how do you go about making a full beat tape/album?

[Durdy]

ive had a lot of trouble with this. its probably ADD.... I have tons of beats, as i'm sure you all do. ive wanted to put together a nice beat tape for some time now but I struggle to string together the right ones. ive thrown a bunch of beats on a cdr to ride to and my friends would say they go together like an album. its nice to hear but its not enough for me. what I want is for it to sound cohesive and some joints to mix into each other but not over done. I want cool voiceover chops thrown in there but I don't want to over do that either. I have themed beat tape ideas too and beat folders dedicated to them, but I struggle with the order and how to string them together. does anyone else have an issue with this? does anyone have any good tips?

[Durdy]

i'm thinking about using someone's else's project as a template. my beats but delivered in the same fashion. famous quote to no drums lead in tonext beats drums of last beats sample to interlude to drums lead in etc

[Durdy]

I'm very into doing this the straight to cassette dub way lately too.

[Durdy]

is there already a post regarding beat tape curation?

[Durdy]

lmk if I need to elaborate further

[Durdy]

https://soundcloud.com/jasper-muse/beat ... se-to-done
this is my favorite beat tape. I scooped it up at my friends live set hes on the same label or w/e. I don't just like the beats I like the whole thing! I'm trying to make something like it with my sounds. I know some of yall have dope tapes as well ive been peeping some of them.

[false tropics]

My advise would be to just release something. If you've got good beats, and your homies feel it, it's probably worthwhile to get a collection out there now. You can keep working toward your proper album or statement in the meantime. Thanks for sharing that jasper muse, so good!

[false tropics]

I guess I just mean don't overthink it. Your own suggestions about tracks flowing together, etc. sound like you know what to do already.

[Krisso The Great]

set a limit number of tracks .. for example 12 .. pick your favourite 12 .. then work out the playlist from there .. knowing what 1z will go best together in sequence .think ow you want it to start and end .. what moods?

[Durdy]

thanks guys. great insights

[Ill Green]

Never use templates of any kind. Just do you and let the "you" come out.

Part of having a cohesive tape is using the same equipment from beginning to end. Using different beat machines and/or mics can produce different results like one song louder than the last one, different frequencies messing up the mood and vision and maybe suffer low end issues between songs. With the same equipment throughout, you'll at least have a consistant sound.

[Krisso The Great]

^ truth

[Durdy]

what about building a tape from the gate vs compiling old joints? any thoughts on that? does anyone go in thinking everything I make from here forth will be a tape?

[chaz dolo]

what about building a tape from the gate vs compiling old joints? any thoughts on that? does anyone go in thinking everything I make from here forth will be a tape?

I always try to make brand new beats for a tape. That way all the beats capture a similar vibe, as I am most likely still in the same general mindframe as compared to old beats I made two years ago. I usually have to make more for the tape than I need and then I pick the best ones out of the new batch to actually put on the tape.

I also try to pre-decide on a theme beforehand, it helps focus my thoughts and helps me make decisions easier as i go along. (Like if it's gonna be a star wars theme, or what kind of sound I want to bring to the forefront this time eg 8-bit chiptune sound, dirty breakbeats sound, or distorted synth sound, or whatever - it helps me stick with those sounds rather than trying to add everything in a beat that I can) Having a pre chosen theme also helps me look for vocal samples I might want to use in movies or on the internet that relate to my tape.

Hope that helps. The best advice is just to start making a tape, it often starts making itself after you get the ball rolling at the starting line!

[r4ph431]

Making an album is something that cannot be rushed. Like marijuana plant, it will take time, attention, and affection. Let it grow naturally, organically, and when it is ready, you will know.