Blog #4 - Why the Simple Beats Are the Ones that Get Used in Songs

When making a beat, it is sometimes unclear at which point you should be done with it. Even after you arrange it and add all of the essential elements, it sometimes feels like you can add even more. The important concept is that just because you can doesn't mean you should. In fact, many of the beats that end up being placed in songs with major artists are on the simpler side.

Simpler Beats are Easier to Rap Over

Many producers nowadays like to "overproduce" their beats, meaning they add too much to the beats. Beats with too many different sounds, switch ups, and patterns can be difficult to rap or sing over. This overproduction can also be distracting to the listener.

A good, consistent beat will frequently be chosen over a cluttered beat. Beats with lots of variety and elements can sound unique and cool, yes, but they usually aren't very practical as an instrumental to the background of an artist in a song.

More Room for Vocals

Often, beats with crazy melodies don't work very well in songs with singers or rappers. Just like having too many different sounds, complex melodies can leave no room for a voice on the top.

To know when they don't need any more melody layers, producers like to add them until it seems like there is room for one more, which will end up being the vocals of the artist. Leaving room at the top for actual vocals is an essential when making useable and practical beats.

Simplicity Sounds Better

In many cases, simpler songs just outright sound better. People like music that is easy to listen to, which is why much of contemporary popular music is repetitive and doesn't require much focus to enjoy. 

The beat of a song acts as the framework or skeleton to the song, and the artist's vocals are based on the beat's elements, such as the melody, tempo, and arrangement. Of course, it is not necessary to oversimplify your beats to the point that they lack variation or flavor. It is possible to keep your beats on the simpler side while giving them life, personality, and feeling.

When making beats, you should cater to the artist that the beat is intended for while keeping the listeners in mind.