The Beat (Instrumental) is the foundation of the song . Don't believe me ? Just think of all songs you heard from fire 🔥 artists that can't seem to make hits . If the beat wasn't important then the lyrics or hook, etc. should be enough , but it's not. It's a combined effort and that combined effort start with the beat being the foundation no debate.
The ultimate challenge
As a recording engineer, there is nothing worse than when an artist brings in a subpar instrumental beat. Some beats simply have bad mixes, while others lack correct dynamics. Some have too much bass, etc. Often an artist may think such issues can be corrected in the studio, but that is not always the case, especially if stems are not supplied. Stems are the individual tracks that make up the beat, which allow an engineer to mix the different elements. Without stems, it can be difficult or impossible to fix a poorly mixed beat, particularly ones containing samples. Sampling is the art of taking a snippet of one song and integrating it into a new production. If the sample audio clip has poor sound quality issues, those problems become embedded into the full instrumental and likely can't be rescued without access to the original unmixed sample.
How important is Beat selection?:
As a recording artist, one of the most important steps in crafting a great song is selecting the right instrumental or "beat" to rap or sing over. With the rise of online beat stores and bedroom producers, there are more options than ever when it comes to sourcing beats. But more choices also means it can be challenging to find professional quality instrumentals that truly fit your style.
When selecting beats, you want to pay close attention to both the overall sound quality and how well the vibe matches your artistic vision. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect beat every time:
Focus on Sound Quality First
When browsing for beats, the very first thing you should listen for is clear, high quality audio. A beat might have an amazing vibe, but if the actual recording sounds muddy or compressed, it’s going to be extremely difficult to get a clean final mix. This is especially important when purchasing online, as you can't test or listen to beats in a studio environment.
Some red flags to watch out for are distorted sounds, audible background noise, thin-sounding drums and instruments, excessive bass, or overly compressed dynamics. Trust your ears - if a beat just doesn't sound crisp and well-recorded, it's smart to pass it over in favor of higher audio quality.
Purchase WAV or Other Lossless Formats
To ensure you’re getting the best quality beat files, select sellers that offer WAV, AIFF or FLAC file formats. These are lossless formats that preserve full audio quality, as opposed to more compressed formats like MP3. This gives you maximum flexibility when it comes to mixing and mastering.
Ask for Stems When Possible
Getting the stems (individual tracks) for a beat takes your options to the next level for customizing and polishing the final instrumental. Ask potential producers if they're willing to provide stem tracks for kicks, snares, basslines, melody loops, etc. This allows you to process elements independently and get the beat sounding exactly how you want.
However, stems aren't always available. If not, the WAV or lossless format is still perfectly workable. Just be aware that having the stems makes the mixing process easier.
Vet Producers Carefully
Not all online beat sellers are equal when it comes to quality. Beat licensing sites like BeatStars offer a huge variety, but not all producers on these platforms are seasoned professionals. Check a seller's reputation through reviews, sales numbers, and social media activity. Reach out to ask about their experience and studio capabilities. The more information you get the better sense you’ll have of the production quality level.
Consider Custom Ordering Beats
Another option is to commission original custom beats tailored to your artistic vision. While pricier, this ensures you get quality instrumentals crafted to match your lyrics and vocal style. Look for producers who are responsive collaborators and can send you works-in-progress to provide feedback until the beat fits just right.
Don’t Rush the Selection Process
Finding the perfect instrumental involves carefully listening to many options and paying attention to first reactions. If a beat immediately makes you bob your head or envision how you’d flow over it, that’s a great sign. Take time curating a folder of your top picks that pass the quality test. And resist any pressure to hurriedly purchase the first decent beat you stumble upon. Patience here pays off.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, you want beats that feel genuinely inspiring to rap or sing over. The highest quality MP3 in the world won't help if the vibe is not a creative match. While it’s smart to consider objective factors like sound quality, choosing a beat has a subjective, even emotional element. Listen to your intuition – if a beat doesn’t immediately feel like a fit, move on until you find “the one.”
Finding the perfect instrumental for your next hit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on sound quality, doing due diligence on producers, and trusting your creative instincts, you’ll source beats with professional polish that sync perfectly with your style. Remember, a great beat paired with your vocals is foundational to the listening experience. So take your time and be picky – your listeners will appreciate the extra effort.
Looking for Better Sounding Beats? Check Out Airbit!
If you're tired of low-quality, overused beats from YouTube, it's time to step up your game with Airbit. Most of the beats on Airbit have never been on YouTube, which means you're getting superior quality and better terms when it comes to licensing.
Why settle for converted files when you can download studio-quality tracks directly from the source? Whether you're a rapper, singer, or producer, Airbit offers a wide selection of beats that can elevate your music to the next level.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your sound—Click here to check out Airbit and discover the perfect beat for your next hit!
Comments