Latte Chill Music

Tag: music production

  • The Top 5 Chords for Producing Chill Beats

    In this article, I desk researched the top 5 chords to consider while working on your next chill beats. Creating beats is an art form that blends soothing melodies, relaxing rhythms, and a touch of nostalgia. Sounds easy, yet a challenge to every producer, who wants to create something new.

    Whether you’re a bedroom producer, a hobby artist, or just a music enthusiast diving deep into the chill and lofi genre, understanding the foundational chords can elevate your music production.

    Minor 7th Chord (m7)

    Starting with the Minor 7th chord, that is a staple in chill beats. It’s smooth and I believe a bit jazzy tone makes it perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere. If you have keys (or guitar) at home, give it a go and let me know if you like it.

    Why does it work? Warm and emotive vibe: the minor 7th chord adds depth and warmth, which is (in my humble view) essential for chill music. On the other hand, it is versatile: it works well in various contexts, from mellow verses to dreamy bridges.

    Example: A Minor 7 (Am7)
    Notes: A – C – E – G

    Major 7th Chord (maj7)

    The Major 7th chord is known for its bright and dreamy sound. On the other hand, I believe this one is a “full” vibe chord, offering a stronger, yet elegant vibe making it a go-to for uplifting and relaxing tracks.

    Why could it work for you? The dreamy quality effect that is to be considered: the major 7th chord creates a floating, ethereal feel. Yet offering rich harmonics to the listener. It provides a full sound that’s pleasant to the ear.

    Example: C Major 7 (Cmaj7)
    Notes: C – E – G – B

    Dominant 7th Chord (dom7)

    The third one is a bit more complex: the dominant 7th chord, that introduces a bit of tension and resolution, adding an interesting dynamic to chill beats.

    Why does it work? Bluesy feel: it brings a slight bluesy vibe that can add character. If you are into the lofi vibe, give it a go and enjoy the vibe. A tension and then the release: the tension it creates resolves nicely, making the progression engaging.

    Example: G Dominant 7 (G7)
    Notes: G – B – D – F

    Minor 9th Chord (m9)

    After two major ones, it is high time to balance it out with a minor proposal again. The Minor 9th chord is perfect for adding a sophisticated and lush feel to your chill beats.

    Why could this be the right one for you? Lush texture with a bit of solemnity: It adds complexity and richness without overwhelming the listener, yet adds a hint of sadness. It is almost an emotional depth-vibe: the minor 9th chord conveys deep emotions, perfect for (sad) chill vibes.

    Example: D Minor 9 (Dm9)
    Notes: D – F – A – C – E

    Suspended 2nd Chord (sus2)

    Last but not least: the suspended 2nd chord. It creates a sense of openness and can add a unique, airy quality to your beats.

    Why does it work? Airy and open vibe: this chord avoids the tension of a major or minor third, giving a fresh, open sound. It also offers space for some experimental melodies because of its open sound. Therefore it is flexible. It can smoothly transition into other chords, making it great for varied progressions.

    Example: E Suspended 2 (Esus2)
    Notes: E – F# – B

    My Conclusion of the Top 5 Chords for Chill Beats

    Exploring these five chords and seeking different solutions is always a pleasure. To me, whether it is minor 7th or major 7th it does not really matter. I am seeking a certain vibe and how to reach it through my beats. On the other hand, I found this journey entertaining and it also gave me a push, on how to record different chords on my samplers in the future.

    After all each chord can open up a world of possibilities for your chill beats. Each chord brings its unique flavor and vibe that enables you to offer a certain feeling to the listeners. They are perfect for creating the relaxing, emotive soundscapes that define the chill and lofi genres.

    Ready to start incorporating these top 5 chords into your chill beats? I hope so! Fire up your DAW, experiment with these chords, and watch your music come to life.

    For more tips and tutorials on music production, subscribe to our blog and follow my social media channels. Let’s make some chill beats together!

    top 5 chords chill beats

  • A Complete Guide to Dawless Music Production with Smartphones

    Dawless music production – so creating music doesn’t have to require expensive equipment nowadays. With the right smartphone and some applications, anyone can make extraordinary music without the hassle of setting up complex gear.

    In this guide, I will share with you some tips and tricks for dawless music production on mobile devices.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS4p2SVTRLA

    Ready? Hit play and let’s get started!

    Identify what type of music you want to produce

    Before you start creating music on your smartphone, you should identify what type of music you want to produce. I mean besides hit songs and the best to get money. Let’s put dreams aside and remain realistic. But why am I asking you to consider this as step one?

    It simply helps you determine the best way to lay out your tracks, sound sources, and effects. An electro beat is different from chiptune in all aspects and a lofi again another peace of cake.

    Honestly, if you do not have a clear view, spend some time on YouTube and find some inspirational artists. If you are experienced enough, feel free to experiment – though I guess you will then only run through this article.

    DAWless music production on smartphone

    Understand the basic concepts of music production

    This point is also for starters and beginners. Music production indicates the practice of combining music, sounds, and effects to make a complete song at the end.

    It includes selecting, sculpting or manipulating sound sources such as samples or synthetic instruments. But it may also mean manipulating and organizing audio elements by adjusting levels and adding effects such as reverb and delay.

    Of course, you will not need all in the first round – the contrary: as per the first point. Find your genre first. See what is special in it.

    As an example, I am a fan of lofi. It means I add less quantize to humanize it. I add swing and consider filtering low-end to create less bass which imitates a vintage vibe.

    See? It is crucial to set things right before you start. The same goes for samples. Lofi uses samples, and electric music well, less, depending on the sub-genre you are into.

    Select the right app for dawless music production

    You are about to head into music production now right? Before getting started, however, you’ll also have to spend a moment thinking. Thinking and reading to find the most suitable app for you.

    I will be honest, I am not associated, nor paid by any companies while writing this article, however, I have a strong pro toward Koala Sampler.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w90IV0wbaLw

    As linked above, my choice became that app. Before going deeper into this topic, I have tested FL Studio (mobile version), BandLab, and a few others. While all seem to do the job fairly well, somehow this startup grabbed my attention. First, process-wise the developer aimed to imitate a workflow that reminds me of SP404. As a lofi artist, it is like the holy Bible for a reasonable price. On the other hand, using it for a year now, I see continuous updates in functionality, which convinces me not to change.

    Of course, many popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, and Ableton offer mobile applications that allow you to record and mix without needing expensive equipment. Some are only available for iOS though.

    Create and record your track with a smartphone

    At last, let’s get into actual song production.

    Most DAW mobile apps offer an array of virtual instruments to help you get started. Honestly, depending on your genre, use them for the first songs. Get comfy, before aiming hard. Different story, but when I bought my PO-33 KO, before heading into producing tons of albums such as Wabi-Sabi, I created a short EP using stock notes only.

    This way I allowed myself if not mastering, but at least understanding the differences between a dawless (smartphone daw) music production and a regular use of Ableton Live with proper mouse, precision, keyboard, etc.

    The first requires quite a bit of patience and time. Understanding the limitations is also crucial. Dawless music production on a smartphone is somewhat similar to smartphone photography. It may never reach the level of DSLR due to natural limitations, yet has its own essence and style. Furthermore, you will need less money to kick it live and in the end, you do not need to bring hefty pack with yourself to produce songs. Koala Sampler is ideal for sketching a beat on the bus. Image the same thing with your 88-key Novation or Korg synth along with a notebook and all the cables. Even if you have a cute granny next to you on the bus, helping you to hold some of the equipment, still sounds pretty lame right?

    Later of course you can also record vocals or acoustic instruments with a microphone for a more organic and unique sound. Be sure to always use (quality but at least soundproof/noise cancel) headphones when recording to ensure a crisp and clear sound.

    Lastly, do not forget to save your project after each step (but at least regularly) during the production process. Sh!t always happen, make sure that you never lose your work!

    Experimenting with effects

    Once you have a basic sketch of a song, you can start adding more creative effects by manipulating your tracks with plugins. For this, each app has its own effect course, therefore going too specific would be lame.

    Personally, I do use Filter, Stutter (imitating glitches of a vinyl), some Compression, and occasionally Reverb as well. On top of that Tempo Delay and Vibroflange are being used to spice some samples.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93cd6UDJ74M

    Mastering

    Finally, nothing against any smartphone application, but it is worth exporting the track and checking all the meters in a DAW on a PC. Personally, I can produce better beats with every song I create with Koala Sampler. Still, I like to call them “sketches” as it always feels to me like drawing while being outside in the city. I add colors later at home when I have space and all the tools. The same with the audio sketches. I love them when I finish them, but rather consider them as demos and add coloring later.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Uf-ukf2yE