Practical MIDI

In past columns I’ve told you about my own personal experiences using MIDI files as well as some of my experiences playing for the past 43 years. I’ve shared with the Cybermidi readers some playing and sequencing tips I’d picked up here and there. I’ve described various hardware and software that has helped me with my solo performing jobs. Well, what you’ve gotten so far from me was just from my point of view. Suppose you could pool the information from dozens of solo performers and reap the benefits at one site. Well now you can. Here’s how.

Several months ago I stumbled onto one player’s site and he described a new software program he had called ShowPlay that helped him eliminate his need for his 3-ring binder full of lyric sheets (you know them as Cheat Sheets here at Cybermidi). I did a column on this software a few months ago. Anyway, after emailing this guy a couple of times, I learned of a site where solo performers could gather and trade ideas and tips and tricks and whatnot (personally, I can never get enough of whatnot). The site is called Real Gigs and I’ll give you the link at the end of this article.

Let me tell you a little bit about this site. It consists of musicians and performers from all over the world—The United States (at least a dozen states that I know of), Canada, France, Australia, Denmark, England, New Zealand and South Africa. The member list is up to 43 so far and growing fast. So the chances of you getting an answer to your performing questions are pretty good. You can ask any of these guys about their setups, equipment, song list, heck, they’ll even share personal stories about gigs they’ve played and mistakes they’ve made. Could save you having to learn stuff the hard way.

Once you get to the web site you’ll see several categories and you can read any of the posts or jump right in and get involved with the discussions. Just register as a member (it’s free) if you want to post. If you want, you can upload an avatar (photo) to go with your posting name. Mine is of a picture of my VG Strat, but you can change them as often as you like. Keeps you on your toes. You can post or see pictures of some of the musicians’ setups and it just may give you ideas of your own to use on stage. Here are the sections headings and what you’ll find there:

Discussions: Talk with the other members about anything you like.
ShowPlay: Here’s where you can find out how best to use this great program.
Hardware: Share stories about your instruments, P.A. equipment, etc.
Loopers: Tips and tricks about using live loops in your act.
Music: Questions, recommendations and talk about the songs you play.
Business of Gigs: Bookings, gigs, venues, fees, problems and more.
YouTube Posts: Share your videos with the other musicians.

My first use of the site was to get a more detailed description of how ShowPlay worked and how I could best utilize it in my own act. These guys are friendly and eager to help. The only down side to this site is that you’ll have such a good time there that you’ll suddenly look up and notice that three hours have gone by before you know it. It is addicting. So why not come on down and take a look around? This site will give you plenty of ideas on how to best use your Cybermidi files in your own act. Here’s where to find them:

http://www.real-gigs.com

©2009 Bill Bernico for CYBERMIDI.com Downwind Publications