Learn to Play Reggae Music with Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN: A Review
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN: A Review
If you are a fan of reggae music and want to create your own songs with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves, you may be interested in Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN. This is a product from Toontrack that combines a MIDI library of keyboard playing styles inspired by reggae music of then and now with an EZkeys software that lets you customize and edit the MIDI files to suit your preferences. In this article, we will review Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN and see what it can offer you as a musician, producer or songwriter. We will also look at the history and evolution of reggae music and the role of keyboard in this genre. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN and whether it is worth trying.
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN
The History and Evolution of Reggae Music
Reggae music is a genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is influenced by various musical styles such as ska, rocksteady, rhythm and blues, soul, jazz and African music. Reggae music is characterized by its distinctive rhythm, which features a prominent bass line, a choppy guitar or keyboard on the offbeat, and a one drop drum pattern that emphasizes the third beat of every four. Reggae music also has a strong social and political message, often addressing issues such as oppression, poverty, injustice, resistance and spirituality.
Reggae music has evolved over time into different subgenres and styles. Some of the most notable ones are:
Ska: This is the precursor of reggae music that emerged in the late 1950s. It is a fast-paced music that combines Jamaican folk music with American rhythm and blues. It features horns, guitars, keyboards and drums.
Rocksteady: This is a slower and more relaxed version of ska that developed in the mid-1960s. It focuses more on the bass line and the vocals. It also introduces more harmony and melody to the music.
Roots: This is a style of reggae music that emerged in the early 1970s. It is influenced by Rastafarianism, a religious movement that worships Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia. It expresses a deep spiritual connection to Africa and a rejection of Babylon, which represents the oppressive system of Western society. It features chanting, drumming, dub effects and conscious lyrics.
Dancehall: This is a style of reggae music that emerged in the late 1970s. It is influenced by disco, funk, hip hop and electronic music. It is faster and more upbeat than roots reggae. It features digital instruments, sound systems, DJs, MCs and deejays (vocalists who rap or toast over the music).
Modern: This is a style of reggae music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is influenced by pop, rock, soul, R&B and other genres. It features more diverse instrumentation, production techniques and lyrical themes. It also incorporates elements from other genres such as rap, dancehall, soca, reggaeton and others.
The Role of Keyboard in Reggae Music
The keyboard is an essential instrument in reggae music. It adds flair, harmony and percussion to the reggae beat. Depending on the style and mood of the song, the keyboard can play different roles such as:
Staccato: This is when the keyboard plays short and sharp notes on the offbeat to add body to the guitar or fill in the gaps between the bass line and the drums. This creates a skanking effect that makes people want to dance.
Riffs: This is when the keyboard plays melodic phrases or motifs that repeat throughout the song or vary slightly according to the chord progression. This adds interest and variation to the music.
Runs: This is when the keyboard plays fast notes that ascend or descend along a scale or arpeggio. This adds excitement and energy to the music.
Chords: This is when the keyboard plays two or more notes simultaneously to create harmony or contrast with the melody or bass line. This adds depth and richness to the music.
Percussion: This is when the keyboard mimics or complements the drum pattern by playing rhythmic accents or syncopations on certain beats or offbeats. This adds groove and drive to the music.
The Different Styles of Keyboard Playing in Reggae Music
The keyboard playing styles in reggae music vary according to the subgenre or style of reggae music. Some examples are:
Ska: In ska music, the keyboard plays staccato chords on every offbeat to create a lively bounce effect. The chords are usually major or minor triads with occasional inversions or extensions.
the keyboard plays more melodic and harmonic roles, often using organ or piano sounds. The keyboard can play riffs, runs or chords that complement the vocals or create contrast with the bass line.
Roots: In roots reggae music, the keyboard plays a more percussive and rhythmic role, often using clavinet or organ sounds. The keyboard can play staccato chords on the offbeat or syncopated accents on certain beats to create a driving groove. The keyboard can also use dub effects such as delay, reverb or echo to create space and atmosphere.
Dancehall: In dancehall music, the keyboard plays a more digital and electronic role, often using synthesizer or sampler sounds. The keyboard can play riffs, runs or chords that follow the bass line or create hooks and melodies. The keyboard can also use sound effects such as sirens, horns or lasers to add excitement and hype.
Modern: In modern reggae music, the keyboard plays a more diverse and versatile role, often using a combination of different sounds and styles. The keyboard can play staccato chords, riffs, runs, chords or percussion that suit the mood and genre of the song. The keyboard can also use various production techniques such as compression, EQ or modulation to enhance the sound and quality.
The Features and Benefits of Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is a product that aims to help you create reggae music with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves. It consists of two main components: a MIDI library and an EZkeys software.
The MIDI Library
The MIDI library is a collection of keyboard playing styles inspired by reggae music of then and now. It covers a wide range of reggae styles and tempos, from ska to modern reggae. It features:
The Intro, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus and Bridge Sections: These are different sections that you can use to build your song structure. Each section has several variations that you can choose from to create diversity and interest.
The Straight and Swing Feel: These are different options that you can use to change the groove and feel of your song. The straight feel is more rigid and precise, while the swing feel is more loose and relaxed.
The MIDI library is performed by a professional session player who has a deep understanding and appreciation of reggae music. The MIDI files are recorded with high quality and accuracy, capturing the essence and spirit of reggae.
The EZkeys Software
The EZkeys software is a powerful tool that lets you customize and edit the MIDI files to suit your preferences. It features:
The Sound Library: This is a collection of various keyboard instruments and effects that you can use to change the sound of your MIDI files. You can choose from piano, electric piano, organ, clavinet, synthesizer and more. You can also adjust parameters such as volume, pan, reverb, chorus and more.
The Chord Wheel: This is a tool that allows you to change the chords and keys of your MIDI files easily. You can drag and drop chords on the wheel to transpose them to any key you want. You can also use presets or custom chord progressions to create your own harmony.
The Song Track: This is a tool that enables you to arrange and mix your song. You can drag and drop MIDI files from the browser to the song track to create your song structure. You can also mute, solo, cut, copy, paste or delete MIDI files on the song track to edit your song.
The EZkeys software is easy to use and intuitive, with a user-friendly interface and helpful tutorials. It is compatible with Windows operating systems and works as a standalone program or as a plugin for your DAW.
The Pros and Cons of Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is a product that has many advantages and disadvantages for users who want to create reggae music with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves. Here are some of them:
The Pros
Easy to use: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive for users of all skill levels. You don't need any prior knowledge or experience in reggae music or keyboard playing to use it. You can simply drag and drop MIDI files from the browser to the song track or chord wheel to create your song.
and effects in the sound library, from piano to synthesizer. You can also change the chords and keys of your MIDI files with the chord wheel, or arrange and mix your song with the song track.
Inspiring: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is inspiring enough to spark your creativity and imagination. You can use the MIDI files as they are or tweak them to your liking. You can also use them as a starting point or a reference for your own keyboard playing or songwriting. You can explore different reggae styles and tempos, and discover new ideas and possibilities.
Affordable: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is affordable enough to fit your budget and needs. You can get it for only $29 , which is a reasonable price for a high-quality product that offers a lot of value and features. You can also get it as part of a bundle with other EZkeys products for a discounted price.
The Cons
Not for everyone: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN may not suit everyone's taste, style or needs. You may not like the sound or feel of the MIDI files, or you may prefer to play your own keyboard parts or use other sources of inspiration. You may also have different expectations or preferences for reggae music or keyboard playing that are not met by this product.
Limited by MIDI format: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is limited by the MIDI format, which means that it does not capture the nuances and expressions of human playing. You may find the MIDI files too rigid or robotic, or lacking in dynamics or emotion. You may also encounter some compatibility issues with your DAW or other software or hardware.
Requires EZkeys software: Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN requires a separate installation of EZkeys software, which means that you need to have it or buy it separately. You also need to have a compatible computer system and enough disk space and memory to run it smoothly. You may also need to update your EZkeys software regularly to ensure its functionality and compatibility.
Conclusion
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is a product that offers a broad collection of keyboard playing styles inspired by reggae music of then and now. It combines a MIDI library with an EZkeys software that lets you customize and edit the MIDI files to suit your preferences. It has many pros and cons for users who want to create reggae music with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves.
If you are a fan of reggae music and want to create your own songs with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves, you may want to try Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN. It is easy to use, versatile, inspiring and affordable. It can help you explore different reggae styles and tempos, and discover new ideas and possibilities. It can also serve as a starting point or a reference for your own keyboard playing or songwriting.
However, if you are not into reggae music or keyboard playing, or you have different expectations or preferences for them, you may not like Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN. It may not suit your taste, style or needs. It may also be limited by the MIDI format or require a separate installation of EZkeys software.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can check out some audio demos and reviews of Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN online to get a better idea of what it sounds like and what others think of it. You can also try it out for yourself with a free trial or a money-back guarantee to see if it works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN:
What is Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN?
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN is a product from Toontrack that combines a MIDI library of keyboard playing styles inspired by reggae music of then and now with an EZkeys software that lets you customize and edit the MIDI files to suit your preferences.
How do I use Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN?
You need to have EZkeys software installed on your computer system first. Then you can drag and drop MIDI files from the browser to the song track or chord wheel to create your song. You can also customize and edit the MIDI files with different keyboard instruments and effects in the sound library, change the chords and keys with the chord wheel, or arrange and mix your song with the song track.
What are the benefits of using Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN?
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN can help you create reggae music with authentic keyboard sounds and grooves. It is easy to use, versatile, inspiring and affordable. It can help you explore different reggae styles and tempos, and discover new ideas and possibilities. It can also serve as a starting point or a reference for your own keyboard playing or songwriting.
What are the drawbacks of using Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN?
Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN may not suit everyone's taste, style or needs. It may not capture the nuances and expressions of human playing. It may also encounter some compatibility issues with your DAW or other software or hardware. It also requires a separate installation of EZkeys software.
Where can I get Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN?
You can get Reggae EZkeys MiDi WiN from Toontrack's website or from other online retailers such as Sweetwater or Andertons. You can also get it as part of a bundle with other EZkeys products for a discounted price.