Once there was The Band. The dynamics of comradery and communication through body language and timing. Melodies of orchestral proportions through the unison of brainwaves, rhythm and expertise.

Now, continuing with my concept of our disconnected society, with the evolution of software making make shift to electronic devices is more possible than ever. Artists can be a successful solo artist or duo, just with the incorporation of technological advances. No longer is there the need for a huge stage for the plethora of sounds.

I know I talk about Mason Bach a lot but it’s because he’s a respected mentor of mine. A total Gearhead, he prides himself of concocting devices that facilitate live performance through electronics. He’s not the only one. He plays with a gentleman they call The Tabla Guy. Not to give away all their secrets, but, Mason plays live violin but it is silent when he plays it, it’s recorded into the laptop, real time and released at intervals, in loop sequence. The Tabla Guy, normally would have numerous drums to get all the tones that he does, but instead, he uses a midi controller to alter the pitch. Watching these guys play together is a treat as it is a visual display of past versus future in the evolution of music. It brings organic to electronic and that, to me, is a match made in heaven.

Here’s a video of what they can do, it’s breathtaking to see live, you can’t help but appreciate the synchronicity.

Another YouTube video that I stumbled upon is a solo artist by the name of That 1 Guy. He has taken music making to a whole new level, as well as the word organic. His instrument is made of recycled materials and technology is used again for effects, tone and pitch control, it’s mind blowing.

Unsure if this is a good thing or a bad for the music industry, but leaning more towards the good, these advances are pushing individual limits and the real artists, the real stars are coming out of the woodworks in form of viral YouTube sensations… Either way, it’s not a trend, it’s here to stay.