Bonfire by Knife Party - Music Lesson

Welcome to the lesson on "Bonfire" by Knife Party. This is a dubstep arrangement, and typically, dubstep would not feature a live drummer. However, we are working with a program drum track. Our goal is to create an arrangement that replicates an acoustic drum kit version of that track.

Overview

As we approach playing this tune, remember that it's quite challenging, even for me, to piece it all together. Here are some top tips to watch out for during your practice:

Feel and Timing

• The piece has an almost reggae kind of feel due to the melodic arrangement.
• It features a half-time 8th note feel written as 8th notes.
• Technically, there's a lot happening.

Key Practice Focus

• Throughout most of the tune, we have steady 8th notes or broken 8th notes in a linear style.
• Work on the technical aspect of playing the eighth notes and the interdynamics between them.
• There are no specific accents written in the score, so I've focused on a close hi-hat feel with dynamics based on my interpretation.

Dynamic Practice

I recommend running through sections with consistent eighth notes to pull out dynamics. Aim for the following feel:

• An offbeat reggae feel leading into a big backbeat.

Rim Shot Technique

• It's crucial to use a bespoke rim shot in this piece instead of just striking the center of the snare. This specifically applies to the big backbeats.
• A significant connection between the rim and the drum is essential.
• I personally prefer rim shots; they are the sound that studio and live performance engineers favor.

Bass Drum Technique

• For the four on the floor pattern pervasive throughout the tune, I recommend leaving the beater in contact with the head.
• This technique feels comfortable and suits the fast tempo of 174 BPM.

Crescendo and Transitions

Watch out for the crescendo at the end of the C section:

• You'll have a four on the floor with snare drum figures leading into a single stroke roll.
• Practice playing some single strokes over the four on the floor while building a slight crescendo.

Section Breakdown

A Section

• The A section consists of a linear feel, meaning one sound at any time.
• Work out some sticking on the hi-hat that accommodates the interplay between the snare drum and bass drum.
• Any sticking pattern (singles, doubles, or paradiddles) works well, be creative!

Development Section

• In the development sections, maintain that linear style; don't go too "linear crazy."
• Finish off with two-bar hits.

E and G Sections

• The E section returns to the open hi-hat feel, while the G section is similar to the B section with a pseudo-reggae groove.
• Focus on stickings that work every time for you.

H Section

• The H section features a driving four-on-the-floor feel, but watch out for tricky snare drum hits, especially the syncopation around beat three.
• You'll move into a single stroke roll crescendo, just like at the C section's end.

Final Thoughts

There's a lot to manage when moving from section to section in this piece. Pay close attention to the written notation, particularly during the hit sections. Aim for tight unisons between the toms and snare for a powerful sound.

That's it for "Bonfire." It's a challenging track, but I'm confident you'll enjoy playing it. Be sure to check out my performance and the walkthrough materials. Listen closely to the backing track and gradually piece it all together.

Thanks for joining the lesson, and have fun with "Bonfire"! See you soon.