Why I Rarely Use Loops

Neon Notes — Week [13]

Let me start by saying, there is nothing wrong with using loops in your music. Using loops or samples creatively is a skill in itself, and I have used a few loops in a couple of my early songs.

I used a sax, ambient pad, and a guitar loop. But I've always wanted to try to create everything in my songs.

That also includes my lead synth and bass design, and my drums are always created from scratch on every track.

The reason why I do this is to force myself to be creative, and to stay sharp.

I also think that not using loops or samples other than vocals has helped me solidify my sound. It's given me a chance to train my skills into something that I think is recognizable.

Now when I start a new project, either solo or with another producer or artist, I can fuse my sound into any track.

Sure, loops can speed up the process, and not using them did slow me down in the beginning. But by not using loops, I've trained myself to be able to create a desired sound relatively quickly.

Sometimes the easy path is to just use a loop when I'm having trouble dialing in a sound that I want, but I push forward with my sound design anyway. I want those sounds to be my creations.

And over time, my drums have evolved into something that sounds like me. I try to give them lots of life and movement by making the fills between sections sound a little more human. And my synth sound has become more consistent with each release.

I would never have been able to do that had I just used loops.

This is not to say that my way is the right way, it's just the right way for me. I love opening a new project and trying to create what I hear in my head.

In the end, just do what feels right to you.

Now Creating

• Refining my drum sound. More punch and clarity
• Starting to finalize the songs for Electric Skyline Vol 2
• Recent life changes have put the website redesign on hold

Thanks for reading.
If you have thoughts about any of this, I’d love to hear them.

This post is part of my weekly Neon Notes series. New posts go live every Wednesday.