How to Make Beats

Analyzing the beat creation process.



Making the Beat #1 - The Big Payback

1. Choice of sounds
2. Layering drum samples
3. Inspiration behind the beat



Making the Beat #2 - This is Africa

1. Sampling
- The right tempo and feeling
- Make your drums & sample sound like they belong together
2. The inspiration


Making the Beat #3 - Build this Mountain

1. The power of cymbals
- Strong-arming with Crashes & Tutti’s
- Building the tension with crescendos
- Getting classy: Rides & Chimes
2. The 808 as an all-rounder


Making the Beat #4 - Kurt Rambis

1. Breaking the house down!
- Let the drums and bass lead
- Dynamics: breaks & silences
- Power effects: stutter edit
2. The inspiration


Making the Beat #5 - She can have it all (1)

1. Song structure
2. Listen
- Create a story
- Hooks, Hooks, Hooks!
- Variation
3. Natural reverb


Making the Beat #6 - She can have it all (2)

1. How to make your own sound
- Don’t imitate
- Experiment
- Evaluate
- Be patient