Crafting The Ultimate Travis Scott Type Beat In 2020

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Crafting the Ultimate Travis Scott Type Beat in 2020

Hey music producers and beat enthusiasts! If you're here, you're probably on the hunt for how to create a Travis Scott type beat that bangs, right? Well, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're diving deep into the sonic landscape of La Flame, exploring the key elements that define his signature sound, and providing you with the knowledge and tools to craft your own head-nodding bangers. Let's get started, guys!

Unpacking the Travis Scott Sound: Key Elements

Okay, before we jump into the technical stuff, let's talk about what makes a Travis Scott type beat a Travis Scott type beat. It's not just about replicating a specific song; it's about capturing the overall vibe, the atmosphere, the essence of his music. Here's a breakdown of the crucial elements:

  • 808s and Bass: This is the foundation. Travis's tracks are renowned for their earth-shattering 808s and sub-bass frequencies. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill basslines; they're meticulously crafted to be powerful, resonant, and often heavily distorted. Think deep, low-end rumble that shakes your car speakers.
  • Drums: The drums are another key component. Trap drums are the name of the game, but it's not just about the kick, snare, and hi-hats. Producers use intricate hi-hat patterns, often incorporating open and closed hats, rolls, and variations to create a driving, rhythmic pulse. The snares are often crisp and punchy, cutting through the mix, while the kicks are designed to hit hard and complement the 808s.
  • Melodies and Atmospheric Pads: While the 808s and drums provide the rhythmic backbone, the melodies and pads add the atmospheric textures and emotional depth. Often, you'll hear dark, melancholic piano chords, ethereal synth pads, and haunting vocal chops. These elements create a sense of space and add layers of complexity to the overall sound.
  • Vocal Samples and Effects: Travis is known for incorporating unique vocal samples, ad-libs, and effects into his tracks. These can range from chopped-up vocal phrases to heavily processed ad-libs, adding a layer of personality and originality. The use of effects like reverb, delay, and distortion on vocals is also crucial.
  • Tempo and Groove: The tempo typically hovers around 130-160 BPM, but it's the groove that truly defines the track. Producers often use swing and subtle variations in timing to create a laid-back, yet energetic feel. Experimenting with different groove settings can significantly impact the overall feel of your beat.
  • Mixing and Mastering: This is where the magic really happens. A well-mixed and mastered track is essential to achieving that professional, radio-ready sound. The mix should be clean and balanced, with each element sitting perfectly in its place. Mastering is the final touch, adding the finishing polish to make your beat shine.

Now that you know the key elements, let's dive deeper into how to craft those elements.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Travis Scott Type Beat

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and build a Travis Scott type beat from scratch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Tempo and Key Selection

First things first, let’s pick the foundation. A good starting point is between 130 and 160 BPM. You can always adjust this later, but it's a good range for that Travis Scott vibe. Next, choose a key. Minor keys are your friend here, as they provide that dark, atmospheric feel. Think of keys like D minor, E minor, or F# minor. The key you choose will dictate the harmonic structure of your beat.

2. Crafting the 808 and Bassline

This is the heartbeat of your beat. Find a powerful 808 sample or synthesize your own. Make sure it's tuned to your key. You can use a synthesizer like Serum, Sylenth1, or Massive. Create a simple bassline that follows the root notes of your chords. Experiment with different octaves and variations to find the perfect sound. Don't be afraid to add distortion, saturation, or other effects to give it that extra punch. Remember to keep the 808 clean and well-balanced. You might want to sidechain the 808 to the kick drum to prevent them from clashing. This will create space and ensure your 808 doesn't get muddy.

3. Drum Programming

Time to lay down the rhythm. Start with a basic drum pattern, including a kick, snare, and hi-hats. The kick should hit hard on the 1 and 3 beats. The snare should be on the 2 and 4 beats. Experiment with different snare sounds until you find one that fits the vibe. Now, it's time to get creative with the hi-hats. Add a pattern that incorporates open and closed hi-hats, rolls, and triplets. Use velocity variations to give the drums a more natural feel. You can also layer different percussion sounds, like claps, snaps, and percs, to add extra depth and interest.

4. Melodies and Harmonies

Let’s add some ear candy! Choose a synth sound or a piano sound and start creating some chord progressions. Use minor chords to capture that dark and atmospheric feel. Keep the chords simple and avoid anything too complicated. Use arpeggios or melodies to add interest. The melodies should complement the bassline and drums. You can also add vocal chops or samples to the melody to give your beat extra originality. Experiment with different effects like reverb and delay on your melodies to create space and depth.

5. Adding Atmospheric Pads and Textures

Now, let's build the atmosphere. Use synth pads, strings, or even vocal samples to create a sense of space and depth. Use reverb and delay to create a spacious feel. You can use different layers to create depth. For example, use one pad that is high and bright and another pad that is low and dark. This will create a richer soundscape.

6. Vocal Samples and Effects

This is where you inject personality into your beat. Find some vocal samples, ad-libs, or even movie quotes to add to your track. Chop them up and rearrange them to create unique phrases. Use effects like reverb, delay, distortion, and pitch shifting to add interest to the vocals. Be sure to mix the vocal samples into the beat so they sound natural and don't take away from the other elements.

7. Arrangement and Structure

Build the story of your beat. Most trap beats have a similar structure. It might begin with an intro, with only the drums and 808s. Then, you can introduce other elements gradually, like the bassline, melodies, and pads. Build up intensity with pre-choruses and choruses. Add breakdowns to maintain listener interest. Don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements. A well-structured beat will make your beat more engaging and have a better impact on the listeners.

8. Mixing and Mastering

This is where it all comes together! Make sure your mix is clean and balanced. Adjust the volumes of each element so that they sit perfectly in their place. Use EQ to remove any unwanted frequencies. Use compression to control the dynamics of each sound. Use panning to create space and width. Once you have finished mixing, it's time to master. Mastering is the final touch, adding the polish to your beat. You can use a plugin or send your beat to a professional mastering engineer. This will make your beat sound professional and radio-ready.

Tools of the Trade: Software and Plugins

To create a Travis Scott type beat, you'll need the right tools. Here are some of the essential software and plugins:

  • Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): This is the heart of your production setup. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools. Choose the one that fits your workflow.
  • Virtual Instruments (VSTs): These are software synthesizers and samplers that allow you to create sounds. Some great options include Serum, Massive, Sylenth1, and Kontakt. These are great for creating 808s, pads, and other melodic elements.
  • Drum Samples: You'll need a good collection of drum samples, including kicks, snares, hi-hats, and percussion. There are tons of free and paid sample packs available online.
  • Effects Plugins: Effects plugins are essential for shaping and enhancing your sounds. Use EQ, compression, reverb, delay, distortion, and other effects to create unique textures and add personality to your beats. Some of the most popular plugins are FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (EQ), Waves CLA-76 (compressor), and ValhallaRoom (reverb).
  • Mixing and Mastering Plugins: You will need tools to mix and master your track. EQ, compression, and other plugins. Many DAWs also offer built-in effects that are sufficient to get started.

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Study Travis Scott's Music: Listen to his tracks closely. Pay attention to the details: the drum patterns, the melodies, the vocal chops, and the overall vibe. This will help you understand his sound and get inspiration.
  • Experiment with Sound Design: Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and effects. Try layering different sounds, modulating parameters, and using effects to create unique textures.
  • Learn Mixing and Mastering: This is crucial to achieving a professional sound. Study mixing techniques and practice your skills. Consider investing in a good mastering plugin or hiring a professional mastering engineer.
  • Collaborate with Other Producers: Exchange ideas and feedback with other producers to improve your skills. Collaboration can lead to new and creative ideas.
  • Don't Give Up: Producing music takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if your first beats aren't perfect. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep creating. You will find your sound.

Conclusion: Your Journey to a Travis Scott-Inspired Beat

Alright, guys, that's it! You've got the blueprint to creating your own Travis Scott type beat in 2020. Remember, the key is to understand the elements of his sound, experiment with different sounds, and put your own spin on it. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries. With some practice and dedication, you'll be creating head-nodding bangers in no time.

So go forth, create some music, and have fun! If you put in the work, you'll be on the path to making some fire beats. Peace out!