65 replies to this topic

[Stevie K]

Well I'm really starting to get into music in which you can move your body more rhythmically to. I've done some research on modern dance music, which is actually structured very similar to blues music, but it's still not all that I'm looking for. Any of you guys know any 'dance music theory', like what beats to accent, tempos to play at, instruments to add or leave out, or just simply how to structure a song so that it is more danceable?

I know a strong punchy bassline that compliments the drums is important, and that modern dance music is very synth based, but what other instruments can add to this?

[theshadowofseattle]

I never studied it, but I've made enough money doing beats for local hip-hop acts to know how to make danceable music. And might I add that the crunk genre of hip-hop is probably the culmination of all previous forms of dance music. Synth stabs, rhythmic chants, heavy percussion, bassline hooks. It's all there.

I think the most important thing is minimal instrumentation. I'd never use more than drums, bass, piano/synth, and maybe a mid-ranged instrument or another synth to fill up some space in the mix.

[Stevie K]

Thats the thing, I don't find a lot of guitar in dance music anywhere after the 60s, I'm trying to find where it fits into modern dance music now though. I wanna find that aspect of rock music that's been missing for all these years, that being dancing. Yeah, there's a lot of kids in my music tech. class that make hip hop beats, etc., guess I need to start talking to them about their stuff more.

[theshadowofseattle]

The usual place for a guitar in dance rock is either as another rhythm instrument, usually doing boring muted bwicka-bwicka crap, or as a lead instrument instead of the synthesizer.

[Aug]

Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy is a techno/country tune that's quite popular. They play several times a night at my local bar...E A D E A on the guitar... easy, easy.

[theshadowofseattle]

That's hardly in the 60's guitar dance rock tradition though.

[Aug]

you could also look at what is being done to original rock songs that are sampled/covered for techno...

if that's what you are after...

[Aug]

That's hardly in the 60's guitar dance rock tradition though.

hats the thing, I don't find a lot of guitar in dance music anywhere after the 60s, I'm trying to find where it fits into modern dance music now though.

did I get that wrong?

[theshadowofseattle]

I still really doubt that an awful country single is what he meant by "Danceable Rock."

Stevie, you should check out Franz Ferdinand for a modern take on danceable guitar rock. "Michael" and their other singles are highly danceable. Kanye West even calls them "White Crunk."

[Aug]

I still really doubt that an awful country single is what he meant by "Danceable Rock."

Stevie, you should check out Franz Ferdinand for a modern take on danceable guitar rock. "Michael" and their other singles are highly danceable. Kanye West even calls them "White Crunk."

well, excuse me...I was merely offering an example of what's being done these days. I don't listen to that sh*t, so I don't know. You, however, do listen to that crap....feel free to take our bitch asses to skool...

[theshadowofseattle]

I'm not going to ruin the 30th thread today with another post count booster back and forth with you, Aug.

[Aug]

are you kidding me? I didn't declare this a contest. You did. F*cking grow up, child.

[Stevie K]

Thanks for the help, will definitely start listening to franz ferdinand more often, the hives too. Yeah I'm not really into country music but I may check that song out, might give me some ideas. The Gorillaz stuff is pretty danceable to, I'm gonna start making a list of modern semi-dance bands to listen to over the weekend.

[Aug]

the producer I'm working with in CT made a name for himself in techno, so during our next session, I'll try to remember to get some material from him. Should provide even more options for you, stevie...

[blane]

you need a solid bass and drum track. 120 BPM is about average. though you can go up to 150-160 or down to about 87 BPM at it's SLOWEST. lots of thumping. accentuate 1 and 3 or 2 and 4

the best thing to do is just get a beat. then add some bass to it. if it makes your head bop up and down it's catchy enough.. then add some geetar and walla.

if you really want to know get your ass out of your stereo and get to a dance club. listen to what is being played... see how it makes people react. you won't find the answers online you gotta go out and see that music in the now. and the envision how you'll bring the guitar to it

[Aug]

and don't forget the X!

[Dehumanized]

and don't forget the X!

[Sloan]

DANDY WARHOLS

[Stevie K]

you need a solid bass and drum track. 120 BPM is about average. though you can go up to 150-160 or down to about 87 BPM at it's SLOWEST. lots of thumping. accentuate 1 and 3 or 2 and 4

the best thing to do is just get a beat. then add some bass to it. if it makes your head bop up and down it's catchy enough.. then add some geetar and walla.

if you really want to know get your ass out of your stereo and get to a dance club. listen to what is being played... see how it makes people react. you won't find the answers online you gotta go out and see that music in the now. and the envision how you'll bring the guitar to it

Will do, but I'm a little skeptical about dance clubs in dallas, we have one of the highest crime rates in America. A lot of teenagers get shot or raped in the ass at dance clubs here, but I guess that's just part of the experience .

[Aug]

A lot of teenagers get shot or raped in the ass at dance clubs here, but I guess that's just part of the experience .

I don't recall my party days in Dallas/Ft. Worth bein like that...but, then again, that was 15 years ago...

raped in the ass?