I think sampling is very important in producing music. I mean it’s how it all started, without it we might not have hip-hop/rap. A lot of the great producers we know now started out sampling and most of them still do.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

I see new producers making a big mistake when they want to start selling their beats right away. They don’t take the time to hone their craft anymore. They put out wack beats and hope that someone buys it. And it really is hurting the game.

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

The software that I recommend is FL Studio 10. I recommend it because I think it is the easiest to learn, and it’s pretty cheap compared to other programs. I’ve tried Reason and Cubase and Abelton but I always found that everything was easier in FL. I currently use FL 10 with a cheap yamaha midi keyboard and a bunch of vsts, and a lot of different drum sounds. And for my mixing I mainly just use the stock plugins.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

I think every aspiring producer should start learning how to mix. They should all go to futureproducers.com and go to the Recording&Mixing/Mastering section and just read and take notes. After they read, they should read some more. Try to learn as much as possible. They should learn about EQ, and Compression, and Reverb. After they learn some new things than they can incorporate that into their own beats. Im not saying I’m the greatest mixer but I’m always learning.

5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

The first step is layering. You have to layer your sounds to make the beat sound full. I always see people asking that question on forums. And it’s always the same answer. The second step is sound selection. You have to pick sounds that sound good together. A lot of people just pick random sounds and think that they will get it to sound good when they mix the beat, but it doesn’t work like that. The third step is mixing. But if you have done the other two steps correctly than you won’t have much to do in the mixing process.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

I think the difference between a famous producer and all the other producers is that they grind harder. I see them posting on twitter and they are always in the studio working with someone. Thats all it is, they just grind harder than everyone else. And I’m not saying that every major producer is doing that, but nowadays they have to always be working to get money.

7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

I think software, just because it is easier. I started with software and I haven’t used anything else. But I would like to get a piece of hardware one day just to try it out.

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?

I pretty much answered this in question 5 so I don’t want to repeat myself. A quality beat comes from layering your sounds, sound selection, and than the mixing process. The beat should sound full and that will come from layering your sounds. Only the producer really knows when the beat is done, if they feel that they want to add another sound and it will sound good than they should add it.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music? 

Right now I don’t think you need to go to school to learn about music. I think that there is so much information on the web that you can learn everything you need to know at home. But you just have to apply what your learning on the web. I think that the only thing school is good for is networking.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

I know they’ve all probably heard this before but practice, practice, practice. That is the only way you are going to get better. It’s not going to magically happen. So just practice.

I don’t have a website link yet cause it’s still under construction but if people want to contact me you can put down thisisjeremyvoccia@gmail.com

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

Sampling records was the earliest production tendency and the nuances and [beloved] artifacts of the sound design have been indelibly imprinted in our minds as the sound of authentic hip hop. Every producer as some point has tried to fake it by adding sounds like turntable hum, scratches, pops and even noise to emulate a vinyl source. The lo-fi aspect is emulated with bit-reduction and some producers buy vintage samplers to capture the character of our earliest rap records. Even when beat makers are looking for drum kits and commercial samples to incorporate, the packages listed as being dirty, crusty and dusty remain the most popular.

Sampling even impacts the arrangement of our music. The huge change-ups and number of musical elements that are linked together are a throw-back to producers manipulating samples that were composed of multiple instruments playing on top of each other. Very few producers have been cable to capture that style of arrangement once they play or perform all of the instrumentation themselves.

So in conclusion, sampling as a sound is the most important aspect of rap and hip hop music. This still holds true long after traditional sampling has all but been eliminated by the modern producer.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

Thinking selling beatz is the shortcut to being a producer. They wrongfully believe they will sell a beat to a well-known rapper and once they have that one major placement; they will become the next super-producer. Being a true producer is what happens around, on top of and after the beat. There is no shortcut for this. You start the journey by producing the records of whoever you can and you certainly do not want to put off your growth by waiting. Take your career in your own hands and start making it happen for yourself now.

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

None of that matters to me. I’ll use anything. Usually, I get stuff to review for the magazine or at least to be familiar with to remain current and use that. I think cats should choose their tools by the amount of inspiration they feel using it. If it feels right to you, you are more likely to dive deeper and master your toolset.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

I would suggest they avoid the trap of doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. I see the advice ‘practice makes perfect’ and beatmakers think they will magically get better by simply making more beats. The learning process comes from experimenting and studying the different aspects of production, and not just from repetition.

5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

1. Choosing to make beats that you like and not beats that ‘should be liked’ by others. This is really related to number 2.

2. Making sure it works in whatever context you are making the beat for. Bangerz should bang in the club. Battle beats should inspire freestyle verses. It seems simple, but many producers focus on adding signature elements and not sculpting the overall vibe.

3. Adding that final 10% that turns a beat into the instrumental for a record. That’s pretty much the part producers never show you because it’s the workings of their inner ear. Anyone will show you the building of the foundation. No one shows you the roof being put on.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to make it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t?

Being famous is a matter of your hard work running into luck and chance. Everyone will have their turn, but for most, it won’t happen until you are ready for it. If your opportunity arrives before you are ready, you will miss out and probably never know what you could have accomplished.

7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

Doesn’t matter. I usually advise producers to physically imagine HOW they want to work and go in that direction. Either approach or a mix of both will get it done so why choose?

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when you’re done?

A quality beat sounds right for an artist to use. Lots of beat makers have beats that sound great, interesting, original and impressive. What’s hard to find among a huge catalogue of beats are usable tracks.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?

School is about creating an artificial environment that fosters learning. At best, it gives you real world experience. At worst, it gives a false sense of entitlement. The paper is a statement about your dedication and commitment. If you understand that most courses only provide you with the material and it’s up to grab your own education, you’ll be fine.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Start producing today. Live the music, not the stuff that happens in-between the beats. Focus on the stuff that counts, which is the end user’s reaction to your art. I see too many beat makers overly focused on the opinions and thoughts of other producers. Rappers and those concerned with making records need to be the most important people in your mind. Thanks for the time.

Find me at: http://producersedge.wordpress.com/

Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

I personally think sampling is very important in music production. It’s what gives people new sounds to work with doesn’t matter what genre you’re in sampling is a must.

Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

The biggest mistake I see from new producers even intermediate producers is sound selection. Everyone is so eager to get through a track they end up neglecting sound selection. Picking the right sounds can make or break a track it can also make a track sound 10x better than it once did

What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

I personally recommend Reason because it’s an all in one solution. It literally has every tool you need to make beats from start to finish and again that’s for any genre. I use Reason for the most part it is my go too tool for music production as well as sound designing

To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

The say best advice I can give is bite everyone regardless of who frowns upon you. This is the best way to learn and get techniques down and under your finger nails and with the way production game is now. Companies are willing to pay for producers who can mimic what they can’t afford. Prime example, client likes so called producer X but that guy charges $30k he’s not going to pay that if you can find a good alternative who only charges $4k. See where I’m getting at?

What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

The 3 most important steps to creating beats (IMO) are

Sound selection – Sound placement – Frequency analyzation

I say this because even if the track is basic if those 3 elements are taking care of the track is going to shine over a track that isn’t focused around those 3 factors

Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

The difference between famous producers and producers who are not famous is lime light. That’s really it. I know producers who make 6 figures a year and they’ve never been featured in a magazine,never been on an award show or anything like the. They simply work get paid and go on about their lives with their family. All the glitter and lime light just isn’t important to them and most of them are paid residual income for their production.

There are a lot of ghost producers out there pulling in big cash making more money than (enter super producers name here). The producers who do enter the lime light and be known as celeb producers simply get as much face time and make as many relationships in the field as possible and they also look to get press.

Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

Honestly I don’t have a preference when it comes to this. I do feel software would be more affordable but other than that I don’t have a preference at all.

What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?

I feel the over all quality sound is what makes a beat professional. It has to be sound good. I know when I’m done with a beat when I’ve successfully laid out what I have in my head into reason

Should I go to school to learn more about music?

Of course never kick knowledge to the curb. If you’re going to go to school go to an actual school not Berklee online I feel that place is just… Stay away from it, just isn’t worth it

Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Whatever you do stick to it and find a work flow that works good for you not a work flow that works for someone else because at the end of the day you are the one that is doing the work not them

Kanye was very inspiring to me when i first started. All i wanted to make was soul beats. I still love those type tracks but slowly have started branching out into other genres.

I have always listened to a very broad spectrum of music but have always loved hard. mean sounding music. Today i mostly listen and focus on making hard trap style beats similar to Zaytoven, Shawty Redd, Drumma boy. I like to mix unconventional sounds into trap beats like saxophones and guitars.

Over the years i have become, in my opinion very knowledgeable on the software side of producing and lately really enjoy problem solving and helping out others.

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

Well, sampling is important, but not a necessity. It is good to try your hand at all types of styles when starting out, find out what you are good at and focus on that. In my opinion sampling is best suited for the more creative type people and composing is geared more towards the technical/musically inclined people. Creativity and musical skill are two totally separate aspects of music making in my opinion, but people can be great at both.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

One thing is see allot is new producers tarnishing there online reputation from the get go by acting a fool. Personal relationships are a big part of succeeding in the game and if artists think you will be difficult to work with, it is not hard for them to find somebody else. On the musical side of things, i hear allot of new producers using just low quality bad sounds. Searching for good sounds and being able to recognize good/bad sounds is important.

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

Everybodys work flow is different so i cant really recommend a certain software. When it comes down to it now days all the main software programs are capable of doing the same things, it just depends on how you feel comfortable working. I use FL Studio and i feel like it is limitless in what it can do and the interface is so intuitive that to me it is fun working in it. I can’t say the same for Cubase, which i have worked with allot and i absolutely hate, but some people love Cubase. It’s all about personal preference. I would recommend getting your hands on the demo versions of various programs and seeing which one you like the best.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

Listen to more music, all types. Once you start making music, the way you listen to music will change. Go back and listen to all your favorite music and try to figure out how they did certain things, and what gives the song the overall feel, what are the key sounds or movement in it that makes the song classify as a certain genre? Choose a certain genre of music and try to make a song in that style. One of the hardest things to do when starting out in my opinion, is making a track that sticks strictly to one style/genre, but it will help you learn allot. Another thing i recommend is reading books and websites and watching online videos. One thing that helped me ALOT is the Youtube show called “Pensados Place” it has tons of great mixing and engineering tips, also the website FutureProducers.com

5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

1. Learning your software/hardware. The more you know about your gear, the more freedom you have to get creative with it. Once you get completely comfortable within your work area, the more you can focus on just making the music.

2. Sound choice. You can have a very well constructed song but the actual sounds within the song is usually what draws the listener in and is what makes them love or hate the song.

3. Mixing. When you are starting out it’s important to know how sounds fit together and a good mix can really make your tracks stand out and catch peoples attention.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

Networking and relationships is probably the most important thing for getting your tracks heard by the right people. There are so many aspiring producers out there that even if your music is truly great there is a good chance the right people will never hear it. Professionalism is another thing that separates the ones that make it and the ones that don’t. Knowing the business side of things is important if you want to take that next step.

7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

I started out strictly making music with software. The first time i stepped in a studio full of hardware i felt like i almost had to start over with the learning process. Having musical knowledge, creativity, knowing the terms, etc. will help you very little when you are expected to hook up gear, deal with hardware interfaces, and get things up and running for the artist. I think it is important to get familiar with both worlds so you can take advantage of the most opportunities you have to work as a producer.

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?

I recommend comparing your tracks to classic songs that you love. When it comes down to it there is no rules to how it should sound but obviously you don’t want the listener to notice your track standing out negatively compared to other other tracks they have heard recently. Knowing when you’re done is actually a very hard thing for me. When i think a track is done i will reference it on different stereos/speakers and see if that tells me that it needs anything, then go back to mixing on my monitors.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?

I think an audio school can streamline the learning process and make it quicker, but i don’t think it is totally necessary. I have heard schooling makes it easier to learn on your own after the schooling because you will have learned all the terms and technical info already so you know what people are talking about when you are reading/talking/watching info on audio production. Sometimes when you are starting out, it is hard to soak up information from these things because you simply don’t know the technical terms they are talking about, so i think schooling can provide a good basis for that.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Just have fun, if making music is not fun for you, a career as a producer will be hard. If you feel like you are having fun making music, it will never seem like work.

We would like to thank DirtyThirdBeats for taking the time to out for this interview.

DirtyThirdBeats@gmail.com
Twitter: @DirtyThirdBeats
Website: www.Soundclick.com/DirtyThirdBeats

My producer name is Fortified Soul and I am a beat maker based out of Washington D.C. and New Orleans. I have been making beats for about 4 years, but started playing drums when I was about 12. I am a sample-based producer. I try to create in my own style, but I have been heavily influenced by Kanye West, DJ Premier, Dilla, Nottz, and Swizz Beats. I would not say I am an expert in producing, but that I am on the road to becoming a truly great beat maker. In the upcoming year, I hope to get a couple placements and really advance my knowledge of recording and mixing. You can check out some of my beats at fortifiedsoul.bandcamp.com and follow me on twitter @FortifiedSoul or email me at fortifiedsoul@gmail.com

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

For me, sampling is everything. Hip-hop music is based in sampling, and I aim to keep the tradition alive. Sampled beats are the beats that tend to move me most, so it’s what I do. If you feel more suited to make “keyboard” beats, then do that. If you want to sample, sample. People will talk about how you shouldn’t sample because of the business and legal aspects. Music is about creativity at the end of the day and not business, so do what moves you, and not what people tell you to do.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

Starting out, I see beat makers wanting to learn everything all at once. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. Like anything else, becoming a great beat maker takes practice and hard work. I was/still am guilty of it.

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

I use the Native Instruments Maschine and I highly recommend it. I started playing drums, so being able to bang on pads was extremely important to me. I also used FruityLoops as my first DAW, so I really also wanted the versatility that software provides. The Maschine is the best of both worlds. I recommend trying out as many DAWs/drum machines as possible until you find what works for you. Remember, a DAW/beat machine should be a tool to help you create, rather than an obstacle.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

Read as much as you can. Read blogs, read forums, watch Youtube videos, read the manuals to your gear, read up on gear before buying it. Last, but not least, practice. A lot.

 5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

1. Practice. You wont get good unless you practice. I finally feel like I’ve hit my stride after 4 years.

2. Drums. I don’t think a beat is good unless the drums knock. Make sure the drums match with the sample or pattern.

3. Patience. It will come if you keep at it. Don’t be discouraged about not being great the second you start. Keep working and ask for feedback. Eventually, it will click.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

Beat makers are undervalued, in my opinion. Also, I feel that the days of the super producer are over. Music has lost a lot of value and rappers don’t feel that they need to pay as much for beats anymore. I just don’t think that there will be many world famous producers anymore. That being said, there is still money to be made as a beat maker.

 7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

Software would probably be better because it is more versatile. I would recommend starting by learning your way around a software and then adding hardware pieces as you see fit.

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?

Drums and the sample chops make a great beat. If your head is nodding, it’s a good beat. That is my only criteria for evaluating beats. I try to lay out full arrangements and then export the song. Once I export the song, I don’t go back and change things unless something is really bothering me, or the artist requests something.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?

I don’t think school is necessary. It is a huge investment and the money saved can be spent on gear. Just read up and practice. It will take a long time to get good at making music, but I feel that school is not necessary.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Have fun. At the end of the day, if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. I love reading about gear. I love reading forums. I love listening for samples. I love making beats. I love staying up late in my room knocking out the beat until the morning when its done.

Making beats and producing is not for everyone and to get good takes time and commitment, but it should always be something you enjoy doing. Lastly, respect and understand the history of hip hop.

My style of music is very musical and melodic. I’m a big R & B producer so that’s my thing. I love using big chords in my music and really put a lot of time into my melodies. There aren’t really any famous producers I resemble or sound like but I’d say its like The Underdogs, Bilal & Battlecat rolled into one with a lot of jazz and funk influences in my music.

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

As far as sampling goes, knowing how to sample is important, but im not really into it as far as my process, because it just slows me down. Having to search for the right sample, chopping it up, things of that nature… I would prefer to replay it because it just speeds things up and it helps you understand different genres the way they’re composed and built from the ground up. Also clearing the samples is just a headache sometimes, its just too many outside elements that mess with the music making.

Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

The biggest mistake I see producers is copying each other. Making the same beats, with the same graphic design, mixing the same way. Not everybody can be Johnny Juliano, there’s only one and hes great at what he does, producers need to just leave it alone. There’s only one Vybe and that’s just on the independent scene. Staying true to yourself and making your own sound should always be the goal, and just stepping out of the box to keep shit fresh.

 3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

I cant really choose one software over another, I think they all have their pros and cons. Me personally I use Propellerheads Reason 6, and its really the software I feel most comfortable with, but I’ve used Logic Pro, FL Studio, so its really up to what a producer feels most comfortable with. Only reason why I would suggest Reason or Logic over FL is because the sounds that come with those two program are ready to go, compared to FL in which the stock sounds aren’t as good.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

My advice to any aspiring producer is to learn the business, and set goals for yourself. Always have a vision for what you’re trying to do because its easy to get wrapped up in things that don’t matter. Just staying focused and staying positive on what you want to accomplish with your music and what you’re trying to do.

 5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

Sound choice, melody, and most important groove… if you don’t feel that groove in a beat, you might as well scrap it. And by Groove I don’t necessarily mean swing, I just mean how well things fit together, keeping everything flowing and moving so your beat doesn’t sound like loops being pieced together.

 6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

I think what makes one producer make it compared to ones who don’t is sacrifice, most producers I know that have “made it” do nothing but music, music is all they know. A lot of producers that are on the come up have part time jobs, go to school, have other responsibilities, which is fine you have to take care of the things that matter most, but at the end of the day you’re competing with producers who spend 20 hours a day working on music and that’s being generous. So I think it really comes down to dedication to making music.

 7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

I think software is probably the best thing to way to go for new producers the way technology is moving and making music production so streamlined. I’ve been software based most of my production career, but there are a couple hardware pieces that I want to get my hands on but for now I think I’m good with software and I’m sure some others would agree.

 8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?

A quality beat is when all the different parts are synchronized, Drums are hitting, sound choice is good, chord progressions are strong & melody is strong and catchy. There’s no real time or certain event that lets you know when a beat is done, but my best advice is to just keep things simple, overloading a beat with a bunch of tracks is the worst thing you can do and it was something that I’m still trying to get better at to this day. Less is always more.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music? 

As a person who is going to school for music. No you shouldn’t go to school to learn more about music, to learn about the business I think it’s a good idea to take a couple courses if you can to learn about how royalties work, how copyright law works but to actually go to a specific college or area to learn about how to be a better musician I don’t feel is necessary.

 10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Pretty much just stay true to your vision and work at your craft!

Drewsthatdude.bandcamp.com
www.twitter.com/Drewsthatdude

Sampling

A collage consisting of different parts and elements combined together to create an image. Sampling is that but musically. Sampling is said to be one of the main building blocks to what hip hop is today.

Hip hop started back in the day from people playing records such as one drum break on a record back and forth on a turntable which is how sampling started and came to be in hip hop. Sound is definitely an art form.

Today the most convenient way of sampling music is to use digital samplers.  These samples allow you to easily manipulate music from playing a song backwards, slowing it down, cutting up the sound and layering new songs over each other.

MIDI and sampling go hand in hand together. It’s best to know understand MIDI. MIDI allows your musical instruments to “talk”, communicate and be in sync with each other in real time.

What do you need to sample?

Besides the basic hardware such as a good MAC or PC, Midi Controller and a good recording mic you’ll also need software. Reason, Cubase, Sonar, Pro Tools, Logic Pro are among the most popular. Many include build in samplers or allow additional plugins to be installed.

We recommend if you are starting off and want to make your own beats and want to learning sampling to start off with software rather than hardware. It’s easier to start learning plus the price tag of software is extremely smaller than the actual real thing.

 ”Music production is the relationship between the creativity of the artist and the craftsmanship he is able to employ through the mastery of his tools.”

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

There’s a distinction between sampling and using sample. For Rap and Hip Hop music to be accepted in a larger commercial sense, it had to be sellable. Un-cleared samples became such a legal problem, that sample interpolation became the new sampling standard. Being able to create music without using the works of others is paramount for establishing a career in this modern industry.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

Sharing their music too soon. Every beat maker thinks it’s time to share a beat once it’s finished. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Why have someone come to your site or profile and hear unfinished music or tracks that are not up to par? It taints your image and lessens any confidence a potential customer could have about your music. Make music with people you

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

I don’t see an influence in a producer’s sound depending on what he uses. The most I hear is producers only using the very basics of their tools, because they haven’t taken the time to learn them properly.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

Great writers do more reading than writing. If you intend to make great music, you need to understand the working behind what we consider to be the best music. That means knowing the history of your genre to understand where it has been, where it is going and gaining valuable insight to where it’s going next. Higher understanding also involves absorbing music outside of the genre you intend to produce.

5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

I’d say One is choosing the direction of the instrumental which is tied to understanding the purpose behind creating the track. Making a story track? – then it means to be evolving and dramatic. Making something for lyricists? – then it needs to be open and have room for the vocal to lead the intensity. That’s the general principle.

Two, would be immersing yourself in the culture of the intended genre. They are different approaches to every genre, tempos, song length, arrangement and even complexity.

Lastly would be understanding the industry behind the marketing, promotion and selling of the music. Making battle track and presenting it in the same fashion as a club banga is a mistake.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t?

People that don’t make it fall in to two categories: ones that give up and those who don’t take advice from those around them. When you are sure that you know better than everyone around you and you are still not making forward progress, it’s time for a reality check.

7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

Use whatever you’re attracted to. Understand the final delivery medium and be sure you are able to present your tracks in a proper industry format. You don’t need Pro tools, but understanding how records are made should influence your early choices.

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when you’re done?

A quality beat actually sounds like the instrumental to a full record. Many producers only present the foundation, which is enough to inspire the artist to create over the basic skeleton. Even in this open state, the track should indicate a general direction for the artist to build off of.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?

If you feel you learn best in a formal setting then yes, but don’t discount the life experience gained from internships and mentoring programs. Real world experience is invaluable in transforming yourself into a valuable asset in this production industry.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Take the time you spend doing music seriously. You never when your life will change course and music won’t be able to be your number one pursuit. When beat makers have the luxury or time to make music every day and to follow music as their number one interest, it should be cherished. Regrets based on the things you wished you did outweigh the things you wish you didn’t do. Do music, take it seriously. No one will take you seriously if you don’t take your music and art seriously.

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Progression – Whatever you do make sure it’s pushing you toward growing your talent and business in some way . For example reading this article, reading a manual on software you purchase, watching a tutorial on YouTube on music production, playing a new instrument ..whatever it is make sure it revolves around music and production. He made a great point.

Promotion — Yourself, what you say that comes out your mouth and the power of the Internet are 2 very powerful promotional tools to use. Learn to leverage them both together.

Sacrifice – Don’t get lazy. No one said succeeding in the world was easy. So many complain and give up. You have to understand that you have to put in tremendous work to make it. Turn off the TV, skip a day from partying and use it build your skill more by reading or learning more.

Presentation – Packaging is important! The outside does matter. People do judge things by the cover. He talks about how important having a professional looking image and manner are.

Production – Some people don’t have a porfolio. You need to have material. Not only to show and gage your growth but to showcase you own talent. So start making music.

I go by the name Loftee Beats and I started producing music in 2004 when I discovered a program called Fruity Loops. I used to make beats using nothing but a computer mouse on some cheap computer speakers.

I bought my first midi capable keyboard in 2005 and that is when I seriously started making beats. I moved onto using Reason in 2005 primarily to make beats and finally settled with Cubase in 2006. I have produced a full album for Perth Hip Hop artist JR that was released in 2008 and since then have produced a Mixtape for Perth Hip Hop artist Trooth. Big name artists that I have featured on my tracks are Kool G Rap, Young Noble and Speech from Arrested Development.

My style is influenced a lot from Dr Dre, Scott Storch and ex Aftermath producer Focus. My style has changed a lot in recent years and I would say that the most famous producer I resemble is Scott Storch (musically of course). I wouldn’t exactly call myself an ‘expert’ as I could name hundreds of producers that are better than me but I can say I am quite knowledgeable in the field. Making beats and producing (although very different art-forms) are areas that almost anybody with some creativity and technical skill can get good at.

I have spent sooo many hours reading and practicing techniques, learning music, listening to others music and listening to my own music. Some people get music naturally and some have to work harder for it, I would like to think that I had to work quite hard to get to the level that I am at. The best advise I can give for an upcoming beat maker is to learn your equipment. I only use a small sound library (that I know like the back of my hand) and it saves so much time when making a track.

1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?

Sampling is very wide area of producing music that should not be ignored. I wasn’t really exposed to sampling in my music until 2 or 3 years ago and now I am just addicted to it. There are very valid reasons why people won’t sample on tracks but unless they are going to effect you I say “Sample anything you like”.

2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?

Putting out their work too early. I did this as well when I first started. Sure it is great to get your work out there but it took me until around 2008 to realise that my beats weren’t the hottest beats in the world and that I should have held out until I was really ready to make some good impressions. I put my beats out there before they were really ready and I guess I have been pigeon-holed into a style. It isn’t the end of the world to release something bad but if you can help it make sure what you are putting out is really up to scratch (deep down I knew I could have done better).

3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?

The software I recommend for making beats is anything really. Pick something, learn it, stick to it and don’t add too much extra. Every DAW out there is very capable of making commercial quality recordings and it is important to understand WHY you need something before you add it. I use Cubase 5 at the moment (changing to Reaper at the end of the project I am currently working on) as my DAW host and my go-to instruments are my Yamaha Motif XS sound module, Kontakt, Vanguard, and Geist. My favourite plugins are Sonnox EQ, Inflator and Limiter, PSP OldTimer, iZotope Nectar, Cubase inbuilt delays and reverb.

4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?

To keep it short and sweet the best advise I can give is to get some basic speakers or a get set of headphones, a reasonable PC, a good selection of sounds and get practising. If you have friends that produce music cling to them like a leech and suck up every little bit of knowledge that you can. I was never lucky enough to have friends into hip hop let alone beat making so I know the pain of having to teach myself everything.

Don’t add anything to your set-up unless you know exactly what it does and why you need it. Don’t spend too much money on hardware or midi controllers, make sure you have more than 25 keys (I produced an album on one of these and it wasn’t easy). Don’t worry so much about the business side of things or “getting placements” and don’t get into it for the money. DO get into it for the FUN and excitement, the positive feelings you get when you succeed in achieving a goal, the GREAT friends you will meet that share similar interests to you and the awesome music YOU will make. Don’t underestimate the local scene and try to get involved as much as you can.

5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?

Don’t force a beat to come along, make sure you have a good selection of instruments or samples and have fun with it.

6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?

I think it is all to do with the current situation with the music industry. Top tier beat makers are a dime a dozen and I think almost all of us would have made it to the top if we were making these beats 10 years ago. I think there is a lot of luck to getting a big placement and I don’t think it is worth chasing. I can’t make enough money off making music to live off it but I get enough to cover my equipment. I have had great success locally and to me I feel that I have made it. I realise that I don’t need to make #1 pop hits to make good music and I am very happy making the hip hop music that I do.

7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?

This is probably situation based. I would recommend software as it is cheaper and just as capable as any hardware device.

8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?
Again depends on the situation. A beat by itself is just a beat, to me a TRACK is only completed when the beat, vocals and any extras have been recorded, mixed and mastered.

9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?

I don’t think school is important when it comes to beat making. Unless you feel you are really going to make some money out of this industry save your money. You can buy so much with those school fees that will teach you more. Instead of paying fees buy a new computer, software, midi controllers and tutorial DVDs.

10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?

Do what YOU want to do, enjoy it and have fun. There will be tough and frustrating times but it is worth it in the end. You will never truly learn how to be a beat maker as there is ALWAYS room to improve. Never limit yourself and your abilities and try to make the most of every opportunity. DO NOT ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do something and remove any negative aspects of your life. A lot of big name beat makers/producers are easily contactable through social networking and are very friendly and willing to help. If you are going to contact somebody that is likely to be quite busy make sure you do as much research as possible beforehand.