Today's article is about "auxiliary" sounds and how you can incorporate them into your tracks to instantly make them more interesting. I use the term "auxiliary" (for lack of a better term), because these songs aren't core to your track like a lead sound, the bass, or pads. However, these sounds are little touches that can really elevate the sound of your track. Taking the time to incorporate these sounds into your track shows that you as a producer are 1) not lazy 2) take your craft seriously. Here's how I breakdown aux sounds:
Accents: These sounds serve to highlight important beats of track. The best example is a crash cymbal or timpani hit. However, it can also be dark marcato strings or a clap sound with a lot of reverb that only plays on certain beats of the song. As an example of the accent appearing in hip-hop, check out the "The Setup" by Obie Trice and listen to the dark string sounds that kicks off every bar in the song. Another example is "All I Do Is With" with DJ Khaled and a whole bunch of other rappers that I'm not going to mention. If you listen closely, you'll notice a timpani hit occurring throughout the chorus. The subtle touches are what makes these songs so impactful.
Transition Sounds: These are sounds or sound fx that help a song transition between it's different parts within the arrangement (from verse to chorus etc.). Traditionally, the drum fill has been an effective way to transition between parts. However, in addition to drum fills, sweeping sounds (like in techno), swoops, synthesizer tones that rise in pitch, or even pauses can serve as transition sounds. As an example of a transition sound, listen to the sweeping noise sound that appears in most trance songs during the build up.
Ear Candy: Last but not least, ear candy is a sound that is just a nice little touch to the track which helps give it a little more character or ambiance. Timbaland is probably one of the most well-known producers that takes advantage of this type of sound. For a good example of ear candy, check out "Are You That Somebody" by Aaliyah and notice the baby crying that plays throughout the whole song.
While not core to a song as other roles in music; do not neglect to incorporate transition sounds into your tracks. After you have gotten down the basics of laying down the core roles of a track (drums, bass, pads, the groove, etc.) start adding and experimenting with the above categories. You'll soon notice your tracks will have that extra touch that make them more polished and professional.
Accents: These sounds serve to highlight important beats of track. The best example is a crash cymbal or timpani hit. However, it can also be dark marcato strings or a clap sound with a lot of reverb that only plays on certain beats of the song. As an example of the accent appearing in hip-hop, check out the "The Setup" by Obie Trice and listen to the dark string sounds that kicks off every bar in the song. Another example is "All I Do Is With" with DJ Khaled and a whole bunch of other rappers that I'm not going to mention. If you listen closely, you'll notice a timpani hit occurring throughout the chorus. The subtle touches are what makes these songs so impactful.
Transition Sounds: These are sounds or sound fx that help a song transition between it's different parts within the arrangement (from verse to chorus etc.). Traditionally, the drum fill has been an effective way to transition between parts. However, in addition to drum fills, sweeping sounds (like in techno), swoops, synthesizer tones that rise in pitch, or even pauses can serve as transition sounds. As an example of a transition sound, listen to the sweeping noise sound that appears in most trance songs during the build up.
Ear Candy: Last but not least, ear candy is a sound that is just a nice little touch to the track which helps give it a little more character or ambiance. Timbaland is probably one of the most well-known producers that takes advantage of this type of sound. For a good example of ear candy, check out "Are You That Somebody" by Aaliyah and notice the baby crying that plays throughout the whole song.
While not core to a song as other roles in music; do not neglect to incorporate transition sounds into your tracks. After you have gotten down the basics of laying down the core roles of a track (drums, bass, pads, the groove, etc.) start adding and experimenting with the above categories. You'll soon notice your tracks will have that extra touch that make them more polished and professional.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a founding member of the Jam Sonic music production team. Visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and beatmaking articles and videos.
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