Dear Toontrack,
To me, the drummer always makes (or breaks) the band; And a great drum sound is the first step towards having a “studio quality” recording. I have been a musician my entire life, playing violin at Carnegie Hall when I was 12 years old and now playing 7-string guitar (for 10 years), Didgeridoo (for 8 years), and drums/percussion (whenever I have had the chance). I’ve also been a front-of-house live-sound engineer for years on the US east coast and have had the privilege of working some great shows with performers like Crosby Stills and Nash, Bob Weir, Buddy Guy, Moe, Black Crowes, George Clinton w/ P-Funk, Keller Williams, Dark Star Orchestra, Les Claypool, Derek Trucks, Phil Lesh, Dweezil Zappa, Neville Brothers, Ryan Monteblue, The Machine, and many others.
Personally, I am a metalhead… and I love Meshuggah. I actually first learned of Drumkit From Hell while I was hanging out with them on their tourbus back in 2002 at a TOOL show. But I didn’t end up purchasing it until 2009! Now I wish I had bought it much sooner!
Using Drumkit From Hell, I wrote a progressive through-composed 25-minute instrumental medley of my bands music. I first structured the song using guitar, this took about 2 years of writing and re-writing. Then for about 6 months, using only Toontrack Solo, EZdrummer, and EZplayer I programed my drummer’s beats by hand, note by note. Since then I have ported over to Reaper as my host, but I have used your software very intensely and can confidently say, I LOVE YOUR PRODUCTS!
…But the main reason of why I am writing to you, is that I first wanted to let you know where I, a dedicated customer, am coming from as a musician/producer; and as well what I would like most from you in the future. So consider this my official EZX wishlist…
-Danny Carey (Tool) has by far the “best” drum sound I have ever heard… And a remarkably diverse kit to say the least.
-Carter Beauford (Dave Mathew’s band) helped develop the Folk Alternative Rock scene of the 90’s. Great drummer, great kit.
-Nick Mason (Pink Floyd)… Need I say more?
-Danny Elfman (Symphonic Percussion), Sometimes I want concert percussion in my soundscape and Elfman is arguably the greatest modern film composer whose use of percussion and rhythm as a form of melody is as cutting edge and innovative as the work he usually writes scores for.
-African, Indian, Australian, and Asian Percussion (World Music Drums). Drum circle anyone? The Latin Percussion, Twisted kit, (and claustrophobic) EZXs are terrific, but I feel some other potential EZX’s could be being overlooked here.
The only other drummer I would be ecstatic to hear samples of is Chris Adler (Lamb of God). I have some other ideas about software improvements and such, and when I have some more time I will gladly share them. Till then, thank you for all your hard work and have a happy, safe holiday season!
Peace,
Eric
