The Top 1% Approach To Drum Layering

Summary

This video dives into the disparity in music streaming, where the top 1% of artists dominate 90% of streams. The host aims to help viewers improve their drum beats to reach that top tier, emphasizing the importance of progressing up the learning curve. The video provides practical tips on enhancing drum sounds through layering techniques and better sample selection, using real examples and a personal goal of growing Spotify listeners. It concludes with before-and-after comparisons and recommendations for tracks that excel in drum layering.

Takeaways

• 🎵 The top 1% of artists generate 90% of streams on all music platforms.
• 🎧 To get better at making drum beats, it's crucial to understand the learning curve.
• 💡 Beginners often feel confused, but progress happens with light bulb moments and practice.
• 🏔️ Progress tapers off at the top of the learning curve, where the top 1% of artists excel.
• 🥁 This video focuses on improving drum beats to move further up the learning curve.
• 🔧 Using real drum samples and layering can add more life and organic feel to electronic drum beats.
• 🎚️ Small details, like layering a closed hat sample with a kick drum, can enhance the overall sound.
• 🌟 Sample selection is crucial, and it can be improved either through trial and error or by using trusted producers' sounds.
• 💼 Trusted producers' sound packs can save time and ensure quality in sample selection.
• 🔊 The final comparison of drum beats before and after layering highlights the improvements and the importance of these techniques.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to discuss strategies for improving drum beats to reach the top 1% of artists in music streaming platforms.

What percentage of music streams is generated by the top 1% of artists according to the script?

The top 1% of artists generate 90% of streams on all music platforms.

What is the learning curve for making drum beats as described in the script?

The learning curve for making drum beats involves starting with confusion and no progress, then experiencing light bulb moments, and eventually reaching a plateau where progress is barely noticeable.

What is the speaker's goal regarding their Spotify listeners by the end of 2024?

The speaker's goal is to increase their Spotify listeners from around 200,000 to over 1 million by the end of 2024.

How does the speaker suggest improving the kick drum sample in the drum beat?

The speaker suggests adding an acoustic kick sample from a real drum set, fading it in to get only the tail, and cutting out the low end to avoid interfering with the main kick.

What role does the closed hat symbol play in drumming as mentioned in the script?

In drumming, the closed hat symbol is often hit at the same time as the kick drum, adding to the overall rhythm and sound of the beat.

How does the speaker propose to make the snare more interesting?

The speaker proposes to find a more organic snare sample and to alternate it with a hand clap sample every other time, adding a little sweet before the hand clap for variety.

What is the purpose of layering an open hat sound with a more organic sample in the drum mix?

Layering an open hat sound with a more organic sample aims to add an extra layer of realism and depth to the drum mix.

What technique does the speaker use to make the shaker sound more alive?

The speaker uses a natural-sounding percussion loop with the same rhythm as the existing shaker to make it sound more alive.

What is the concept of 'ghost notes' in drumming?

Ghost notes are subtle percussion hits that add groove to the drumbeat. They are not prominently heard in the mix but are felt subconsciously by the listener, contributing to the natural feel of the drumbeat.

What are the two ways the speaker suggests to improve sample selection for drum beats?

The two ways to improve sample selection are through trial and error over years of making music, or by using sounds from trusted producers whose sound quality you are confident in.

What resource does the speaker offer for those looking for high-quality drum sounds?

The speaker offers their own house drums pack available at www.bigzstudios.com as a resource for high-quality drum sounds.

How does the speaker plan to demonstrate the effectiveness of their drum beat improvement techniques?

The speaker plans to demonstrate the effectiveness by showing a before and after comparison of the drum beat, both on its own and in the context of the full track.