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Playing for the Song

Playing for the song is about being a part within the song and putting the focus on the singer. Lots of the recording artists and their producers often say they are looking for a drummer who can do this. But what does “playing for the song” really mean? Well, I’m been told that I do this very well, so I will share what it means to me. Maybe you can relate to what I’ll share.........maybe not…….but, at any rate, here’s my thoughts for you.

It’s All About (gulp) THE SINGERS

Now regardless of whatever chops I may have, or whatever hot licks and or cool solos I might think I can do…when I go into the studio to support an artist.....I have to know that this song is not to showcase me. To the contrary, this song is to allow the vocalist to present their most emotionally charged rendition. I am here to support the singer and to do whatever is needed to make that happen. So, first get your attitude and ego i nto that mindset.

So, what do I to know? Well….does this song need to drive hard or flow gently? What cymbals and snare sound are going to fit best? How do I figure that out?

Humility and an Open Mind

Now, sometimes drummers who are used to the “take charge, kick ass and drive this band” role; have to back away from that a little and realize the task is now a slightly different. Granted, some songs need a powerful full throttle drum part to make it rock! But some songs need very restrained drum parts that gently flow. And then there are songs that are in between those ends of the continuum. So I need to find out what this song is all about!

BINGO…now I’m ready to “figure out what they need me to do to make this singer's song sound great”.

Here’s My Approach

First, I want listen to the piano (or less often, but sometimes guitar) run through the tune while I read the lyrics and get an understanding of both the melody and the “story” of the song. There is a typically a mood to be conveyed in most songs. So….is it happy, sad, mysterious, lonesome, lamenting, celebrating, praising something, honoring something, condemning something, lampooning something…selling something? How are the dynamics going to frame this story and color this mood? Where is the climax or high point of the vocal? Where will any instrumental solos or counter-melodies be? Now, if I can add some cool things for energizing an appropriate part of the song, then I want to do that too. However, the main thing I do is to think through the lyrics while I ask myself.....”if I were singing this song with a band behind me, where would want space and where would I want drums?”

So, I structure my ideas for the drum parts and chart them out with the lyrics……IN PENCIL……because things may very well change.

First Pass at the Song

I hear some places for fills or cymbal crashes, and I try them. But, things may change as other ideas start to merge. I cooperate and try the ideas. Sometimes we go back to what I initially felt….sometimes we don’t. But in the end, if I give up a really cool place to do a fill because it would overshadow a long note being held out….. or clutter up the space that’s needed for the emotion to build…..then that’s what I do.

So, "playing for the song" involves making unselfish musical contributions within the context of the style the singer wants. You still need to make the song groove, but in the way that allows the singer to shine.

Sometimes You End Up Just Taking It Very Easy

Now, I play piano, guitar, and sing and write songs in addition to my drumming. So perhaps it is sometimes easier for me to put myself into the mindset of a singer while I’m listening to a song. However, I wanted to share the elements of how I do that……with any of you who were interested in reading this.

Remember, sometimes we do have to let the song breathe instead of "driving nails." After all, sometimes taking it easy....isn't always easy for us drummers to do. (laugh) But, as I have suggested…… when you mentally put yourself into the singer's role it does help to get yourself more sensative to the job you need to do.

In Summary

• Have a Mindset to Make the Song and Singer Sound Great

• Listen to the Melody and the Lyrics before you Begin Framing a Drum Part

• Think Through the Song as if YOU were the Singer

• Be Open to Trying Variations of Your Initial Concept

Well, that’s my attempt to explain my approach to “playing for the song”. If this was helpful, then I’m glad. If it wasn’t then maybe it didn’t damage your brain beyond rapid recovery. But you know what? If it did then you won't even realize it. (laugh)

KEN SANDERS
IBJAMN in Nashville

Seed Newsvine

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