
Technology that is changing the art of songwriting for the better. Pic: Pete Brown
Here are a few products that can help improve your songwriting skills, aid the creative process and keep costs low
DrumBrute Impact is an all-analog drum machine from Arturia. The latest release from the French music technology developer is the third incarnation in the series, with the DrumBrute and the DrumBrute Creation coming before it. The Impact is designed with live performance in mind, but many songwriters will find it useful for creating compositions.
Its 17 drum sounds include two kick drums, two snares, high tom, low tom, open high hat, FM drum and more. For songwriters, the machine has the capability to chain up to 16 patterns and save 16 songs. While its 64-step sequencer can be utilised for composition and live performance, and the looper allows for uninterrupted beats. The DrumBrute Impact isn’t due out until August 2018, but it’s available to pre-order at a cost of £279.
Skoove is an online piano lesson tool that gives players of all abilities the option of learning the music of their choice. Users can access the support of a fully qualified music teacher, and choose to learn any style from contemporary pop songs to classical pieces. The platform has a growing catalogue of ten courses and over 300 songs that are designed to help pianists improve compositions and develop playing techniques.
There are three pricing tiers: €19.99 for one month, €13.33 per month for three months and €9.99 per month for 12 months. The company states that the service undercuts the cost of traditional piano lessons. In 2017, the Incorporated Society Of Musicians (ISM) published a survey that showed the average price of music lessons in the UK was between £27 and £38 per one-hour lessons. Skoove is available on Windows and Mac computers, tablets and phones.
SongSpace is an app available on Android and iOS that offers users the ability to share song ideas with bandmates. Essentially a file sharing app, SongSpace makes it easier for artists to send each other lyrics and audio, so they can collaborate and write songs together. The service is available from $8 per month.
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