Hello Composers, Mike here! =)
Ah, so you want to make Percussion Music? Music with a heavy focus on the percussion, rhythms and grooves. Music full of action, energy and intensity! 😎
Let’s listen to a couple of live examples of music compositions in this style! =)
Mikael Baggström – The Drums of War
My description: Intense Action Music focused mainly on percussion with added rhythmic drive, stabs, and accents from strings and brass etc. Starting in the key of G minor, in 150BPM, with several modulations and key changes, especially in the final chorus parts.
My vision for this track was to convey the powerful army vibe of war, both from the hard stabs and accents with high intensity, and the constant hard slams on the drum groove. I also included a gong, Japanese taiko drums, and sticks from bamboo, because I wanted a bit of an oriental flavor to this battle.
David Olofson – Impending Hysteria
David’s description: Percussion-only hybrid trailer score for… something where things are about to go wrong in an intense manner, probably – possibly related to the imaginary movie that some previous tracks were written for. 🙂
Software & Sounds: Cubase Pro 10, OT Metropolis Ark 3, FabFilter Timeless 2, Heavyocity Damage, Heavyocity Natural Forces, Soundiron Temple Drums, Rick Allen Cymbal Rolls, NI Rise&Hit, Performance Samples Oceania, kHz phaseplant, kHz Transient Shaper, Ozone 8, TC VSS3
Mike’s Tips for Percussion Music
- Write the Core Rhythm first
- Crank up the Main Accents
- Make sure you use the Full Range
- Focus on Rhythmic Comping
- Minimize Focus on Melodies
- Add Lots of Drive & Pulse
- Think of Action & Intensity
- Include lots of Variation & Spices
- Don’t forget the Fills & Transitions
- Put the Percussion Mix in the Front Seat
Now take Action!
I always recommend you to take action, to learn from doing, experimenting, and creating. So go ahead and compose a new track in the style of “Percussion Music”. =)