September 25, 2014 5 Portable Must Haves for Musicians
Inspiration cannot be scheduled. It could be the rustling of leaves or the sound of traffic whizzing by that forms the theme of your next song. To make sure you can record your latest musical genius, here are a few things you should always have with you.
Make It
If you play an instrument like a harmonica, it is fairly easy to keep it at hand, but what happens if you are a drummer or play the harp? For musicians who can't carry their instruments, it becomes essential to find a tool that creates music in a similar way. A musical app like the KORG iMS20 is a great example because it emulates a synth and is easy to customize. You can install it on your phone, and move around town with a mini studio on hand. It includes a synthesizer, sequencer, mixer, effects and drum machine all rolled into one.
Note It
Some things are best done old school. As long as you have a notebook and a pen, you will be able to keep track of chorus lines and lyrics as you think of them. Another way to take notes is through a tech-friendly app like Evernote. The app syncs with all of your devices, making it that much easier to keep track of your musings. While Evernote wins over a notebook with its voice-to-notes option, a notebook will never lose battery power and is always accessible.
Record It
While you can write down lyrics, it is very difficult to put a tune down in words. This is where a recorder becomes an essential tool. Although recording apps will do the trick, it might be better to invest in a good recorder because it will have a higher sound quality. The H2n from Zoom, for example, is one of the best portable recorders available. It is conveniently sized to fit into your pocket, and it captures pristine audio. Furthermore, it allows you to create 360 degree surround sound recordings. If you’re just starting out on your musical career, however, the Hi-Q MP3 Voice Recorder app is ideal. Not only is it effective but it’s free as well!
Listen to It
A musician never steps out of the house without music to listen to. You can have the best listening experience with a good pair of headphones and portable speakers. Upgrade from the standard headphones that came with your iPod to more professional headphones or earbuds like Beats by Dr. Dre. Not only will they enhance your music-listening experience but they also will make a fashion statement depending on what color you choose. Plus, they have an in-line microphone so you can easily switch between your music and any phone calls you may receive.
Beat It
It is the beat of a song that carries it forward, so make sure to always carry a metronome. The Boss DB-30 packs in a gamut of features within its compact size. It can lay down a variety of rhythmic patterns and can handle time signatures up to 17 beats per measure. If you’re looking for a metronome app for your smartphone, try out Tempo. The app is available in a free and paid version for both Android and iPhones.
Reader Comments (2)
Another app I have found very useful for songwriting on the go is Loopy. I can sing and loop a beat, do the same for a basic progression (doesn't have to be the same length loop), and then test out lyrics over the top without ever having to get out an instrument. Handy for the lunch break.
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