Aid Todd is the creative energy behind Drum Machine.
Now in their 10th year, Drum Machine have carved out their own genre.
A massively powerful and intelligent sound.
Grooves influenced by the western dance culture that Aid was a huge part of in the 90’s; drum & bass, techno, house, disco, jazz, R & B. The drums themselves are straight from Aid’s Samba Reggae history. He spent 10 years running one branch of Batala, a global Samba Reggae project with bands on every continent and travelling the world as the right hand man for Giba Conclaves, of Olodum fame and the founder and creative director of Batala World Wide.
A professional kit player and percussionist for over 30 years, as well as writer, leader and driving force of Drum Machine, Aid brings a wealth of experience to his workshops.
His workshops are exciting, informative, energetic and fun.
An all-day workshops cover the following,
Some time spent on tuning the drums. Crucially important and something that so often gets missed. Well tuned drums have a massive impact on the sound of your band.
An exploration of the pulse within western music. Aid helps you understand that your knowledge of the pulse and more specifically, 'the one', is already in built, he then uses that in built knowledge to help you explore interesting and funky rhythms and grooves. Within this framework, he teaches his technique on how to get bass notes in those hard to reach places, opening up lots of funky possibilities for your band. He also goes through the ‘roles’ of the notes used in your drumming journey. And teaches a rhythm that uses all that learning.
A groove called, Where’s the One?
The last part of the workshop is a funky drum n bass groove called Star Jump. A very powerful and uplifting piece, with lots of funky parts and breaks for all levels. All material is yours to use in your repertoire.
Currently booking workshops from June onwards.
At a cost of £350 (plus travel) for the whole day. Usually 6 hours, 11 till 5. Evenings also available.
Drums can be provided at an extra cost.
If you would like to book a workshop with Aid, or chat through any details then please get in touch here.
T: 07791 768222
There are some very exciting plans for Drum Machine’s evolution in the new year, as we explore the power of repetition and its effects on the communities we live in.
"Aid is a really professional and engaging workshop facilitator who has a natural talent in engaging with all ages and all abilities.
I would highly recommend him as a workshop facilitator."
Helen Ward. managing Director. Jack Drum Arts