Get Darker have unearthed an interesting audio clip of dubstep pioneer; Benga creating an 8 bar grime loop for BBC radio.Back in 2003 the bass music legend was challenged to create the 8 bar loop using only a Play Station 1 and a copy of Sony Music 2000.
For producers like myself, Sony Music 2000 was the gateway to the heavier stuff. The software now seems kindergarten compared to the highly intuitive technology we have today. Even on a smartphone alone, budding musicians have access to all kind of experimental synths and even DAWs such as Garage Band for the iPhone 6.
Although these basic apps may be deemed as ‘unprofessional’ or ‘amateur’, this clip goes to show that every musician must start somewhere and it’s better to get going with what you have available than to feel intimidated or succumb techno-snobbery before you start.
Benga talks us through his fairly simple process of first laying down the drum pattern before creating two basslines which alternate in an 8 bar loop. This method is transferable onto any DAW or music making software.
This is clear evidence and a reminder that when making music, it’s not what you use; it’s how you use it.
Zephaniah Jamison
