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Tag: rhythm
How to Create Variations in Hip-Hop Beats
Let’s explore some key points on how to create variations in hip-hop beats.
Basic Structure of Song Progression
- Intro
- Verse
- Pre-chorus
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Outro
Techniques for Creating Variations
1. Layering
Gradually add instruments:
- Start with drums, then add bass, synths, and samples in order
2. Dropouts
Temporarily remove specific instruments:
- For example, remove drums before the chorus and bring them back in during the chorus
3. Filter Effects
Use low-pass filters to change the brightness of the sound:
- Gradually open the filter during the pre-chorus
4. Rhythm Changes
Alter drum patterns:
- Use a simple pattern for verses and a more complex one for choruses
5. Utilizing Effects
Use reverb and delay to change spatial perception:
- Increase reverb during the bridge to create a sense of expansiveness
6. Using Samples
Introduce new samples to create variation:
- Add an impactful vocal sample during the chorus
Conclusion
By combining these techniques, you can create dynamic and interesting variations. The key is to use them appropriately according to the mood and intention of the song. It’s also important to make adjustments while listening carefully.
Choosing Drum Samples in Beatmaking: Comparing Drum Libraries, Vinyl Samples, and Drum Breaks
Selecting drum sounds is a crucial element in music production. Understanding the characteristics of each type can lead to more effective beat creation.
Drum Libraries (Drum Kits)
Advantages:
- Diversity: Obtain various types of drum sounds in one package
- Consistency: Sounds within the same kit are harmonious with each other
- Customizability: Ability to adjust each part individually
- Ease of use: Often integrated into DAWs, making operation simple
- Tuning: Usually pre-tuned and ready for immediate use
Disadvantages:
- Memory consumption: Large libraries can consume computer resources
- Excessive options: Too many choices may hinder creativity
- Lack of uniqueness: Many producers may use the same libraries
- Uniformity in tuning: Pre-tuned nature may require additional work to create unique tones
Vinyl Drum Samples
Advantages:
- Unique tones: Obtain analog-specific warmth and distortion
- Authentic atmosphere: Suitable for recreating older music genres
- Creative possibilities: Utilize techniques like sampling and chopping
- Tuning diversity: May include tuning from various eras and musical styles
Disadvantages:
- Limited sound quality: May lack clarity compared to digital recordings
- Difficulty in processing: Editing can be challenging depending on the original recording condition
- Copyright issues: Attention to rights is necessary when using
- Tuning uncertainty: Original recording’s tuning may be unclear or unstable
Drum Breaks
Advantages:
- Instant atmosphere: Ready-to-use rhythmic patterns with groove
- Historical value: Incorporate the appeal of famous songs by using their breaks
- Layering possibilities: Create unique sounds by combining with other elements
- Natural tuning: Expect natural tuning as they are taken from actual performances
Disadvantages:
- Lack of originality: Using as-is may result in a lack of uniqueness
- Legal risks: Using uncleared samples may cause issues
- Limited flexibility: Possibility of being constrained by existing patterns
- Fixed tuning: Changing the tuning of the original recording can be difficult
Summary
From a tuning perspective, drum libraries are generally easy to use and ready for immediate use, but may require additional work to achieve uniqueness.
Vinyl drum samples may include diverse tuning, but this can also lead to uncertainty.
Drum breaks can be expected to have natural tuning, but changing it might be challenging.
Understanding these characteristics and making appropriate choices or combinations based on the requirements of the music can lead to more effective and appealing beat creation.
Beats are Like Cake: Understanding Sound Design Through Layers of Frequency Bands
Today, we’ll explain music frequency bands by comparing them to layers of a cake. Welcome to the delicious world of music!
Foundation Layer: Low Frequency Range (20Hz – 250Hz)
The bottom layer of the cake is the low frequency range, which forms the foundation of music.
- Key players: Bass, kick drum
- Characteristics: Forms the basis of rhythm and harmony in music
- Caution: Maintain appropriate levels to avoid muddiness
This layer plays a crucial role in supporting the entire cake.
Middle Layer: Mid-Frequency Range (250Hz – 2kHz)
The middle layer of the cake is the mid-frequency range where the main elements of music gather.
- Key players: Vocals, guitar, piano, and other main instruments
- Characteristics: Core part of the music, center of melody and harmony
- Caution: Be careful not to overlap frequencies of different instruments
This layer determines the main flavor of the cake.
Top Layer: High Frequency Range (2kHz – 20kHz)
The top layer of the cake is the high frequency range that adds brilliance to the music.
- Key players: Cymbals, hi-hats, noise elements
- Characteristics: Adds clarity and air to the music
- Caution: Adjust moderately to avoid harshness
This layer adds vibrancy to the entire cake.
Using Filters: Adjusting the Layers
Like adjusting cake layers, use filters to adjust each frequency band.
- Low-pass filter: Cuts high frequencies (trims the top layer)
- High-pass filter: Cuts low frequencies (trims the bottom layer)
- Band-pass filter: Allows only specific frequency bands (keeps only specific layers)
Example with Rap and Chorus
Rap part:
- Apply low-pass filter to the sample: Cut the top layer, emphasize middle and bottom layers
- Effect: Highlights the rap vocals (mid-range)
Chorus part:
- Remove low-pass filter: Restore all layers
- Effect: Opens up the sound, becomes brighter
Conclusion
Music production is like making a cake by skillfully combining layers of frequency bands. By balancing each layer and adjusting with filters, you can create wonderful music that resonates with listeners. Be conscious of the balance between low, mid, and high frequencies, and aim for a mix that brings out the characteristics of each part. This will result in a delicious music cake that stays in the hearts of listeners! Why not become a patissier of frequency-conscious music production and create your own wonderful works?
The Allure of Ghost Kicks: The Hidden Star of Hip-Hop Beats
In the world of hip-hop beatmaking, there are various techniques, but today we’ll focus on a special method called “ghost kicks.” Ghost kicks are an important element that adds depth and complexity to beats. Let’s take a closer look at their meaning and how to use them.
What are Ghost Kicks?
Ghost kicks refer to additional kick drums placed between the main kick drums, with reduced volume. They are typically set at a lower volume than the main kicks and serve to add subtle movement and tension to the beat.
Effects of Ghost Kicks
- Enhances rhythmic complexity
- Increases the beat’s dynamism
- Adds musical depth
- Strengthens groove
How to Create Ghost Kicks
- Proper placement: Place ghost kicks between main kicks, typically on 16th or 32nd note timings.
- Volume adjustment: Generally, set the volume of ghost kicks to about 30-50% of the main kick.
- Sound selection: Use the same sound as the main kick or choose a lighter sound for different effects.
- EQ adjustment: Slightly reducing the low frequencies can help avoid interference with the main kick.
- Pattern experimentation: Try various placement patterns to find the groove that fits the song.
Points to Note
- Be careful not to overuse: Ghost kicks are most effective when used sparingly.
- Balance with main kicks: Be careful not to disrupt the overall mix balance.
- Genre-appropriate use: Remember that usage frequency varies depending on the sub-genre of hip-hop.
Ghost kicks are an excellent tool for elevating your beat-making skills to the next level. Keep practicing and create your own unique sound.
7 Ways to Improve Flat Drums in Hip-Hop Beatmaking
In hip-hop beatmaking, drums are a crucial element that can be considered the heart of the track. However, sometimes drums can sound flat, diminishing the overall appeal of the song. Here are seven methods to improve flat-sounding drums:
1. Check the Swing
Swing is an important element that adds a human feel and dynamism to the beat.
- Generally, 16th note swing is effective, but adjustment is necessary depending on the song’s style.
- You can use the swing function in your DAW or manually adjust note positions.
- Adding swing can soften the mechanical impression and create a more natural groove.
2. Reconsider the Sequence Itself
Rethinking how you construct drum patterns can often improve a flat impression.
- Avoid monotonous patterns and add variation.
- Add ghost notes and ornamental sounds to give depth to the rhythm.
- Layering different drum sounds can also effectively increase the thickness of the sound.
3. Check Volume Levels
If the balance of each drum sound is not appropriate, it can give an overall flat impression.
- Set appropriate volumes for main sounds like kicks and snares.
- Adjust decorative sounds like hi-hats and percussion so they don’t interfere with the main sounds.
- Varying velocity can create a more natural playing feel.
4. Review Sample Selection
- Use higher quality drum samples
- Try different drum kits or sample packs
5. Utilize EQ and Compression
- Use EQ to remove unnecessary frequencies and emphasize important ones
- Adjust attack and release with compression to shape the drums
- Use parallel compression to add punch
6. Saturation and Distortion
- Add moderate distortion to give thickness and warmth to the sound
- Use plugins like tape saturation
7. Add Reverb and Delay
- Use spatial effects to give depth to the drums
- Use as send effects and adjust the dry/wet balance
By keeping these seven methods in mind when adjusting drums, you can improve the flat impression and create hip-hop beats with more groove. It’s important to always listen carefully and make fine adjustments. Also, analyzing the drum sounds of tracks you want to reference and incorporating their techniques can be effective. Happy beatmaking!
Instrumental Hip Hop and Hip Hop Instrumentals: Two Similar Yet Different Genres
In the world of music production, there are genres that may seem similar at first glance but are actually quite different. Let’s explore the differences between ‘Instrumental Hip Hop,’ which I produce using Suno and Udio, and ‘Hip Hop Instrumentals,’ which I used to create manually.
Competing with the Instrumental Itself
Instrumental Hip Hop, as the name suggests, is music composed solely of instruments. Here, all elements such as melody, rhythm, and sound design are intended to capture the listener’s attention. On the other hand, Hip Hop Instrumentals often function as a foundation for rappers and don’t necessarily need to be complete on their own.
Securing Space for Rap
Hip Hop Instrumentals are created with the assumption that rap will be added, so space is consciously made for vocals. In contrast, Instrumental Hip Hop doesn’t require such consideration. Rather, it can fully utilize all frequency bands to create a rich soundscape.
Differences in Song Structure
In Instrumental Hip Hop, it’s possible to include a bridge to enrich the song’s development or arrange the chorus to be particularly impressive. On the other hand, Hip Hop Instrumentals often maintain a simple structure to match the flow of rap.
Use of Fade-in and Fade-out
In Instrumental Hip Hop, using fade-in and fade-out at the beginning and end of the song can create a smoother listening experience. In the case of Hip Hop Instrumentals, these techniques are rarely used as clear starts and ends are necessary to match the rapper’s performance.
Conclusion
I realized that Instrumental Hip Hop produced using Suno and Udio and Hip Hop Instrumentals created manually, while seemingly similar, are actually quite different.
Key Factors for Longevity as a Beatmaker
To have a long and successful career as a beatmaker, it’s certainly important to refine your music production skills, but there are also several other things you should prioritize.
1. Health Management
Long hours in the studio can take a toll on your body. Aim for moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet. If your health suffers, you won’t be able to focus on creating music.
Maintain a regular lifestyle rhythm
Beatmakers tend to work late nights, but maintaining a consistent rhythm is important for staying healthy. As much as possible, wake up and go to bed at set times to avoid disrupting your body clock.
Develop a moderate exercise routine
Long studio sessions make it easy to become sedentary. Make jogging, stretching or other exercises that suit you part of your daily routine. Moderate exercise can also help relieve stress and boost creativity.
Eat a balanced diet
Irregular meals and unbalanced nutrition can cause health issues. Be sure to eat three proper meals a day and proactively consume fruits and vegetables. Also be careful not to overdo it with caffeine and sugar.
2. Building Relationships
To survive in the music industry, good relationships are essential. Value your connections with artists, labels and other producers. Finding colleagues to collaborate with can lead to new opportunities.
Improve communication skills
To build positive relationships in the music industry, communication skills are a must. Practice listening closely and clearly expressing your own opinions. Utilizing social media to regularly connect with artists and other creators is also effective.
Establish trust
When working together, trust is of utmost importance. Always meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work to gain trust. If issues arise, aim to respond with sincerity.
Expand your network
To make it in the music business, a broad network is key. Actively participate in events and seminars to widen your interactions. Collaborating with other beatmakers can also open up exciting new possibilities.
3. Acquiring Business Skills
Talent alone won’t pay the bills. You need to develop business skills like contract negotiation, rights management, and marketing. It’s crucial to have your value properly recognized.
Contract negotiation ability
When taking on work as a beatmaker, thoroughly understand the contract details and protect your rights. Learn the terminology and master negotiation techniques. If needed, consulting a lawyer is an option.
Knowledge of rights management
Properly managing the rights to your compositions is an essential skill for a beatmaker. Study copyright law and keep track of how your music is being used.
Marketing skills
To get your creations out to a larger audience, marketing skills are necessary. Focus on sharing information via social media and engaging with fans. Establishing your brand image can also expand your work opportunities.
4. Expanding Sources of Inspiration
To consistently generate fresh ideas, it’s important to take an interest in areas beyond just music. Exposure to various genres like film, art, and literature can stimulate creativity.
Watching movies
Film soundtracks can be a major source of inspiration for beatmaking. Watch movies across different genres and learn techniques for using sound and expressing emotion.
Appreciating art
Music and art are closely intertwined. Visiting art museums or browsing art books may spark new ideas. Abstract art in particular can evoke musical imagery.
Reading
Reading novels and poetry collections can translate the rhythm and imagery of words into music. Gaining knowledge from non-fiction can also provide hints for composing.
5. Valuing Personal Life
Working non-stop will lead to burnout. Having a fulfilling personal life, including time with family and friends and pursuing hobbies, can positively influence your work. Be intentional about balancing on and off modes.
Time with family
No matter how busy work gets, cherish your time with family. Spending quality time with loved ones enriches your spirit and motivates you to create.
Socializing with friends
Spending time with friends outside of music-related topics is also essential for recharging. It’s important to take a break from your usual routine and refresh your mindset.
Time for hobbies
Engaging in hobbies outside of music can enhance your creativity. Make time to immerse yourself in activities you enjoy like sports, cooking, gardening, etc.
In conclusion
Being a beatmaker is not a career you can sustain on passion alone. While it’s of course crucial to pour yourself into music production, taking a balanced approach to other elements is the key to building a long and thriving career.
How Many People Can Continue with Beatmaking?
Many people start beatmaking, but few can continue it long-term. However, there are many benefits to continuing with beatmaking.
5 Benefits of Continuing with Beatmaking
Increased Access and Revenue
By continuously creating and publishing beats, the number of views gradually increases, expanding the chances for monetization. An increase in views indicates that your work is being recognized and appreciated by many people. This leads to more opportunities for selling beats and providing licenses, resulting in revenue generation. Moreover, an increase in views enhances your brand value, potentially becoming a larger revenue source in the future.
Developing Research Skills
Through continuing beatmaking, you develop the habit of constantly researching music trends and technical information. The music industry is always changing, with new genres and styles emerging. By understanding these trends and incorporating them into your work, you can create beats that are in line with the times. Additionally, by researching technical information related to beatmaking, you can acquire new techniques and tools, improving the quality of your work.
Improving Beatmaking Skills
Through continuous production, your beatmaking skills improve, enabling you to create higher quality works. Beatmaking requires a wide range of skills, including music theory, audio engineering, and creativity. These skills are honed through the process of actually creating works. By continuously producing, you can understand your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, by trying new techniques and tools, you can expand your range of expression and create more original works.
Networking Opportunities through Beatmaking
Through social media, you can connect with other beatmakers, exchange information, and build cooperative relationships. Beatmaking is a solitary task, but by connecting with other beatmakers, you can be inspired and receive advice. On social media, you can publish your work and receive feedback. Additionally, by listening to the works of other beatmakers, you can learn new ideas and techniques. Furthermore, through collaboration, you can create new works and improve each other’s skills.
Learning through Outputting
By publishing your created works, you can receive feedback, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and deepen your learning. Publishing your work is extremely important for your growth. Through feedback from listeners, you can learn the good points and areas for improvement in your work. Moreover, advice from other beatmakers provides opportunities to learn new perspectives and techniques. By accepting feedback and identifying areas for improvement, you can enhance the quality of your work. Furthermore, by continuously publishing your work, you can reflect on your growth process and realize the effects of learning.
8 Reasons Why Beatmaking Doesn’t Continue and How to Deal with Them
Not Setting Goals
It’s important to set clear goals and work towards achieving them in a planned manner. By setting goals, the direction of your beatmaking becomes clear, making it easier to maintain motivation. Set short-term and long-term goals, and plan the necessary actions to achieve each goal. It’s crucial to make goals specific and measurable. For example, setting a concrete goal like “create 5 beats in 1 month” makes it easier to track progress. Additionally, by breaking down the process of achieving the goal into smaller steps, you can make steady progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment.
Running Out of Ideas
Develop the habit of constantly exploring new sound sources and techniques to gain inspiration. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you struggle with running out of ideas. In such cases, you can gain inspiration by exploring new sound sources and techniques. Listening to music is an important method for gaining new ideas. Listen to music from various genres and try incorporating the inspiration you gain into your own works. Also, by referring to books and videos related to beatmaking, you can learn new techniques. Furthermore, by paying attention to various sounds in daily life, such as nature sounds and the bustle of the city, new ideas may be born.
Not Having Time for Beatmaking
Review your priorities and try to secure time for beatmaking. In daily life, it’s not easy to secure time for beatmaking. You may be caught up in work, studies, household chores, and find it difficult to make time. In such cases, review your priorities and try to secure time for beatmaking. First, review your daily schedule and look for time that can be allocated to beatmaking. For example, utilizing commute time or break time is one method. Also, by making beatmaking a habit, it becomes easier to naturally secure time. By conducting beatmaking at a set time every day, you can establish it as part of your life rhythm.
Comparing Yourself to Other Beatmakers
Focus on growing at your own pace and refrain from comparing yourself to others. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you listen to the works of other beatmakers and compare them to your own. Especially when compared to the works of experienced beatmakers, you may feel that your own works are inferior. However, being too caught up in comparisons with others can hinder your own growth. What’s important is growing at your own pace. While it’s important to learn from the works of others, use them only as a reference and cherish your own individuality. By leveraging your strengths and improving your weaknesses, you can steadily grow.
Not Generating Revenue
View monetization as a long-term goal and focus on improving the quality of your own works first. When you’ve just started beatmaking, there may be times when revenue doesn’t increase. However, it’s important to view monetization as a long-term goal and work on it without rushing. First, focus on improving the quality of your own works. By creating high-quality works, listener ratings will increase, gradually expanding opportunities for monetization. Also, it’s important to increase recognition through information dissemination on social media and collaborations with other beatmakers. By enhancing your brand value, you can lead to future monetization.
Low View Counts
Let’s increase recognition through information dissemination on social media and collaborations with other beatmakers. When you’ve just started beatmaking, view counts may be low. However, to increase view counts, active information dissemination is necessary. Utilize social media to publish your works and communicate with listeners. Also, by collaborating with other beatmakers, you can share each other’s listeners and increase recognition. Furthermore, by starting a blog or YouTube channel related to beatmaking, you can share your knowledge and experiences, deepening relationships with listeners. By continuing steady information dissemination, view counts will gradually increase.
Easily Giving Up
It’s important to make beatmaking a habit and establish it as part of your daily life. When you’ve just started beatmaking, there may be times when you feel like giving up. Especially when you don’t see the results you want, you may feel like easily quitting. However, by making beatmaking a habit and establishing it as part of your daily life, you can prevent giving up. By conducting beatmaking at a set time every day, you can naturally continue. Also, it’s important to set small goals and make progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, by connecting with other beatmakers, you can maintain motivation. By friendly rivalry, you can mutually improve each other.
Not Feeling Like Creating
Let’s devise ways to maintain motivation, such as creating an environment to gain inspiration and setting small goals. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you don’t feel like creating. In such cases, creating an environment to gain inspiration is important. By working in a place where you can concentrate, ideas can come more easily. Also, by listening to your favorite music or spending time in nature, new ideas may be born. Furthermore, by setting small goals, you can maintain motivation. For example, by setting a small goal like “create one drum pattern today,” you can make progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment. Also, by referring to the works of other beatmakers, you can gain new ideas. However, rather than copying the works of others, use them only as a reference.
3 Methods of Habituation to Solve “Not Continuing with Beatmaking”
Backward Planning
By working backward from the final goal and clarifying the path to achievement, it becomes easier to maintain motivation. Backward planning is a method of setting the final goal and then working backward to identify the necessary actions. First, let’s clarify the final goal you should aim for. For example, set a specific goal such as “achieve a monthly income of 100,000 yen from beatmaking in one year.” Next, work backward to identify the actions necessary to achieve that goal. To achieve a monthly income of 100,000 yen, consider how many works need to be produced and sold, and how much time needs to be secured for that. Identify specific actions. Furthermore, clarify the skills and knowledge necessary to execute those actions and make a plan to acquire them. By planning actions in this way, working backward from the final goal, the path to goal achievement becomes clear, making it easier to maintain motivation.
Habit Leverage
By incorporating new habits into existing habits, beatmaking can be easily incorporated into daily life. Habit leverage is a method of establishing new habits by utilizing existing habits. For example, if you have a habit of drinking coffee every morning, you can incorporate beatmaking into that habit. Make it a habit to do beatmaking for 30 minutes while drinking coffee. By incorporating new habits into existing habits, you can establish new habits without difficulty. Also, by associating existing habits with new habits, you can lower the hurdle for habituation. For example, if you have a habit of going to the gym, make it a habit to do beatmaking before or after going to the gym. In this way, by utilizing existing habits, you can easily incorporate new habits into your daily life.
Action Design Sheet
By concretely designing actions for goal achievement and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement, habituation can be promoted. The action design sheet is a method of concretely designing actions for goal achievement and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement. First, identify the actions necessary for goal achievement and prioritize them. Next, set triggers for executing those actions. Triggers are events or timings that serve as cues to start actions. For example, by setting a specific trigger such as “do beatmaking for 30 minutes after breakfast,” it becomes easier to start the action. Also, after executing the action, evaluate the results and identify areas for improvement. When evaluating, it’s important to utilize objective data. For example, by recording specific data such as “I did beatmaking for 3 days this week,” you can grasp the progress of habituation. Furthermore, by identifying areas for improvement and reflecting them in the next action, you can continue the cycle of habituation. In this way, by utilizing the action design sheet, you can concretely design actions for goal achievement and repeat the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement. This promotes habituation and brings you closer to achieving your goals.
By combining the above three methods, you can make beatmaking a habit and continue it consistently. By clarifying the path to goal achievement through backward planning, easily incorporating it into daily life through habit leverage, and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement through the action design sheet, you can continue beatmaking consistently. However, these methods are just examples, and it’s important to find a method that suits you. Let’s find a habituation method that works for us while repeating trial and error.
It’s recommended to continue beatmaking management for a long time
By continuing beatmaking long-term, you can enjoy many benefits such as skill improvement, monetization, and expansion of personal connections. To continue without giving up along the way, clear goal setting, habituation, and maintaining motivation are key.
Summary
Many people start beatmaking, but few continue it for a long time. However, there are many benefits to continuing beatmaking. To continue without giving up along the way, goal setting, habituation, and maintaining motivation are important. By utilizing methods such as backward planning, habit leverage, and action design sheets, and continuing beatmaking long-term, let’s realize skill improvement and monetization.
What Beginner Beatmakers Should Focus on First
Introduction
If you are new to beatmaking, you may be unsure where to start. This article will explain the key points that beginners should focus on when they first start making beats.
Decide on the musical direction and theme
First, it’s important to decide what genre of music you want to create and what theme you want to pursue in your work. This will help define the direction of your music production and make the process smoother.
Mindset to keep in mind when first publishing your beats
When publishing your beats, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:
Don’t worry about perfection
As a beginner, it’s crucial not to get too caught up in achieving perfection. In the beginning, it will be difficult to create works that match your ideal vision due to technical inexperience. However, if you become too concerned with perfection, you may never finish your work, which defeats the purpose. First, aim to complete your work in your own way.
Don’t worry about sound quality
While using high-quality sound sources is important, beginners don’t need to obsess over sound quality. You don’t need the latest equipment or software. What matters is creating music with the equipment and software you have available. As your skills improve, the sound quality will gradually improve as well.
Don’t worry about structure
The structure of a beat is an important element in captivating listeners, but beginners don’t need to be overly concerned with it. First, try creating works with your own structure. As you create more music, you will gradually understand the importance of structure.
Don’t worry too much about the quality of individual tracks
The quality of the individual tracks that make up a beat greatly affects the overall quality of the work. However, beginners don’t need to be overly concerned with the quality of each track. First, focus on creating tracks in your own way. As your skills improve, the quality of the tracks will gradually improve as well.
Don’t worry about view counts
As a beginner, you don’t need to be overly concerned with view counts. First, focus on creating your own works. As the quality of your work improves, the view counts will gradually increase. If you become too concerned with view counts, you may neglect the actual creation of your music, which defeats the purpose.
Don’t worry about SEO
SEO is an important factor in getting your work out to many people, but beginners don’t need to be overly concerned with it. First, focus on creating your own works. You can think about SEO once your work is mostly complete. If you become too concerned with SEO, you may neglect the actual creation of your music, which defeats the purpose.
As a beginner, instead of seeking perfection, focus on creating your own works first.
Two things to do after making a beat
After making a beat, do the following two things:
Listen to it “twice” after making it, using a different device or speakers.
After finishing a beat, it’s natural to check it with your own ears, but that alone is not enough. To objectively evaluate your work, make sure to listen to it at least twice.
Listen to it on a different device
By listening to your work on different equipment than the speakers or headphones you used for production, you may find that the impression of the work changes. By checking your work in the environments where listeners typically listen to music, such as smartphones or car audio systems, you can assess the completeness of your work.
Listen to it after some time has passed
Immediately after production, you may have a strong attachment to your work, making it difficult to evaluate objectively. By stepping away from the work and listening to it again after some time has passed, you may discover new insights or ideas.
Seek feedback
There may be areas for improvement that are difficult to notice on your own. By having trusted friends or mentors listen to your work and provide feedback, you can improve the quality of your work.
Start working on the next beat
After finishing a beat, start working on the next one.
To improve your skills
Your beatmaking skills will improve with each piece you create. In your next work, aim for even greater heights by utilizing the experience gained from your previous work.
To maintain motivation
To continue beatmaking, it’s important to maintain motivation. By starting the next work, you create a new goal and can maintain motivation.
To expand your ideas
In beatmaking, ideas are important. In your next work, try a different approach than before. By incorporating new ideas, you can expand your possibilities.
Objectively evaluating your work and applying it to your next creation is essential for improving your beatmaking skills. With each piece you create, you should be able to feel your own growth.
It’s important to objectively evaluate your own work and apply it to your next creation.
7 points to keep in mind as you become more experienced
As you become more familiar with beatmaking, keep the following 7 points in mind:
Specifically envision what kind of users will listen
When making beats, it’s important to specifically envision what kind of users will listen. Consider age group, gender, preferred genres, lifestyle, etc., and clarify the target listener profile. This allows you to create beats that suit the listeners’ preferences. For example, if targeting teenage girls, incorporating trendy pop and catchy beats may be effective. On the other hand, if targeting men in their 30s, more mature sounds like hip-hop or R&B might be preferred.
Be aware of listeners’ questions/problems and how to solve them
Aim to solve listeners’ questions or problems through your beats. For example, providing beats that match listeners’ needs, such as wanting to relax, feel energized, or increase concentration, will make your beats more beloved by many. To solve listeners’ questions or problems, you need to adjust elements like the beat’s tempo, tone, and atmosphere. You can cater to listeners’ needs by adjusting beat elements, such as using a slow tempo and acoustic tones to enhance relaxation, or uptempo and energetic beats to boost energy.
Create the beat structure
Considering the structure of the beat is important to avoid boring the listener. Create a structure with each part of the beat in mind, such as intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. Also, adding variation to the beat’s development can draw in the listener. It’s important to create a structure while considering the flow of the beat, such as building excitement in the hook, changing the rhythm in the break, and leaving an afterglow in the ending.
Come up with an interesting title
The title of the beat is an important element to attract listeners’ interest. Consider titles that not only express the beat’s atmosphere but also appeal to listeners’ emotions. For example, the title “Midnight Groove” evokes a moody late-night atmosphere. The title “Sunrise Melody” gives a positive and bright image, like the rising morning sun. By giving titles that stimulate listeners’ emotions, you can increase interest in the beat.
Be mindful of the beat’s catchiness
The catchiness of the beat is an important factor for staying in listeners’ memory. You can increase the catchiness of the beat by incorporating memorable melodies, rhythm patterns, hooks, etc. Simplicity is also important. Overly complex beats are harder to remember. Repeat simple and impressive phrases to increase the beat’s catchiness.
Consider monetization
Consider monetizing your beatmaking, not just as a hobby. There are various ways to monetize, such as selling beats, providing licenses, and producing. When considering monetization, be careful with copyright management. Manage sound sources appropriately by obtaining permission to use sampling materials, using copyright-free sound sources, or creating original sound sources.
Register your site with Google Analytics and Google Search Console
When creating a website to publish your beats, register it with Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Using these tools, you can analyze site views, traffic sources, search keywords, etc. Based on the analysis results, find areas for improvement on the site, implement SEO measures, and deliver your beats to more listeners. Also, understanding listener attributes and preferences can lead to creating beats that match your target audience.
By keeping these 7 points in mind when making beats, you can create beats that are loved by listeners. Standing in the listeners’ perspective and improving the quality of your beats will lead to your growth as a beatmaker.
By being mindful of these points, you can deliver your work to more listeners.
Summary
The first thing beginners should focus on in beatmaking is not seeking perfection. First, concentrate on creating works and gradually hone your skills. As you become more experienced, it’s important to create works with listeners in mind.
If you’re interested in beatmaking, definitely give it a try. It may feel difficult at first, but by steadily creating works, your skills will surely improve. The important thing is to start casually.
The New Era of Music Production: Music AI Fulfills Your Dreams
A revolution is happening in the world of music production, and it’s all thanks to the emergence of music AI. This groundbreaking technology supports artists in accurately expressing the music they want to create. In other words, music AI is a machine that can make your musical dreams come true.
What is Music AI?
Music AI is a system that utilizes artificial intelligence to assist in music production. It analyzes the musical ideas and images input by the artist and converts them into optimal musical elements. It can generate and edit every element that makes up music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre, in line with the artist’s intentions.
The Role of AI in Music Production
Music AI plays a role in expanding the creativity of artists. During the process of translating ideas into music, AI provides accurate suggestions, allowing artists to get closer to the music they want to express. Additionally, by utilizing functions like automatic arrangement by AI, the speed of composition can be increased.
The Possibilities of Music AI
Music AI greatly expands the possibilities of music production. For example, even artists with limitations in instrumental performance techniques can realize their ideal musical expression by utilizing AI. Moreover, through music analysis by AI, new musical ideas can be obtained. Music AI is truly a dream-like tool that infinitely expands the creativity of artists.
Your Imagination is the Key
Music AI is a tool that can make your musical dreams come true, but the most important thing is your own imagination. AI is ultimately a supporting role, and you are the main character in music production. You use the power of AI to embody your unique ideas and musical visions. In this process, your imagination holds the key to everything.
The Future of Music and AI
With the advent of music AI, the way music is produced is about to change significantly. A future where AI supports the creative activities of artists and produces new musical expressions is already unfolding right before our eyes. Utilizing music AI and pursuing one’s own music may be the shape of the music scene from now on.
Music AI is a reliable partner that can make artists’ dreams come true. By having this technology on your side and fully exercising your own imagination, your musical expression will reach unprecedented heights. Now, let’s use music AI to make your musical dreams a reality!