EDM Trap is a genre of electronic dance music that blends elements of trap music and electronic beats. It has gained massive popularity in the last decade, thanks to its high-energy drops, catchy beats, and powerful bass. EDM trap has become a favorite for DJs, producers, and listeners alike due to its heavy influence on both hip-hop and electronic music scenes. If you want to learn how to make EDM trap, this article will guide you through the essential steps, from setting up your production environment to creating the perfect drops and rhythms.
Understanding the Basics of Trap Music
Before diving into the specifics of making EDM trap, it’s important to understand the core elements of trap music. Trap music originated in the Southern United States and is known for its aggressive, hard-hitting beats and bass-heavy sound. It typically features rapid hi-hats, rolling snares, and deep 808 basslines. The rhythm often follows a half-time feel, which gives it a slower, more relaxed groove. These elements have been adapted and incorporated into EDM, creating the high-energy trap sound we hear in modern dance music.
Key Elements of Trap Music
808 Bass: The deep, booming bass that is the hallmark of trap music.
Hi-Hats: Fast, rapid hi-hat patterns that are a signature of trap beats.
Snare Rolls: Fast snare rolls that add tension and build-ups in the track.
Heavy Drops: A signature of EDM trap, where the music breaks down into high-energy sections.
Setting Up Your Production Environment
To start making EDM trap, you’ll need a few essential tools: a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), sound libraries, and plugins. A DAW is the software you will use to create and arrange your music. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. Once you have your DAW set up, you’ll need to acquire some quality trap samples and sounds. These can be found in many sound packs or created using synthesizers and drum machines. Finally, plugins such as serum, Massive, and Omnisphere are great for creating the electronic sounds that define EDM trap.
Choosing the Right DAW
The choice of DAW can make a significant difference in how comfortable you feel making music. Ableton Live is a popular choice for EDM producers because of its powerful workflow and real-time manipulation features. FL Studio is another favorite, known for its user-friendly interface and strong beat-making capabilities. Logic Pro is often preferred by producers who want a more comprehensive suite of tools for music production. Regardless of the DAW you choose, make sure it supports VST plugins and has good MIDI capabilities.
Essential Plugins for EDM Trap
Serum: A powerful wavetable synthesizer perfect for creating basslines and leads.
Massive: A synth that offers thick, powerful sounds ideal for EDM trap.
Omnisphere: Known for its vast library of sounds, it’s great for creating atmospheric and melodic elements.
808 Drums: 808 kits are essential for creating the deep bass sounds that define trap music.
Creating the Beat for EDM Trap
The beat is the backbone of any EDM trap track. To create a solid trap beat, you’ll need to focus on the kick, snare, and hi-hats. Start by laying down a strong, punchy kick drum that will anchor your track. In trap music, the kick usually has a deep, sub-bass tone that fills out the low end of the track.
Kick Drum and 808 Bass
For the kick drum, use a deep 808 kick, which is commonly used in trap beats. The 808 bass is the foundation of your low-end and should have a clean, powerful sound. Layer your kick with an 808 sub-bass to ensure that your track has the heavy low-end that trap music is known for. Tune your 808 bass to the key of your track to maintain harmony.
Hi-Hats and Snares
Trap music is also defined by rapid hi-hat patterns. These fast-moving hi-hats can be programmed to create syncopated rhythms that give the track its energy. Use triplets and 16th-note divisions to add movement. Snare rolls are commonly used in trap to build tension before the drop. You can create snare rolls by increasing the speed of the snare hits, or use a riser effect to help build anticipation.
Adding Percussion
To give your track a fuller sound, add additional percussion elements. You can use claps, snaps, or even unique percussion samples to make the rhythm more complex and interesting. Layering different percussion sounds can create texture and make your track stand out.
Crafting the Melody and Harmony
Once your beat is laid down, it’s time to focus on the melody and harmony. EDM trap often features atmospheric melodies that are simple yet effective. The melody is usually created using synthesizers or virtual instruments like piano, strings, or pads.
Creating Leads and Chords
For the lead melody, choose a bright synth sound that stands out in the mix. Use simple, catchy phrases that are easy to remember. When creating chords, focus on adding atmospheric layers that complement the bass and drums. Using synths like Serum or Massive can help create unique sounds for your melodies.
Building Atmosphere
Intrap music, atmosphere is crucial for creating the right vibe. You can use pads, strings, or even vocal chops to add depth to the track. Atmospheric sounds give the track its emotional undertone and help it feel more engaging. Don’t overcomplicate the melody—trap music often relies on subtle yet powerful sound design to create its signature feel.
Creating the Drop
The drop is the most anticipated part of any EDM trap track. It is when the energy peaks and the rhythm goes into full force. To create a memorable drop, make sure you have a strong build-up leading to it. Use risers, tension builds, and snare rolls to increase the intensity before dropping into the main section.
Layering Sounds for the Drop
The drop typically involves multiple layers of sound to create impact. Layer your 808 bass with aggressive synth leads to create a powerful, full sound. Adding vocal samples, stabs, and percussion will help make the drop more dynamic and engaging.
Sound Design for the Drop
For sound design, consider using growling bass sounds, pitched-up effects, and glitchy percussion to give the drop its signature trap feel. Experiment with distortion, reverb, and delay to create an intense, chaotic energy that will grab the listener’s attention.
Final Mixing and Mastering
Once you’ve arranged all the elements of your track, it’s time for mixing and mastering. Mixing involves balancing the levels of all the elements in your track to ensure that they sit well together. Pay special attention to the low-end, making sure that your bass and kick drum are clear without overpowering the rest of the mix. Use EQ, compression, and reverb to carve out space for each element.
Mastering Your Track
Mastering is the final step of the production process and ensures that your track sounds polished and professional. Use a limiter to raise the overall volume and bring up the energy of your track. Make sure the track sounds balanced across different listening environments, from headphones to club speakers.
Conclusion
Making EDM trap music requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and understanding of the genre’s key elements. From laying down the beat to creating the drop, every step is essential to crafting a track that captures the energy and intensity of trap music. With practice, the right tools, and a good ear for sound design, you’ll be able to create your own EDM trap tracks that stand out in the electronic music scene.
