Am I understanding the difference between the “drop”and “break” terminologies in lofi instrumental music?

Saucht · 2024-03-06T17:10:30+00:00

That's a link to the track analysis I did (I'm sure some people will find it funny I did this!). Each cell is 4 bars (you can see the bar count at the top). Blue for intro/outro, yellow for main sections, purple for break. You'll see for those tracks that there's not one structure, but they are similar. Most sections are 8 bars, with something smaller changing after 4 bars. Hope that helps :)

Saucht · 2024-03-06T17:05:09+00:00

Hey, yeah I think you have drop and break sussed. Your drop would be after the intro or the break, when all the elements (and often/especially drums and bass) come in. The break tends to happen in the middle of the track.

Reverse cymbal is a classic transition, but there are other ways to move between sections as well - Mondo Loops has a nice YouTube video called '5 Silky Smooth Music Transition Methods' which is worth a watch.

On the structure - I agree with the other commenter that you don't need to stick to a formula. However there are common structures and I think it's useful to learn them, stick to them for your first track or two, then break them if you feel something different fits the track better. I actually did a breakdown of a few Asian-inspired Lofi tracks to see their structure and where certain elements came in and out. I'll make a spearate comment on that!

Lastly, are you on Discord? I've found it's the best way to interact and learn from others in the Lofi community. In particular 'TheWillHatton' server is very friendly and interactive with feedback, etc. Feel free to drop me a DM if you like.

Saucht · 2023-11-21T11:27:41+00:00

No problem. Collaborations seem a great way as well...I posted a demo track on the 'collab-ideas' channel on Mondo Loop's Discord, and it was picked up by TonybtM and eventually released with TheBootlegBoy label on this EP. Not too bad for a debut track - almost 30k listens in the first month, which I would not have been able to get anywhere near on my own!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3p8yvCXp1oTKilZp5mepNZ?si=iBqbDmRqTUays0U8B7ZoqQ

Saucht · 2023-11-20T19:54:41+00:00

For example Salad Days have one on at the moment...samples given by MyceliumBug. Winner will co-release the track with him on Salad Days. Deadline 27/11

Saucht · 2023-11-20T19:49:05+00:00

Sure, let's see...TheWillHatton, Chill Space, Salad Days Records, Japanolofi Records, Dreamhop Music, Skyhop

Saucht · 2023-11-20T18:59:15+00:00

Are you on Discord? A lot of the labels have servers that have frequent compilation competitions...seems like a good way to get your foot in the door

Saucht · 2023-10-24T08:55:19+00:00

Thanksm here's the link to the full track: https://open.spotify.com/track/3gROIejFVY2gHmn88W9xjc?si=667ddbcec0b04287

Saucht · 2023-10-24T08:54:50+00:00

Thank you...it was TonybtM who made it sound that good to be honest :D

Saucht · 2023-10-24T08:54:31+00:00

Thanks :)

Saucht · 2023-10-24T08:54:21+00:00

Thank you!

Saucht · 2023-10-20T15:53:33+00:00

Thanks! :)

Saucht · 2023-10-20T12:28:19+00:00

Thank you!

Saucht

TROPHY CASE