Using Loops in Worship Pt. 2

Back here again and sorry it's been so long!  

Last time, I spoke briefly about using loops and Ableton Live in worship.  Obviously, loops are not very everyone, but I tried to list some pros and cons for those who are considering utilizing them in church.  

Today, I want to share how I typically set up my Ableton sessions and also discuss additional reasons why I like using it for worship.  

My Ableton Live Set-Up

Below is a picture of how I typically run a set for Sunday. As you can see, for live purposes I stick the "session" view and have all each song named on the left in an empty midi track.  

For "Hosanna" I have both keys and drum loops programmed to the exact roadmap of the song.  I also have a count-in track that's in channel 6  that will allow the band to start together and start with the loop. Each scene that I trigger is horizontal, so when I trigger the beginning of "Hosanna" the shaker starts (we use this for in-ear click) and when I trigger the next scene "Loop_Keys" and "Loop_Drum" also start. (I have the same for "Lord I Need You")

Depending on the song and the amount of flexibility I want, I can also have loops for different sections of a song (verse, chorus, bridge) rather than one file that follows a specific roadmap. Obviously while leading it can be tricky to trigger the next loop, but for an open ended roadmap (say we want to sing an additional chorus or go back to the bridge again) this can be very helpful. 

An even more open ended way of using loops is what I have for "From the Inside Out" this Sunday.  Instead of specific tracks programmed for a particular arrangement, I just have ambient pads that run throughout the song that provide a harmonic foundation and also help us transition smoothly out of "Lord I Need You".   I typically keep a collection of generic pads and percussion loops that can be utilized and modified for any song.  Ableton allows for easy tempo sync and also is able to transpose tracks to a certain degree.  

Once I have everything in it's right place as far as tracks, tempos and cues go, I can program my midi controller for live triggering.  

Typically, I use the KMI Soft Step controller (as pictured above) for trigging loops hands-free.  I'll have it set up so that button 1 starts the click for the song we're about to play and button 2 starts the count-in and loop for the entire song (or first section of the song depending on the loop).  At HFBC, we usually play an opening set, a middle set and a response song, so I'll generally switch banks for each set (using the right arrow on the right side of the controller).   Having a bank for each set we play allows me to quickly transition between songs and loops.  

Other Pros of Using Ableton

If I'm playing keys and running loops, Ableton can serve as a host for VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology).  It's nice to be able to have everything controllable in a single window (I enjoy Omnisphere, Reason, and Kontact) and also to be able to sync rhythmic patches to tempo. 

Speaking of tempo, I've also used Ableton for midi clock sync with guitar pedals (especially delays), as this saves time from having to tap in tempos every song.  I do this by running a midi cable from the midi out of my audio interface (connected to my laptop and used as the audio driver for Ableton) to the midi input of the pedal. 

Lastly, Ableton 8 has the ability to trigger videos and lyric slides in Pro Presenter (using midi over wifi) and also DMX lighting control.  Both of these are becoming easier to do and can be beneficial for multi-media sync.  

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Obviously, this is a very simplified, brief overview of how Ableton can be used in a worship band setting.  
As always, it's helpful to think through each song/transition and be prepared to use the loops in a way that would be most conducive to leading others into worship.  
Like any new instrument or technology, it took some practice and preparation to use it with fluency in a live setting.  

I hope that this has been helpful for you all and please refer to http://loopcommunity.com/training for more in depth information and resources.  

Using Loops in Worship Pt. 1

A couple years ago my friend Casey Corum, director of Vineyard Music USA, introduced me to using Ableton Live software and how he utilized loops (pre-recorded tracks) while leading worship. Since then, I've had the opportunity to integrate loops into live worship sets at Houston's First Baptist and I love using them every time I lead or play.   This is just a brief overview of why I use loops, some of the down sides of using them, my personal setup, and also some great online resources.  

Why I Use Loops

Additional Instruments 
The most obvious use of loops is to cover parts of instruments not present in your band.  This is especially helpful if you have a smaller band and want a "fuller" or more "polished" sound.  Often recordings feature instruments that most bands don't have access to (folk instruments, strings, percussion, synths, or electronic drums) that using loops can cover.  

Studio Parts
Sometimes, important parts of songs were created in a studio setting and can be difficult to perform live. Loops are especially helpful when it comes to sequenced drum or keyboard parts.  With the growing popularity of electronic influence in popular music, Ableton can be great to help establish musical style in a song.  

Consistency of Sound 
Once loops are programmed or downloaded, they'll always provide a consistent sound or texture in the song.  Pre-recorded tracks don't make mistakes (as long as there is no user error) and they'll have the same performance every time. 


Freedom for Band Members
Loops can cover foundational parts that are simple or monotonous which can free band members up to be more creative.  Often times, I'll use simple synth or percussion loops that allow the keyboardist and the drummer to cover the more important and/or complex parts in a song.  

Cues and Transitions 
If you use In-Ear Monitors, loops can also allow you to utilize in-ear vocal cues that can facilitate count-offs, song roadmaps, and quick transitions.  I downloaded all my vocal cues from www.loopcommunity.com and they're nice for "silent" count-ins and cues. 

Drawbacks of Using Loops

In-Ear Monitors / Click Track
In order to effectively play with loops it's helpful to play each song with a click track (unless all your loops contain some sort of constant rhythmic part).  Playing with a click can be challenging for some and takes practice.  In-Ear monitors are necessary as well if everyone is playing with a click track.  As I wrote some last week, IEMs can take getting used to as well and obviously take additional resources for a church to purchase and install.     

Reliance on a Computer 
Obviously, computers or software can have issues and if you're leading, troubleshooting on the fly is impossible. Obviously, a software crash is very inconvenient when you're relying on loops for specific parts and click track.  

 Additionally, the very concept of a computer playing a pre-recorded track can be the biggest drawback for some.  The tracks cannot adapt to the feel or natural growth of a song and they cannot improve upon what has already been programmed.  For some, playing alongside a computer is fundamentally opposite of what good musicians have worked so hard to accomplish.  

Designated Musician to Run Loops 
Lastly, in order to run loops live, a musician with an understanding of each song and transition must trigger them in real time.  This usually requires a musician already part of a band to split their focus between playing an instrument and loops.   In order to effectively multitask, it takes some practice and preparation.  Often, drummers are designated to run loops as they are also in charge of the tempo for each song.  However, it's probably easiest for keyboardists to trigger loops as they have free use of both hands.  

My Sunday Setup

For running loops live, I use a Macbook Air as it's easy of transport and loads programs very quickly. I always use Ableton Live, the primary and most powerful software program for running loops.  For audio fidelity, I always send the loops out via audio interface - this also allows me to send separate loop and click tracks (pictured is a Focusrite Scarlett 8i6).  Finally, I prefer to use a KMI Softstep midi controller, which allows me to trigger loops with my feet.  If I'm playing keyboard I'll often use the KMI QuNeo for triggering.  

As pictured, I've integrated my guitar setup alongside my loop setup.  For guitar processing, I use the Avid Eleven Rack which features both amp modeling and guitar effects.  I also use a midi controller for preset and effects switching with the Eleven Rack and an expression pedal for volume and continuous control of effects parameters. (Pictured is a Rocktron MIDI Mate and Roland EV-5). 


Online Resources 

When I first started running loops, online resources and information was fairly limited and unorganized and most of what I learned was through friends or trial and error.  Now, the popularity of using loops in worship has grown and along with it, the amount of helpful resources and websites.  

One of the best sites for learning how to setup rigs and sessions in Ableton is LOOP COMMUNITY.   They've made so many great videos and have free resources, I can't recommend them enough.  

Another great resource is MultiTracks, where you can download the original master tracks of a lot of popular worship songs in several different keys and even customize your mix.  
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This is obviously just a brief overview of my thoughts on using loops in worship.  I enjoy electronica music in general and I enjoy programming and experimenting with new sounds.  For some, learning a new software, creating a new rig, and trying to make it work on Sunday may seem like extra work (it is!). 
 However, if you're interested and want to learn more, feel free to message me or comment as I'm always willing to give advice! Next week, I'll talk more about how I setup a session in Ableton Live for running loops during a service.