Chinese iPad Band “Big Deal”

What This Video Shows

This is the official release from the Big Deal iPad Band. The song title “Play Go” comes from the Chinese phrase that can also be translated as “Go Play.” This Chinese music group took the concept of iPad music-making to a creative and entertaining level, performing complete songs using only iPads as their instruments.

When this video was first released, the iPad was still a relatively new device. Most people thought of it as a consumption gadget for reading and browsing. Big Deal flipped that assumption by turning iPads into legitimate musical instruments for live performance.

Quick Tips for Making Music on an iPad

If watching Big Deal inspires you to try making music on your own tablet, here are some practical starting points.

Start with GarageBand. It comes free with every Apple device and includes a surprisingly powerful set of instruments and recording tools. You can layer tracks, add effects, and produce complete songs without spending anything on additional apps.

Invest in a good music app. Beyond GarageBand, apps like Korg Gadget and various synthesizer apps offer deeper control and more professional sounds. Many cost just a few dollars.

Get a pair of decent headphones. If you are creating music, you need headphones that let you hear the full frequency range and subtle details of your sounds.

Consider a MIDI controller. Small portable MIDI keyboards can connect to your iPad via Bluetooth or USB-C. They give you a more tactile playing experience than the touchscreen alone.

Record and share. Do not wait until your music is perfect. Part of what made Big Deal compelling was the energy and fun they brought to their performances.

If you enjoy creative uses of technology, check out my video on the interesting displays at the Maker Faire or the history of computer storage for more examples of technology evolving in surprising directions. Happy music-making.