Today we will discuss the concept of layering. Layering is simply the art of combining different sounds together to make the resulting sound more interesting, powerful, and unique than the individual sounds that you started with. Layering is an advanced technique, but once you begin to master the technique of layering, your tracks will sound more professional and you will begin to achieve that sought-after "wall of sound" vibe in your tracks.
A good metaphor for layering is that of a painter. A beginning painter uses the most basic primary colors. However, as they get more advanced and experienced, they begin to combine different colors to achieve subtler colors in their paintings. This is how they paint pictures with beautiful sunsets and vibrant colors that are mesmerizing. These unique and interesting colors simply can't be achieved with just sticking to the basic primary colors. How a painter combines colors is similar to how a beat maker combines different sounds. For example, a kick sound might sound good on it's own. However, if that kick sound was combined with another complementary kick sound, the end result is a sound that is all your own and is probably more interesting. However, one key thing to point out is that a beat maker doesn't just put random sounds together, but rather, they put complementary sounds together. Layering is a skill within itself that takes time to master. Here a few layering ideas that will help to get you started.
Layer Frequencies: Combine sounds that have different frequency spectrum. For example, combine a low sub-kick with a kick sound that is hallow and more in the mid-range. The end result is a drum sound that doesn't clash and is more interesting.
Layer Sounds w Different Sustains: Some sounds have a great attack portion that sticks out in a mix but have little sustain or body. Likewise, other sounds have great sustain but a dull attack. By combining these type of sounds, you'll have an end sound that still has great attack and cuts through the mix, but also is full-sounding and fills up space in a track.
Layer The Same Sound: It might seem odd to layer the same sound, but sometimes a sound is just right for a bit, but it is too "thin" in a mix. By layering, you make the song thicker and able to sit in a mix better. Please note that volume and thickness are different. Volume means adjusting decibels but thickness refers to the concentration of a sound.
The examples above are a few thought starters to help you get started on your path to layering. However, you should always be experimenting with your own ideas. Once mastered, layering will instantly elevate your tracks to a higher level of quality and make them sound more professional.
A good metaphor for layering is that of a painter. A beginning painter uses the most basic primary colors. However, as they get more advanced and experienced, they begin to combine different colors to achieve subtler colors in their paintings. This is how they paint pictures with beautiful sunsets and vibrant colors that are mesmerizing. These unique and interesting colors simply can't be achieved with just sticking to the basic primary colors. How a painter combines colors is similar to how a beat maker combines different sounds. For example, a kick sound might sound good on it's own. However, if that kick sound was combined with another complementary kick sound, the end result is a sound that is all your own and is probably more interesting. However, one key thing to point out is that a beat maker doesn't just put random sounds together, but rather, they put complementary sounds together. Layering is a skill within itself that takes time to master. Here a few layering ideas that will help to get you started.
Layer Frequencies: Combine sounds that have different frequency spectrum. For example, combine a low sub-kick with a kick sound that is hallow and more in the mid-range. The end result is a drum sound that doesn't clash and is more interesting.
Layer Sounds w Different Sustains: Some sounds have a great attack portion that sticks out in a mix but have little sustain or body. Likewise, other sounds have great sustain but a dull attack. By combining these type of sounds, you'll have an end sound that still has great attack and cuts through the mix, but also is full-sounding and fills up space in a track.
Layer The Same Sound: It might seem odd to layer the same sound, but sometimes a sound is just right for a bit, but it is too "thin" in a mix. By layering, you make the song thicker and able to sit in a mix better. Please note that volume and thickness are different. Volume means adjusting decibels but thickness refers to the concentration of a sound.
The examples above are a few thought starters to help you get started on your path to layering. However, you should always be experimenting with your own ideas. Once mastered, layering will instantly elevate your tracks to a higher level of quality and make them sound more professional.
About the Author:
Find out more about hip-hop beats for sale by visiting Frank Lubsey's site. Frank Lubsey is a part of the Jam Sonic music production team and you can find out how to purchase beats by checking out his site.
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