When you first start beatmaking, you make a new track, get excited when it really starts to come together, but then a few weeks later that excitement disappears when you haven't listened to that track in a while. You begin to compare it to songs on the radio and your track doesn't have the same punch, intensity, or that "professional" sound. However, what is the reason for this discrepancy?
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: Layering involves mixing two sounds together to create an end sound that is more unique, interesting, and dynamic. Any combination of sounds can be layered and we'll discuss some layering principles in a later article. However, as an example, drum sounds are often layered in hip-hop. Ever wonder why you can't find those huge drum sounds you hear on a record in any of those sample packs you buy? That's because those radio sounds are often combined drum sounds that make one huge sounding drum.
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: How about the transitions between each section? Are they smooth or does the chorus come in rather abruptly after the verse section. Does your track have complementary touches that highlight what a rapper is saying or give it a unique sounds? Aux sounds are the icing of the cake that show that a producer takes his craft and his beats seriously.
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 list is by no means exhaustive, but in later articles, I will add more elements that separate an amateur track from a pro track. Pay attention to the four core elements above and strive to get better each and every day. Soon, you will be producing tracks with that professional sound.
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: Layering involves mixing two sounds together to create an end sound that is more unique, interesting, and dynamic. Any combination of sounds can be layered and we'll discuss some layering principles in a later article. However, as an example, drum sounds are often layered in hip-hop. Ever wonder why you can't find those huge drum sounds you hear on a record in any of those sample packs you buy? That's because those radio sounds are often combined drum sounds that make one huge sounding drum.
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: How about the transitions between each section? Are they smooth or does the chorus come in rather abruptly after the verse section. Does your track have complementary touches that highlight what a rapper is saying or give it a unique sounds? Aux sounds are the icing of the cake that show that a producer takes his craft and his beats seriously.
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 list is by no means exhaustive, but in later articles, I will add more elements that separate an amateur track from a pro track. Pay attention to the four core elements above and strive to get better each and every day. Soon, you will be producing tracks with that professional sound.
About the Author:
Part of the Jam Sonic music team, Frank Lubsey produces instrumentals for artists, jingles for small companies, and music for tv/film. Please visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.
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