New Producer needing some pointers

Ok so check it, I have a mpc and Im stumbling over beat production. I can get a good drum loop/break going, i understand the machine well enough to move around it's features (im not a master on the machine yet). What i keep having issue's with is getting samples to fit

Should I cut the sample first, and mold the drum break around it or am I going down the correct path of doing the drum break 1st then trying to get the sample to fit it?

Edited due to speed typing error

Chicken or the egg situation.

If you feel happy making your beats first then why not? If you find a sample and decide to build around that, why not?

scoobylol i feel you, and the material from other producers i have read has been saying that they just pick up methods and tips from others and add their own flavor,

just been a little frustrated because i want my level of production at a point it isnt at currently, but i see where you are coming from

The most crucial thing about this that I've learned, and continue to learn is to be patient. This isn't a hobby to get into lightly. At times you will hate it, and at other times you'll listen to what you've made and realise how worthwhile it all is.

You will be experimenting one day and you'll discover something that gets you a step closer to the way you want your tunes to sound.

My advice is to always stick with it. Even if you have to take time away. Spend a day recording sounds around the house/in an unusual place. Write things down, draw diagrams, read as many articles from your favourite artists as possible. But never take what they say to be gospel. Fill your work area with inspirational imagery so that when you come to make your tunes you can really immerse yourself. It's escapism at its best!

Lastly don't forget there's endless ways to get to one result and in time you'll find one that works for you. There's no shortcuts, just a continual progression and an ever-evolving learning curve.

scoobylol wrote:The most crucial thing about this that I've learned, and continue to learn is to be patient.

Preach pastor!

since your already doing drums first why dont you build your sample around it, if it doesnt fit chop it down and detune it (my style) or time stretch it

i use to have the same problem i can think of acouple reasons why you may be experiencing this problem

1. Tempo- you have to make sure the tempo of the sample corolates with the tempo you chose on the mpc 1000. notice i said corolate meaning i have had slower tempo samples work with faster drum loops its all in the swing of your hand

2.sample cutting- it took me a good while to find a method i find precise in ensuring accurate chops when it comes to choping samples. once i found that method i found it way easier to make the sample fit with the tempo. most times i chope piece by peace i dont use auto chop much

if your gona lay drums first make sure the drums are in groove with the metronone . dont be afraid to use a lil time stretch here and there for your samples

i still dont get how people can build a sample around already played drums. to me thats like writing lyrics for a track that hasnt even been made yet...

so with that being said, i've ALWAYS started with either keys/samples/synth lines first and then build my percussion around those.

maybe when people feel like "freestyling" a beat, they'll start with drums first then just start playing shit over the drums, but i couldnt do that. i gotta have a plan (aka sample/keys/synth) laid out first then the drums/bass are added

Scoobylol I appreciate the tips and advice alot man! Patience is one thing I definitely lack at the moment, when it comes to music my impatience is due to the fact I want to put out soulful music especially with the instrumentals/beats because Im tired of hearing the notion that "Hip Hop Is Dead" when in actually it's not, these rappers who get mainstream exposure and is heralded as the face of the Hip Hop culture. Im tired of that ish, I listen to too many truly dope ass artist that are underground that keep the culture alive, and not to sound cliche but KRS-one breaks it down the best saying that the culture is broken up into different section and Emcee'n is it's voice.

so I will learn patience to excel, With the recording sounds and experimentation I will also take and try this. Currently I am writing down notes, and tips (lol just started yesterday) and throwing them into a notebook for future references and to help me be able to record new ideas and what not.

Filling my work area (My room) with inspirational imagery is something I should have thought of but didn't and that makes perfect since, lol all it is in my room now is white walls and a couple old pictures of me and the family. I again appreciate you taking time to help me out brother.

DPM I understand where you are coming from and thats one of the thoughts that was running through my mind as I contemplate beat production.

I do feel your pain with the fragmentation of music scenes that you hold dear to your heart. Just support the artists who support the music that you love. People who value financial gain over musical integrity lose their way quickly and it shows in their output.

I'm glad my rants/advice have been of use, if you ever need any more help feel free to ask.

ight kool man, Thanks again!

My main.. drums are prolly the fastest and most easy yo. Get a sample or synth or keys first. Then build around the tempo and rythim of that. Ya feel? Plus.. since your still new.. play with 140+ bpm... im at about 140-175. This is thA formula.. let me lace them boots up nephiew..

A= into.. 4 bar
B= intro/ chorus.. 4 bar
C= verse 1 ..16 bar
D= chorus2..8 bar
E= verse2..16 bar
F= chorus3..8 bar
G= verse3..16 bar
F= chorus4..8 bar
J= end of song..8 bar

Use this as a basic job duty. Build a.song dont make beats. Good luck son.
One...

ghostly good looking out!
Question, why you say play with 140+ bpm?

J Hill wrote:ghostly good looking out!
Question, why you say play with 140+ bpm?

the metro-gnome says pop-pop-pop-pop- instead of pop-----pop-----


it gives you more working room for high hat ticks and other things,,

ok, I was clueless as to why he choose that bpm over others. good looking out on the clarity