Understanding the breakbeat
Image source: Unsplash.com
Image source: Unsplash.com
One of the great things about making music is that sometimes a combination of certain sounds ends up ushering a new era or a genre that will influence the work of musicians from all over the world. An example of this is the breakbeat. For DJ-producer Haidak and other musicians in the electronic genre, this style continues to be heard in their work.
One of the great things about making music is that sometimes a combination of certain sounds ends up ushering a new era or a genre that will influence the work of musicians from all over the world. An example of this is the breakbeat. For DJ-producer Haidak and other musicians in the electronic genre, this style continues to be heard in their work.
According to music historians, breakbeat started getting popular in the 70's until the early 80's when funk and hip-hop were getting popular among the disco crowd. Turntablist DJ Kool Herc was known as one of the forerunners of the trend. His style showcased the break and scratch of the drumbeat which he sampled during the interludes in popular funk tracks. He played the same track on two turntables and switched between the two during live performances. As more turntablists discovered this style of DJ-ing, they were able to build upon what DJ Kool Herc has started until it spread in dancehalls all over the world.
According to music historians, breakbeat started getting popular in the 70's until the early 80's when funk and hip-hop were getting popular among the disco crowd. Turntablist DJ Kool Herc was known as one of the forerunners of the trend. His style showcased the break and scratch of the drumbeat which he sampled during the interludes in popular funk tracks. He played the same track on two turntables and switched between the two during live performances. As more turntablists discovered this style of DJ-ing, they were able to build upon what DJ Kool Herc has started until it spread in dancehalls all over the world.
Aside from electronic and house music, Haidak shares that the breakbeat pattern has also been used in genres such as drum and bass, garage, acid house, and hardcore. Many hip-hop artists also continue to use the so-called downtempo breaks to switch up the mood in their tracks.
Aside from electronic and house music, Haidak shares that the breakbeat pattern has also been used in genres such as drum and bass, garage, acid house, and hardcore. Many hip-hop artists also continue to use the so-called downtempo breaks to switch up the mood in their tracks.
These days, as EDM continues to evolve, many musicians are discovering innovative ways to use the breakbeat. With the widespread use of digital audio, music creators are finding samples or creating their own breakbeats that will add more texture to their compositions.
These days, as EDM continues to evolve, many musicians are discovering innovative ways to use the breakbeat. With the widespread use of digital audio, music creators are finding samples or creating their own breakbeats that will add more texture to their compositions.
Haidak is an up-and-coming DJ and producer, who has found his home base between Koh Phangan and Amsterdam. Born in Washington, D.C., Haidak discovered his love for electronic music early in life. At the age of 17, he made the leap and purchased Ableton and got to work learning the craft. For more of his music and his career, check out this this page.
Haidak is an up-and-coming DJ and producer, who has found his home base between Koh Phangan and Amsterdam. Born in Washington, D.C., Haidak discovered his love for electronic music early in life. At the age of 17, he made the leap and purchased Ableton and got to work learning the craft. For more of his music and his career, check out this this page.