Beat School

What are the best synths and plugins for creating melodies? In this episode I do a deep dive into my favorite soft synths, and which ones you should buy depending on where you’re at in your career. I’ll do a guide on this at some point, but just know this: having an amazing plugin won’t make your beats better if you don’t know how to use it. Learn the basics of synthesis and it’ll be a game changer if you want to create your own melodies. You can spend a lot of money on plugins, but they won’t all be a good fit. So if making melodies is important to you this is an episode you’ll want to peep.  Have a question you want answered? Slide in the DM @kiaorion  or email me here: kia@kiaorion.com - This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this cou

Has anyone bought beats from you yet? Do you think they would? Those are two very important questions, and often more confusing than you might think. I remember when I thought my beats were sellable (they definitely weren’t). At the same time, I didn’t realize until years later that I could have been selling my beats MUCH earlier than I did. It’s a tricky question, and if you’re interested in selling beats online as a part time or full time hustle this is one you’re going to want to listen to.  Have a question you want answered? Slide in the DM @kiaorion  or email me here: kia@kiaorion.com - This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course p

Should you learn to mix/master and engineer? Short answer: definitely. In this episode I talk about the pros of knowing engineering and how it can benefit you even as a producer. Do you need to be the best engineer ever? Absolutely not, but it can have huge advantages. Are you curious how to make better mixes? Ask me about it! Have a question you want answered? Slide in the DM @kiaorion  or email me here: kia@kiaorion.com - This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim your spot.  - Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to this joint? If you’re not, why you sleepin on the boy? I’m adding a bunch of bonus episod

Is it bad to sell cheap beats to artists? Maybe. In this episode I do a deep-dive into when/why you should sell beats cheap or even give them away for free. There are strategies to keeping your prices high, but don’t forget about the power of free. Listen in to find out what would work best for you and your model.  Have a question you want answered? Slide in the DM @kiaorion  or email me here: kia@kiaorion.com - This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim your spot.  - Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to this joint? If you’re not, why you sleepin on the boy? I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to t

Last episode we covered the question about whether you need music theory to be a producer (spoiler alert: you don’t), and in today’s class we talk about what skills you DO need. In my experience I’ve found these few things incredibly essential to the success and longevity of music producers, especially in hip-hop. Have a question you want answered? Slide in the DM @kiaorion  or email me here: kia@kiaorion.com - This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim your spot.  - Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to this joint? If you’re not, why you sleepin on the boy? I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix

Do you NEED to know music theory to make dope beats? Listen to the podcast to find out! The answer might surprise you. In this episode we talk about how to make beats whether you know music theory or not, and if you don’t possible alternatives to still make bangers. Even if you don’t know it, don’t use that as an excuse not to dive into production.  This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for mastering the fundamentals and mindset of music production. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim your spot.  Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to this joint? If you’re not, why you sleepin on the boy? I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss o

Most producers have no idea what to do when it comes to using and clearing samples. And for good reason, it’s an incredibly complicated space. Also, is it ethical? I first tackle this question and then give you my recommendation on what kind of samples to use to avoid copyright infringement and sell your beats royalty free with a clear conscience. This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 3-step system for creating beats from start to finish. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim your spot.  Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to this joint? If you’re not, why you sleepin on the boy? I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to sub

I'm glad you asked. When it comes to buying good gear there is a lot of mixed information out there. I want to be clear that a lot of this will boil down to preference, but I put this episode and guide together with my past self in mind. If i could go back and do it all over again where would my money be best spent? I’ve bought a ton of equipment just to sell it a year or two later. We live in an age when there are more options than ever to choose from, and especially when you’re first starting out it can be hard to find the best fit. You can get the guide and links to all the gear in the episode here.  This episode is brought to you by: This episode is sponsored by my masterclass “Blueprint To Beatmaking”, my proven 6-step system for creating beats from start to finish. If you are struggling to get started with production OR if you are not progressing as quickly as you’d like to, this course will help you get there. The course will be enrolling new members soon, so head over the course page to claim you

What DAW is best for hip-hop production?  I get asked this question all the time. Having spent far too much time bouncing around from one to the next I’ve got the scoop on which is best/why.  TL;DR The best DAW in 2018 will be up to you. Everyone has their own workflow and preferences, so take a crack at the most popular DAWs and find out what one works best with your brain. The DAWs I cover in this episode are: Reason Logic MASCHINE Ableton Live FL Studio (ish) I share my tips and tactics in hopes that you don’t have to waste as much time as I did figuring this out. Believe me, you won’t be sorry if you take the time now and experiment. But you will if you waste time trying to switch in the future.  I personally use and recommend Ableton Live (you can get a free trial here) and if you do decide to go with Ableton there are a couple resources I’ve put together to get you going as fast as possible.  This is my free Ableton course on how to get started making beats in 45 minutes or less.&nbs

Welcome to Beat School! The podcast for bandits, beginners, and beatmakers.  Whether you’re producing from the bedroom or the basement. I’ve got something for you.  This is a Q&A style show where I answer your questions on everything Hip-Hop music related. After producing for over 10 years I get asked a lot of the same questions, so this is my way to put them all in one place. If you're curious on how to upgrade your production game, or your just starting out, ask me anything and I'll include it in the show.  New episodes every week, so stay tuned and let's make some music.  Questions? Send a carrier pigeon...or email if it's easier: kia@orionbeats.com ESKETIT