Hi Wyndham,

For me, the process of coming up with workable combinations is one of trial-and-error.

Like you say, I find the drums are probably the single most important foundation element. More than anything, it's the drums that determine the groove.

Then the type of beat (EV versus SW; that is, even beat versus swing beat) that is set by the drums becomes a filter for me. For example, if my drums are EV, I only look at Realtracks that are EV.

Also as you point out, tempo is very important. Realtracks always generate best when they are as close as possible to their designed tempo. For this reason, I usually only look at RTs that within +/- 10 bpm of my project's drum tempo. I also look at RTs that are close to double and half the drum's tempo because BIAB is designed to use these also.

In an attempt to be succinct, my basic plan of attack is...

1. Write a song.

2. Determine its best EV or SW tempo.

3. Select a suitable pre-made style that has a drum beat I like and that is designed for the tempo I have chosen.

4. Look at the Bass track and try out a few other bass instruments.

5. Determine if I'd like my primary rhythm instrument to be piano or guitar. To do this, I mute all tracks except for Bass, Drums and Piano and individually try rhythm piano, rhythm acoustic guitar and rhythm electric guitar to see which suits me best.

6. When I have drums, bass and a single rhythm instrument chosen, then I look for a secondary rhythm instrument. (I don't always have a second one.)

7. When the bass, drums and rhythm is working to my satisfaction, I now test run some background and soloist RTs. I find that these can be useful for adding interest and filling in melodic gaps. Background RTs can also be useful for adding a lift when I move into the chorus of a song. I usually only use soloist RTs when I have a few bars without melody.

At this point, I have my backing mix.

For me, the secret is to begin with a basis style. While I may stay with that, I also look at each of the individual tracks and consider possible alternatives as outlined above.

Hope these thoughts help.
Noel



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