Hendrik Barendsen
Industry
15
min read
Apr 12, 2024
In recent years, type beats have become a major trend in music production. These instrumental tracks mimic the style of popular artists, providing a foundation for new music creation. For instance, a "Drake type beat" captures the moody, rhythmic essence of Drake's music, while a "Travis Scott type beat" features atmospheric synths and trap rhythms. Producing type beats goes beyond simple imitation; it requires an in-depth understanding of an artist's unique sound and style. This involves careful selection of instruments, sounds, and arrangements that mirror the artist's typical tracks.
In this blog, we'll explore the origins and significance of type beats and provide you with valuable tips to create your own.
What are type beats?
Type beats are instrumental tracks designed to emulate the style, sound, and vibe of popular artists, producers, or specific genres. They serve as a blueprint or template that artists can use to produce their own songs. For example, a "Kendrick Lamar type beat" might feature introspective melodies and complex rhythms characteristic of Lamar's work, while a "Metro Boomin type beat" could include dark, moody synths and hard-hitting 808s.
These beats are often labeled with the artist's name to attract attention from artists looking for a specific sound, making them a powerful marketing tool for producers.
Below you can listen to a type beat produced by Pacific that emulates the style of 24k Golden & iann dior's track 'Mood'.
The origins of type beats
The concept of type beats can be traced back to the early 2000s with the rise of internet forums and platforms where producers would share and sell their beats. However, it was the advent of YouTube and later platforms like BeatStars that truly propelled type beats into the mainstream.
Producers began tagging their beats with the names of popular artists to make their music more discoverable. This practice tapped into the search behaviors of artists who were looking for beats that matched their musical style, thus creating a symbiotic relationship between producers and artists.
YouTube & Beat Marketplaces
YouTube has become a go-to platform for discovering type beats due to its vast library, ease of access, and free availability. Producers from around the world upload their beats, providing a diverse selection that caters to various styles and preferences.
How to find type beats on YouTube
Search Functionality: Simply typing "type beat" followed by the name of an artist, genre, or mood (e.g., "Drake type beat," "lo-fi type beat," or "trap type beat") into YouTube's search bar will yield thousands of results. Type Beats get uploaded by thousands on a daily basis.
Curated Playlists: Many channels and users create playlists of type beats, making it easier to find a collection of similar tracks in one place.
Recommendations and Algorithms: YouTube's recommendation system is adept at suggesting related beats based on your viewing history, helping you discover new producers and styles.
Channels and Producers: Subscribing to dedicated type beat channels ensures you stay updated with the latest uploads. Channels like "Chuki Beats," "Young Forever Beats," and "Dansonn Beats" are popular among aspiring artists.
Like you can see below, type beats are still immense popular. The Lil Baby type beat on top got almost half a million views in 10 days.
Benefits of using YouTube
Cost-Effective: Most type beats on YouTube are free to listen to and use for non-commercial purposes. However, if you wish to use them commercially, producers often provide purchasing options in the video description.
Variety: The sheer volume of type beats available ensures you can find something that suits your unique style.
Community and Feedback: Engaging with the community through comments and discussions can provide valuable feedback and connections with like-minded artists and producers.
What are Beat Marketplaces?
Beat marketplaces are online platforms dedicated to buying and selling beats. They offer a professional environment where producers can showcase their work and artists can purchase high-quality instrumentals.
Popular Beat Marketplaces
BeatStars: One of the most well-known platforms, BeatStars offers a vast selection of type beats across various genres. It provides an intuitive interface, allowing users to filter by genre, mood, BPM, and more.
Airbit: Formerly known as MyFlashStore, Airbit is another leading marketplace that connects producers with artists. It features a clean design and advanced search options.
TrakTrain: Known for its exclusive and curated selection, TrakTrain focuses on quality over quantity. It is particularly popular among hip-hop and trap artists.
Soundee: This platform offers a seamless experience for both buying and selling beats. It features a detailed search function and a user-friendly interface.
Producers like mantra and Fantom are the most popular type beat makers on BeatStars right now.
How to find type beats on beat marketplaces
Search and Filters: Utilize the search bar and filters to narrow down your options. You can search for specific artists, genres, or even moods to find the perfect type beat.
Producer Profiles: Many marketplaces allow you to browse through producer profiles, where you can explore their entire catalog of beats.
Trending and Featured Beats: Check out the trending and featured sections to discover popular and high-quality type beats.
These are some of the popular tags on BeatStars. Besides that you can filter on genre, track type, price, mood, BPM and instruments.
Benefits of using beat marketplaces
Professional Quality: Beats on these platforms are often of higher production quality, as they are created by professional producers.
Licensing Options: Marketplaces provide clear licensing agreements, ensuring you have the legal rights to use the beat for commercial purposes.
Exclusive Access: Some platforms offer exclusive beats that are not available anywhere else, giving your music a unique edge.
The importance of sound analysis of the artist before producing the beat
Producing type beats requires a deep understanding of the artist's musical nuances, preferences, and signature elements. Sound analysis of the artist is crucial for several reasons:
1. Authenticity
Sound analysis ensures that the produced beat captures the authentic essence of the artist’s style. By studying their rhythm, melody, instrumentation, and overall soundscape, producers can create beats that genuinely reflect the artist's unique musical identity.
2. Targeted appeal
Understanding the artist's sound helps producers tailor their beats to appeal to the artist's fan base. This alignment increases the likelihood of the beats resonating with the target audience, who are familiar with and appreciative of the artist’s style.
3. Creativity and innovation
Analyzing an artist's sound provides a foundation for creativity. Producers can identify key elements that define the artist’s style and experiment with new ideas within those parameters, leading to innovative beats that maintain the core essence while offering something fresh and unique.
4. Professionalism
Sound analysis demonstrates a professional approach to beat making. It shows that the producer has invested time and effort into understanding the artist’s music, leading to higher-quality productions that are more likely to be noticed and appreciated by industry professionals.
In conclusion, sound analysis is an essential step in producing type beats that are authentic, appealing, creative, and professional. It bridges the gap between imitation and innovation, enabling producers to craft beats that stand out while staying true to the artist's signature sound.
What does this 'sound analysis' look like for artist such as Yeat, Drake and Gunna?
Things we want to cover when working on this sound analysis are:
Character (distorted or clean)
Vibe (Melodic, dark, smooth, emotional, atmospheric)
Melody and Chords (simple, catchy, complicated)
Depth (Reverbs, delays)
BPM Range
Now let's dive into the artists starting with Yeat.
Yeat
Heavy, distorted 808s
Melodic yet dark synths
Fast-paced hi-hats and percussions
Simple yet catchy melodies
Atmospheric effects and vocal samples
BPM around 140-160.
Drake
Smooth, melodic instrumentation
Deep, punchy 808s
Clean, crisp drums
Atmospheric pads and synths
Emotional, catchy melodies
Use of vocal samples and effects
BPM around 85-105 for a slower, R&B vibe, or around 120-140 for more upbeat track.
Gunna
Melodic, atmospheric instrumentation
Smooth, rolling 808s
Crisp, clean drums
Catchy melodies with a laid-back vibe
Use of reverb and delay for a spacious sound
BPM around 120-150.
How to 10x your type beat output using Producer Assistant
For producers focused on creating type beats, efficiency and quality are key to standing out and maximizing output. Enter Producer Assistant, a powerful tool designed to streamline the production process and help you produce more high-quality beats in less time. Here’s how Producer Assistant can help you 10x your type beat output:
1. Always stay up to date with the latest trends
With Producer Assistant, you always have access to the most recent releases and trending sounds. We continuously update our library to reflect the latest hits and styles, ensuring that your beats are always current and relevant. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends, you can create beats that resonate with artists and listeners, increasing your chances of landing placements and sales.
2. Highest quality sounds so you don’t have to spend hours mixing
Quality is key when it comes to producing beats that stand out. Producer Assistant provides a library of high-quality sounds that are professionally mixed and mastered. This means you can focus more on the creative aspects of production rather than spending countless hours tweaking and mixing your tracks. With top-notch sounds at your fingertips, you can produce polished, industry-standard beats quickly and efficiently.
3. New sounds every week
To keep your music fresh and exciting, Producer Assistant offers new sounds every week. This constant update of fresh material ensures that you never run out of inspiration and always have access to the latest and greatest sounds. Regular updates keep your production toolkit diverse and dynamic, allowing you to experiment with new ideas and styles without the hassle of sourcing and processing new samples yourself. Every week we write an article dedicated to our uploads and also provide you with the newest release of that week: What's New.
4. Wide variety of genres
Diversity in production is crucial for reaching a broader audience and meeting the needs of different artists. Producer Assistant caters to a wide variety of genres, including Trap, Boom Bap and Drill. Whether you're creating hard-hitting trap beats, classic boom bap tracks, or gritty drill instrumentals, Producer Assistant has the sounds and tools you need to excel in multiple genres. This versatility allows you to expand your portfolio and attract a wider range of clients.
5. Use synth kits to get quick ideas going on your drum sounds
One of the standout features of Producer Assistant is its Synth Kits, which are designed to help you quickly generate ideas on top of your drum sounds. These kits offer a range of pre-designed synth patterns that you can easily customize and incorporate into your beats. Synth Kits are perfect for jumpstarting your creativity and speeding up the production process. With these kits, you can lay down the foundation of your tracks in minutes, leaving you more time to refine and perfect your beats.
By leveraging the powerful features of Producer Assistant, you can significantly increase both the quantity and quality of your type beat output. Here’s a summary of how each feature contributes to this goal:
Latest Trends: Ensures your beats are always relevant and in-demand.
High-Quality Sounds: Saves time on mixing and enhances the overall sound of your beats.
Weekly Updates: Keeps your production fresh and continuously inspired.
Genre Variety: Expands your creative horizons and market reach.
Synth Kits: Accelerates the beat-making process and boosts creativity.
The business side of type beats
Monetizing Type Beats
Licensing and Sales: Producers can sell type beats through various licensing agreements, including:
Non-Exclusive Licenses: Allow multiple artists to use the beat. Prices typically range from $20 to $50, making them affordable for many artists.
Exclusive Licenses: Grant a single artist the sole rights to use the beat. Prices can vary widely, from $200 to several thousand dollars, depending on the producer's reputation and the beat's quality.
Subscription Models: Some platforms offer subscription services where artists pay a monthly fee for access to a catalog of beats. This model provides producers with a steady income stream.
Ad Revenue: Platforms like YouTube enable producers to monetize their content through ad revenue. By consistently uploading beats and growing a subscriber base, producers can earn money from ad impressions.
Custom Beats and Services: Producers can offer custom beat-making services, catering to artists' specific needs. This personalized approach can command higher fees and foster long-term relationships with clients.
Building a strong online presence
Utilize Multiple Platforms: Diversify your presence across various platforms such as YouTube, BeatStars, SoundCloud, and Instagram. Each platform has its unique audience and can help you reach a broader demographic.
Consistent Branding: Develop a strong brand identity, including a unique logo, consistent color scheme, and a producer tag. This consistency makes your beats easily recognizable and helps build a loyal following.
Engaging Content: Regularly upload new beats and engage with your audience. Use high-quality visuals, such as eye-catching thumbnails and engaging videos, to attract viewers.
SEO and keywords
Relevant Keywords: Optimize your beat titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. For example, use terms like "Drake Type Beat" or "Travis Scott Type Beat" to appear in search results when artists are looking for specific styles.
Detailed Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions for your beats, including information about the tempo, key, and mood. This helps artists find the perfect beat for their project and improves your search engine rankings.
Hashtags: Use popular and relevant hashtags on social media platforms to increase the visibility of your posts. Hashtags like #TypeBeat, #RapBeats, or #TrapBeats can help you reach a wider audience.
Engaging with your audience
Social Media Interaction: Actively engage with your followers on social media. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for their support. Building a community around your brand fosters loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth promotion.
Collaborations: Collaborate with other producers, artists, and influencers. Joint projects can introduce your beats to new audiences and build valuable connections within the industry.
Feedback and Adaptation: Encourage feedback from your audience and be open to constructive criticism. Use this feedback to improve your beats and better cater to your target market’s preferences.
Utilizing paid advertising
Targeted Ads: Use targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. These ads can be tailored to reach specific demographics, such as independent artists looking for beats.
Ad Formats: Experiment with different ad formats, including video ads, carousel ads, and sponsored posts. Video ads showcasing snippets of your beats can be particularly effective in capturing attention.
Budget Management: Start with a small advertising budget and gradually increase it as you see positive returns. Monitor the performance of your ads and adjust your strategy based on what works best.
Offering value and incentives
Free Beats and Giveaways: Offer a selection of free beats to attract new listeners and build your email list. Giveaways and contests can also boost engagement and attract potential customers.
Bundle Deals: Create bundle deals where artists can purchase multiple beats at a discounted rate. This encourages larger purchases and provides better value to your customers.
Subscription Services: Consider offering a subscription service where artists pay a monthly fee for access to your entire beat catalog. This provides a steady income stream and encourages ongoing relationships with your clients.
Tracking and analytics
Monitor Metrics: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your beats across different platforms. Pay attention to metrics such as views, engagement, and conversion rates.
Adjust Strategies: Based on your analytics, adjust your marketing strategies to focus on what works best. Continual optimization is key to maintaining and growing your audience.
Challenges and considerations
While the type beat market offers substantial opportunities, it also comes with challenges:
Competition: The market is saturated, with countless producers vying for attention. Standing out requires a unique sound, quality production, and effective marketing.
Copyright Issues: Ensure that your beats do not infringe on copyrighted material. Using original melodies and samples is crucial to avoid legal issues.
Pricing Strategy: Finding the right balance between affordability for artists and fair compensation for your work is essential. Research market rates and adjust your pricing accordingly.
This interview with producer Jake Angel Beats contains a lot of great insights on how to approach your type beat journey.
How to sell your type beats on BeatStars in 2024
Selling beats online has become a lucrative opportunity for music producers, and BeatStars is one of the leading platforms in this space. If you're looking to monetize your music production skills and reach a global audience, here's a comprehensive guide on how to sell your beats on BeatStars in 2024.
Step 1: Set up your BeatStars account
Sign Up: Go to the BeatStars website and sign up for an account. Choose the plan that best suits your needs; BeatStars offers various plans, including a free plan and several paid options with additional features.
Profile Setup: Complete your profile by adding a profile picture, bio, and links to your social media accounts. A professional and complete profile helps build trust and attract potential buyers.
Step 2: Prepare your beats
High-Quality Production: Ensure your beats are professionally produced. High-quality sound is crucial for attracting buyers.
Tagging: Add producer tags to your beats to protect them from unauthorized use. Make sure the tags are not too intrusive, so potential buyers can still appreciate the quality of your work.
Metadata: Include relevant metadata for each beat, such as the genre, tempo (BPM), key, and any other descriptive tags. This helps buyers find your beats through search filters.
Step 3: Upload your beats
File Formats: Prepare your beats in multiple file formats. Typically, MP3 files are used for previews, while WAV and STEM files are sold to customers. Offering high-quality, uncompressed files can be a selling point.
Cover Art: Create eye-catching cover art for each beat. Professional visuals can help your beats stand out and attract more attention.
Detailed Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions for each beat. Include information about the style, mood, and potential use cases. This helps buyers understand how your beat can fit their project.
Step 4: Set your prices and licensing options
Pricing: Determine competitive pricing for your beats. Research what similar producers are charging and consider offering different price points for different license types.
Licensing Types: BeatStars allows you to offer various licensing options, such as:
Basic Lease: Non-exclusive rights, limited usage.
Premium Lease: Non-exclusive rights with more extended usage.
Exclusive Rights: Full ownership transferred to the buyer.
Terms and Conditions: Clearly outline the terms and conditions for each licensing option. Make sure buyers understand what they are getting with each license.
Step 5: Promote your beats
Social Media: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to promote your beats. Share snippets, engage with your audience, and collaborate with other artists and producers.
Content Marketing: Create content around your beats, such as beat-making tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, and blog posts. This can help build your brand and attract more buyers.
Collaborations: Partner with artists, influencers, and other producers to gain exposure. Collaboration can lead to more visibility and potential sales.
This video by HEATE is a great video that covers a lot of marketing aspects on how to sell beats faster through BeatStar.
Step 6: Engage with your customers
Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any issues, and maintain a professional demeanor.
Feedback and Reviews: Encourage buyers to leave feedback and reviews. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and attract more buyers.
Building Relationships: Build long-term relationships with your customers. Repeat buyers are a valuable asset, so keep in touch and offer them special deals or early access to new beats.
Step 7: Analyze and optimize
Analytics: Use BeatStars' analytics tools to track your sales, understand your audience, and identify which beats are performing best.
Optimization: Continuously optimize your profile, beats, and marketing strategies based on the data you collect. Experiment with different pricing, descriptions, and promotional tactics to see what works best.
Conclusion
Type beats have emerged as a significant trend, catering specifically to artists and producers seeking pre-made instrumentals that match the style of popular artists. These beats mimic the distinctive sounds and production techniques of well-known musicians, making it easier for aspiring artists to find the right musical backdrop for their songs.
Producing type beats involves several key steps: understanding the signature elements of the artist's style, selecting appropriate instruments and sounds, and crafting melodies, rhythms, and arrangements that reflect the targeted artist's musical identity. It also requires staying updated with current music trends and having a solid grasp of production software and tools.
For those looking to venture into producing type beats, the process begins with detailed research and analysis of the chosen artist's music. This includes dissecting their songs to understand their chord progressions, drum patterns, and overall sound design. Producers must then replicate these elements while adding their unique touch to ensure the beat stands out in a crowded market.
Ultimately, the success of a type beat hinges on its authenticity and appeal to both artists and listeners. By mastering the intricacies of popular music styles and continuously honing their production skills, producers can create compelling type beats that resonate with a wide audience and potentially open doors to lucrative opportunities in the music industry.