From the Blog

Hip-Hop

Five parts of the hip-hop course, filed under names that don't give much away. The Donut Shop is sampling, Lyricists Lounge is recording a rapper - plus percussion, sound design and arrangement.

5 articles

June 14, 2022

Mixtape

Arrangement OVERVIEW At this point, we looked at writing and sketching out some ideas, maybe even started to create 4 to 8 bar loops. Next we should consider extending these ideas into fully arranged composition. Before we discuss arrangement, I want to share a project with you. Common Song Phrases

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June 14, 2022

Lyricists Lounge

Recording & Mixing Vocals RECORDING SESSION WITH ARTIST This will be your time to learn how to record, engineer and work with a professional rapper in the studio. MIXING VOCALS There are 4 main factors to consider. PART 1: Getting your mix under control and removing any harsh frequencies. » Solo you

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June 14, 2022

Champion Sound

Sound Design OVERVIEW MIDI inspirational loops can be a great way to help inspire you with chord progressions and melodies. Try layering your sounds with a sampled based engine like Spitfire Audio’s FREE VST called LABS. WRITING STRONG MELODIES AND LEADS Using effects can be a good way to start but

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June 14, 2022

The Donut Shop

Sampling OVERVIEW Sampling throughout the years has had a polarizing view. Some claim it’s stealing while others will debate it’s creative stance. One could argue that sampling has brought old music to new ears. In fact, DJ’s like Grandmaster Flash would perform a DJ routine looping the ‘break’ or t

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June 14, 2022

Beats and Pieces

Percussion HISTORY Recommended Viewing: Hip Hop Evolution 2020 (Netflix) Sometimes starting with a drum rhythm can help spark a whole new song idea. Don’t take our word for it, listen to Cylde Stubblefield (drummer for James Brown in the early 70’s) explain how the ‘Funky Drummer’ song came to fruit

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