Afro-Latin Caribbean Percussion Rhythms-
by Goran Rista
The Afro-Latin Caribbean Percussion MIDI collection (the largest ever made) for Handy Drums: Latin Percussion & Drums is upon us. With this MIDI collection and our drum plugin, you’ll be able to play almost any Latin style.
Watch the video below to see what to expect, why it took several years to put it together, hear some of the included styles, and see what’s new in the upcoming Handy Drums Latin Percussion & Drums plugin v2.2 update. After watching, scroll down for more notes.
“Procrastination” nearly a decade long
Ever since I published the default content for BeatBuddy over a decade ago, I have been getting requests for various Latin beats.
As I created some of them when producing that “default content”, I knew the task at hand. I knew that there were many styles out there and that to do a comprehensive, authentic MIDI loop pack, it would require significant time investment. Dedicating to such a commitment would mean putting the production and development of most of our MIDI content, sample libraries, and drum plugins on hold for quite a while.
That wasn’t a good business choice, so the Latin MIDI loops had to wait instead.
But, eventually, they needed to happen. So, here we are…almost!
It took years to produce this Latin Percussion MIDI collection. Here’s why.
Producing percussion MIDI content is significantly more time-intensive and challenging than producing standard drumset loops.
With standard drumset loops, I can either sit at an electronic kit and play-in drum groove variations and fills, or, when programming them, I can duplicate certain parts (like the hi-hat and snare) while only programming kick variations, thereby creating unique grooves.
When it comes to percussion grooves, things are a lot more complex. Since percussion grooves tend to contain several percussion instruments, each played by a different person, recreating those rhythms requires that each instrument part be created one by one.
To complicate things further, unlike creating original percussion grooves, producing percussion grooves in existing styles (like Son, Charanga, Cumbia, etc.) requires faithfully recreating each percussion part, along with its rhythm, accents, dynamics, and feel.
So, to accomplish that task, I had to conduct extensive research into many styles and instrumental parts. I went through several books, cover to cover, and programmed notated parts. I watched countless how-to videos for specific instrument parts, listened to recordings, and tried to get my hands on whatever I could for a given style, to get a good grip on the approach and authentic sound.
And if you’ve ever tried deciphering individual instrument parts from a percussion section, you know how incredibly challenging it can be.
When programming percussion parts, I not only painstakingly adjusted the articulations of every note, but also the timing. I created a groove template from an authentic salsa recording and applied the authentic feel to MIDI parts throughout the collection.
When it came to fills and breaks (unisons), I played them all in. Then I would go and tweak the timing, notes, and articulations where needed.
Producing this collection, given the number of genres covered, the required authenticity, and the variety, demanded enormous patience, attention to detail, and perseverance. That is why this will be a one-of-a-kind MIDI collection when released.
My Background In Afro-Latin and Caribbean Music
I’ve been exposed to Afro-Cuban, Latin, and Brazilian music in one form or another, listening to, studying, and playing it for about 3 decades now.
As a part of my Jazz degree in drums, I also studied Afro-Latin and Brazilian percussion and drums. While I do not primarily consider myself a percussionist, I have played both drums and percussion over the years in many Latin genres.
I spent a few years cruising the Caribbean, playing music on cruise ships, and lived in Puerto Rico for 6 months, regularly immersing myself in the local music scene.
As I’ve been living in Miami, Florida, for the past 20 years and have been married to a Puerto Rican woman all that time, this music has become second nature to me.
So, when I talk about “research”, it is not from the standpoint of a clueless beginner in these music genres, but rather as someone very familiar with the sound, feel, and musical language, looking to gain deeper knowledge of genre-specificities.
What To Expect and When
I waited until I finished all of the content and exported it into individual MIDI files to put together the “Sneak Peek” video above.
The list of styles is lengthy, with over 60. Each genre includes groove variations, fills, and breaks (with some exceptions). There are over 3,000 grooves, fills, and breaks.
All multi-part grooves will be provided both as full percussion ensemble (all instrument parts in a single MIDI file), and as separate instrument MIDI files.
All fills will be provided as a full percussion ensemble (with the main instrument playing the fill and the rest playing the groove) and as separate MIDI files for the improv instrument and the backing groove.
Breaks will be provided as single full MIDI files containing all percussion instruments, played in unison.
There are many moving parts when we release a new product, and getting everything in a row requires time and attention to detail.
We hope that over the next week or so, everything will be ready and released. We’ll first release the MIDI loops and the plugin update for DAW users, and after the dust settles, I’ll work on the BeatBuddy version and everything connected to it.
We’ll send out an email when everything is released, so if you are not on our list, subscribe to be notified.
GoranGrooves (Re)introduces Premium Content For BeatBuddy
The Ultimate Drum Content for BeatBuddy: GoranGrooves Returns with Premium Offerings!
For the past decade, GoranGrooves has been the leading producer of high-quality content for the BeatBuddy pedal drum machine. Their catalog of drum loops and virtual drum sets for BeatBuddy is the most extensive available anywhere and has helped countless musicians worldwide enhance their performances.
Until June 1st, 2024, this content was exclusively available through BeatBuddy Premium Library and Singular Sound websites. However, GoranGrooves and Singular Sound have parted ways, and as of today, all content produced by GoranGrooves for the BeatBuddy platform is available exclusively at the GoranGrooves’ Premium Library For BeatBuddy.
This change means musicians can now browse, audition, and purchase GoranGrooves content for BeatBuddy directly from GoranGrooves, with access to a superior user experience, expanded content offerings, and exclusive loyalty deals for existing customers.
What’s New? 🔥
- Exclusive Access to the GoranGrooves Library: All GoranGrooves content for BeatBuddy is now hosted exclusively at the GoranGrooves Library. Customers can browse, audition, and purchase individual items or entire bundles.
- Integrated Installers for Easy Setup: All packages now come with installers for both Windows and MacOS that place the content directly onto the user’s SD card, eliminating the need for additional software and making setup simple and straightforward.
- GoranGrooves Complete Collection 2024: The all-inclusive “GoranGrooves Complete Collection 2024 (for BeatBuddy)” incorporates all Handy Grooves MIDI packs and General MIDI loops, making it an attractive option for both BeatBuddy users and those using drum plugins like Handy Drums.
-
Handy Grooves and Handy Drums Compatibility: Handy Grooves MIDI packs now also include the BeatBuddy song format, and Handy Drums virtual instruments include the .drm drumset format for BeatBuddy, offering enhanced compatibility and flexibility.
- Extensive Documentation: To support users, extensive documentation has been added to the GoranGrooves knowledge base, covering all aspects of downloading, installation, drum mapping, and more.
- Updated Drumsets: Several premium drum sets have been revamped. These include:
- Studio Legend drumset (completely remixed from the ground up to sound more natural and tonally balanced)
- Studio Standard drumset (formerly Standard Pro, includes a remixed snare drum for a more natural, punchy sound)
- Rock Legend drumset (formerly J. Bonham-inspired, now completely remixed for a balanced and natural sound)
- Vintage Standard drumset (formerly Vintage Ludwig, upgraded with new cymbal samples for a richer sound)
- Power Rock drumset (formerly Ballad drumset was remixed from the ground up for a more natural, punchy sound)
- Renaming and Upgrading of Existing Drumsets: Many familiar drumsets have been renamed to align with their Handy Drums counterparts. For example, the “Standard Pro” drumset is now “Studio Standard,” and the “Ballad” drumset has been renamed to “Power Rock”.
- New Rhythms, Beats, and Covers: GoranGrooves has expanded its collection of generic drum beats, artist styles, and cover packs. New packs include 3-3-2 Rhythms, Drums With Percussion, Drum Beats in 3/4, and a vast collection of Popular Cover Songs spanning multiple volumes among numerous other offerings. This expanded offering ensures musicians have the perfect rhythm for any performance or recording session.
Loyalty Upgrades and Crossgrades
GoranGrooves values its loyal customers and offers a range of discounts for existing users. For BeatBuddy users who want to upgrade to the Complete Collection 2024 for BeatBuddy, GoranGrooves offers up to $50 in credit based on previous purchases of individual drumsets or beats. Additionally, crossgrades are available for users who wish to expand from BeatBuddy content to Handy Drums plugin packs or vice versa.
For those using Handy Drums or Handy Grooves, there are exclusive discounts to expand their collection. For example, if you own Handy Grooves MIDI packs, you now receive the “BeatBuddy song” format included at no extra cost.
Visit the deals page to find out more.
What It Means for BeatBuddy Users
With GoranGrooves’ reintroduction of its premium content, BeatBuddy users can access the highest-quality, most realistic drumsets and beats available. The new integrated installers make it easier than ever to get started, and the exclusive GoranGrooves Library offers a more streamlined purchasing experience.
BeatBuddy users will benefit whenever a new virtual drum plugin or MIDI loop pack is released for music production, as those will also be made in formats compatible with BeatBuddy. There are several exceptional quality drumsets and drum beats in the works at the moment.
If you’re a BeatBuddy user who also produces music in a DAW, you can take advantage of crossgrade and upgrade deals to access Handy Drums—GoranGrooves’ award-winning virtual drum plugins featuring the higher audio quality, more extensive sample libraries, and the same ease of use as their BeatBuddy content.
What It Means for Handy Drums and Other Drum Plugin Users
All packs for BeatBuddy now come with General MIDI-compatible MIDI files, making them usable within Handy Drums and other drum plugins that adhere to the GM standard. This means over 8,500 drum beats and 6,400 drum fills are now available for Handy Drums, offering more variety and versatility for music producers.
Explore the New GoranGrooves’ Premium Library for BeatBuddy
GoranGrooves is committed to providing the best possible drumming experience for musicians everywhere. Whether you’re a long-time BeatBuddy user or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to explore the new and improved content offerings.
Browse the GoranGrooves’ Premium Library for BeatBuddy today to discover everything new.
WHAT’S NEW IN HANDY DRUMS V2.0?
by Goran Rista
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Handy Drums V2.0, a significant upgrade that brings a year’s worth of hard work to fruition. This version introduces substantial improvements across the board, enhancing sound quality, aesthetics, and usability to deliver an unparalleled virtual drumming experience.
AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS
Handy Drums’ main graphical user interface (GUI) has been fully vectorized, ensuring a crisp, clear appearance on any screen size and resolution. This update also features refined pencil artwork sketches, elevating the plugins’ visual appeal.
SOUND INNOVATIONS
- Remixed and Rebranded Kits: The iconic John Bonham-style kit, now known as the Rock Legend, has been remixed to offer a richer and more versatile sound, complete with new snare drum options.
Studio Legend has also been remixed for a more natural sound and will sit in the mix better than before. - Enhanced Sample Triggering: V2.0 introduces a more natural playing experience by employing random sample triggering, which avoids repetitive sounds and enhances the realism of the performance.
- Sophisticated Variable Hi-Hats: Advanced algorithms allow variable hi-hats to closely mimic real hi-hat performances, enhancing the authenticity of virtual drumming.
New Instrument Additions
The Latin Percussion & Drums section now boasts a doubled number of instruments and articulations, including three báta drums, a tambora, and more. The World Percussion plugin features a new higher-pitched djembe, and the Vintage Standard kit has been updated with better-sounding cymbals.
FUNCTIONAL AND USABILITY UPGRADES
- Accessibility Improvements: Efforts have been made to label and organize GUI components for better navigation, especially for users relying on screen readers.
- Mixer Enhancements: The main mixer now includes Solo buttons alongside Mute buttons for improved control, with added functionality for toggling all buttons simultaneously. New panners and individual elements mixers offer more nuanced sound customization.
- Expanded Outputs and Mapping Capabilities: The number of stereo outputs has been increased, and the mapping panel now features dynamic drum pads and blank mapping keys for greater flexibility.
- E-Drummer Mode: A special mode tailored for electronic drummers introduces tailored plugin adjustments for a more authentic playing experience.
- Load Samples on Demand: To optimize performance, samples are now loaded as needed, reducing memory usage and speeding up plugin loading times.
- MIDI Loop Browser: This standout feature makes finding and auditioning MIDI loops effortless, streamlining the drum track assembly process in your DAW.
Integration with Handy Grooves
Our comprehensive loop pack collection, Handy Grooves has been meticulously reorganized and integrated into the Handy Drums V2.0 ecosystem for seamless access and use. They now come with installers that will make them instantly available inside all Handy Drums’ MIDI Loop Browser.
All Handy Grooves MIDI packs have been updated to v2 for existing customers. If you have already purchased Handy Grooves, you can download the new version from your GoranGrooves Library Account.
SUMMARY
Handy Drums look better, sound better, and are more powerful and easier to use.
If you are new to Handy Drums, get a FREE TRIAL now.
If you own a previous version of Handy Drums, we have attractive upgrade options for you.
For a closer look into the new features, see the dedicated documentation.
GoranGrooves Partners with AVID to Offer Exclusive Early Access to v2.0 of Handy Drums Studio Standard for Pro Tools Users
by Goran Rista
In an exciting collaboration, GoranGrooves and AVID have teamed up to present an exclusive offering to the Pro Tools community. The latest version of the highly acclaimed drum software, Handy Drums Studio Standard v2.0, will now be available at no additional cost to all monthly and annual Pro Tools subscribers and those on the Upgrade Plan for perpetual licenses. This partnership marks a significant milestone in providing high-quality music production tools to artists and producers through Avid’s Pro Tools Inner Circle program.
GoranGrooves, known for its development of virtual drum and percussion plugins, as well as producer of MIDI loop packs, has made a name for itself in the music production industry with its award-winning suite of 15 virtual drum and percussion plugins, including Studio Standard. The release of Handy Drums Studio Standard v2.0 re-introduces meticulously produced drum samples and an intuitive, no-frills interface designed to deliver an “album-ready” sound without the need for extensive mixing. “This approach not only saves time but also ensures a polished, professional drum sound accessible to all levels of music creators,” says Goran Rista, the founder of GoranGrooves.
The versatility of the Studio Standard set makes it a good choice for a broad spectrum of music styles, from Pop and Rock to Country, Blues, and Jazz. The plugin’s centerpiece is the sampled Yamaha Maple Custom drum kit, renowned for its warmth and punch, complemented by Zildjian A-custom cymbals for a complete, authentic drumming experience. Additionally, the plugin boasts a wide array of GM-mapped acoustic percussion instruments, enhancing its utility and appeal.
Key features of Handy Drums Studio Standard v2.0 include pre-mixed, ready-to-use studio drums, an integrated mixer, multiple dynamic levels, and an “ultra-realistic drum sound” acclaimed by critics. Furthermore, the plugin supports a resizable interface, MIDI loop browser, e-drummer mode, and variable hi-hats control, among other advanced functionalities, making it a comprehensive tool for music production.
Avid, a leading technology provider for the creation, distribution, and monetization of digital media, continues to empower creative professionals and amateurs alike with its Inner Circle program. This initiative consistently offers valuable resources such as trainings, plugins, virtual instruments, and sound libraries to enhance the music creation process. Pro Tools users can easily claim their copy of Handy Drums Studio Standard v2.0 by redeeming the unique codes found in their Avid accounts on the GoranGrooves Library website.
About Avid
Avid Technology is a pioneer in the digital audio and video technology industry, focusing on delivering powerful tools and platforms for content creators across music, film, and broadcast. The company’s flagship software, Pro Tools, is regarded as the industry standard for audio production, offering remarkable capabilities for recording, mixing, and editing. Avid’s commitment to innovation and its comprehensive ecosystem of software, hardware, and integrated solutions enable creative professionals and hobbyists to realize their artistic visions.
This collaboration between GoranGrooves and Avid symbolizes a shared dedication to enhancing the music production experience, providing Pro Tools users with exclusive early access to v2.0 of Handy Drums Studio Standard.
For further information, visit: