Travis Scott Type Beat 2017: How To Make It

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Travis Scott 2017 Type Beat: How to Make It

Hey guys! Ever been vibing to a Travis Scott track from 2017 and thought, "I could totally make something like this"? Well, you're in the right place. In this article, we're diving deep into how to recreate that iconic Travis Scott sound from 2017. We'll break down everything from the drums to the synths, the mixing techniques, and even a bit about the overall vibe. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Understanding the 2017 Travis Scott Sound

Before we jump into making a Travis Scott type beat, it's essential to understand what made his 2017 sound so unique. Think back to tracks like "Goosebumps" and "Butterfly Effect." These songs share several key elements that define the 2017 Travis Scott aesthetic. Understanding these elements is crucial for creating an authentic-sounding beat.

Key Elements of the Sound

  • Drums: The drums are punchy but not overly aggressive. They have a unique bounce and swing that makes you want to move. Expect to hear a lot of 808 slides, crisp snares, and hi-hat patterns that aren't too complex but are incredibly effective.
  • Melody: Travis Scott's melodies often feature dreamy, atmospheric synths. Think pads, arpeggios, and heavily processed sounds. The melodies are usually catchy but also have a slightly melancholic or psychedelic feel.
  • Bass: The basslines are often simple but powerful. They provide a solid foundation for the track without overpowering the other elements. 808s are your best friend here, often pitched and manipulated for extra flavor.
  • Mixing: The mixing is clean but not sterile. There's a sense of space and depth, with careful attention paid to creating a cohesive soundscape. Reverb, delay, and subtle saturation are your allies.

Influences and Inspiration

To truly nail the Travis Scott 2017 sound, it helps to understand the influences behind it. Artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and even some old-school psychedelic rock bands have all contributed to the sonic palette that Travis draws from. Listening to a wide range of music can help you develop a deeper understanding of the sound you're trying to create. By immersing yourself in these influences, you'll start to internalize the nuances and subtleties that make the 2017 Travis Scott sound so special.

Building the Beat: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get our hands dirty and start building this beat. We'll break it down into manageable steps, so you can follow along easily.

1. Setting the Tempo and Key

Start by setting your tempo to around 140-160 BPM. This range captures the energy of many Travis Scott tracks from that era. As for the key, experiment with minor keys like A minor or C minor, which tend to lend themselves well to the melancholic vibe we're going for. Getting the tempo and key right from the start is essential as it sets the foundation for the entire track.

2. Crafting the Drum Pattern

The drums are the backbone of any beat, and the Travis Scott 2017 sound is no exception. Here's how to create a drum pattern that fits the vibe:

  • Kick: Use a punchy kick drum with a solid low-end. Place it on the 1 and 3 beats to establish the rhythm. Experiment with slight variations in velocity to add some human feel.
  • Snare: Choose a crisp snare with a bit of snap. Place it on the 2 and 4 beats. Consider adding a subtle reverb to give it some space.
  • Hi-Hats: Create a simple but effective hi-hat pattern. Use 8th notes or 16th notes, and vary the velocity to create a sense of groove. Add some open hi-hats sparingly for emphasis.
  • 808: This is where the magic happens. Use a deep, resonant 808 and create a simple bassline that complements the kick drum. Experiment with slides and pitch bends to add some character. The 808 should be felt more than heard, providing a solid low-end foundation for the track.

3. Creating the Melody

Now, let's create a dreamy, atmospheric melody. Here are some tips:

  • Choose the Right Sounds: Use synths like pads, arpeggiated sequences, and heavily processed keys. Plugins like Omnisphere, Serum, and Analog Lab are great for finding the right sounds.
  • Keep it Simple: Don't overcomplicate the melody. Use a few well-chosen notes and let them breathe. Repetition can be your friend here.
  • Add Effects: Use reverb, delay, and chorus to create a sense of space and depth. Experiment with different effects to find what works best for your sound.

4. Arranging the Beat

Arrangement is key to keeping the listener engaged. Here's a basic structure you can follow:

  • Intro: Start with a simple loop of the melody and drums. Gradually introduce elements to build anticipation.
  • Verse: Bring in the full drum pattern and bassline. Let the melody play out and create a vibe.
  • Chorus: Add some variations to the melody and drums to create a sense of lift. This is where you can add some extra ear candy.
  • Bridge: Strip things down and create a moment of tension. This can be a good place to introduce a new element or variation.
  • Outro: Gradually fade out the elements to bring the track to a close.

5. Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering are essential for polishing your beat and making it sound professional. Here are some tips:

  • EQ: Use EQ to shape the sound of each element and create space in the mix. Cut the low-end from elements that don't need it, and boost the frequencies that make each element shine.
  • Compression: Use compression to control the dynamics of each element and make them sit well in the mix. Be careful not to over-compress, as this can suck the life out of your track.
  • Reverb and Delay: Use reverb and delay to create a sense of space and depth. Experiment with different types of reverb and delay to find what works best for your sound.
  • Mastering: Use a mastering plugin to add some final polish to your track. This can include EQ, compression, and limiting. Be careful not to over-process, as this can damage the sound of your track.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Now that you've got the basics down, let's explore some advanced techniques and tips to take your Travis Scott type beat to the next level.

1. Sound Selection

The sounds you choose are crucial to nailing the 2017 Travis Scott sound. Experiment with different synths, drums, and samples to find sounds that fit the vibe. Don't be afraid to layer sounds and process them to create something unique.

  • Synths: Omnisphere and Serum are great for creating lush, atmospheric synth sounds. Experiment with different waveforms, filters, and effects to create something unique.
  • Drums: Look for punchy kicks, crisp snares, and clean hi-hats. Consider using drum samples from classic drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909.
  • Samples: Use samples sparingly, but when you do, make sure they fit the vibe. Chop and process them to make them your own.

2. Automation

Automation can add movement and interest to your beat. Experiment with automating parameters like volume, panning, filter cutoff, and reverb send to create dynamic changes over time.

  • Volume: Automate the volume of different elements to create swells and fades.
  • Panning: Automate the panning of different elements to create a sense of movement and space.
  • Filter Cutoff: Automate the filter cutoff of synths to create sweeps and textures.
  • Reverb Send: Automate the reverb send of different elements to create dynamic changes in the amount of reverb.

3. Sampling Techniques

Sampling is a big part of the Travis Scott sound. Experiment with different sampling techniques to create unique textures and sounds.

  • Chopping: Chop samples into small pieces and rearrange them to create new melodies and rhythms.
  • Time Stretching: Use time stretching to change the tempo of samples without affecting their pitch.
  • Pitch Shifting: Use pitch shifting to change the pitch of samples without affecting their tempo.

Conclusion

Creating a Travis Scott 2017 type beat is all about understanding the key elements of his sound and experimenting with different techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to creating beats that capture the vibe of that era. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and refining your skills. And most importantly, have fun! Keep grinding, and who knows, maybe you'll be the next big producer. Peace out!