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.