Music Production Tricks Used by LA’s Hitmakers
31-Jan-2024
Los Angeles is the epicenter of cool tunes and ground-breaking artists. Every mega-hit you've ever listened to bears the musical imprints of Los Angeles. LA’s hitmakers employ a myriad of production tricks. This blog will reveal the hitmaker’s secret tricks that transform songs into chart-topping magic. So, be ready to dive into the secrets of LA music production!
· Layering and Stacking Sounds
The skill of stacking and layering sounds is one of LA's hitmakers' signature methods. Music artists create a rich and intricate sound palette by fusing various instruments or samples. It gives the music more depth, which makes the listener find it more fascinating and captivating. A polished and professional sound depends on the layering process, which affects everything from drums and synths to vocal harmonies.
The well-known, Kendrick Lamar is distinguished for using layering and stacking sounds in his albums. The critically acclaimed album "To Pimp a Butterfly," is one prominent example demonstrating lyrical depth and intricate soundscapes. It stands out as a masterpiece of complex musical composition, co-produced by producers like Terrace Martin, Thundercat, and Sounwave. In the album, Kendrick Lamar frequently incorporates live instrumentation, layers of samples, and expertly constructed beats into his songs.
· Vocal Processing and Tuning
In the cutthroat world of music, perfect vocals are a must. LA's hitmakers use vocal processing and tuning methods to pitch every note perfectly. As an aspiring music artist, you can use tools like Auto-Tune and Melodyne to fix errors and produce a vocal performance that sounds as good as it does in the studio. Furthermore, imaginative vocal effects like doubling and harmonization increase the overall impact of vocals.
The incredible singer-songwriter Billie Eilish has revolutionized modern pop music with her distinct use of vocal processing. Working closely with her brother Finneas O'Connell, Eilish frequently employs complex processing techniques to create her ethereal and haunting vocal style. Her vocals are a flexible instrument, delivering layers of harmonies and whispered confessions that give depth and emotion to her chart-topping hits, such as "Bad Guy" and "When The Party's Over."
· Innovative Drum Programing
Another is the innovative drum programing. Producers create a distinctive rhythmic foundation by experimenting with complex patterns, unusual sounds, and dynamic arrangements. They create a captivating groove that sets the tone for the entire track by combining electronic and live drums.
Anderson Paak has left indelible marks on the LA music scene. This multi-talented artist fuses different genres in his music. The innovative drum programing on his album "Malibu" is a testament to his ability to seamlessly blend live drum performances with electronic elements. His complex rhythms, distinguished by syncopated beats and surprising breaks, exhibit a novel and energizing blend of hip-hop, soul and funk.
· Dynamic Arrangement
Creating memorable music involves more than just a catchy melody. LA Hitmakers use dynamic arrangements and careful song structure to keep listeners interested from beginning to end. For this, music artists must place the build-ups, drops, and instrumental breaks so that each part of the song fulfils a distinct function in creating tension and evoking strong feelings.
Dynamic arrangements by the hip-hop and production wizard Kanye West has completely changed the face of modern music. Tracks from albums like "Yeezus" and "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" flow through different aural environments and demonstrate a careful approach to arrangement. Kanye is a master at crafting dynamic and engrossing musical experiences, as evidenced by his ability to experiment with structure, blend genres, and introduce unexpected elements.
· High-Quality Sampling and Production Tools
Access to top-notch samples and production tools is essential for digital music production. To produce a polished and professional sound, LA's hitmakers spend a lot of money on virtual synthesizers, sample libraries, and top-notch software instruments. They can push the limits of what is possible in music production by experimenting with sounds and textures.
Legendary hip-hop artist, Dr. Dre is known for his flawless production and innovative use of premium sampling. Recordings such as "The Chronic" and "2001" showcase Dre's distinctive utilization of opulent samples, frequently extracted from vintage funk and soul albums. His dedication to sound quality and painstaking attention to detail have established the benchmark for superior production tools and sampling in the hip-hop genre.
· Collaboration and Networking
Collaboration is the foundation of the LA music scene. Several hitmakers work with talented songwriters, producers, and music artists. This collaborative attitude encourages a lively exchange of concepts and abilities, resulting in avant-garde and ground-breaking music. Music artists can stay updated on new trends and connect with the right people to realize their vision by networking within the industry.
Kendrick Lamar, Mark Ronson, Thundercat, Rostam, and more are emblematic of LA's collaborative spirit. These LA music artists have mastered the art of collaboration and networking. These artists amplify their creativity and contribute to the city's dynamic and interconnected music scene. As these artists continue to collaborate and network, they contribute to their personal growth and to the ever-evolving sound of a city that pulses with creative synergy. The harmonic convergence of these talents underscores Los Angeles as a global epicenter of collaborative musical excellence.
Conclusion
LA hitmakers combine creativity, innovation, and a profound awareness of the constantly changing music industry. These industry leaders use different production tricks to the chart-toppers. These methods can serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring music artists and producers, helping them achieve success with their musical projects. So, if you want to make a hit, try working on these production techniques.