What EVERY PRODUCER can learn from CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, the Creator

Summary

In this video, the speaker breaks down the unique production techniques Tyler, The Creator uses in his album *CHROMEO*, highlighting his mastery in beat making. Tyler’s unconventional methods, such as using reverb-heavy percussion, manipulating samples, and creating custom drum patterns, set him apart from typical producers. The speaker delves into specific tracks like *Rata B* and *Take Your Mask Off*, explaining how Tyler layers his sounds, uses stem splitting, and adjusts BPM to achieve a full, dynamic sound. The video offers valuable insights for producers to experiment and develop their own unique approach to beat making.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tyler the Creator's unique approach to beat-making defies conventional methods, showcasing his creativity and willingness to experiment.
• 🎶 In *Rata B*, Tyler uses reverb-heavy percussion instead of traditional claps or snares, grounding the beat with dry digital sounds to create a fuller, more original sound.
• 🛠️ Tyler's use of stem splitting and pitching samples by semitones allows him to reshape and layer sounds in innovative ways, making the production feel fresh and unique.
• 🎧 Tyler's beats often feature selective simplicity—he avoids overly complex patterns, creating space and balance in the music.
• 🔄 Instead of relying on typical trap patterns, Tyler builds his own custom drum patterns, making each track distinct and personalized.
• 💡 Tyler's drum patterns are often non-traditional, relying on unique sounds and adding texture rather than following autopilot patterns, which can often lead to stale production.
• 🎼 When sampling, Tyler isolates and tweaks the drums from the original sample, adding thickening effects to make them blend seamlessly with his original compositions.
• 🎹 Tyler layers sounds thoughtfully, allowing some sounds to stop or simplify for moments of contrast, providing more space in the arrangement.
• 🎚️ Tyler often pitches his samples by a semitone or alters them in small ways, adding variety and keeping the production fresh without straying too far from the original material.
• ⏱️ The choice of BPM affects the overall feel of a track. Tyler manipulates BPM to condense or expand the impact of each sound, creating fuller beats in faster tempos and more spacious ones in slower tempos.

Q & A

What makes Tyler, The Creator's approach to beatmaking different from most producers?

Tyler, The Creator’s approach stands out because he is willing to take risks and avoid typical beatmaking ideas. For example, he uses unconventional drum sounds, such as a reverberated percussive sound instead of traditional claps or snares, and builds unique patterns that go beyond autopilot techniques.

How does Tyler make use of reverb in his beats, especially in 'Album Rata B'?

In 'Album Rata B', Tyler uses a percussive sound with a large amount of reverb, which is not a typical choice for a main drum sound. This creates a unique, somewhat floaty feel. He counterbalances this by adding dry, bright digital percussion sounds to keep the beat grounded and present.

What does Tyler do differently in 'Take Your Mask Off' compared to how other producers would handle a sample?

Instead of simply using a sample loop, Tyler alters it by pitching it up and creating his own drum pattern. He also uses stem splitting to isolate and manipulate the drums from the sample, allowing him to build a thicker and more unique drum sound that fits well with the sample.

How does Tyler layer his sounds over samples to create unique production choices?

Tyler layers his own sounds, such as fun-sounding synths, on top of samples while carefully selecting when the sounds play. Instead of overwhelming the track with constant complexity, he adds selective elements that enhance the sample without overpowering it, contributing to a more balanced and distinctive production.

Why is Tyler’s decision to create simple patterns effective in some of his beats?

Tyler’s decision to use simpler patterns, such as repeating notes with minimal variations, helps to create a more dynamic track. This approach avoids cluttering the song with overly complex patterns and allows the focus to remain on the other elements, such as the fast-moving piano in the sample.

How does Tyler’s BPM choice influence his beatmaking in the song 'Hey Jane'?

Tyler's BPM choice at 95 BPM has a significant impact on the sound of the beat. A lower BPM often leads to fewer elements being required for a fuller sound, as it stretches out the time for each sound to play. In this case, Tyler uses small, minimal sounds that still fill the space effectively due to the slower tempo.

What is the relationship between BPM and the fullness of a beat, according to Tyler’s approach?

BPM acts as a container for the beat's elements. A higher BPM makes the sounds more compressed, which can make a beat feel fuller. Conversely, a slower BPM can make the same sounds seem more sparse, which is why Tyler often adjusts his sounds and patterns to match the tempo for the desired feel.

What technique does Tyler use to enhance the drums when working with samples?

Tyler uses stem splitting to separate the drums from the rest of the sample. This allows him to remove unwanted elements and add his own drum sounds or enhance the existing ones, ensuring they fit perfectly with the rest of the track while still sounding thick and impactful.

How does Tyler avoid falling into the trap of using complex patterns in his beats?

Tyler avoids overly complex patterns by focusing on simplicity and selective complexity. He uses repetition and makes subtle variations, which allows the track to maintain its energy without overcomplicating the production. This approach creates balance and lets other elements, like the sample, shine.

How does Tyler’s unique approach to beatmaking provide inspiration for other producers?

Tyler’s approach encourages producers to slow down and think more creatively about their drum sounds and patterns. By not following the typical blueprint of trap beats and embracing originality, he inspires others to experiment with different textures, sounds, and structures in their own music production.