Process of Arrangement

So heres the deal, ive been searching the forums database for a while and found a few threads but nothing was definitive enough towards the kind of real info that ive been looking for hence the new thread....

I like many others have been making beats for quite a while, almost a decade now.
I started out creating beats in Reason 1.0 and sequentially moved up through the versions.
After version 3 I copped my first MPC - the MPC1000 which is what ive used for a span of about 2 yrs now.

I thought a thread describing each ones process in steps of how you go about your arrangements would be helpful since that seams to be the missing link in other threads to my knowledge about this topic...
Im hoping that by doing so it will help spark some interest in working in different directions to create an arrangement that I myself or anyone else alike may have not contemplated before.

So here is my "typical" process for creating beats on my 1000:

1. I start by digging in my records and finding a sample first. I sample it in and chop it up for later.
2. Once my programs ready i usually play with the samples till i like something that loops out fresh.
3. My sequence is usually 4-8 bars at the most.
4. As far as tempo that is almost 99.9% dictated by the samples usually by tapping out the tempo.
5. Once my main base layer of samples has a nice feel and is looping out properly I proceed to drop my drums.
6. I then usually add a couple other samples over the original if they compliment certain parts so that I can maintain interest throughout parts of the verse and the chorus.
7. I utilize the mute screen religiously in order to find alterations for taking things out and adding them back in.
8. I do all of this on (1) sequence and just keep adding different parts via new tracks and just mute certain parts to reveal others until Im happy with all parts and feel they're ready.
9. At this point i juggle though my mutes to start trying different variations that feel good before bothering to make new sequences.
10. Once Im ready with the parts in my head, i copy the 1 original sequence with all the parts numerous times and then start dissecting different parts to make intro, verse, bridge, and chorus sequences that can be converted into one large sequence in song mode.
11. After all sequences are are edited and ready I move to SONG mode and order out my sequences to my liking and Im almost done.
12. Once my large song sequence is converted out I listen back for parts i want to throw mutes in and then proceed to record sections of mutes at places of interest to add more dynamics to the song.

And thats pretty much it.

If any of you have a different approach such as longer initial sequences, different sequences for each part, playing drums differently, changing the order of executing the track in comparison to my own, or ways you prefer to add interest to your sequences Id love to hear them.

Thanks guys,
Mr. Brown

i do it the same way more or less. but i do more re-recording of tracks once i copy the original.

i dunno i guess i do it pretty much the same. although i try not to stick to any rules or guidelines. i'd kinda feel restricted.

Word. I dont try to stick to just one way either, however I generally tend to follow this pattern
I'm just trying to brainstorm on different approaches to making and arranging since I feel like my current way seems to work well but thats about it...it just gets the job done, im looking for something that will help make my tracks a little less static if you feel me?

I don't sample much. And if I do, the computer seems to be the likely choice in the matter. First of all, I like using different program setups for different music making situations. Drum sounds are laid out logically on the pads/banks for easy accessibility.

Then I setup my measure lengths, followed by tempo, then time resolutions/swing %, and finally the different tracks.

I start building/recording from whatever kit I'm using and that's pretty much it.

Yeah for sure, i suppose most peoples process' are the same.

much the same for me , although I usually just use one long sequence.
works better for the music I'm making - dance tracks with things pyramiding up and down rather than verse chorus verse chorus.

normally get the basics down on the mpc , then export the seq. as a midi file to cubase for serious editing and composing , then dump it back when it's finished to gig with

Great thread i love to hear peoples creative processes .....
1. I dig for samples (digitaly that is , since my turntable is down right now)
2. Chop a good junk in Audacity(multiple software i use to do this) Then create a Program for it
3. I usually start off 4-8 bars, my tempo most of it falls under the 70,80,90 .... It depends
4. Load the sample program in the mpc 2500 .. Then rechopped it , i usually make another program etc ..
5. Get a good vibe,loop out of it.
6. Add drums .........
7. Then from there skys the limit .....

Real talk, may be the best thread so far of 2008.

goobadrum wrote:much the same for me , although I usually just use one long sequence.
works better for the music I'm making

Here we go...
Even tho your using your MPC for a different genre, this is the kind of stuff I was hoping to see pop up in this thread.
See i wouldnt have thought of one long sequence since i live in a loop to loop mentality.
Now im curious to see what would come of basically jamming each track out for a span of say 16 bars for the whole verse instead of looping a 4-8 bar and making changes later on.
Nice man.

It's always nice to see folks on the verg of discovering their workflow ethics.