Travis Scott 2017 Beat: How To Make It

Alright, guys, let's dive deep into the sonic world of Travis Scott circa 2017. We're talking about that raw, energetic, and slightly psychedelic sound that defined a significant part of his career. If you're trying to capture that vibe in your own beats, you've come to the right place. Crafting a Travis Scott 2017 type beat isn't just about throwing some 808s and hi-hats together; it's about understanding the nuances of his production style, the specific sounds he favored, and the overall atmosphere he created. Think of tracks like "Goosebumps" or "Butterfly Effect" – those are the gold standards we're aiming for. The key elements often include distorted 808s, melodic synths with a slightly detuned or warped feel, and heavily processed vocals. Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual sound effects and textures to give your beat that signature Travis Scott edge. Producers like Mike Dean and WondaGurl played pivotal roles in shaping this sound, so studying their production techniques can also provide valuable insights. Remember, the goal is not to create a carbon copy but to capture the essence and energy of that era in Travis Scott's music. Start by selecting the right samples and instruments, paying close attention to the sound design. Then, focus on creating a catchy melody that complements the hard-hitting drums. Finally, don't forget the importance of mixing and mastering to achieve a polished and professional sound. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a Travis Scott 2017 type beat that will have listeners head-nodding and vibing along.

Deconstructing the Sonic Palette: Essential Elements

To really nail that Travis Scott 2017 type beat, let's break down the essential elements that make up his unique sound. First and foremost, the drums are the backbone of any great beat. For this style, you'll want to focus on hard-hitting 808s with plenty of distortion and saturation. These 808s should have a deep, rumbling quality that fills the entire low end of the mix. Experiment with different distortion plugins and EQ settings to find the perfect balance between power and clarity. In addition to the 808s, you'll need crisp and snappy snares that cut through the mix. Try layering multiple snare samples together to create a fuller and more impactful sound. Don't be afraid to add some reverb or delay to give the snares some extra space and dimension. Hi-hats are another crucial element of the drum pattern. Use a combination of straight and triplet hi-hat patterns to create a sense of rhythm and groove. Experiment with different velocities and panning to add some variation and interest. When it comes to melodies, Travis Scott's 2017 sound often features dark and atmospheric synths with a slightly detuned or warped feel. Use plugins like Serum, Massive, or Omnisphere to create unique and textured synth sounds. Experiment with different waveforms, filters, and effects to find the perfect combination. Don't be afraid to add some chorus, flanger, or phaser to give your synths some extra movement and depth. In terms of song structure, Travis Scott beats typically follow a simple and repetitive pattern. Start with a catchy intro that grabs the listener's attention, then move into a verse with a more stripped-down arrangement. Build up to a hard-hitting chorus with all the elements firing at once. Repeat this pattern throughout the song, adding variations and transitions to keep things interesting. Remember, the key to creating a Travis Scott 2017 type beat is to experiment and have fun. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your creativity. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to craft beats that capture the essence and energy of Travis Scott's iconic sound.

Sound Selection: Picking the Right Tools

Selecting the right sounds is paramount when you're aiming for that Travis Scott 2017 type beat. It’s not just about having the latest and greatest plugins; it's about understanding which sounds resonate with that specific era and how to manipulate them to achieve the desired effect. Let's start with the foundation: drums. For 808s, look for samples that have a weighty, sub-bass presence. Think about the 808s in "Goosebumps" – they're not just loud, they're felt. Plugins like Serum or even a well-treated sine wave can be sculpted into monstrous 808s. Experiment with distortion plugins like FabFilter Saturn or iZotope Trash 2 to add grit and aggression. Don't be shy about layering multiple 808s to create a thicker, more complex sound. For snares and claps, aim for sounds that are crisp and impactful. Layering is your friend here. Combine a snappy, transient-rich snare with a clap that has a bit more body. EQ each layer carefully to ensure they complement each other without clashing. Adding a touch of reverb can also help to create a sense of space and depth. Hi-hats often get overlooked, but they play a crucial role in creating the rhythmic groove. Experiment with different patterns and velocities to add variation and interest. Try using open hats sparingly to create emphasis and contrast. Moving on to melodic elements, synths are a staple of the Travis Scott sound. Plugins like Omnisphere, Serum, and Massive are excellent choices for creating unique and atmospheric textures. Look for presets that have a slightly detuned or warped quality. Don't be afraid to experiment with different modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser. Guitar sounds, often heavily processed, also find their way into Travis Scott's production. Consider incorporating samples of distorted guitars or using amp simulation plugins to create your own. Remember, the key is to experiment and find sounds that resonate with you. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your creativity. With the right sound selection and a little bit of experimentation, you'll be well on your way to crafting a Travis Scott 2017 type beat that captures the essence of his iconic sound.

Crafting the Melody: Injecting the Vibe

Crafting a melody that fits the Travis Scott 2017 type beat is all about capturing a specific mood and atmosphere. Think dark, hypnotic, and slightly unsettling. The melodies often aren't overly complex but rely on repetition and subtle variations to create a captivating effect. Start by experimenting with minor scales or modes to create a sense of unease. Don't be afraid to use dissonant intervals or unexpected chord changes to add tension and intrigue. The key is to create a melody that is both catchy and unsettling. When it comes to sound design, Travis Scott's melodies often feature heavily processed synths with a slightly detuned or warped quality. Use plugins like Serum, Massive, or Omnisphere to create unique and textured synth sounds. Experiment with different waveforms, filters, and effects to find the perfect combination. Adding some chorus, flanger, or phaser can also give your synths some extra movement and depth. Another important aspect of crafting a melody is to consider the overall arrangement of the beat. The melody should complement the drums and bass without overpowering them. Pay attention to the dynamics of the melody and use automation to create variations and transitions. For example, you could gradually increase the intensity of the melody throughout the verse, then drop it down for the chorus to create a sense of contrast. When it comes to writing the melody itself, start by experimenting with different ideas and motifs. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your creativity. Once you have a few ideas that you like, start to refine them and arrange them into a cohesive melody. Pay attention to the rhythm and phrasing of the melody, and make sure it flows naturally with the beat. Remember, the goal is to create a melody that is both catchy and atmospheric. It should grab the listener's attention and draw them into the world of the beat. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to craft melodies that perfectly capture the essence of the Travis Scott 2017 type beat.

Drum Programming: Laying Down the Foundation

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of drum programming for a Travis Scott 2017 type beat. This is where the magic really happens, folks. The drums need to hit hard, be groovy, and have that signature bounce that makes you want to move. First off, the 808s. These aren't your run-of-the-mill 808s; they need to be distorted, saturated, and tuned just right. Experiment with different 808 samples and processing techniques to find the perfect sound. Try using distortion plugins like FabFilter Saturn or iZotope Trash 2 to add grit and aggression. Don't be afraid to layer multiple 808s together to create a thicker, more complex sound. When it comes to the pattern, keep it relatively simple but impactful. A classic pattern is a kick on the 1 and 5, with variations and fills to add interest. Experiment with different velocities and note lengths to create a sense of groove and movement. Next up, the snares and claps. These need to be crisp, snappy, and cut through the mix. Layering is your friend here. Combine a sharp snare with a clap that has a bit more body. EQ each layer carefully to ensure they complement each other without clashing. Adding a touch of reverb can also help to create a sense of space and depth. For the hi-hats, experiment with different patterns and velocities to create a sense of rhythm and groove. Try using a combination of straight and triplet hi-hat patterns to add variation and interest. Don't be afraid to use open hats sparingly to create emphasis and contrast. Percussion is also an important element of the drum pattern. Add subtle percussion sounds like shakers, tambourines, or congas to create a more organic and textured feel. Experiment with different panning and delay effects to add some width and dimension. When it comes to drum programming, the key is to experiment and have fun. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your creativity. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to create drum patterns that perfectly capture the essence of the Travis Scott 2017 type beat.

Mixing and Mastering: Polishing the Sound

Alright, you've got your sounds, your melody is fire, and the drums are knocking. Now comes the crucial step of mixing and mastering your Travis Scott 2017 type beat to give it that polished, professional sound. Mixing is all about creating a balanced and cohesive soundscape where each element has its own space and clarity. Start by setting the levels of each track, making sure that no one element is overpowering the others. Pay attention to the frequency ranges of each instrument and use EQ to carve out space for them in the mix. For example, you might want to cut some of the low frequencies from the synths to make room for the 808s. Compression is another essential tool for mixing. Use compression to control the dynamics of each track and to glue the elements together. Experiment with different compression settings to find the perfect balance between punch and sustain. Reverb and delay can be used to create a sense of space and depth in the mix. Use these effects sparingly, as too much can make the mix sound muddy or washed out. Panning is also an important consideration. Use panning to create a wider stereo image and to separate the different elements in the mix. Once you're happy with the mix, it's time to move on to mastering. Mastering is the final step in the production process and is used to optimize the overall loudness and clarity of the track. Use a limiter to increase the overall loudness of the track without clipping or distorting the audio. Pay attention to the frequency balance of the track and use EQ to make subtle adjustments. Use a stereo imager to widen the stereo image and create a more immersive listening experience. Remember, mixing and mastering are both art and science. It takes practice and experience to develop a good ear for these processes. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With dedication and patience, you'll be able to mix and master your Travis Scott 2017 type beat to perfection.