REQ: Soundfly Ian Chang : Warped Rhythms & Abstract Beats

It's easier than ever to make a beat these days — but how about one that surprises listeners, turns heads, and serves the music in just the right way? That's Ian Chang's specialty: writing and playing highly distinct drum parts and beats that push and pull the song in interesting and emotive ways. He's done it for his bands Son Lux and Landlady, for artists like Moses Sumney, CHVRCHES, and Matthew Dear, and in his own solo electronic music — and it's one reason he's one of the most sought-after drummers on the scene today.

So, how does Ian do it?

In his course, Ian explores the unique style of genre-defying playing and composing he's adopted over years of experimentation behind a drum kit. He'll guide you to improve your internal clock and explore polyrhythms, to write off-kilter drum parts and learn how to play them, and to expand your sonic palette. He'll load you up with exercises that will challenge and push you, and break down a few of his most intriguring rhythmic treatments.

Whether you're a drummer looking to improve your skills or a producer wanting to make more interesting beats, this course is all about upping your rhythmic game to unlock and harness the emotional power of rhythms and beats. Ready to get started?

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Ian Chang is a Hong Kong-born, U.S.-raised journeyman drummer/producer/composer. He makes forward-looking experimental electronic music using technology that allows him to control samples directly from his drum kit. He’s a full-time member of Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated band Son Lux, and has contributed live drums and recorded tracks to a wide range of artists, including Matthew Dear, Moses Sumney, Landlady, Body Language, Chvrches, Rubblebucket, Woodkid and Kazu Makino.

From age nine, Chang studied classical percussion and piano at Hong Kong's Academy for Performing Arts. In 2011, he was awarded a degree in jazz drumming by NYU. By 2017, he was playing drums-only live sets inspired by Sunhouse's Sensory Percussion technology, in turn leading to the release of his debut EP, Spiritual Leader. 2020 saw indie mainstay City Slang Records issue Belonging, a full-length realization of Chang's vision, which incorporated vocals from Kiah Victoria, Kazu Makino, and Hanna Benn.

COURSE OUTLINE

Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Improvising
Section 3: Expansive Practice
Section 4: Internalizing Rhythm
Section 5: Creating Off-Kilter Beats
Section 6: Expanding Sound
Section 7: Conclusion