Make your tracks less static
Tired of loops that sound like they're stuck in a time loop? 🔄 We've gathered creative tips from Four Tet, FKJ, and Bonobo on how to breathe life into your tracks. Get some fresh perspectives on breaking free from the loop prison. 👉
Tape Notes Podcast
Small variations, big impact: Four Tet's drum sequencing
Four Tet demonstrates how to create dynamic drum loops by introducing subtle dropouts and manual variations in sequencing. By deleting a few kick drums here and there, he ensures the loop feels fresh and less static, keeping the listener engaged without dramatic changes. He emphasizes the importance of non-repetitive sequencing and automation to make tracks more interesting. Subtle variations, such as these dropouts, refresh the loop, making it feel like it's constantly resetting and starting anew. Additionally, by manually adjusting parameters like the decay on a hi-hat during recording, Four Tet introduces further nuances that enhance the overall texture and interest of the drum loop. This approach highlights the power of small, intentional changes in arrangement and signal processing to maintain interest and prevent monotony in drum-driven tracks.
Tape Notes Podcast
Creating more interesting drum sounds with automation
FKJ employs a modular synth setup to craft dynamic and evolving drum sounds through real-time automation. By continuously adjusting the settings of the percussion module, he introduces variation and intensity to the rhythm, making the drum sequences more interesting and less static. The modular system enables FKJ to alter elements like snare decay in real-time, adding a lively and creative dimension to the electronic drum sounds. This hands-on approach not only enhances the track's dynamics but also makes the process more enjoyable and engaging for the artist. These real-time manipulations are recorded as audio tracks in the DAW, allowing for further editing and comping, similar to traditional instrument takes. This method provides flexibility and creative control, resulting in a more vibrant and expressive drum sound.
Tape Notes Podcast
Layering drum samples with field recordings
Bonobo shares his creative process of layering drum samples with field recordings to create unique and engaging percussion tracks. He draws from a personal archive of favorite kicks, snares, and unconventional sounds like car compartments and coffee cups, which he records and samples for use in his music. To infuse his tracks with swing, Bonobo uses modular sequences and accents against the kick drum, manually adjusting the timing to achieve a natural feel. He prefers this hands-on approach over using groove templates, allowing him to craft a groove that feels intuitive and dynamic. Bonobo emphasizes the importance of non-repetitive sequencing, where elements like hi-hats and snares follow different patterns, avoiding exact repetition. This technique results in a more organic and less predictable sound, enhancing the track's overall texture and interest.
Tape Notes Podcast
Humanize MIDI patterns with random velocity and octave jumps
Four Tet shares his technique for humanizing MIDI patterns by introducing randomization in velocity and pitch. By varying the velocity of MIDI notes by 15%, he creates a more dynamic and less static synth sound, making each note feel more human and expressive. Additionally, he adds a 15% chance for notes to jump an octave up or down, introducing unexpected "sparkles and twinkles" that keep the pattern fresh and engaging. This approach causes every playback of the track to be unique, offering subtle variations that make live performances and recordings distinct each time.