I want to make beats.

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-C4RL-

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Hi, my name is Carl, im 19, I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I want to make beats. Yes, I want to be the next Timbaland, Swissbeats, or Kanye West. I have some really sick beats in my head and I want to put them out so everyone can hear them. Im talking...Rap/hiphop/Pop/R&B singles that will make an artist go 2X plat, lol.

But the problem is that I don't know what to do, where to go, or how to do it. The job that im working at now (Dishwasher at Shoneys) is not bringing in the dough that I need (Its killing me). Im tired of looking at rappers showing off their cars, jewelry, houses, and wishing my life was like that.... :( Im very serious and I will do whatever I have to do to get where I want to be.

So...Can someone please tell me what, how, when, where, and who? Because this is something that I really want to do, I need to do this.

Thank You,
Carl
 
you've come to a great place. lots of resources to be found around this web site. it's a great time to be a musician/producer

if you're planning on using a computer, try downloading demos of Fruity Loops and Reason. see which program you like better. I'll tell you right now, Fruity Loops is cheaper to buy the full version, but I swear by Reason. I don't do rap, but some of my neighbors do and they love Reason. that will get you started on making beats, playing/sequencing samples, chopping loops, basslines, etc.

for laying down vocals or other live instruments, you'll want a digital multitrack recording program. some of the big names are ProTools, Cubase, Logic, Cool Edit Pro/Audition. you can download demos of these too, or download Audacity, which is a totally free program.

after that, you have many options and many different budget ranges for what kind of gear you'll want/need. I'd suggest getting started with the software you like, then scouring these forums for more info on what steps to take next.
 
fuzz spoke the truth..but we need to know your budget..so we will know what you can spend to help you out on what you need to get started..and welcome to the HR Family
 
Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. As was state before, there are a lot of resources on this site, some of us produce beats, some of use rap, but we're all here to help.

I personally use Reason 3.0 (just updated, oh damn...), but not for the drums neccesarily, just mostly for synths and such.

It would be good to have a budget, so just let us know.

I'm not gonna lie, it's a tough biz, but it sounds like you're motivated... Here's the thing, don't do it for the money, do it for the love. If you do it for the money, you'll fail. If you do it because you love it, it doesn't matter how well you do.
 
First of all dude...forget the jewels, cars, cash og fancy houses...like Echelon said; do it for the love, cause if you do it for all the wrong reasons you'll just end up with fake bling, crap car, no cash and a cardboardbox as your livingroom...and you really didn't get anywhere. If you opt for the "do it for the love" thing you'll probably end up pretty much the same way (atleast you're better of asuming this) but you get to do what you love...I know it sounds clichè and all of that but I live by it. I don't have a car (gave it away actually, but that's a whole other story), limited amount of bling, got a place to live, but not a castle...but I work with what I like so it kinda makes life duable in the end hehe

That's pretty much all I have to add, just had to say something about it since it seemed that this was your reasons to begin with.
Other than that, just do as the others said and try different solutions. The product is seldom good if you're not content with the equipment at hand.

-92
 
Welcome to the community here at HR.COM.

I have some more info to share with you. i will type it in NotePad first, then i wil post it here for you. ;)
 
SPINSTERWUN said:
Welcome to the community here at HR.COM.

I have some more info to share with you. i will type it in NotePad first, then i wil post it here for you. ;)
Click to expand...

:D here comes the goodness!
 
I used Reason 2.0 and a cheap computer when I got my first deal.
 
Echelon said:
Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. As was state before, there are a lot of resources on this site, some of us produce beats, some of use rap, but we're all here to help.

I personally use Reason 3.0 (just updated, oh damn...), but not for the drums neccesarily, just mostly for synths and such.

It would be good to have a budget, so just let us know.

I'm not gonna lie, it's a tough biz, but it sounds like you're motivated... Here's the thing, don't do it for the money, do it for the love. If you do it for the money, you'll fail. If you do it because you love it, it doesn't matter how well you do.
Click to expand...

My budget is $500.
 
Let me first start by saying that you can possibly achieve anything you put your mind towards. Sometimes you can only "get-in-where-you-fit-in".

I am not going to lie to you, so I must play the devils advocate for a moment.It is HARD as H*LL to make it in the music biz. You have to be a multi faceted individual. You have to be able to wear a lot of different hats.

There are some exceptions to the rule. But here are a few of the hats....

you have to have the mind to create good if not great music.

you have to figure out what equipment to get

you have to learn what programs to get

you have to learn how to tweak the items that you have

you have to get some money to get equipment

you have learn how to produce/engineer/pre-master

you have to learn room acoustics

you have to learn song structure

you need to have access to rhymers and singers

you have to sell your music

you have learn how to make your website

you have to pay for the web host/server

you have get your music pressed to WAX and CD

you have to create contracts

you have to create non-disclosure agreements

you have to get an entertainment lawyer?

you have to know how to find the publisher of the music you sample

you have to learn how negotiate with the owners of the publishing

you have to figure out if you are going to put the music out on your own or are you going to try to get a deal

if you get a deal...

you have to get an entertainment lawyer

you need money for the entertainment lawyer

etc...

but to get a deal....you have to get your music heard

you have to meet label street reps

you have to meet the regionals at the labels

you need to have contacts at the record labels

you have to figure out how to get your music heard at the labels

you need some money to get it heard at the labels

if you put the music out yourself......

you need money for pressing and mastering

you need money for distribution

you need to politic a deal with the distributors

you need radio play

you need contacts at the radio stations

you need to know the "mix show coordinator", the "music director", and the "program director"

You need money to pay those previously mentioned people

You need to get in good with the djs making mixtapes

you need money for them also

you need a bar cod for your music

you need to get your music in the big chain stores.... TARGET, BESTBUY, VIRGIN, ETC

you need to get your music added to movie sound tracks

you need to get you music added onto video games

you need longevity

you need to get you music added to one of the kids shows on a Public Broadcast Station (PBS).

you need to get contacts for the two above mentioned tasks

you have to know how to sell yourself as well as your music.

There are more aspects. I am sure other members will add to the list. :)

You will need time to grow

As everyone else, you will need a little luck. ;)

It is funny that you metioned Kanye West. I have known Kanye for a veeeeery loooong time. Trust me when I tell you that he didn't just all-of-a-sudden become a huge producer/entertainer. He has been humping at this SH*T for more than a fifteen years. It took him 15 YEARS quote/unquote to make IT! He was making fresh beats back in 89'. Hell. I used to sneak him into one of the clubs (The Spot 738 W. Randolph St. Chgo, IL.) I spinnin' in 94' so he could get cool with the record reps.

So, like a few of our members has already stated, you have to LOVE music, Because it is not promised that you will make it.

You have to persevere. You have to push yourself and your craft, to make it in the industry. It CAN be done. But YOU have to find your path AND you have to be ready to walk on that path when you finally arrive at it.

That is what LUCK is... BEING PREPARED TO CAPITALIZE ON A SITUATION WHEN IT IS PRESENTED OR APPEARS. :cool:

If you don't remember ANYTHING else that I type to you, please remember that last statement.
 
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Man, I had no idea that he's been doing that for 15 years, Shiat! But if thats what I have to do then I will do it. Don't worry, I eat, sleep, and breathe music.

Anyways, I bought the "Fruity Loops 5" studio, it was kinda hard at first but after a few hours I got the hang of it. Next, im going to get "Reason 3.0" like Echelon mentioned previously so I can see what its like.

I appreciate all the help and thanks for the info, SPINSTERWUN....and Keep adding to the list. :)
 
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