How to produce a Dancehall Shatta beat
Dancehall shatta music is a popular genre that originated in Jamaica and has since spread globally. It features a unique combination of Jamaican dancehall and Ghanaian shatta sounds, characterized by high-energy beats, infectious rhythms, and catchy melodies. If you are interested in producing dancehall shatta beats, here is a detailed guide on how to create your own
First, what is Dancehall Shatta Music?
Very popular in Martinique and after Guadeloupe for over 20 years, Dancehall Shatta music is a popular genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1970s.
It is characterized by a distinctive drum pattern and a deep, bass-heavy sound. The genre combines elements of reggae, hip hop, and electronic music, and is known for its high energy and danceable rhythms.
Dancehall Shatta music often features fast-paced lyrics that are delivered in a unique style known as “toasting,” which involves rhythmic chanting and speaking in a sing-song style. The genre has gained popularity around the world, particularly in the Caribbean, Africa, and the UK, and has become an important part of modern popular music culture.
Maureen, T-Jy, Kalash, Bamby and recently Aya Nakamura with her hit Shatta “Beleck” confirm the rising place in the music charts of Dancehall Shatta.
Step 1: Start with the tempo
The first step in creating a dancehall shatta beat is to set the tempo of your track. Dancehall beats typically range from 90-110 bpm, but the tempo can vary depending on the artist’s preference. Start by selecting a tempo within this range, and adjust it as needed to match the mood and energy of your beat.
Step 2: Choose the kick and snare
The kick and snare are the foundation of any dancehall shatta beat. The kick should be heavy and punchy, with a deep, low-end thump that drives the rhythm forward. The snare should be sharp and snappy, with a quick attack and a short decay. You can use pre-made samples or synthesize your own drum sounds using a drum machine or a software sampler.
Step 3: Add hi-hats and cymbals
Hi-hats and cymbals add rhythm and energy to the beat, and help to fill out the overall sound. For a dancehall shatta beat, use open and closed hi-hat patterns, and add cymbals to emphasize certain parts of the beat. Experiment with different rhythms and patterns to create a dynamic and engaging track.
Step 4: Add percussion
Percussion instruments such as shakers, tambourines, and congas can add extra groove and flavor to the beat. They help to create a sense of movement and flow, and can give your beat a unique character. Try layering different percussion sounds to create a more complex and interesting rhythm.
Step 5: Add a bassline
The bassline is another essential element of a dancehall shatta beat. It should be deep and heavy, with a strong emphasis on the first beat of each bar. The bassline should follow the rhythm of the kick, and provide a solid foundation for the rest of the track. You can use a bass synthesizer or a bass guitar to create the bassline, or even sample basslines from other tracks.
Step 6: Add melody
Melody is what makes a dancehall shatta beat memorable and catchy. It can be added with synthesizers, keyboards, or even samples. Choose a melody that fits the mood and energy of your beat, and experiment with different chord progressions and scales to create a unique sound. Remember that the melody should be simple and easy to remember, so that it can stick in the listener’s head.
Step 7: Mix and master
Once you have all the elements of the beat in place, it’s time to mix and master your track. Use EQ, compression, and other effects to balance the levels and make the beat sound cohesive. Pay attention to the overall volume and dynamics of the track, and make sure that the bassline and kick are prominent in the mix. Finally, use a limiter to prevent clipping and to ensure that the track is loud enough for playback on different systems.
In conclusion, producing a dancehall shatta beat requires a good sense of rhythm and groove, and an ear for catchy melodies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, and always listen to other dancehall shatta beats for inspiration. With practice and dedication, you can create your own unique and memorable dancehall shatta tracks.
Recap
To produce a dancehall shatta beat, you can follow these steps:
- Start with the tempo: Dancehall beats usually have a tempo between 90-110 bpm. Set your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to this tempo.
- Choose the kick and snare: The kick and snare are the backbone of the beat. For a dancehall shatta beat, the kick should be heavy and punchy, and the snare should have a sharp attack. You can use samples or synthesize your own drum sounds.
- Add hi-hats and cymbals: Hi-hats and cymbals add rhythm and energy to the beat. Use open and closed hi-hat patterns, and add cymbals to emphasize certain parts of the beat.
- Add percussion: Percussion instruments such as shakers, tambourines, and congas can add extra groove and flavor to the beat. Experiment with different patterns and rhythms.
- Add a bassline: The bassline should be deep and heavy, and follow the rhythm of the kick. Use a bass synthesizer or a bass guitar to create the bassline.
- Add melody: Melody can be added with synthesizers, keyboards, or even samples. Choose a catchy melody that fits the mood of the beat.
- Mix and master: Once you have all the elements of the beat, it’s time to mix and master. Use EQ, compression, and other effects to balance the levels and make the beat sound cohesive.
Overall, creating a dancehall shatta beat requires a good sense of rhythm and groove, and an ear for catchy melodies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, and always listen to other dancehall shatta beats for inspiration.
