Sample Genie Challenge Series, episode 01 March 2020

Big up Sample Genie Crew!

I hope everyone has settled into the new year nicely. So good to see all of the participation in the demo submissions, I am sure there are some real belters in there.

But now that the demos are in our six, it’s time to get the monthly challenges back on the rails.

This month is one I’m calling: S-W-I-T-C-H

The guidelines are fairly basic- create a dnb tune that switches into and out of 1/2 or 2/3 time (and hell, you could try 1/3rd time too). It can start at any tempo and switch at any point, but the idea here is to create something that includes strong drum and bass, but could be a bit of a crossover tune for other genres, whether into or out of.

Let’s do some quick dnb tempo math!

I personally make all my dnb at 174bpm, so I am going to use that in this example, but whatever your base dnb tempo is just apply some of this mind-blowing science:

174*1/2 = 87bpm, so that is on the menu, we’ve all heard it, we know it, pretty simple

but if you wanted to get a little more tricky with it:

174*2/3 = 115.884…if you wanted to move into some triplet-laced, 3/4 hybrid, that could be rad too, just a reminder that this tempo variation is perfectly viable

And if you really wanted to make it drippy: 174*1/4 = 43.5, or 174*1/3 = ~58

If this math is doing your head in, no worries just go halftime, but in trying to preach the gospel of dnb to all peeps, these other more exotic tempos might hold the key to an effective crossover tune…fuckit, drop some liquid into some tropical house or whatever and wreckit. No genre hate in this one, folks…embrace the differences. But it’s not required to switch genre, only tempo.

If possible, try and finish out at least an intro, a build, and a drop, especially as this one needs time to sink in, and of course entire tunes are always something to strive for.

Just put a strong tempo switch in a dnb tune. That’s it, that’s the goal this month.

Challenge reminders:

If you intend to participate, please give reply with some sort of positive affirmation. Even if you just *think* you might, I think a public promise might encourage more users to stay the course. (of course no harm if you can’t follow through…we all know life happens). AND, if you don’t happen to reply with a claim to start, but show up with a tune, no worries. I don’t givafuck how we get there, I just want as many of you to participate as possible!

Secondly:

I would like to give us all the chance to have a mid-month check-in, if we so desire. That can be everyone’s chance to get feedback, get help with issues, etc. I’m definitely down to help in any way I can, and I have the time to help as much as needed.

Once submissions are in, please listen to the submissions & pick one demo as your favorite, other than your own submission; if you cannot participate but listen to the submissions, add your voice to the discussion. Feedback on final submissions is encouraged as well, but not required. Just remember “Want feedback? Give feedback.”

I WILL ENCOURAGE VOTES FROM EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU PARTICIPATED.

I want as many peeps involved as possible, in any way.

SUBMISSIONS DUE: Saturday March 28, 2020

VOTES DUE: Before the April samples go live, usually the 2nd of the month.
Genies and Moderators are exempt from prizes, so be sure to vote for another member.

SUBMIT: Upload a private track on Soundcloud/Dropbox/G-Drive/Whatever and share the link in this thread. Collaborations are okay.

PRIZE(?!?): GENIE HQ has final say, and will announce a winner at the conclusion of each month. Typically the winner will get a free month of Sample Genie next month, and possibly some additional feedback from a Sample Genie artist.

Any questions, just ask. Also, if you have any recommendations or ideas for future challenges, send them our way please!

MAKE SOMETHING