Backing tracks should be backing tracks. And backing is the word.

I find synth horn sections work better than real, so I choose a patch that sounds a little synthy.

Since I make my tracks myself, I'm very careful to leave all lead parts out. Leilani or I play the lead parts live. People hear the "up front" parts, some want to see someone playing those parts, and to them the background is just background.

Besides, why let the 'machine' play the fun parts?

One more thing. Mixing for live performance is different from mixing for a recording. When you approach a club with a live band, what do you hear first? Snare drum and a couple of other instruments. With MIDI you can pump up only the snare and a few other instruments that would sound bad on a recording but sound better live.

I've seen other acts who buy karaoke tracks to play along with. Lead guitars, backing vocals, up-front counter melodies, etc., just puts the 'band' into the Karaoke Jock category.

I'm sure some people don't mind hiring a KJ, but others do.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
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