To begin with, making beats can be a delightful hobby and a source of extra income. Yet, delving into the world of online beatmaking can sometimes feel like wandering through a complex jungle.
With a plethora of tools and ever-evolving software, it’s tough to keep pace with the rapid changes and advancements in technology.
In the past decade, beatmaking has gained widespread popularity, thanks to the ease of access to online beat production tools.
But if you’re wondering where to start and how to make the most of the opportunities at your fingertips, this guide is here to help. We’ll dive into the world of online beatmaking, exploring its advantages and potential hurdles.
Discover how creating beats online, especially with cloud-based Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), can make the learning curve smoother and enhance your overall beatmaking experience.
What exactly is online beatmaking?
Online beatmaking is the process of crafting beats using digital tools accessible on the internet. These platforms create a virtual studio environment, where musicians and producers can compose, edit, and collaborate on beats entirely online.
One of the significant advantages of using these online platforms for beat production is that every sound you create and every change you make is stored in the cloud. This means you can access your beat projects from anywhere and on any device, offering flexibility and convenience.
It also prevents your hard drive from storing too much audio data. If your computer crashes and you lose your files, your music is safely stored in the cloud. This lets you recover everything you were working on.
What do you need to make beats online?
To start online beatmaking, you’ll need a computer or tablet with internet access and an online DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Browser-based platforms simplify the process, removing the need for complex software installations. This user-friendly approach encourages a wider audience to unleash their musical creativity with minimal equipment.
Once you have access to online music-making software, here are the essential tools to explore:
A sequencer for drums
Use this tool to select drum sounds and pre-made drum kits tailored to your beat’s genre, whether it’s hyperpop, trap, lo-fi, or chiptune.
The drum sequencer is where you program your chosen drum sounds on a grid, forming the beat’s foundation. Get creative and craft a distinctive drum groove that captivates and energizes your audience.
MIDI instruments
MIDI digitizes music, enabling you to select, sequence, and edit virtual instruments effortlessly.
Samples and loops
Pre-made loops and samples are invaluable in beatmaking. They serve as excellent starting points for creating the desired vibe and melody, and you can layer them onto your beat for added texture and flavor in your production.
Music producer vs. Beatmaker
While commonly used interchangeably, beatmaker and music producer are separate roles. A beatmaker primarily creates instrumental beats, focusing on rhythm, composition, and melody for artists to use.
A music producer, on the other hand, has a broader scope. They can be involved in music creation but typically oversee a more comprehensive production process, including planning, arranging, and managing song mixing or mastering.
7 Steps for Making a Beat Online
Crafting a beat online entails several key steps, and the most common ones include:
- Creating a drum groove.
- Developing chord progressions.
- Crafting melodies.
- Incorporating a bassline.
- Utilizing samples and loops.
- Structuring the beat into a song.
- Mixing and mastering.
Certain platforms facilitate these steps with user-friendly interfaces, featuring drag-and-drop capabilities, real-time collaboration tools, and an extensive library of loops and samples. This intuitive approach ensures a logical flow throughout the production process, helping users attain their desired sound.
Closing thoughts
We hope this blog post has inspired you to start your beatmaking journey. Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making beats. You’ll need to find your own path in this industry, and before you know it, you’ll be creating beats online like the pros.