So, you wanna make beats? Whether it’s for hip-hop, pop, or something unique, beat-making is one of the coolest ways to express yourself and potentially make some serious cash. Here, we break down everything you need to know about making beats: from equipment and software, to marketing your work and finding buyers. Let’s get started!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make beats, you don’t need to break the bank, but having the right equipment will make a world of difference in your workflow and the quality of your music. Here are some essentials:
1. Computer: A decent laptop or desktop is a must. Aim for something with good RAM (at least 8GB) and a fast processor.
2. MIDI Keyboard: A MIDI controller is essential for playing melodies, basslines, and other instrumental parts of your beat.
3. Audio Interface: This device will help connect your instruments and microphones to your computer. Look for something with low latency and good sound quality.
4. Studio Monitors or Headphones: Good speakers or headphones are key to accurately hearing what you’re creating. Studio monitors like Yamaha HS8s or headphones like Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are great choices.
5. External Hard Drive: Beat-making requires a lot of storage, especially when dealing with sample libraries and project files. Invest in an external hard drive to keep your computer clutter-free.
SOFTWARE NEEDED
Your software is the powerhouse behind making beats. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): This is where you will be making your beats. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Reason. Choose one that suits your style and workflow.
2. VST Plugins: Virtual instruments and effect plugins add the magic to your beats. Popular options include Serum, Nexus, Omnisphere, and Kontakt.
3. Drum Kits and Sample Packs: Having a solid library of drum kits and samples is essential. You can find some great free ones online, or purchase professional packs from sites like Splice or Loopmasters.
4. Audio Editing Software: Though your DAW will do most of this, tools like iZotope RX can help polish your audio quality.
WHO YOU CAN SELL BEATS TO
The great thing about beat-making is that there are multiple markets to sell to, and each one offers different opportunities:
1. Independent Artists: There are countless artists looking for unique beats. Platforms like BeatStars and Airbit are perfect for selling directly to independent musicians.
2. Record Labels: If you get the attention of a label, they may purchase your beats for their signed artists.
3. TV, Film, and Advertising: Beats aren’t just for songs—movies, TV shows, and commercials all need music. Getting into licensing and sync deals is a powerful way to make money.
4. YouTubers and Content Creators: Creators need royalty-free music for their videos, and your beats could be exactly what they need for intros, background music, or even whole soundtracks.
HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHARGE FOR YOUR BEATS
The price you can charge for your beats depends on several factors, including the quality of your work, your reputation, and your target market. Here’s a general idea:
1. Leasing Beats: Many producers lease their beats, which means you can sell the same beat to multiple artists. Lease prices typically range from $20 to $100. This option is great for building volume and creating a steady income stream.
2. Exclusive Rights: If an artist wants full ownership of a beat, you can sell it for $300 to $5,000+, depending on your reputation and the demand for your work. Exclusive sales mean you can’t sell the beat to anyone else, but it comes with a higher payout.
3. Custom Beats: Custom beats made specifically for an artist can fetch even higher prices, often $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the artist and the level of customization required.
4. Sync Licensing for TV, Film, and Ads: Licensing beats for use in media projects can bring in $500 to $10,000+ per beat, depending on the size of the project and the rights involved.
IS A BEAT MAKER A MUSIC PRODUCER?
This is a common question, and while the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions.
– Beat Maker: A beat maker creates instrumental tracks, often without vocals. They focus on crafting beats, melodies, and grooves that can serve as the foundation for a song. Beat makers are responsible for building the rhythmic and melodic structure, but they may not always be involved in the overall direction of the song.
– Music Producer: A music producer oversees the entire production process of a track. This includes arranging, recording, guiding the vocalist, mixing, and often making creative decisions on how the final product should sound. A producer is like a project manager for the song—shaping it into a cohesive work of art.
Many beat makers transition into becoming full-fledged music producers once they gain experience in the studio, work with artists, and develop a broader understanding of music production as a whole. So, while every beat maker can become a music producer, not all producers start off as beat makers.
FAMOUS BEAT MAKERS TO INSPIRE YOU
If you’re wondering how far beat-making can take you, check out these industry legends:
1. Timbaland: Known for his innovative sounds and creating hits for Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, and Jay-Z.
– Equipment and Software: Timbaland uses a mix of hardware and software. He is known for using Akai MPC drum machines, Korg Triton for synth sounds, and Pro Tools as his DAW. His signature sound often includes complex rhythms, layered percussion, and unique vocal samples.
2. Metro Boomin: A favorite in the trap music world, Metro Boomin has produced for Future, 21 Savage, and Drake.
– Equipment and Software: Metro Boomin primarily uses FL Studio as his DAW. His beats are characterized by hard-hitting 808s, dark melodies, and atmospheric sounds. He often uses plugins like Omnisphere, Nexus, and Gross Beat for unique effects and texture.
3. Dr. Dre: Not only did Dre help define the sound of West Coast hip-hop, but his work has influenced producers across generations.
– Equipment and Software: Dr. Dre is known for using a mix of analog and digital gear. He uses Akai MPC for beat-making, Pro Tools for production, and a range of analog gear for mixing. Dre’s signature sound includes punchy, crisp drums, deep bass lines, and a focus on precision and clarity.
4. J Dilla: Revered as a genius in hip-hop production, Dilla’s ability to flip samples and create soulful beats set him apart as one of the greatest.
– Equipment and Software: J Dilla was known for his use of the Akai MPC 3000, which he used to create his signature “off-beat” drum programming style. He often used vinyl samples and was known for his ability to humanize beats, giving them an organic, soulful feel that became his trademark.
GENRES OF MUSIC THAT USE BEATS
Beats are a fundamental part of many modern music genres. Here are some of the most popular genres that rely heavily on beats:
1. Hip-Hop: Beats are the backbone of hip-hop music. The genre evolved around sampling, breakbeats, and rhythm-heavy production. A good beat is what makes a hip-hop track memorable and is often the defining element.
2. Trap: Trap music, a subgenre of hip-hop, uses beats characterized by fast hi-hats, booming 808s, and dark, atmospheric sounds. Producers like Metro Boomin and Zaytoven have made this genre famous for its distinctive beat style.
3. Pop: Pop music often uses catchy, polished beats to create a danceable rhythm and drive the song. The beats are usually straightforward but effective, incorporating elements from various genres like EDM and hip-hop.
4. Electronic Dance Music (EDM): Beats are crucial in EDM for creating energy and maintaining the rhythm that keeps people on the dance floor. Genres like house, techno, and dubstep all rely heavily on beat production to build excitement.
5. R&B: Modern R&B has evolved to incorporate more hip-hop-style beats, adding an edge to its smooth vocals and melodies. Producers like Timbaland and Pharrell Williams have been instrumental in blending R&B with creative beats.
6. Reggaeton: This genre uses a signature beat pattern known as the “dembow” rhythm, giving reggaeton its infectious groove. Beats are crucial for the danceable, upbeat nature of reggaeton tracks.
7. Drill: Drill is a subgenre of hip-hop known for its gritty lyrics and hard-hitting beats. The beats often feature sliding 808s, snare rolls, and haunting melodies.
8. Lo-Fi: Lo-fi music uses laid-back beats, often with a deliberately unpolished or “imperfect” sound. Lo-fi beats are popular for studying, relaxing, and providing a nostalgic vibe.
9. Afrobeat: Afrobeat combines African rhythms with funk, jazz, and highlife, relying heavily on layered beats to create a rhythmic and percussive groove.
10. Dancehall: Similar to reggaeton, dancehall uses upbeat and rhythmic beats to drive its energy. The beats are infectious, making dancehall a favorite in clubs and parties.
WHAT FAMOUS BEAT MAKERS HAVE TO SAY
Gain some insight from the best in the game:
– “The beat is the heart of the song. Without a good beat, the music can’t move you.” – Dr. Dre
– “Producing is about having a vision for the music. You have to hear it in your head before anyone else can.” – Timbaland
– “If you have a good drum pattern, you’re halfway there. The rhythm tells the story.” – J Dilla
– “A beat should be able to tell a story even without the vocals. That’s when you know you’ve got something special.” – Metro Boomin
– “Don’t be afraid to be different. The best producers are the ones who take risks and create something no one else is doing.” – Pharrell Williams
– “Your tools are just extensions of your creativity. It’s not about what you have, it’s how you use it.” – Dr. Dre
HOW TO MARKET YOUR BEATS
Making beats is only half the battle—getting them in front of the right people is where the magic happens. Here’s how to effectively market your beats:
1. Create a Website or Landing Page: A professional-looking website or page where people can hear and purchase your beats is crucial. You want to make it easy for people to find you and buy from you.
2. Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share snippets of your beats. TikTok, in particular, is a great place to showcase your sound to a younger audience.
3. Use Beat Selling Platforms: Platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, and Traktrain make it easy for producers to upload, license, and sell beats directly to artists.
4. Build Relationships with Artists: Connect with independent artists through social media or music forums, and offer them deals or even free beats to build a portfolio. When they blow up, they might take you with them.
5. YouTube and Content Creation: Post your beats on YouTube with engaging visuals. Many producers have gained a following simply by creating content around their beats, such as “type beats” or beat-making tutorials.
6. Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from your audience and send regular updates, special offers, and exclusive beats. This keeps your fans engaged and more likely to buy from you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Beat-making is a blend of creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurship. The key is to never stop learning and always be marketing your creations. With the right gear, software, and mindset, you can make your mark in the beat-making world and make good money doing it. Whether you’re crafting bangers for independent artists, selling beats to content creators, or aiming for the charts, the opportunities are there—go get them!