Burna Boy's 'On The Low': The Ultimate FLP Guide

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Burna Boy's 'On The Low': The Ultimate FLP Guide

Hey guys! Ever been hooked on a track and wondered how it was put together? Today, we're diving deep into Burna Boy's hit, "On The Low," and exploring how you might recreate a similar vibe using FL Studio. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting, this guide will break down the elements that make this song so infectious.

Understanding the Essence of "On The Low"

Before we jump into the FL Studio project (FLP) details, let’s get a feel for what makes "On The Low" tick. This track isn't just a song; it's an experience. The mellow blend of Afrobeat rhythms, Burna Boy's signature vocals, and the overall laid-back vibe contribute to its massive appeal. When aiming to replicate or draw inspiration from this track, focus on capturing its soul. Think smooth, think groovy, and definitely think Afrobeat.

Key Elements to Consider

  • Rhythmic Foundation: The drums are the backbone. A steady, yet not overly aggressive, Afrobeat pattern is crucial.
  • Melodic Structure: Simple, catchy melodies that complement the vocals are key. Think about how the instrumental hooks you in.
  • Vocal Arrangement: Burna Boy's vocal performance is characterized by its relaxed delivery and melodic choices. Understanding his phrasing and tone is vital.
  • Sound Selection: The choice of instruments and sounds significantly impacts the overall feel. Warm pads, clean guitars, and subtle synths play a big role.

Setting Up Your FL Studio Project (FLP)

Okay, let's get practical! Fire up your FL Studio. We're going to start building our "On The Low" inspired track from scratch. First things first, set your tempo. "On The Low" sits around 100 BPM (Beats Per Minute). Setting the right tempo is crucial as it dictates the entire feel of the track. You can always adjust it later, but starting in the right ballpark saves time and ensures your project aligns with the original song's energy.

Initializing Your FLP

  1. Open FL Studio: Launch your FL Studio software.
  2. Set the Tempo: In the transport panel, set the BPM to 100. You can type it in or use the tap tempo feature.
  3. Time Signature: Ensure your time signature is set to 4/4, which is standard for most modern music.
  4. Save Your Project: Immediately save your project as "OnTheLowInspired.flp" or something similar. This prevents data loss and keeps your work organized.

Crafting the Afrobeat Drum Pattern

The heartbeat of "On The Low" is undeniably its drum pattern. We're aiming for a groove that’s both danceable and laid-back. Afrobeat drum patterns typically feature a combination of kicks, snares, hi-hats, and various percussion elements. The key is in the rhythm and the interplay between these elements. For our recreation, we'll focus on creating a pattern that captures the essential Afrobeat feel.

Building the Drum Kit

  1. Kick Drum: Choose a kick drum with a punchy but not overpowering sound. A slightly rounded kick works well.
  2. Snare Drum: Opt for a snare with a crisp attack and a short decay. Layering a clap sound can add character.
  3. Hi-Hats: Use closed hi-hats for a steady rhythm and open hi-hats for accents.
  4. Percussion: Incorporate elements like shakers, congas, and other percussive sounds to add depth and complexity to the pattern.

Programming the Pattern

  1. Kick: Place the kick on the 1st and 3rd beats of each bar to establish the main pulse.
  2. Snare/Clap: Position the snare or clap on the 2nd and 4th beats to create the backbeat.
  3. Hi-Hats: Program a consistent rhythm of closed hi-hats, typically on every 8th or 16th note.
  4. Percussion: Add shakers, congas, and other percussion elements to fill in the gaps and create a more intricate groove. Experiment with different placements and rhythms to find what sounds best.

Laying Down the Bassline

The bassline in "On The Low" provides a subtle yet crucial foundation. It's not overly complex but provides a solid harmonic base for the rest of the track. When creating your bassline, aim for simplicity and groove. A clean, round bass sound will work best.

Selecting Your Bass Sound

  1. Choose a Synth: Opt for a virtual synthesizer like Serum, Massive, or Sylenth1. These synths offer a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities.
  2. Select a Preset: Look for a bass preset that has a warm, rounded tone. Alternatively, start with a basic sine wave or saw wave and shape it to your liking.
  3. EQ and Compression: Use EQ to clean up any unwanted frequencies and compression to even out the dynamics of the bassline.

Creating the Bassline

  1. Root Notes: Start by identifying the root notes of the chords in your progression. These will be the foundation of your bassline.
  2. Simple Rhythm: Create a simple rhythmic pattern that complements the kick drum. Use notes that fall on the beat or slightly off the beat to create a groove.
  3. Octave Variations: Experiment with playing the bassline in different octaves to add variation and interest.
  4. Slides and Bends: Incorporate subtle slides and bends to add a human feel to the bassline.

Crafting the Melodic Elements

The melodic elements in "On The Low" are characterized by their simplicity and catchiness. The song features clean guitar riffs, warm pads, and subtle synth melodies that complement Burna Boy's vocals. When creating your melodic elements, focus on creating melodies that are both memorable and easy to listen to.

Guitar Riff

  1. Choose a Guitar Sound: Select a clean, slightly overdriven guitar sound. A Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster emulation works well.
  2. Create a Simple Riff: Develop a simple riff that consists of a few notes or chords. Focus on creating a melody that is both catchy and easy to remember.
  3. Add Effects: Use effects like chorus, delay, and reverb to add depth and character to the guitar riff.

Warm Pads

  1. Select a Synth: Choose a virtual synthesizer like Serum, Massive, or Sylenth1.
  2. Select a Pad Preset: Look for a pad preset that has a warm, atmospheric tone. Alternatively, start with a basic saw wave or triangle wave and shape it to your liking.
  3. Create a Chord Progression: Develop a simple chord progression that complements the bassline and guitar riff.
  4. Add Effects: Use effects like reverb, chorus, and delay to create a lush, spacious sound.

Vocal Arrangement and Effects

While we won't be replicating Burna Boy's exact vocal performance, understanding the vocal arrangement and effects used in "On The Low" can help you create a similar vibe. Burna Boy's vocals are characterized by their relaxed delivery and melodic choices. The vocals are typically processed with a combination of EQ, compression, delay, and reverb to create a polished, professional sound.

Key Vocal Effects

  1. EQ: Use EQ to clean up any unwanted frequencies and enhance the clarity of the vocals.
  2. Compression: Use compression to even out the dynamics of the vocals and make them sit better in the mix.
  3. Delay: Use a short delay to add depth and width to the vocals.
  4. Reverb: Use reverb to create a sense of space and atmosphere around the vocals.

Final Touches: Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering are crucial steps in the production process. These steps ensure that your track sounds polished, professional, and ready for release. Mixing involves balancing the levels of all the individual tracks in your project, while mastering involves making overall adjustments to the stereo image, EQ, and dynamics of the track.

Mixing Tips

  1. Start with the Drums: Begin by balancing the levels of the kick, snare, hi-hats, and percussion elements. Make sure the drums are punchy and sit well in the mix.
  2. Add the Bassline: Adjust the level of the bassline so that it provides a solid foundation for the rest of the track. Make sure the bassline doesn't clash with the kick drum.
  3. Incorporate Melodic Elements: Balance the levels of the guitar riff, pads, and synth melodies. Ensure that these elements complement each other and don't overcrowd the mix.
  4. Vocal Mixing: Mix the vocals so that they are clear, present, and sit well in the mix. Use EQ, compression, delay, and reverb to enhance the vocals and create a professional sound.

Mastering Tips

  1. Use a Mastering Plugin: Use a mastering plugin like iZotope Ozone or FabFilter Pro-Q to make overall adjustments to the stereo image, EQ, and dynamics of the track.
  2. Adjust the Stereo Image: Widen the stereo image to create a more spacious sound.
  3. EQ Adjustments: Make subtle EQ adjustments to enhance the overall tone of the track.
  4. Compression and Limiting: Use compression and limiting to increase the loudness of the track and make it sound more polished.

There you have it! By following these steps, you can create your own "On The Low" inspired track in FL Studio. Remember, the key is to capture the essence of the original song while adding your own unique flair. Experiment with different sounds, rhythms, and melodies to create a track that is both familiar and fresh. Now go forth and create some amazing music!