want to rehearse by myself to memorize lyrics or work on my movements.

This is great stuff. I’m currently a solo acoustic act. I’m researching to learn how to do all of the things you are describing. I think it will open many possibilities for me to include having a electric show.

Thank you very much for doing these videos about using backing tracks. I’m on board and planning to start as a solo and add a female vocalist once I get some venues on board.

Great video. Thank you for this journey of knowledge you share. Incredible!

I think these are all great points! Great video Scott.

Thanks for the great backing track videos and good advice. They are really useful for me! I've been doing gigs for 35 years (dance music and entertainment music). The first 15 years as a full-time musician and later as a part-time musician. 30 years ago every city had dozens of places (restaurants, bars, clubs) with live music. Today, many cities no longer have live music venues at all, and some cities have max. 5 live music venues. Karaoke can be found in every bar and club in every city. When I started gigging, I have a band of 5-6 musicians, but nowadays we are only 2-4 musicians in the band. It always depends on the venue and the restaurateur what kind of band they want. If they want duo, then we go there on duo. If they want quartet, then we go there on quartet. No one has ordered a quintet or a sixtet for years. But more and more often it means either a duo or a trio. The fewer musicians there are in the band, then the important missing elements have to be replaced somehow. Now, If I have duo gigs with our singer, I playing accomps (drums, bass and accomps) on a Yamaha keyboard with my left hand. All I can do is play keyboards. But sometimes I want to play solos on the saxophone as well. This is not possible without a backing track. Backingtrack gives the freedom to change instruments from time to time with a small band. Sometimes I also tried looper, but with a real drummer it doesn't work without a click on drummers monitor. Backingtrack also makes it possible. Previously I used midi, with one keyboard I controlled several sound modules. But it hasn't occurred to me that I could use midi to manage the lights as well, thanks for the good and useful idea! Backingtrack + midi control for lights and sound changes and effect changes is a very good and useful idea. Makes it a lot easier, reduces manual work between songs and enables a lot of new things. I got a lot of good ideas and help from your videos. Thanks so much for the great tips and advice!

I just started making music a full time thing. To Scott’s point, it can be near unicorn impossible to find other musicians that have the same drive or are in the same position (like they have job/family obligations etc). Therefore they can slow me down in the sense that I can’t take certain gigs or can’t make set changes without lots of rehearsal time etc. This is where I’m considering backing tracks at times. I will say though, IMO, they should be used to solve a problem, not necessarily to replace human interaction/involvement. By playing with other musicians, my songs have been improved and my performances keep improving as well. And honestly it’s more fun all things being equal. But in the end, don’t let others limit your chances. Either help or get out of the way is what I say.

I've been using backing tracks in various band and solo configurations since MIDI was established in the early eighties. Started with a Yamaha RX5 drum machine and I've evolved from a Commodore 64 and Atari ST (running Creator / Notator, which eventually became Logic Pro that I use today) to my entire show today on an iPad Pro running Stage Traxx 3 (which I love). My philosophy was always that the computer is just another musical instrument that you need to master. Just discovered you today, Scott, but I love your info and I'll be watching your vids. Never know so much that there's no room for new info and, although I'm 62 now, I believe you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.. Keep it up!

Awesome opinion Scott. I agree, sometimes backing tracks work well and are necessary Thanks

I feel so seen. I used to play with a band but have since moved to backing tracks, not coz the band was bad but coz I had a really vivid vision that I struggled to communicate. I was the problem and it was just easier for all involved if I took complete control. Still mates the the fellas now!

Great video once again Scott, thx ! 🙌🏻

Dude your content is awesome! Really helps a lot for people getting into this world of using laptops, tracks, midi messages, automation, in ear monitors and all this great things

Great approach. And objective as always. I’m the “tech guy” in my band and I love this content. It’s really useful. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for the video! I am an old jazz guy doing hotel stuff now... in a galaxy far, far, way... your concepts about backing tracks are similar (to mine). All the best for you and family, and thank you again, for the great information! Please be well, and keep doing amazing videos!

I love playing on click! Best decision Ive ever made. We do Click, Cues, Lightshow DMXIS, Pedalboard switches and Page turns on the iPad using Forscore. We've pretty much kept to live instruments going through FOH. We want to retain the rawness and solve arrangement problems using the instruments we have. I am considering building bass tracks just in case our bass player is ever late. 🤣

Totally agree with each point. We went from acoustic duo to using tracks and it took a few a few months to get acclimatised.

Another informative Scott tutorial 🎉

Scott, I've thought through the backing track approach and I agree with your take on it. My challenge is to go from logic to performing live syncing video and lights. I've just subscribed and am looking forward to learning how to do that. Thanks for bringing your knowledge and experience to light. Joe F.

Fascinating insights into the very practical issues of backing tracks from the morality (jazz police) to how to work the inputs and mixers. I also think one reason one can use your own produced backing tracks is the sonic enhancement of more musicians. Subtle use of strings, for example.

I’ve had so many issues in bands trying to pick song selection, agreement on arrangements or show scenes or whatever. So backing tracks would work for me as a solo show. All your points work for me. Less headaches

Well put...Great talk pro & con...

Thank you Fresh fair and honest Makes great sense

Thanks Scott.

i got the PlayAudio12 a few months back, I'll never look elsewhere lol

great videos.. you're a real pro. I should probably just work on my chops more first haha.

how is this channel not over 100K subs yet? honestly... just non stop great content and how to's!! Amazing work!

Great video, as always! We are playing our first show with a laptop and midi to control my Helix in a week! 🤞🤞🤞 Here’s hoping it goes well!!

As a solo artist doing tiny gigs and open mics, having backing tracks as an option is amazing. I can do my set with just vocals and guitar for an intimate, stripped back sorta thing, or I can use backing tracks and have drums, bass, synths, backing vocals, and sound like a full band. I make very little from music so can't afford to hire a full band, plus I've tried to start bands before and getting 4 musicians in a rehearsal room is almost impossible, never mind finding the people who are in the right headspace to do it. TL:DR - backing tracks are great 👍

This man deserves a few beers for these video series! Thanks Bro!

Nice content!!! Thank you!!!

Great video. I'm considering using backing tracks to bolster my solo thing. So I have a foot in each camp. I'm in some rock bands where using backing tracks isn't what we are about. But backing tracks will likely be a big help for my Sunday afternoon solo patio gig. As you very clearly and thoughtfully articulated, it just depends on the band, the music, the situation, and perhaps to some degree, the audience. A one size fits all opinion, which seems generally based on arrogance and ignorance, is pretty silly.

You share as a musician with experience on the subject from both perspectives. That has to be respected. We have been using IOS to control dmx and backing tracks flawlessly. Yes, we have a 2 level contingency backups at all shows. Never had to use them, but they will always be there. Excellent video. Again, anyone would have to respect the opinion of an individual like you who has abundant experience with and without backing tracks.

Just came across your channel today. Love your content. Trying to get my church band to use backing tracks. Have a lot to learn… i.e midi sync

I agree with you … if the song lacks it won’t go over ….thanks again Scott.

😊 I get you Scott and thank you for taking your time to help fellow musicians create and grow our craft and the passion we all have for music and making people happy in return it feels our soul with happiness and Contentment. At first I to frowned upon this in my 20s, 30s, 40,s then in my late 40,s I began to move towards having backing tracks because it seems that a lot of folks just want to jam which that’s cool. I’m not looking to just jam and wanted to get back to performing out and 5 days a week would be great but not realistic for me due to my back so 2-4 times a week works best for me. It all depends on my previous injury at work falling off a 2 story building in my early 80,s. Fast forward to 2015-2021 played out every week 2-5 times a week. You don’t get rich accept your soul becomes richer every time I perform plus the experience you carry with you. Then I had to take a break in 2021 due to a loved one had cancer and just didn’t have to desire to play and sadly stopped. For me and most musicians that started playing in school from 4th-10th grade and got to do the marching band did the drums and saxophone at events for school like playing at the local mall performing Christmas shows etc. For me it helps to fight off the depression & loss that heals my core soul by performing or playing with others. For me at least my soul feels dead and I’m become depressed and stay to myself and just isolate and write music and practice by myself when I don’t jam with others or do my solo shows. This is not healthy to be alone for most musicians except maybe working on writing a song or working on riffs. We desire to see people happy and who enjoy our music we are performing. So, after talking with other friends with bands and bands I’ve met through my life time. Most that are getting older like me or just starting out are now using backing tracks to enhance the band or if you solo it fills the room and gives me the band members that are missing. I perform and play my guitar and perform the Rhythm and leads and use backing tracks to add rhythm while I’m doing leads plus fills the song on the bridge/chorus. At first this can be time consuming creating all your own backing tracks. I sometimes purchase the backing track from karaoke-version as Scott has suggested and a few others karaoke sites when it’s last minute it saves time and for $3 plus they normally discount the other tracks to like .69 a track for the vocals etc. It is worth it because it did take someone time to create the track. For me I perform the acoustic rhythm, lead, electric rhythm, Lead, harmonica and the sax again hopefully soon. I played that in school and just due to money have not bought another sax and I instead add sax backing tracks if needed. Like old songs I performed “King of the hill” and many more. For now Scott’s page has added a lot of new ideas and Scott videos are very helpful expanding my thoughts on the new technologies were apps show the new musicians every note to play is great. I sure remember ruining a lot of needles on the phono player and plus scratching the albums from restarting the songs over and over to learn the riff by ear had no notes to see or videos or applications to use in the 70,s. I look forward to what the future brings next for us musicians. The world is filled with creative and eager musicians just waiting to perform out. For me that’s what it’s all about making the audience feel your passion for the song and your playing. Like any craft you want to be great at does take self disciplines, and dedication to our craft as musicians. For me it saves my soul and something I still desire at 61. I began playing in church with my Dad at around 4 and so music began with the guitar and piano and then in school started at 6/7 in school band My parents mostly my mom wanted me to play the saxophone and I still played my old fender guitar which the action was like a 1/2 - was probably only a 1/4 but sure felt like 1/2 action and really created some pain for a few 😅 weeks. I remember building the callous,s! Then I bought a set of candy apple red swingster drums set with Zildjian by mowing lawns around our neighborhood over the summer in 8th grade. Then got my ars in trouble over 8th grade graduation summer of 76 I went to Bobs music store a little local music store close by and traded the saxophone my Mom had bought for me for a knock off “Les Paul” and a small fender blues amp and got grounded for a few then my parents divorce and I became adult at 15 and dropped out of school and entered the adult world and worked and played my guitar and drums. I played in garage bands and got my ged and went to college and got my bachelors in computer science. I worked so much that my ex put her foot down and stopped performing out . I still performed in a band with my brother on drums and Scott a dear friend on keys and I played acoustic, electric guitar, harmonica and vocals with the band in my late 30,s. I still hand a band and practiced and our great keyboardist named Scott worked construction and did not want to perform out just garage band. Fast forwarded after 34 years of marriage my ex had other plans and cheated on me with her first love that I had taken her away from him back in 1980 when I married my ex and was married for 34+ years. Could be karma and one day she may feel the same karma she did to both of us by breaking our hearts. Funny thing she married him and helped me to start performing out again so I thank my ex for this. I was so lost and just had a 3 level fusion on my lower back S1-L3 and 6 months later began performing out with great musician Ed and performed with him from 2015-2017 then we were lucky to add Bob who played the steel guitar and performed all old country even thou I played more blues and rock and good ole country as a kid that’s what my Dad played Waylon, willie, Johnny, Merle, Horton, many more. Sorry for my long rant. Scott thank you for all your videos and I’m alot better at creating & organizing my backing tracks I’m using. I get a-lot of the backing tracks free after 1/2 hour of listening to 1-8 tracks before finding the one that works for me. I also buy backing tracks for those hard to find tracks because I couldn’t find a great free one plus like Scott recommended karaoke-version has been my go to lately. Sorry for the life story Scott! Many thanks to you Scott. Keep up the great videos and thank you for your time & work you put into your videos. The help you give and the benefits we all receive from your work helps all us musicians all over the world to learn and grow as musicians helping one another. After the invention of the internet allowing us to reach beyond our small towns to the whole world the possibilities are unlimited with our Imaginations. Cheers, AzBluesPlayer Wickenburgcowboys

Dude totally agree with you on this. Clicks, prompts, and fills make everything so much easier and alot more fun.

In Germany we had some shows, most with a big orchestra but the sound was pre-recorded, the orchestra was for optical reasons only. The most honest show was something, where the artists sung live with backing from tape and the person who started the playbacks and set the sound for the audience, was clearly visible.

I’m your newest and biggest fan. I’ve been doing this since the 90’s. I started with a desktop PC in a custom built foldable stand, with a CRT monitor and Cakewalk for DOS. Currently using StageTraxx 3, also Band Helper running on iPad. I have 2 Helix LT’s, two iPads and two interfaces. ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP! I speak from bitter experience: I had a laptop hard drive crash after the 3rd song of the night at a high profile private Christmas party. It was ugly.

20 minutes of things that should be common sense but people who you'd think are smart and who you'd think would come to these conclusions on their own (I'm looking at YOU, Eddie Trunk!) need to hear. Great video, Scott!

Love all this advice. I use backing tracks triggered from a Roland sampler for solo gigs and occasionally for the band when someone can't make a rehearsal (and even more occasionally a gig), but I've never used a clicktrack, IEMs or midi control of fx. Lots to think about here, because I can really see some great possibilities. For example, I'm the singer and I run around all over the place with my radio mic, but I have to keep nipping back onstage to click between vocal fx in particular songs. If I could automate those changes, the performance could be a lot more slickly chaotic.

Dude your points are right on the money.

All good points.

1000% agree with you, man. I play in a punk rock 3 piece cover band. We've tried out multiple guitar players (I'm playing lead) just so that our sound is more full but everyone was such a disappointment and like you said, it definitely got in the way of my band's chemistry when we had that extra person. We run some rhythms while Im playing lead, some synth stuff like in the songs 'The Middle" and "Stacy's Mom" and some vocal harmonies as well and it works awesome. Do you have a video about budget lighting or live equipment/props? I think that'd be a great video to watch. Awesome work once again!

Thanks!

Old school hair metal/classic rock guy here. This intimidates the hell out of me but I can totally see this solving some of the age old backing vocal issues (nobody but the lead singer can sing). And then there is the whole world of solo shows…..but I’m afraid my computer skills just suck too much to make this a reality for me. But wow, this could really make a song like Roll With The Changes by REO Speedwagon a show stopper………

The Cymatic LP-16 changed my life when it comes to playing with tracks, definitely a must have. Can play 16 tracks simultaneously so the mix engineer and even live mix the stems if need be. Drummer not available, just use the drum stem and so on and so forth. Also can send midi output! Super sick piece of gear and prevents you having to rely on a laptop or at least works as a back up.

well said!

I'm old...like really old. Most of the people in the resort community where I live preferr easy listening not-too-loud music. Solo and duo acts are common. Frankly, for the last few decades, back when I lived in Florida and the tiki hut circuit, I dreaded going into a place where a solo guitar player/singer is playing. After 10 songs, they just blend together into something boring. I even bore myself. I try to mix things up by playing different instruments but still... I also know lots of players that use backing tracks and their gigs are so much more interesting than those without. I am giving it a try myself now. Thanks for the video info.

I love playing guitar alone, but I do not foresee myself ever playing in a band, apart from maybe accompanying a worship service at church. But in my practice the laptop is essential. I have stereo Katanas running Boss Tone Studio from laptop, plus MIDI pedals on the floor. I started guitar in the 70s and we have come a long way. Now you can get a Big Muff Pi software emulator, or even a Strymon Big Sky. These are cheaper than the pedal versions. All reasons to consider.

Another really good video, thanks Scott. I gotta ask, and sorry for my ignorance, (I'm a beginner/intermediate player looking hard at backing tracks), to this but I haven't herd you mention anything about vocals in backing tracks. So I'll ask? Do bands use vocal backing tracks to either sing along with in ear monitor? Or maybe back up vocals out the mains? And one more question Scott plz. Is talking bout vocals in backing tracks considered, don"t ask don"t tell, Top secret, with musicians, or is it an industry standard??? Many Thank!!!

Stumbled on this video looking at going back to using a laptop for backing tracks. My project is a two piece electro/industrial duo, with me on keys and my partner in crime on vocals. When it comes to live, I endeavour to play as many parts as humanly possible, and backing tracks tend to be drums, bass and fast 16th note sequence-type lines. In my genre of choice, precision is more important than feel - the feel comes from the parts I play and the vocals. At present I use a Digitech looper which just plays stereo WAVs of each song - no need for a click as the drums are on the backing track. I started using this after having issues with hard drive head parking issues on my old laptop where the backing track would skip when there's lots of sub-bass. More recently I've been thinking of going back to the laptop so I can use MIDI messages to switch patches in my live synths for each song. Having a newer laptop with an SSD now makes this viable again. Another option is the old 3rd-gen iPad I have - maybe look for an Alesis IO dock and use Multitracker as it still runs on iOS 9.3.5. What would be the best option for me - laptop running Gig Performer or similar (I'm PC not Mac) or iPad (given the age of the iPad and I can't spring the $$$ for a new iPad just for backing tracks)? The pain of choice....

Point 5 is something I've dealt with a lot. Finding a drummer who can and is willing to play to a click is pure gold.

I'm in the process of starting a cover band with backing tracks. I've done many bands without prior, this is the first with. Everything is sounding so much fuller, tighter, and just all around better. We are all having a ton of fun, and can't wait to incorporate lights with the tracks to really make a great show.

Another awesome video! An interesting aspect to consider in relation to your Periphery mention is the simple fact that adding a tech musician (laptop, midi and lighting controller, backing tracks and bass etc) is NOT easy. The people who say: "Oh you're cheating, you can't play, you suck" well guess what pal? You try programming all this stuff? Lights? Midi control? Recording those tracks and lining up everything especially if you add say female backing vocals or orchestral components and so on... you're literally putting in the work of another musician plus potentially sound guy and lighting guy and so on. The band is a collective and a LOT of work goes into putting those 4 or 5 people on stage. Musicians should be getting mad respect for the amount of hours put in. You can hold your head up high knowing all the hard work you've put in and the challenges you've faced and won. Kudos for the great videos! Thanks!

My first professional gig was at Disney so of course I am Team Click-track 😂The characters spoken parts are on the track. There are so many other gigs that went awry dealing with people’s lack of skills or problem personalities where a track or at least a click would have helped

I play electric and acoustic guitar and mandolin in a four piece classic rock, country rock pub band. I’ve never used backing tracks, but I’ve often wished we had a B3, a pedal steel, banjo, fiddle or even bagpipes (eg Copperhead Road) on some tunes. Also, I have a basic home studio with a sixteen track recording interface. And I’m familiar with multitracking to a DAW. So, I appreciate what you’re saying about augmenting a live performance with backing tracks. Getting my band to play to a click track would require, however, a major culture change and probably personnel change!

I love this video! I play in a cover band and we use tracks. 4-piece - guitar, bass, drums, singer. Our singer plays guitar, but prefers to perform without sometimes... so we add rhythm guitar parts or acoustic guitar or keys. I also use my laptop to trigger our light show. It enhances our show and creates a better environment when we play. I also love using tracks for worship. If our bass player can't be there on a Sunday, I have it covered with tracks. We create practice materials with tracks so everyone can come to rehearsal on Sunday morning prepared for rehearsal. Super useful if you want to use them. I also play in a few bands that don't use tracks. I prefer to play with a click all the time. I love the technology and automation, but if you don't, that's cool.

I play with tracks, 3 piece bands, 4 piece bands, 5 piece bands, 6 piece bands and above. This is a living for some of us and for others it's an opportunity to distract from their lack of talent and ability to find work by criticizing others and how they chose to work. You don't even need to point them out, they do it of you every time. I am pro working and getting work done, I love this job and have had it for close to 30 years. I still cannot find time to stop and criticize because I am too busy working, recording, gigging, writing, designing, and of course a heavy dose of practice. Maybe they should try to practice, the more you do that the less time you have to waste and it develops confidence in ones self :)

I personally think that using backing tracks is a plus to all bands.Especially when you have a recording that requires special effects or additional backup musicians. It fills your music. Most performers use them now days. My band is a variety band playing most music genres. I can't afford fiddle players, steel guitar, horn players etc.etc.Thanks for your video! Like always I enjoy them. AWESOME! Keep them up!

Hey Scott, love your channel and content! I did Have a question regarding backing tracks. Do you use a limiter/gate and or compression to equal the levels of your tracks going out to FOH? No many how many times I mix my tracks the levels always seem to change between songs.

My band is a 4 piece. We recorded an album earlier this year. There was debate about whether to add elements we don't have in the band. You want your recording to be the best possible version and adding instruments and parts can really enhance things. But... It can make your live show sound empty comparatively. We opted to add the parts (organ, fiddle, mando, etc.). Super happy with how it came out but yea, the live show sounds a little hollow comparatively. I've been trying to get the band to run backing tracks to get those elements added, especially for the bigger festivals we do. I'm amazed by the terror it was met with. I think it's mostly that they don't know how and find it overwhelming. I thought maybe lead them down the path and get them to play to a click first. Nope. I don't get it. Playing to a click is money! Always the right tempo and you don't even hear it if you're on it. Still working on it though. Someday lol. Funny story about adding ques to backing tracks. My buddy filled in for a band and they made a special cue mix for him. He says the click starts, guitar intro comes in, light drums next, he knows he comes in soon and hears in as Barry White of a voice they could muster "and here comes Lance with that sexy bass." 4 hour set with random messages in his mix like "you look sooooo good", "mmmmm, that's the sauce" and things like that. I died when he told me the story. I ain't gonna lie... My desire to use backing tracks is now at the level of obsession for this reason alone haha

Hi, I'm a keyboard player and I use Mainstage3 with my 2 Key (Arturia Keylab 61 and M-audio Keystation 88) and I use backing tracks with my friends in my band but I think I'm not using it properly since I've looked your video with are very good and very useful.

I use Akai MPC One for backing tracks. You can change some things on the fly, it is not connected to internet, therefore no firmware updates, it can be controlled by midi. We initially couldn't find a decent drummer so I bought it initially as a drum machine. It the meantime it has evolved into full fledged backing track machine.

I think often they are criticised by people who haven't used or dont really know how to use them properly. If used the right way they definitely enhance a performance. l have used them in various ways since 94 with the mindset of how to enhance what is heard by the audience but never replacing what is played by the musos on stage. Its shouldnt be used to cover up musical inadequacy. Definitely depends upon the style of music you play. Great vid !👏

Great video. With advances in Logic Pro X, do you think Ableton is still recommended for live shows and running backing tracks? Could it all be well-handled now with just Logic? Thanks.

Good video 👍

Our band started using backing tracks about 5 years ago because we couldn't find a steady bass player. It was awkward at first (we used to think the click was off :)) but now it works great and we are used to it. All the benefits you mentioned we experienced, especially the having direction and structure with Qs. It expanded out set list since we can add strings, horns, etc. We have a 140 song set list and I don't think we could possibly remember the breaks and endings without Qs on the tracks. It also forces you to decide on song formats and song endings. The audience enjoys the variety and believe me, nobody knows what is going on in the background, they just enjoy more interesting music.

Great video scott tha ks again for the effort ! I M here to suggest you about a brand new backing track system computerless ! This is the b beat by M-live (multiple stereo out, midi out, hdmi out (!) , And in a box a little bigger than an iphone pro ! ) Hope you can make a review, thanks again. Victor

I know some examples, where two guitar players and 2 singers worked with backings what covers drums, bass and keyboards.

It's the entertainment business. If you entertain people you are doing it right.

I’m not opposed to either, but like he saying here it definitely does depend on the situation. I haven’t personally used backing tracks, but I’m not opposed to it recently decided to put together a cover band and backing tracks. Makes a lot of sense for something like that especially if you’re trying to get as close as possible to the original recordings, which is the goal here and that’s also why I’m eating up all these videos recently I’m very interested in learning how to do a bunch of new stuff. Technology has come so far where I personally believe that it’s getting to the point to where all the new tech advantages are hard to ignore. I’m really getting into innovative ways to simulate amplifiers and trying to think of innovative ways to capture the original guitar sounds. From the original source in all the new possibilities that enable you to do so I admit it’s kind of fucked up but it’s also really cool.😂

Perfect! I'm a fan of your point of view and knowledge about technology and all the benefits that it brings to us. There's a lot of ignorance and jealous about new ways to play and entertain the public. Can we image a world stuck on the 18th century, where everybody could only play piano and orchestral instruments? Well, I think these complainers nowadays are the same guys who had said noisy overdrive guitars and The Beatles suck...

Saw ZZ Top on the Eliminator tour. Yep. Backing tracks. No one even knew or cared.

Hey bro, I really appreciate how responsive you are! its awesome. So I am a country singer/songwriter musician. I just started playing live shows and its just me. I am still testing the waters on what my gigs should look and sound like. I have the Voicelive 3X (still learning it) and i play accoustic guitar. What are your opinions on using backing tracks for cover song to include everything except rythm accoustic, vocals and cutting back on some of the rythm electric guitars. I mainly am thinking about keeping drums, bass, stell guitar etc. on the backing tracks. I know you said when your'e with your wife you do the same. My question is, should I use backing tracks on everysong, or should i break it up? Thanks again for all your help so far lol

35 year live music vet... 100% agree. Depends on the project/band. I've been on both sides of the argument, 100% live everything vs. a mixed bag. Polished shows require modern techniques. Last live project was 100% not sequenced, but relied on massive amounts of triggers to fill the electronic elements. Also been in bands that have fully automated lights and sequenced backing tracks... both delivering good performances. Just depends on the vibe. Again... he's 100% correct in his assertion.

Great points throughout, Scoot. For years, my argument against using computers of any kind on stage was stability -- they simply weren't reliable. That problem has largely gone away. I'm still leery, though, of laptops. In the race to make the thinnest, lightest laptop, manufacturers have sacrificed durability, even at the high-end, and TBH, a pair of decent laptops just isn't in my budget (nor the budget of a lot of us who aren't in full-time touring situations). With that said, my Korg Kronos 2 seems to feel heavier every gig, and something's going to have to give, and so I am either considering going computer-based with a rackmounted PC with touchscreen monitor, or retiring. ;)

In My current band were covering a couple of Nine Inch Nails songs and we don't have a keyboard player..... So laptop ( or iPad in our case ) To The Rescue!!! And I WANT THOSE LASER GLOVES!

Surely the whole aim is to put on the best show for the punters!

Hey Scott...Love your videos. Where can I find quality, prerecorded backing tracks for live band performing? Thanks, Dave

I know you were trying to hurt my feelings with that "let's just use backing tracks for bass" thing but I watched to the end in spite of that searing insult. LOL

I agree with you 100% on preference! All it is is people are used to traditional methods that everyone else likes (Betas), for what a hundred or few hundred years of doing the same thing vs new ideas! Nit-picking for illogical reasons; biased attitude. I like an Amp Modeler myself, Amps are so many though out history tough to pick just one and carrying a stack vs an Amp Modeler and an FRFR Speaker. Now the concept of lighting and other sound effects, people need to get wise and keep a cloud able backup of all the work and a secondary storage device for those security needs.

Dude!! Your solo shit looks DOPE!!! Where can i check out more!?

i LOVE this subject... my 2c here though: if you see a drummer on stage with ears in, there is a POTENTIAL they are using a click and a click can be linked to "Sequence Tracks", which is a better word for "Back TRacks", backing tracks is usually what peope associate with KARAOKE, we as 1 man musicians create our own "back tracks" to perform live with. Pro shows usually require "Sequence Tracks" which are more like adding a string line, some electronic elements that CANNOT be done live as a 4 peice rock band. Could talk about this for hours won't change the perception that folk have on "backing tracks", but i am on the PRO TRACK side. Mimming though... i am against. Unless for a video shoot.

And there are also newer progressive metal/rock bands that change their tempo in a single song, and I imagine a click track would be beneficial for that.

Just found your video and you make very valid points and I mostly agree with you, I don't care if a band uses them or not, but... Last month I traveled to Mexico to visit some friends, while I was looking for stuff to do I saw The Halo Effect werre playing in México 3 days earlier to my arrival in a festival in Leon. So I changed my flight and booked some bus tickets, as well as Airbnb and bought expensive festival tickets. All to watch them live because I missed them here in Europe. So what happened? Their laptops were lost at the airport... They played either way, they tried doing the intros and played very close to the drummer to give him some cues. Did it sound like the record? Not even close, was it the best concert I've ever been to? Not even close, but it was special! To see them do anything to get the show done. I loved being there and I would have been very frustrated if they would have cancelled. So use whatever you want but don't rely on those things so bad that if you lose them you are done. Have always a solution, like an acoustic set or something but to ruin a wedding, a trip or whatever because you lost your laptops? Nope

My band has been using backing tracks for years. Our drummer plays to a click so we always have perfect/timing tempo. All our our pedals change automatically with no toe tapping. This allows us to go wherever we want on stage and also fully concentrate on playing the guitar instead of worrying about if your shoe was too fat and hit the wrong button. We are able to put in extra sound effects and samples just like the real bands do on record. This allows us to integrate fog and lights via midi to dmx. It is simply amazing! Falling in reverse should have had backups though.

I'm 68 years old and doing solo Live bar shows. The question came up yesterday whether or not to use a DigiTech "Vocaliser" for 3 part harmony on "na na na's" and general 'chorus' on things like Neil Young's "OHIO". Maybe get some opinions here ? Good video !

we have a three man band..have used backing tracks ever since we started in 2019...it really will enhance your music and cut way down on distortion and much cleaner vocals..

I love using tracks. Especially a click track. Makes everyone tighter. I also change AXFX scenes with midi controls from Reaper. Really frees you up to concentrate on playing your parts.

Imagine being at an age when you remember seeing the Stones, Beatles and moved into the 70's, 80's, 90's and continued your love of music and "Performing" a particular set of songs-you go to find "younger" people to play and every ego is blown up beyond belief and proportion. For me, a set of guitars-electric and acoustic, a PA and backing tracks give the "full band" sound without having to deal with the "massive egos", having to be looked at as "too old", and generally, being able to "Perform" the music that "I want" to sing and/or play!!

Can your iPad with multitracker/Stage Traxx send out midinotes as well, or strictly Laptop?

You mentioned having your synths go south after updates. I've never set up backing tracks before but my gut thought would be to use simple stems as opposed to tracks that have to use a plug ins. Is there a benefit to doing it with raw tracks instead?

question: who makes the best backing tracks (are there websites you recommend?)...