"In conversation with..." Groove Merchant and Groove Foundation

This week’s conversation is with two rock bands, Groove Foundation and Groove Merchant who have been producing monthly virtual performances since last summer.  Here we talk to the director of both bands Aidan Hampson, one of the vocal coaches Hannah Castleman, and some of players from both bands. 

Please take time to listen to some of the bands virtual performances which can be found on the events page of the Southampton Music Hub website - https://www.southamptonmusichub.org/events/

Both Groove bands have been producing monthly virtual performances.  Why did you decide to work towards regular virtual performances?
AH - We decided to see the lockdown and online rehearsals as a new challenge. How can we still make music together without being in the same room? We’ve all been really pleased with how the videos have turned out, but we’ve also been rehearsing new repertoire for when we can all get back together.

What have you enjoyed about working towards virtual performances?

Player A - It's good to see an output from all the rehearsing.

Player B - I have enjoyed releasing the music online for people to be able to watch and still enjoy the music we produce. As well as that, it is nice to still be able to participate in Groove Merchant even if we are unable to practice in person. 

What has impressed you most about the bands whilst they have been working online?
AH - The resilience of the musicians has been inspiring. There’s nothing quite like making music in the same room as each other, and when this was no longer possible the bands seamlessly moved into online rehearsals - it became the new normal very quickly and demonstrated their tenacity towards producing music whatever the odds.

HC - I have been really impressed by the students' dedication to learning the songs and their ability to work together even though they are working remotely. They communicate well and come up with clear and exciting ideas for harmonies. They respond well to the challenge of working on singing together, even though they won't be singing together until the video is edited! 

What have the challenges been running online rehearsals?
AH - Not being able to play at the same time without muting the students has been frustrating. With such small groups, there is a different type of relationship between the players as opposed to the larger ensembles. It has been challenging to keep that going, but I’m sure that the videos show that the students managed it brilliantly.

HC - It's really tricky working on things like harmonies, articulation and dynamics when it's not always clear over camera/microphone, or when students can't actually perform together in these situations. However, the students are really happy to try things out and have adapted well to working differently. I'm really looking forward to them being able to perform again - I think they will be so surprised to hear what they have achieved and how it really will translate very well into a live performance! 

Player C - Obviously we can’t actually run through our songs because of the delay so I’ve missed being able to feel the sound from the drums and other guitars and have that live music atmosphere 

In the absence of being able to meet in person, what have you enjoyed about online rehearsals?

Player C - I have enjoyed that we have been able to get through a lot more songs in a shorter period of time as we are now going towards much more challenging and fun songs for the band 

Player D - Being able to stay home and rehearse without travelling to the rehearsal room.

What have the challenges been producing regular virtual performances for the bands.
AH - This has been the first time that the students have had to work with click tracks so closely. They have also had to consider video angles and microphone placement. It’s been a steep learning curve but to watch the videos become as good as they are has made it all worthwhile!

What skills do you feel you have developed through online rehearsals?

Player A – I’ve practised guitar even more while in lockdowns as there are limited opportunities for going outside and it gives a focus away from school work.

Player E - Recording abilities

Player D - Vocalising your problems and explaining clearly any difficulties.