STEVE MONTI HEADS TO AREA 33.

E-drummer Steve Monti gave the two SDXs in our Area 33 series a go in these two original tracks. If you’re into industrial and ambient rock-meets-metal-type songs with hypnotic beats, this is for you!

You’ve used Superior Drummer 3 for years. When and how did you first discover the software?
My interest started with Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell. From there I moved onto Superior Drummer 3. It was so long ago that I can’t remember how long ago it was. I think it was about 20 years ago! I’ve been here ever since. I’ve never really needed to venture anywhere else – everything I need is there.

As an e-drummer, what are the feature of the software that mean the most to you?
I learned playing real drums where dynamics and articulations are so important. I need software which will make things as close to the real deal as possible. I feel Toontrack put a lot into this and it feels authentic. I also find the mapping is pretty simple to set up too.The number of kits and sounds are so varied it’s just amazing. Also the noise factor plays a big part too. I live in London and an area surrounded by neighbors who are unlikely to appreciate live drumming. With e-drums, they hear nothing. When my son was small, his nursery was directly below my home studio and he slept through it all.

Which SDXs are your go-tos and why?
I have most SDXs and I would be sad to lose any! In my top list would be (no particular order) Decades SDX, Fields of Rock SDX, The Rooms of Hansa SDX, Death &Darkness SDX and Hitmaker SDX. I’m recently enjoying both the Area 33 SDX and Area 33 – Origin SDX. As to why, they are so versatile and can be used for any genre of music!


WRITING SONGS WITH EZKEYS: EP. 3.

In the third episode, we use multiple instances of EZkeys on our chorus to add an epic feel as well as a melody line.

EZKEYS CUSTOMER JUKEBOX WEEK 1.

Check the first playlist of songs by you – featuring EZkeys!

GET IN THE GROOVE WITH EZKEYS.

Our friends over at Groove3 have just launched a massive series of videos centered around writing songs with EZkeys. Check the first two episodes free here.

WRITING SONGS WITH EZKEYS: EP. 2.

In the second episode, we add a pre-chorus and chorus to our song.

NICLAS LUNDIN & EZKEYS.

We asked Toontrack artist and professional songwriter Niclas Lundin to show how he uses the program. Check the first episode in this upcoming series of videos!

WRITING SONGS WITH EZKEYS: EPISODE 1.

Watch the first of four quick videos in this series based around writing songs with EZkeys.

EZKEYS – GOES METAL.

Avid EZkeys user Ola Englund (The Haunted, Feared) demonstrates how he uses EZkeys when writing.

EZKEYS: THIAGO PINHEIRO PERFORMANCE.

Watch longtime Toontrack collaborator Thiago Pinheiro in this performance featuring the EZkeys Grand Piano.

17 ESSENTIAL SONGWRITING TIPS.

Award-winning songwriter Monty Powell shares some of his best secrets.

MEET STEINAR LARSEN.

Meet the forth week’s Customer Spotlight, the amazing Steinar Larsen from Norway.

THE "MONEY FOR NOTHING"-TONE.

Producer Neil Dorfsman explains how he got the famous guitar tone on “Money for Nothing” – by accident. Great story!

LIVE Q&A WITH MILLER AND THAMMARAT.

Join two of the world’s best guitarists this weekend on our Facebook page!

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