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BiggChev

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So I tried to make a "Trap/Drill" beat...

...Admittedly I'm not a particular fan of trap and thought it would be a good way to challenge myself. Through the process I realized making these styles of beats is actually quite a lot of fun. Also, it's not as easy at it seems. Working at 140 BPM with a half time feel really messed up my sense of groove. I listened to a fair amount of UK Drill and more modern stuff and picked out what I thought were the key elements of a "Trap/Drill" beat:

  • 808 Drums (duh!)
  • Deep sub basses
  • Texture
  • Dark, simple melodies

There are a few key items I couldn't quite get a grip on. Those being the pitched snare ratchets/fills and 808 Kicks for bass. While the melody is fairly simple, it took a lot of layering to get the right sound. Maschine's lofi plugin and a slow moving filter helped get the right texture once the melody was figured out.

What really gave me a hard time was finding the right bass tone - and the overall mix. I cut a lot of low end anywhere I could and used mid-side EQ. Even still, I think the it's too bottom heavy - which is a mind fuck because I feel like the Kicks could still hard a bit harder. Ultimately, this was a worthwhile study of the genre and the process. I'm not entirely converted but I definitely have more appreciation for the genre than I did before.

Let me know how poorly I did lol

 
Last edited:
K-waz

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BiggChev said:
So I tried to make a "Trap/Drill" beat...

...Admittedly I'm not a particular fan of trap and thought it would be a good way to challenge myself. Through the process I realized making these styles of beats is actually quite a lot of fun. Also, it's not as easy at it seems. Working at 140 BPM with a half time feel really messed up my sense of groove. I listened to a fair amount of UK Drill and more modern stuff and picked out what I thought were the key elements of a "Trap/Drill" beat:

  • 808 Drums (duh!)
  • Deep sub basses
  • Texture
  • Dark, simple melodies

There are a few key items I couldn't quite get a grip on. Those being the pitched snare ratchets/fills and 808 Kicks for bass. While the melody is fairly simple, it took a lot of layering to get the right sound. Maschine's lofi plugin and a slow moving filter helped get the right texture once the melody was figured out.

What really gave me a hard time was finding the right bass tone - and the overall mix. I cut a lot of low end anywhere I could and used mid-side EQ. Even still, I think the it's too bottom heavy - which is a mind fuck because I feel like the Kicks could still hard a bit harder. Ultimately, this was a worthwhile study of the genre and the process. I'm not entirely converted but I definitely have more appreciation for the genre than I did before.

Let me know how poorly I did lol

Click to expand...

It was a good try! It doesn't sound like trap and its no where near Drill. True 808 is a must but you don't need 808 and a sub together. One 808 (a great one) can carry a whole trap beat and that same 808 with a Slide is good for Drill. On your melodies you can use halftime, Gross Beats or just pitch down (or time stretch) to get that Dark feel. Never cut out the low end in a kick or 808 for a trap/drill beat. Just pick the perfect combo that would sit well with each other
 
BiggChev

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Thanks for the suggestions @K-waz

As mentioned, I don't listen to (nor I particularly care for) Trap/Drill. This was really just a personal challenge and a study into the genre. In fact, I find the gliding 808 bass-lines very annoying. But, I did have fun working through this one.
 
BiggChev

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@DJ Excellence

Another great remix. Again, matching the vibe nicely. The drums and flow of the vocals fit perfectly! Simple beat, but the drum variations and spacing of sample chops is great. I would have liked to hear a bit more energy during the chorus, but that's a nit-pick.
 
K-waz

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BiggChev said:
Thanks for the suggestions @K-waz

As mentioned, I don't listen to (nor I particularly care for) Trap/Drill. This was really just a personal challenge and a study into the genre. In fact, I find the gliding 808 bass-lines very annoying. But, I did have fun working through this one.
Click to expand...
I know what you mean. I hate making Trap myself but I had to learn to create my own version of it because it was a very high demand for trap beats in my area. I made a lot of money on trap beats
 
2GooD Productions

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@BiggChev I dont think the sound selections work for trap, the snare is too repetitive too, the drum sounds and bass don't sound very trap. Where are the 808's? Maybe use a reference track to use as a guide, don't copy it, just study it, the drum patterns and sounds used.
I also started to make trap/drill beats a couple years ago as that is all the youngers were interested in at the studio. My first few attempts were lacking as are some of my more recent ones too. Just keep grinding bro and attempting it and you will get there in the end. Maybe have a search for some trap drum packs, or 808 drum packs and some 808 bass sample packs. You can do some great bass slides in FL Studio, FL makes it very easy.
 
Last edited:
TjombaBeats

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BiggChev said:
So I tried to make a "Trap/Drill" beat...

...Admittedly I'm not a particular fan of trap and thought it would be a good way to challenge myself. Through the process I realized making these styles of beats is actually quite a lot of fun. Also, it's not as easy at it seems. Working at 140 BPM with a half time feel really messed up my sense of groove. I listened to a fair amount of UK Drill and more modern stuff and picked out what I thought were the key elements of a "Trap/Drill" beat:

  • 808 Drums (duh!)
  • Deep sub basses
  • Texture
  • Dark, simple melodies

There are a few key items I couldn't quite get a grip on. Those being the pitched snare ratchets/fills and 808 Kicks for bass. While the melody is fairly simple, it took a lot of layering to get the right sound. Maschine's lofi plugin and a slow moving filter helped get the right texture once the melody was figured out.

What really gave me a hard time was finding the right bass tone - and the overall mix. I cut a lot of low end anywhere I could and used mid-side EQ. Even still, I think the it's too bottom heavy - which is a mind fuck because I feel like the Kicks could still hard a bit harder. Ultimately, this was a worthwhile study of the genre and the process. I'm not entirely converted but I definitely have more appreciation for the genre than I did before.

Let me know how poorly I did lol

Click to expand...

I like the notes it gives that mellow vibe. You could try to layer some heavier kick to the drums maybe try different drum rhytims to keep it interresting. This is like a good outro beat.
 
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