Backing track
Encyclopedia
A backing track is an audio or MIDI recording that musicians play or sing along to in order to add parts to their music which would be impractical to perform live.
, minus-one track or playback. Music backing tracks are also available for instrumental practice and jamming. Backing tracks are also known as jam tracks..
In electronic music
, some parts which have been programmed
are too fast or complex to be played by a musician. Backing tracks are also used when some or all members of a group are miming the playing of their instruments, lip-synching or using guide track
s.
Also, certain situations may dictate that a backing track must be used; many television programs require that acts perform only the vocals live to simplify the process of mixing the performance.
synced with the live performance. In the 1980s, Timbuk 3 was one of the first bands ever to use backing tracks in live performances and helped to make the usage popular and with both artists and accepted with the general public by openly displaying the "boom-box" and usage of as art on stage, as the third (3) in the band. Singer songwriter Pat MacDonald wrote performed and pre-recorded all the tracks live. T3 was made up of Pat, Barbara K. and the Boom Box and started out as a cheaper way to play on the streets of Austin, Texas, to moving up to appearing on Austin City Limits, MTV, Saturday Night Live, and many other national shows. T3 was best known for the hit song "The Future's so Bright" and the band was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artists. Timbuk3 could be considered an important transition and major impetus in music/backing track evolution.
Digital sequencers afforded a new option for bands based in electronic music
: a sequencer could be programmed with the MIDI control data to play back an entire song live, by generating the sound on the spot from synthesizers. However, it was not until the advent of the computer (and more specifically, the digital audio workstation
) that musicians were given any real choice beyond the use of tape. Today, the methods used for backing tracks vary; smaller bands frequently use CDs, DAT
playback, MiniDisc
or even an MP3 player; larger acts more commonly use computers or standalone MIDI-and-audio playback devices with onboard sound modules.
made the news when he lambasted the issue in 2004, saying that "Anyone who lip-syncs in public onstage when you pay 75 pounds to see them should be shot." (Specifically, he levied this criticism at Madonna
, who does use backing tracks on tour, although accusations of lip synching were immediately denied by her management which is not the same as miming
. John later rescinded his claims of lip synching, although he continued to criticize her use of backing tracks.)
However, some musicians continue to defend the use of tracks. For instance, Pet Shop Boys
state that "There's no sneaky secrecy about it" and that their electronically based music would sound "sloppy" if played live, a view that has been echoed by other electronic groups. More seriously, Roger Waters
has admitted to using a pre-recorded vocal track to augment his live vocals on certain songs; his bandmember Norbert Stachel has agreed that it would be better for Waters to use the track than to lose his voice.
Uses
Bands or solo musicians may use backing tracks to add extra instrumental or vocal tracks to a live performance, to enhance the sound (as in the employment of doubled backing vocals) or to replicate more closely the instrumentation on record (as in the use of additional recorded parts such as string sections.) A singer or vocal group performing without a band may sing along to pre-recorded music. A music track without lead vocals may also be called a karaokeKaraoke
is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
, minus-one track or playback. Music backing tracks are also available for instrumental practice and jamming. Backing tracks are also known as jam tracks..
In electronic music
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
, some parts which have been programmed
Music sequencer
The music sequencer is a device or computer software to record, edit, play back the music, by handling note and performance information in several forms, typically :...
are too fast or complex to be played by a musician. Backing tracks are also used when some or all members of a group are miming the playing of their instruments, lip-synching or using guide track
Guide track
A guide track or ghost track is a recorded selection of music or song used as an aid in sound recording, filmmaking and performance. It is closely related to the click track, and the two are typically used in conjunction....
s.
Also, certain situations may dictate that a backing track must be used; many television programs require that acts perform only the vocals live to simplify the process of mixing the performance.
Equipment
Prior to the advent of computers, backing tracks were generally employed through the use of audio tapeMagnetic tape sound recording
The use of magnetic tape for sound recording originated around 1930. Magnetizable tape revolutionized both the radio broadcast and music recording industries. It did this by giving artists and producers the power to record and re-record audio with minimal loss in quality as well as edit and...
synced with the live performance. In the 1980s, Timbuk 3 was one of the first bands ever to use backing tracks in live performances and helped to make the usage popular and with both artists and accepted with the general public by openly displaying the "boom-box" and usage of as art on stage, as the third (3) in the band. Singer songwriter Pat MacDonald wrote performed and pre-recorded all the tracks live. T3 was made up of Pat, Barbara K. and the Boom Box and started out as a cheaper way to play on the streets of Austin, Texas, to moving up to appearing on Austin City Limits, MTV, Saturday Night Live, and many other national shows. T3 was best known for the hit song "The Future's so Bright" and the band was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artists. Timbuk3 could be considered an important transition and major impetus in music/backing track evolution.
Digital sequencers afforded a new option for bands based in electronic music
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
: a sequencer could be programmed with the MIDI control data to play back an entire song live, by generating the sound on the spot from synthesizers. However, it was not until the advent of the computer (and more specifically, the digital audio workstation
Digital audio workstation
A digital audio workstation is an electronic system designed solely or primarily for recording, editing and playing back digital audio. DAWs were originally tape-less, microprocessor-based systems such as the Synclavier and Fairlight CMI...
) that musicians were given any real choice beyond the use of tape. Today, the methods used for backing tracks vary; smaller bands frequently use CDs, DAT
Digital Audio Tape
Digital Audio Tape is a signal recording and playback medium developed by Sony and introduced in 1987. In appearance it is similar to a compact audio cassette, using 4 mm magnetic tape enclosed in a protective shell, but is roughly half the size at 73 mm × 54 mm × 10.5 mm. As...
playback, MiniDisc
MiniDisc
The disc is permanently housed in a cartridge with a sliding door, similar to the casing of a 3.5" floppy disk. This shutter is opened automatically by a mechanism upon insertion. The audio discs can either be recordable or premastered. Recordable MiniDiscs use a magneto-optical system to record...
or even an MP3 player; larger acts more commonly use computers or standalone MIDI-and-audio playback devices with onboard sound modules.
Issues
The use of backing tracks has drawn some criticism from the world of music. Many fans dislike the use of tracks live, feeling that it detracts from the integrity of a performance; however, the amount of criticism tends to vary with the amount of tracks used. Simple playback of additional audio such as complex synthesizer parts tends to draw the least criticism; the heaviest is usually reserved for more complex performances. Some musicians have also spoken out against the use of backing tracks; notably, Elton JohnElton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
made the news when he lambasted the issue in 2004, saying that "Anyone who lip-syncs in public onstage when you pay 75 pounds to see them should be shot." (Specifically, he levied this criticism at Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, who does use backing tracks on tour, although accusations of lip synching were immediately denied by her management which is not the same as miming
Mime
The word mime is used to refer to a mime artist who uses a theatrical medium or performance art involving the acting out of a story through body motions without use of speech.Mime may also refer to:* Mime, an alternative word for lip sync...
. John later rescinded his claims of lip synching, although he continued to criticize her use of backing tracks.)
However, some musicians continue to defend the use of tracks. For instance, Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are an English electronic dance music duo, consisting of Neil Tennant, who provides main vocals, keyboards and occasional guitar, and Chris Lowe on keyboards....
state that "There's no sneaky secrecy about it" and that their electronically based music would sound "sloppy" if played live, a view that has been echoed by other electronic groups. More seriously, Roger Waters
Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
has admitted to using a pre-recorded vocal track to augment his live vocals on certain songs; his bandmember Norbert Stachel has agreed that it would be better for Waters to use the track than to lose his voice.
Examples
Various sorts of tracks can be used in performance. This list includes artists who use each practice as illustrations; each list is not, however, authoritative and provides only a few examples.- Playback of pre-recorded backing vocals to augment the live performance - as used by RihannaRihannaRobyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
, Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
, Danity KaneDanity KaneDanity Kane was an American female music group signed to Bad Boy Records, first established in 2005. Formed on the third installment of MTV's Making the Band reality television series, the quintet comprised members Aubrey O'Day, Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgett, Shannon Bex, Dawn Richard, and Aundrea...
, The Pussycat Dolls and others
- Playback of additional or selected lead vocals (e.g. to enhance the performance) - JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
(in 2006 only), MadonnaMadonna (entertainer)Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
(has ceased the practice), Roger WatersRoger WatersGeorge Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
- Lip synching - The Cheeky GirlsThe Cheeky GirlsThe Cheeky Girls are a pop duo consisting of twin sisters Gabriela and Monica Irimia, from Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, Romania, but based in Britain. After appearing as auditionees in Popstars: The Rivals, they achieved success in the charts with four top ten hits between 2002 and 2004...
, Milli VanilliMilli VanilliMilli Vanilli was a pop/dance music project formed by Frank Farian in Germany in 1988, visually fronted by Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. The group's debut album achieved international success and earned them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist on Feb. 21, 1990. Milli Vanilli became one of the most...
- Playback of additional musical parts such as keyboards - Kasabian, Keane, MadonnaMadonna (entertainer)Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, MuseMuse (band)Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...
, U2U2U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, "Weird Al" Yankovic"Weird Al" YankovicAlfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist. Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts...
(by way of video screen playback, mostly in FatFat (song)"Fat" is a song by "Weird Al" Yankovic. It is a parody of "Bad" by Michael Jackson. It is the second parody Yankovic did of a Jackson song, the first being "Eat It", a parody of Jackson's "Beat It"...
or White and Nerdy)
- Playback of large portions of the backing music - BucketheadBucketheadBrian Carroll , better known by his stage name Buckethead, is a guitarist and multi instrumentalist who has worked within several genres of music. He has released 34 studio albums, four special releases and one EP. He has performed on over 50 more albums by other artists...
, Ehron VonAllenEhron VonAllenEhron VonAllen is a dark style synth-pop act based in Dallas, Texas. Born Aaron Christopher Allen in 1980, VonAllen began music in a small town of 4,000 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas during the mid 1990s. Delving deep into the gothic scene, VonAllen tried to emulate his favorite music such as Depeche...
, Pet Shop BoysPet Shop BoysPet Shop Boys are an English electronic dance music duo, consisting of Neil Tennant, who provides main vocals, keyboards and occasional guitar, and Chris Lowe on keyboards....
, Thomas DolbyThomas DolbyThomas Dolby is an English musician and producer. Best known for his 1982 hit "She Blinded Me with Science", and 1984 single "Hyperactive!", he has also worked extensively in production and as a session musician.-Early life:Dolby was born in London, England, contrary to information in early 1980s...
, The WigglesThe WigglesThe Wiggles are a children's group formed in Sydney, Australia in 1991. Their original members were Anthony Field, Phillip Wilcher, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt. Wilcher left the group after their first album...
- Total playback of backing music - GirliciousGirliciousGirlicious is an American girl group originally formed by Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls, from the CW reality TV show Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious. The group was originally signed to Geffen Records and composed of members Natalie Mejia, Chrystina Sayers, Nichole Corvoda and...
, Morning MusumeMorning Musume, sometimes referred to as is a Japanese idol girl group, whose act generally revolves around singing and dancing to upbeat melodies. They are the lead group of Hello! Project, which is managed and produced by Tsunku, who composes nearly all the lyrics and melodies of their songs...
, The Pussycat Dolls, Village PeopleVillage PeopleVillage People is a concept disco group that formed in the United States in 1977, well known for their on-stage costumes depicting American cultural stereotypes, as well as their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics....
,