Trap music is now a staple in almost every genre. But with so many producers using the same formulaic approach, how do you make your trap beats stand out from the pack? If you’re tired of the same old hi-hat rolls and 808 basslines, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll uncover 5 unique and offbeat tips to elevate your beatmaking game. These aren’t your average production tricks; these are left-field ideas designed to surprise and inspire. Whether you’re an experienced producer or just starting out, these tips will encourage you to think outside the box and add a fresh perspective to your sound. LET’S GO!

1: Record a Jam Session in your Kitchen

  • Use everyday kitchen items including pots, pans, whisks and spoons, to record an impromptu percussion session. Use headphones to monitor a beat so your playing stays in time and record multiple runs alternating between different kitchenalia combos. Then identify the best sections and Layer and process these recordings with reverb and effects. This can add a live rhythmic energy to your beat.

2: Record your Younger Siblings or Elderly Relatives

  • Ad-libs play a crucial role in trap production. While generally provided by the MC why not flip things and provide your own – Courtesy of your nearest and dearest? Enrol the services of a younger brother or sister for super cute “Skrrt Skrrt!” or “Pew Pew!” adlibs. Alternatively, why not jump on the current TikTok trend of using an older wholly unlikely character i.e. your gran or grandad to project the voice of youth over your beats? “Ayyye!”

3: Marching to the Sound of an 808 Alternative

  • When it comes to trap drums the 808 well and truly rules the sound waves! But what if there was another similar-sounding alternative out there? A more organic option perhaps. With the 808’s snappy high-pitched snares and Deep sub-heavy kicks the closest real world alternative has to be the drum sets used by traditional marching bands. Marching band snares are super tight and highly tuned making them the perfect 808 clone. And the big bass drums are noted for their long sustaining bass heavy delay. Why not try writing a bassline using a marching band bass drum instead? You can always layer a touch of real sub if it is lacking. For a really terrific marching band in a box check out “High School Drum Corps” by Soundiron.

4: Humanised Basslines

  • Create an original bassline by Recording yourself humming along to your beat’s melody. Record yourself humming your bassline at around the same pitch as the vocal. Then make two duplications of your recording. Use a pitch shifter to pitch one duplicated track down 1 octave and the other 2 octaves. Then add plenty of distortion and EQ to the vocal recordings for an aggressive feel. Experiment with the volume balance between the 3 tracks of vocal. For added depth, you could still add an 808 sub-bass line over the top. Rather than completely mimicking the humanised bassline just add 808 bass to the main kick accents.

5: Slow Mo Textures

  • Record random foley sounds such as a babbling stream or city soundscapes. Then pitch these sound textures down dramatically. They then take on a whole different identity, almost unrecognisable from their original form. Add these pitched down textures to your beats to create dark, ambient layers. These create depth and complement trap’s moody aesthetic.

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