Genx Notes

Year: 2024

  • What will the world of beatmaking look like after the advancement of AI?

    What will the world of beatmaking look like after the advancement of AI?

    As AI advances, the world of beatmaking is expected to undergo significant changes. Here are some potential transformations:

    AI-powered Automatic Beat Generation

    • AI will learn from vast amounts of beat data and become capable of automatically generating new beats
    • Producers will be able to create beats easily using AI, greatly improving production efficiency
    • By editing and arranging AI-generated beats, producers can create unique and distinctive beats

    Lowering the Entry Barrier for beatmaking

    • With AI-powered automatic beat generation, even those with limited musical knowledge or technical skills can start making beats
    • As more people enter the beatmaking scene, a more diverse music scene will emerge

    Intensified Competition Among Producers

    • As AI advances, the technical gap in beatmaking will narrow
    • Producers will be required to showcase their uniqueness and creativity, leading to increased competition
    • Effectively utilizing AI while valuing human sensibility will become crucial

    Emergence of New Music Genres

    • New beats generated by AI may inspire the birth of entirely new music genres
    • Innovative music will be created through collaborations between humans and AI

    While AI advancements will bring significant changes to the world of beatmaking, human creativity and sensibility will continue to play a vital role. The ability to create unique and captivating music while effectively leveraging AI will likely become an essential skill for producers in the future.

  • The Dangers of Distributing Free Music: Exploitation by Bad Actors

    The Dangers of Distributing Free Music: Exploitation by Bad Actors

    In recent years, distributing free music online has become increasingly common. For creators, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get their work out to a large audience. However, this distribution method comes with risks. If a bad actor appears, all the hard work put into the activity can be ruined.

    What is a Bad Actor?

    A bad actor is someone who misuses other people’s work or illegally copies and sells it for their own benefit. They exploit freely distributed music for their own profit.

    Damage Caused by Bad Actors

    1. Copyright Infringement: Bad actors may use free music for commercial purposes without permission or falsely claim it as their own work. This constitutes copyright infringement and can lead to legal issues.
    2. Loss of Revenue: If a bad actor illegally copies or sells free music, the revenue that should have gone to the creator is lost.
    3. Reputational Damage: A creator’s reputation may be harmed by the actions of bad actors. If information spreads about free music being exploited, trust in the creator may be lost.

    Countermeasures

    1. Clearly State Licenses: When distributing free music, clearly state the terms of use by specifying a license. This can help prevent misuse by bad actors.
    2. Monitor and Report: Monitor the activities of bad actors and promptly report any misuse discovered. Some platforms have violation reporting mechanisms in place.
    3. Community Power: Creators who distribute free music can work together and share information to counter bad actors.

    Distributing music for free has significant benefits for creators, but it also comes with risks. It’s important to recognize the existence of bad actors and take appropriate countermeasures. To create an environment where creators can distribute music with peace of mind, each and every one of us needs to raise awareness and take action.

  • [Beatmaker] When sending a stem file to a rapper, should I remove the effects applied to each track and the master track, or should I leave the effects on?

    [Beatmaker] When sending a stem file to a rapper, should I remove the effects applied to each track and the master track, or should I leave the effects on?

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    I’m a beatmaker. When sending a stem file to a rapper, should I remove the effects applied to each track and the master track, or should I leave the effects on?

    When sending stem files to a rapper as a beatmaker, here’s a general approach to handling effects on individual tracks and the master track:

    Effects on Individual Tracks

    • Generally, it’s recommended to keep the effects on individual tracks intact.
    • These effects are essential elements that make up the sound of your beat and showcase your production skills.
    • However, consider reducing or removing effects that might interfere with vocal recording, such as reverb or delay.

    Effects on the Master Track

    • It’s usually preferable to remove or minimize effects on the master track.
    • Since the mastering stage will involve applying effects again, there’s no need for master track effects at the stem file stage.
    • Discuss the handling of master track effects with the rapper through communication.

    Communication with the Rapper

    • When sending stem files, it’s advisable to discuss the treatment of effects on individual tracks and the master track with the rapper beforehand.
    • The rapper’s recording environment and mixing approach may influence how effects should be handled.
    • Respect each other’s opinions and collaborate to enhance the quality of the final product.

    In conclusion, it’s common practice to keep effects on individual tracks and remove or minimize effects on the master track. However, it’s crucial to be flexible and adapt based on communication with the rapper.

  • The Relationship Between Beatmaking Activities and Money

    The Relationship Between Beatmaking Activities and Money

    As a beatmaker, whether or not it’s necessary to engage in activities that don’t make money is a crucial question. At first glance, activities that don’t generate income may seem like a waste of time. However, when viewed from a long-term perspective, this may not always be the case.

    The Importance of Non-Income Generating Activities

    1. Skill Development
      To improve your beatmaking skills, daily practice is essential. Learning new techniques and engaging in experimental attempts may not immediately lead to money, but in the long run, it will increase your value as a beatmaker.
    2. Networking
      Interacting with other beatmakers and artists may not directly make you money, but it can lead to future collaborations and job opportunities. Building a network within the industry is crucial for long-term success.
    3. Enhancing Creativity
      Beatmaking is a creative activity. Even activities that don’t make money play an important role in generating new ideas and establishing your unique style.
    4. Building a Fan Base
      Engaging on social media and distributing free beats may not directly generate income, but it can help you build a fan base. In the future, this fan base may purchase your music or attend your live performances.

    Balancing Non-Income Generating Activities

    However, it’s not realistic to spend all your time on activities that don’t make money. You need money to live and to dedicate yourself to beatmaking. Therefore, it’s important to balance income-generating activities with non-income generating ones.

    1. Setting Priorities
      Prioritize activities that make money while also setting aside time for skill development and networking.
    2. Efficient Time Management
      By efficiently managing the time you spend on non-income generating activities, you can eliminate waste and allocate more time to income-generating activities.
    3. Long-Term Perspective
      Don’t forget that even activities that don’t make money in the short term may benefit your career in the long run.

    Conclusion

    To succeed as a beatmaker, it’s important to balance income-generating activities with non-income generating ones. Non-income generating activities also play a crucial role in skill development, networking, enhancing creativity, and building a fan base. By setting priorities and managing your time efficiently, you can aim for long-term success.

  • I’m a beatmaker. Please tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using different artist names.

    I’m a beatmaker. Please tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using different artist names.

    Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using multiple artist names as a beatmaker:

    Advantages

    1. Expressing diversity
      • By releasing works with different genres or musical styles under separate artist names, you can express diversity without confusing your audience.
    2. Risk diversification
      • Using multiple aliases can help spread the risk if a particular release is poorly received, compared to working under a single artist name.
    3. Collaboration opportunities
      • Using a different artist name may make it easier to collaborate with other artists in some cases.

    Disadvantages

    1. Dilution of popularity
      • Working under multiple artist names can dilute the popularity of each one, making it harder to build overall recognition.
    2. Management effort
      • Managing multiple artist names requires more effort, such as separate promotion and social media management for each one.
    3. Fan confusion
      • Some fans may not realize that the same person is behind multiple artist names, leading to confusion.

    Overall, the decision to use multiple artist names should consider factors such as differences in musical style, activity policy, and target audience. If you can express diversity under a single artist name, there may be no need to separate them. However, if you want to release works with clearly different concepts, using separate aliases can help convey a clearer message to your audience.

  • I’m a beatmaker. What should I do after making a beat?

    I’m a beatmaker. What should I do after making a beat?

    If you’ve created a beat, I recommend taking the following steps:

    Review and Refine the Beat

    • Listen to the beat multiple times and check for areas that need improvement
    • Carefully review the volume balance, sound quality, and structure
    • Make necessary adjustments and changes to enhance the overall quality

    Get Feedback

    • Ask trusted friends or musicians to listen and provide honest opinions
    • Share your beat in online beat-making communities to receive advice
    • Use the feedback to further refine and polish your beat

    Check Copyright and Obtain Clearance

    • If you’ve used sampled material, verify the copyright status
    • Obtain clearance from rights holders when necessary
    • Try to use original material to reduce the risk of copyright issues

    Promote and Sell Your Beat

    • Publish your beat on platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp
    • Use social media to promote your beat
    • Start selling your beat and explore monetization opportunities
    • Look for artists who might be interested in using your beat

    Prepare for Your Next Beat

    • Reflect on what you’ve learned during the creation process and apply it to your next beat
    • Challenge yourself with new techniques and genres to improve your skills
    • Continuously work on your creativity and strive to be a unique beatmaker

    Beatmaking requires continuous learning and effort. Stay persistent, pursue your own style, and you’ll be on the path to success. I’m rooting for you!

  • Why Beatmakers Lose Interest: When There’s No More Challenge

    Why Beatmakers Lose Interest: When There’s No More Challenge

    Beatmaking is a field within music production that demands a high level of creativity and technical skill. However, after years of creating beats, there may come a point where producers start to feel bored. The main reason for this is when there are no more challenges to tackle.

    1. Repetition of the Same Patterns

    In beatmaking, it’s important to establish your own style and genre. However, once you become accustomed to repeating the same patterns, the freshness is lost, and your passion for production begins to fade. The key to preventing boredom is to constantly incorporate new ideas and continue to push your limits.

    2. Stagnation in Technical Growth

    Beatmaking requires a wide range of technical skills, including sampling, synthesizer programming, and mixing. However, after reaching a certain level, if you don’t put in the effort to further your technical growth, the production process can become monotonous. Learning new techniques and tools can help maintain your motivation for production.

    3. Depletion of Creativity

    Beatmaking is a task that demands creativity. Producing new sounds and innovative arrangements is crucial to captivating listeners. However, after a long period of continuous production, ideas can run dry, and creativity can be lost. In such times, it’s effective to seek inspiration by listening to music from other genres or spending time in nature.

    4. Loss of Goals

    When you first started making beats, you likely had clear goals in mind. Perhaps you wanted your work to be heard by many people or to collaborate with famous artists. However, as time passes, it’s easy to lose sight of those goals. When you lose sight of your objectives, your motivation for production decreases, and you become more prone to boredom. It’s important to regularly review your goals and set new ones.

    5. Lack of Community Interaction

    Beatmaking is a solitary task, but connecting with like-minded individuals can help maintain your motivation. Participating in online communities and events and deepening relationships with other producers can provide new ideas and stimulation. When you feel bored with your solitary production activities, it’s recommended to actively engage with the community.

    Feeling bored with beatmaking may be an inevitable problem when producing for a long time. However, by constantly seeking new challenges, aiming for technical growth, stimulating creativity, having clear goals, and connecting with the community, you can overcome boredom and continue to enjoy beatmaking. The important thing is to never lose your passion. As long as you maintain your love for beatmaking, boredom is only temporary. Why not take on new challenges and dive into production today?

  • BandCamp VS BeatStars

    BandCamp VS BeatStars

    BandCamp and BeatStars are both platforms that allow artists to sell and distribute their music, but there are some differences between the two.

    BandCamp

    • Used by artists of various genres
    • Focuses on selling albums and individual tracks
    • Allows for the sale of physical media (CDs, vinyl, etc.)
    • Higher revenue share for artists (typically over 85%)
    • Robust features for communication with fans

    BeatStars

    • Specialized platform for beatmakers and producers
    • Primarily sells leases (temporary usage rights) and exclusives (exclusive usage rights)
    • Allows for custom license settings
    • More opportunities for collaborations with well-known artists
    • Strong marketplace functionality

    Overall, BandCamp is better suited for artists across various genres who want to sell their music directly, while BeatStars is more appropriate for beatmakers looking to sell their tracks and connect with other artists. The choice between the two depends on the artist’s goals and needs.

  • Beat doesn’t sell. Is it better to give up or keep trying?

    Beat doesn’t sell. Is it better to give up or keep trying?

    Whether to continue making beats or not depends on your passion and goals. Here are some pieces of advice to consider:

    Determining if You Should Give Up

    • Ask yourself if you still have a strong passion for beatmaking. If you genuinely enjoy creating music, it’s worth continuing.
    • If your only goal is to become popular, exploring other paths might be an option. However, you may want to continue making beats as a means of expressing your creativity.

    Finding Areas for Improvement

    • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your beats. Getting feedback from listeners can also be helpful.
    • Learning from other beatmakers can introduce you to new techniques and ideas.

    Improving Your Promotion Strategy

    • Actively promote your beats on social media and seek collaborations.
    • Consider revising your sales approach. Adjusting your pricing or changing the platforms you sell on might be worth trying.

    Persevering

    • Success takes time. Consistently putting in effort to gradually increase your listener base is necessary.
    • Continue creating music at your own pace without fear of failure.

    Ultimately, it’s important to cherish your passion for beatmaking while being flexible in your approach. Believe in your musical style and continue your activities with a positive attitude. I’m rooting for you!

  • Utilizing Sub-Brands as a Beatmaker

    Utilizing Sub-Brands as a Beatmaker

    Leveraging sub-brands allows artists to explore different musical identities while building a loyal fan base for each style. This strategy is particularly effective for beatmakers who are considering experimenting with new genres or projects. Here are some key points on how to effectively use sub-brands:

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