As a beginning beat maker, it is normal to go through cycles of excitement and then frustration. First, you make a track, then you are excited about it, and then you compare it to what you hear on the radio and realize it doesn't have that gloss of professionalism that tracks on the radio do. What is the reason for this
Today, we are going to discuss concepts that are critical to making your track compete with the professionals. By learning and applying these concepts into your beats, your beats will immediately starting sounding more professional. However, remember that beat making is an art form and a discipline, and like any art form, it takes practice and many hours to get good at it. Keep in mind that many of the songs you hear on the radio were produced by people who have spent years working on their craft. Don't be discouraged and remember that through hard work and practice, your tracks will soon be able to stand up to the pros as well.
1. Layering: Layering is simply combining two sounds to together to make a combined sound that is more interesting, unique, and complex. We will cover the art of layering later on, but almost any part can be layered. A low bass sound can have a hi-frequency sound sit on top of it. A low bass-frequency kick sound can have a higher-frequency hollow kick sound sit on top of it. No matter what two parts are layered, the aim is to have a resulting sound that is more pleasing to the listener's ear.
2. The Arrangement: Is your track a loop or is it a full-fledged song with an intro, verse, and a chorus? Is the listener anticipating when the drums or bass comes in? A good arrangement easily distinguishes an amateur from a professional. Take the time to properly arrange your track and you will instantly elevate your track.
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Do your frequncies compete against one another or do they complement each other to make a full-sounding mix. A good mix can really highlight a great beat while a poor one can really kill it. Be sure to mix your tracks properly of have someone do it for you. You don't have to have the latest plug-ins to make an effective mix, but you should at least study up on frequencies and basic effects such as delay and reverb to have the knowledge to make a basic good sounding mix.
This is not a complete list, but it is a good start to getting your mixes to sound more professional. By incorporating the elements above, you can be well on your way to having an excellent sounding track.
Today, we are going to discuss concepts that are critical to making your track compete with the professionals. By learning and applying these concepts into your beats, your beats will immediately starting sounding more professional. However, remember that beat making is an art form and a discipline, and like any art form, it takes practice and many hours to get good at it. Keep in mind that many of the songs you hear on the radio were produced by people who have spent years working on their craft. Don't be discouraged and remember that through hard work and practice, your tracks will soon be able to stand up to the pros as well.
1. Layering: Layering is simply combining two sounds to together to make a combined sound that is more interesting, unique, and complex. We will cover the art of layering later on, but almost any part can be layered. A low bass sound can have a hi-frequency sound sit on top of it. A low bass-frequency kick sound can have a higher-frequency hollow kick sound sit on top of it. No matter what two parts are layered, the aim is to have a resulting sound that is more pleasing to the listener's ear.
2. The Arrangement: Is your track a loop or is it a full-fledged song with an intro, verse, and a chorus? Is the listener anticipating when the drums or bass comes in? A good arrangement easily distinguishes an amateur from a professional. Take the time to properly arrange your track and you will instantly elevate your track.
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Do your frequncies compete against one another or do they complement each other to make a full-sounding mix. A good mix can really highlight a great beat while a poor one can really kill it. Be sure to mix your tracks properly of have someone do it for you. You don't have to have the latest plug-ins to make an effective mix, but you should at least study up on frequencies and basic effects such as delay and reverb to have the knowledge to make a basic good sounding mix.
This is not a complete list, but it is a good start to getting your mixes to sound more professional. By incorporating the elements above, you can be well on your way to having an excellent sounding track.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a founding member of the Jam Sonic production team. Please visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.
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