Broken beat is a subgenre of electronic music that originated in the 1990s. It's characterized by its use of complex rhythms, syncopated drum patterns, and often, jazz and soul influences. Broken beat is often associated with the UK music scene, particularly in London, where it emerged as a distinct style. To write a broken beat song, it's essential to understand the core elements that define this genre.
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The Key Elements of Broken Beat Music
Broken beat music is built around a few key elements. These include:
- Complex drum patterns: Broken beat drum patterns often feature unexpected changes in rhythm, syncopation, and polyrhythms. This creates a sense of tension and release, keeping the listener engaged.
- Heavy use of percussion: Percussion elements like congas, bongos, and shakers add texture and depth to the rhythm section.
- Jazz and soul influences: Broken beat often incorporates elements of jazz and soul music, such as chord progressions, melodies, and harmonies.
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- Atmospheric soundscapes: Broken beat tracks often feature lush, atmospheric soundscapes created using synthesizers, keyboards, and other electronic instruments.
Choosing the Right Tempo and Time Signature
Broken beat tracks often feature slower tempos, typically between 90-110 BPM. This slower tempo allows for more complex rhythms and gives the track a more relaxed, atmospheric feel. When it comes to time signatures, broken beat music often employs unconventional time signatures, such as 3/4, 5/4, or 7/4. This creates a sense of tension and release, as the listener is kept guessing about the rhythm.
Creating a Broken Beat Drum Pattern
Creating a broken beat drum pattern requires a deep understanding of rhythm and timing. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Experiment with different rhythms: Try using different rhythms, such as 3-step, 4-step, or 5-step patterns, to create a sense of tension and release.
- Use syncopation: Syncopation is the placement of rhythmic accents on off-beat or unexpected parts of the rhythm. This creates a sense of surprise and keeps the listener engaged.
- Add percussion: Adding percussion elements like congas, bongos, or shakers can add texture and depth to your drum pattern.
Writing a Broken Beat Bassline
A broken beat bassline should be melodic, rhythmic, and provide a solid foundation for the track. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Use a mix of step-wise motion and leaps: A good broken beat bassline should feature a mix of step-wise motion (adjacent notes) and leaps (larger intervals). This creates a sense of tension and release.
- Experiment with different rhythms: Try using different rhythms, such as 16th-note or 32nd-note patterns, to create a sense of movement and energy.
- Use chord tones: Using chord tones (the root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th of a chord) can help create a sense of harmony and structure in your bassline.
Adding Chords and Harmonies
Broken beat music often features complex, jazz-inspired chord progressions. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Use extended chords: Extended chords, such as 7th, 9th, or 11th chords, can add depth and complexity to your chord progressions.
- Experiment with different chord voicings: Try using different chord voicings, such as rootless voicings or drop-2 voicings, to create a sense of movement and tension.
- Add harmonies: Adding harmonies, such as 3rds, 5ths, or 7ths, can add depth and texture to your chord progressions.
Creating Atmospheric Soundscapes
Broken beat tracks often feature lush, atmospheric soundscapes created using synthesizers, keyboards, and other electronic instruments. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Experiment with different textures: Try using different textures, such as pads, leads, or FX, to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- Use reverb and delay: Reverb and delay can help create a sense of space and atmosphere in your soundscapes.
- Add ambient elements: Adding ambient elements, such as field recordings or found sounds, can add texture and interest to your soundscapes.
Structuring Your Broken Beat Track
Structuring a broken beat track requires a deep understanding of tension and release. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Create a clear intro-buildup-drop structure: A clear intro-buildup-drop structure can help create a sense of tension and release in your track.
- Use contrasting sections: Using contrasting sections, such as a calm intro and a more energetic buildup, can create a sense of drama and tension.
- Experiment with different arrangements: Try using different arrangements, such as a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, to create a sense of variety and interest.
Final Tips and Tricks
Here are a few final tips and tricks to help you write a killer broken beat track:
- Experiment and take risks: Broken beat music is all about experimentation and taking risks. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what's possible.
- Listen to other broken beat artists: Listening to other broken beat artists can help you get a sense of the genre and inspire your own creativity.
- Keep it simple: While broken beat music can be complex, it's essential to keep things simple and focused. Don't overdo it with too many elements or complicated rhythms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is broken beat music?
Broken beat music is a subgenre of electronic music characterized by its use of breakbeats, which are rhythmic patterns that deviate from the standard 4/4 time signature. Broken beat songs often feature complex drum patterns, jazz-influenced harmonies, and a blend of electronic and organic instrumentation.
What are the key elements of a broken beat song?
A typical broken beat song features a combination of breakbeats, syncopated rhythms, and atmospheric soundscapes. Other key elements include jazz-influenced chord progressions, modal interchange, and a focus on musical tension and release.
How do I create a broken beat drum pattern?
To create a broken beat drum pattern, start by experimenting with unconventional rhythmic patterns. Try using polyrhythms, where two or more rhythms are played simultaneously, or using drum machines and samplers to create complex, layered patterns. Don't be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional drumming.
What kind of chords do I use in a broken beat song?
Broken beat music often employs extended chords, such as 7th, 9th, and 11th chords, which add tension and color to the harmony. You can also use modal interchange, where you borrow chords from parallel modes or scales, to create a sense of tension and release.
How do I create a broken beat bassline?
A broken beat bassline should be rhythmic, melodic, and harmonically rich. Try using syncopated rhythms, chromaticism, and modal interchange to create a bassline that complements the drum pattern and adds depth to the harmony.
What kind of melodies work well in broken beat music?
Broken beat melodies often feature a mix of stepwise motion and leaps, creating a sense of tension and release. Try using pentatonic or blues scales, and experiment with microtones and chromaticism to add color and interest to your melodies.
How do I structure a broken beat song?
A typical broken beat song features an intro, build-up, drop, and outro. The intro sets the mood, the build-up creates tension, the drop releases the energy, and the outro provides a sense of resolution. You can also experiment with non-linear structures and unexpected changes to keep the listener engaged.
What kind of sounds and textures work well in broken beat music?
Broken beat music often incorporates a range of sounds and textures, including jazz-influenced horns, atmospheric pads, and percussive elements like congas and bongos. Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual sounds and processing techniques to create a unique sonic landscape.
How do I use effects and processing in broken beat music?
Effects and processing can be used to enhance the rhythmic and harmonic elements of your broken beat song. Try using reverb and delay to create a sense of space, and experiment with distortion, overdrive, and EQ to add grit and character to your sounds.
What kind of tempo and time signature do I use in a broken beat song?
Broken beat music often features slower tempos, ranging from 90-120 BPM. You can also experiment with unusual time signatures, such as 3/4 or 5/4, to create a sense of tension and release.
How do I create a broken beat groove?
A broken beat groove is all about the feel and the pocket. Try using a combination of quantized and unquantized elements to create a sense of human feel, and experiment with different rhythmic patterns and time signatures to create a unique groove.
What kind of inspiration can I draw from other genres?
Broken beat music draws inspiration from a range of genres, including jazz, funk, and hip-hop. You can also draw inspiration from other electronic genres, such as drum and bass and IDM, to create a unique sound.
How do I use sampling in broken beat music?
Sampling can be used to add texture and interest to your broken beat song. Try using jazz and funk samples, and experiment with chopping, flipping, and rearranging to create a unique sound.
What kind of vocal styles work well in broken beat music?
Broken beat music often features vocals that are atmospheric, emotive, and improvisational. Try using jazz-influenced vocal techniques, such as scatting and vocalese, to add a sense of spontaneity and creativity to your vocals.
How do I create a broken beat remix?
A broken beat remix should be a re-interpretation of the original track, rather than just a re-arrangement. Try using different rhythmic patterns, harmonies, and sound design to create a unique take on the original song.
What kind of gear do I need to make broken beat music?
You can make broken beat music using a range of gear, from software plugins and DAWs to hardware synthesizers and drum machines. The key is to experiment and find the tools that work best for you and your creative vision.
How do I get started with making broken beat music?
To get started with making broken beat music, start by experimenting with different rhythmic patterns and harmonies. Try using online resources and tutorials to learn new skills, and don't be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what you know.
What kind of mistakes should I avoid when making broken beat music?
Common mistakes to avoid when making broken beat music include over-reliance on quantization, lack of rhythmic variation, and neglecting the importance of harmony and melody. Remember to always keep the groove and the feel in mind, and don't be afraid to experiment and take risks.
How do I take my broken beat music to the next level?
To take your broken beat music to the next level, try collaborating with other musicians, experimenting with new sounds and techniques, and pushing the boundaries of what you know. Remember to always stay true to your creative vision, and don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
What kind of community and resources are available for broken beat musicians?
There are a range of online communities and resources available for broken beat musicians, including forums, social media groups, and online tutorials. You can also attend workshops and festivals to connect with other musicians and learn new skills.
How do I release and promote my broken beat music?
To release and promote your broken beat music, try using online platforms such as Bandcamp and SoundCloud, and experiment with social media and online advertising to reach new audiences. You can also submit your music to labels and promoters, and play live shows to connect with fans and build a following.
What kind of future do you see for broken beat music?
Broken beat music is a constantly evolving genre, and its future is bright. As technology continues to advance and new musicians emerge, we can expect to see new and innovative takes on the genre, as well as a continued blurring of the lines between electronic and acoustic music.
How do I stay inspired and motivated when making broken beat music?
To stay inspired and motivated when making broken beat music, try setting goals and challenges for yourself, experimenting with new sounds and techniques, and collaborating with other musicians. Remember to always stay true to your creative vision, and don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
What kind of legacy do you think broken beat music will leave?
Broken beat music has already left a lasting legacy on the electronic music scene, and its influence can be heard in a range of genres. As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect to see a continued blurring of the lines between electronic and acoustic music, and a new generation of musicians pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
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