What is a Beat Block?
Every producer on this planet has suffered from a beat block at one time or another.
A beat block is essentially the same as a writer’s block. You either struggle to produce new material, due to a lack of inspiration. Or you simply have too many ideas and do not know how to implement them effectively. Whatever the case may be, I have come up with five easy tips to help you deal with your beat block.
Tip 1: Record your ideas as soon as inspiration hits:
Technology is advancing everyday, therefore there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't have access to a vocal recording device. A digital Dictaphone is you're best bet, especially if you are in the studio. Alternatively, most mobile/cellphones can record mp3 files which are of a decent quality. What I like to do is record the verse and the hook/chorus first. All the other things, such as the intro, outro and bridge can be added on later. It's OK not to have the best voice in the world, as long as your recording is something that you will recognise after some time has passed. If you don't have a phone that can record audio - get one! You will thank me later.
Tip 2: Focus on one project at a time:
If you are like me and have trouble on focusing on a project for more than 30 seconds, you will have a number of unfinished beats. I can't tell you the number of times I've started to produce a club track only to start an R'nB track moments later. By the time I realise, I've got about 5 screens of unfinished beats that range from pop to Dilla inspired beats.
Now, I try to concentrate on completing one track, (two at the very most), a day. I am not saying it will take you a day to make a beat, but it will take you at least that long to complete your track.
For example, if I aim to make a Dilla track on Wednesday. I will listen to some music that he produced, study it and get a feel for what he was going for. Next, I will search for sample, chop it up and lay the drums. Finally, I will work on the song structure, experiment with effects and add some more instruments (if neccesary). I usually mix as I go along, but I usually give myself an extra day to mix my tracks.
Tip 3: Learn an instrument or music theory:
As many of you will know I've never had music tuition or music production lessons. So I will admit I am not as knowledgable as "real musicians", when it comes to music theory. However that hasn't stopped me from trying to educate myself. If you haven't got the money for music lessons, then the internet is your best friend. Sites such as YouTube, Justin guitar, 8note.com all have great lessons and tutorials that make it easy to learn music theory or an instrument.
I recommend getting this book: Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt. Why? Because, it's written by someone who knows what producers are all about and how we think. It's perfect for us because you learn all you need to know at you're own pace.
If you're not one for learning with books then check out this guy Lypur's channel. He has loads of videos on music theory and learning the piano.
Tip 4: Listen to new music and recreate the tracks:
Last.fm is a great website that allows you to discover new music. This is essential if you want your music to progress and to develop you're skills. If you're stuck in a rut, it's usually because you produce or listen to the same type of music.
I started sampling in order to make old school boom bap tracks. Three years later, and I am a bit tired of making boom bap. I still do it here and there, but I have started to experiment with other genres.
When I realised there was more to sampling than just hip hop I started to think outside the box. For instance, I'm learning how to produce Dubstep and Drum and Bass track by remaking some popular and underground tunes. When you re-create tracks you start thinking pro-actively. You ask yourself questions you wouldn't neccesarily ask if you were making your own stuff. I still produce hip hop but I'm moving away from Dilla to do more Flying Lotus type beats. The most important thing isto use you're ears and experiment until you get it right. When you get the basics down you can add you're own flair to it.
Tip 5: Have confidence in you're ability and accept that you need a break:
Ok this one is really for me. I am not ashamed to admit that after I made Pushin', I was a bit over-whelmed by the positive response and wasn't sure what my next step was going to be.
However, I remembered that I produce music because I love to do it. I don't have a strong desire to be famous, (although I'd like to be respected) and I am fully commited to being the best I can be. Take a break, re-discover why you started making tracks and approach producing from another angle. Sometimes a beat block, maybe a blessing in disguise.
Copyright - Beatnik8 2011
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