HOW TO (not) BREAKCORE 101 [genre shenanigans]

Summary

In this video, the creator walks through how to make breakcore music, offering practical tips and guidance. The script dives into the significance of the amen break, how to creatively manipulate drum samples, and build a track. It covers mixing techniques, using ambient pads, and adding effects like reverb and delay to create a full sound. The creator emphasizes creativity and provides advice on how to match melodies with breakbeats, as well as how to refine the track with EQs and subtle kick samples. The video also touches on naming your track and creating meaningful cover art.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breakcore is a complex genre that requires skill and a deep understanding of music production.
• 😀 If you're new to making music, it might be better to avoid trying breakcore right away, as it requires advanced techniques.
• 😀 The Amen break is central to breakcore, but it's not just about fast-paced drums; it’s about how you manipulate the break.
• 😀 Breakcore differs from genres like jungle and drum & bass in its focus on the break itself and its aggressive style.
• 😀 When creating your first breakcore track, focus on arranging your elements and experimenting with break manipulation, which is called 'killing' the break.
• 😀 Sampling is straightforward, but it’s important to make sure your melody matches the vibe of the break you use.
• 😀 Mixing is crucial in breakcore; effects like reverb, delay, and EQ can help your track sound fuller and more polished.
• 😀 For creating a melody, experiment with pads, choosing between ambient or glitchy sounds depending on the desired mood.
• 😀 The track intro should gradually build up, creating a subtle and easy rising effect before the drop.
• 😀 Breakcore can be moody or aggressive, so tailor the vibe and name of the track to fit the emotions you want to evoke.
• 😀 When finalizing your track, consider adding reverb and delay effects, and be sure to carefully EQ the lows to enhance the bass.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on teaching how to make breakcore music, specifically how to manipulate breakbeats and combine them with melodies and effects to create a unique sound.

What is the Amen Break and why is it important in breakcore music?

The Amen Break is a famous drum break from the 1969 song 'Amen Brother' by The Winstons. It is widely sampled in various genres of music, including breakcore, where it forms the foundation of many tracks, typically chopped and rearranged.

How does breakcore differ from other genres like jungle or drum and bass?

Breakcore is more focused on the manipulation of the breakbeat itself, with heavy distortion and faster-paced rhythms. Jungle, on the other hand, uses slower breaks with more ambient elements, while drum and bass is characterized by fast breaks with a more polished sound.

What does 'killing a break' mean in the context of breakcore production?

'Killing a break' refers to the process of taking a break sample and altering it significantly by stretching, layering, or re-arranging it in unique ways to create a fresh, customized break that fits the track.

What is the importance of matching the breakbeat with the melody in breakcore?

Matching the breakbeat with the melody is crucial because it ensures the rhythm and vibe of the track remain cohesive. Whether using ambient pads or glitchy sounds, the breakbeat must complement the melody's tone to create a smooth and engaging track.

What tools or VSTs are recommended for creating the right sound for breakcore?

For creating ambient pads, Serum or other synths with sexy pads are recommended. Additionally, step sequencers like Step for the Snap to Grid can be helpful for manipulating breakbeats.

How can delay and reverb be effectively used in breakcore production?

Delay and reverb can help make a track sound fuller and more expansive. However, they need to be used subtly; the mix should be turned down to avoid overwhelming the sound. EQing the track can also help in balancing the mix.

What role does EQ play in breakcore mixing?

EQ is essential for shaping the sound. In breakcore, EQing the lows can help bring out the bass, and EQing the highs ensures clarity in the breakbeats. A good balance of EQ allows different elements like breaks and pads to sit well together.

What advice is given for creating an intro or outro in breakcore music?

For the intro, it's recommended to start slowly and progressively build up, creating a subtle rise. For the outro, a reverb tail can be added to extend the ending, giving it a more emotional or atmospheric feel.

What is the significance of the track name and cover art in breakcore?

The track name and cover art help convey the mood and vibe of the music. If the track is moody or emotional, the name and artwork should reflect that. It’s recommended to be thoughtful about these elements if you want your music to gain attention.