By Frank Lubsey
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.
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: One big difference between amateur tracks and professional tracks is that the pros typically layer sounds to make the resulting sound more unique, interesting, and impactful. This can occur in the drums by layering two complementary kick drum sounds with one another. It can also occur in any other part in the track. The end result is a fuller sounding mix with more impact.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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:
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 part of the Jam Sonic production squad. Please check out his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.