Stray From the Path drummer and podcaster Craig Reynolds has voiced his disbelief and displeasure at the process by which some bands use pre-recorded kick drums during live performances.
The drummer, with a passion for all things related to his instrument, likens the process to a form of cheating, taking to his social media platforms to open up a debate on the issue. An outspoken practitioner of drumming naturally and without the aid of ‘studio tricks’, many agree with Reynolds, while some argue it depends on how individual bands use it.
some of your favourite bands have ALL their kick drums on track and you’re so dumb you don’t notice
— craig reynolds VERIFlED CHECKMARK HERE (@reynlord) May 23, 2023
The debate all started when Reynolds tweeted that some people’s favourite bands do not play certain drum parts during live performances. In a video on Instagram, Reynolds stated that the overall consensus by Twitter users was that this practise was ok, although Reynolds himself compared the use of drums on backing tracks to ‘miming’. The drummer for American hardcore band Stray From the Path not only professed his displeasure at the use but was also left gobsmacked by the reaction his Tweet received.
I’m hoping it’s just because I called everyone dumb but it seems like everyone is okay with this. Don’t bother practicing or becoming proficient kids, it’s the taking part that counts!!!!!!!!
— craig reynolds VERIFlED CHECKMARK HERE (@reynlord) May 23, 2023
With the use of backing tracks becoming a recurring incidence during live performances in this day and age, many people are resigned to the use of them, with Reynolds claiming that people are happy with songs that sound exactly like the record- live. The Glasgow based drummer further elaborated in a tweet, “putting ALL of the kick drum on a backing track is like having a football team with one player who is secretly an android, but then everyone just going ‘ah cool that android is absolutely murdering everyone again and scored 500 goals, love this.'”
Reynolds, a musical purist, is a strong adherent of hard work, talent and artistry and believes the shift to backing tracks will give rise to programs such as AI creating music and stopping support for musicians. Regardless of which side one falls on the issue, Reynolds has certainly stirred up an intriguing debate which will surely continue to gather steam over the coming years.
Reynolds, hailing from Reading, England started his career by serving as a drum technician for the band Architects while also teaching the instrument to young aspiring musicians. Joining the New York based hardcore band Stray From the Path in 2016, Reynolds has become an influential voice in the music scene via his successful podcast show The Downbeat, where he speaks to fellow musicians in the world of metal and hardcore.
Stray From the Path have recently wrapped up a tour of Australia in support of Aussie based band In Hearts Wake. Reynolds’ podcast The Downbeat can be heard on Spotify and all other media outlets.
