Last Time by Moderat - Music Lesson

This Moderat track is an electronica piece featuring programmed drums. The original track is beautiful, so we decided to include it in the syllabus and added our own arrangement. My arrangement introduces challenging modern drum pieces into this electronic composition.

Overview

Initially, the track features a dynamic structure:

• Starts with a higher dynamic
• Shifts to a lower dynamic
• Transitions back to a high dynamic
• Returns to a lower dynamic

It's crucial to focus on this dynamic interplay, especially with the strong intro featuring a bespoke rim shot.

Important Elements

Rim Shot

• Play a rim shot as part of the examination.
• Aim for a precise connection between the rim and snare.
• This enhances a machine-like precision in your playing.

Fill Technique

During the second run-through, you'll encounter a fill:

"Two, three, four, Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam. Gun gap."

• The key here is not the difficulty of the fill, but transitioning out of the fill into the crash cymbal leading into the B section.
• Suggested technique:
  • Use a combination of left and right hand strokes.
  • Finish on the crash or return to the hi-hat, ending with a snare for a solid rim shot.

Moving Around the Kit

• Keep your left hand near the snare for easier transitions between sections.
• The next section features a nice eighth note feel, watch out for the open hi-hats to add texture and a synthy vibe.

Development Section

Embellishments

• In the development section, stay within the feel of the original.
• You can:
  • Add embellishments with more open hi-hats or cross stick notes.
  • Keep the feel consistent, example below:

"1, 2, 3, 4 ... it sounds like I'm in the same tune."

• Interpret the last bar flexibly; it's acceptable to change bits and pieces for artistic license.

Section C

Linear Playing

• Acknowledge that this section is linear and moves quickly.
• Focus on:
  • Filling gaps with stickings that work well.
  • Experimenting without straying too far from the linear pattern.

Experimentation

• Try different stickings but keep it groovy.
• You can incorporate the ride cymbal but avoid overwhelming fills.

Coda

Transition to the Coda

• Prepare for the coda at the end of Section C, maintaining a similar style.
• Expect a big backbeat on specific beats, which alternates throughout:

"Backbeat on four, three, backbeat on four, then three."

• Small variations are fine, and you'll notice these in my performance.

Conclusion

Final Notes

• The last two bars are unique with no specific music.
• Play rhythmic hits involving bass drum, hi-hat, and snare.
• Alternative options:
  • Consider a big fill or crash cymbal, just ensure those hits are audible.

"As Peter Erskine would say, say hello, shake hands with the music."

Practice Tips

• Work on your stickings and review the bar-to-bar walkthrough in your Rock School materials.
• Listen to the track with and without the click for better understanding.
• Watch my recorded performance for additional insights.

Enjoy playing Last Time by Moderat, it's a challenging but rewarding piece. Have fun!

Thanks, and see you soon!