Phonk music, with its gritty beats and atmospheric samples, has carved a niche within the vast landscape of electronic and hip-hop music. Originating from the underground scenes and heavily influenced by 90s Memphis rap, vaporwave, and lo-fi aesthetics, phonk music is distinguished by its unique sound and cultural depth. If you’re intrigued by this genre and wondering how to make phonk music, this guide will walk you through a complete guide on creating phonk music.
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Part 1. What is Phonk Music?
Phonk is a subgenre of hip hop and electronic music that emerged from the underground scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It draws heavily from 1990s Memphis rap, characterized by its gritty, lo-fi aesthetic, dark, atmospheric samples, and often occult or macabre lyrical themes.
Phonk producers typically use chopped and screwed vocal samples, heavy use of reverb, and slowed-down, murky beats to create a distinct, hypnotic sound that pays homage to its Memphis rap roots while incorporating elements of trap, vaporwave, and cloud rap. The genre gained popularity through internet music platforms, becoming a favorite among online music communities for its nostalgic appeal and its ability to evoke a moody, immersive atmosphere.
Part 2. How to Make Phonk Music/Beats with DAW
What Do You Need?
Your journey into phonk music production begins with selecting the right digital audio workstation (DAW). Popular choices among phonk producers include FL Studio and Ableton Live, known for their versatility and extensive plugin support. Essential plugins for phonk include vintage samplers, lo-fi effect units, and bass enhancers, alongside a collection of Memphis rap samples and atmospheric sounds.
Step 1. Select Samples
The soul of phonk music lies in its samples. Look for classic Memphis rap acapellas, obscure movie snippets, or ethereal soundscapes to incorporate into your tracks. When using samples, ensure you’re aware of copyright laws and clear any samples as necessary to avoid legal issues.
Step 2. Craft Your Beat
Creating a phonk beat revolves around setting the right tempo (typically around 130–150 BPM), designing groovy drum patterns, and incorporating a deep, resonant bassline. Don’t forget to add signature phonk elements like the cowbell and triplet hi-hats to give your beat an authentic feel.
Step 3. Add Melodic Elements
Melodies in phonk music often carry a haunting, ethereal quality that complements the gritty beats. Experiment with vintage synths and sampled instruments to create layers of melody that enhance the atmospheric vibe of your track.
Step 4. Mix and Master
Mixing and mastering phonk tracks require a careful balance to maintain the genre’s lo-fi charm while ensuring the music packs a punch. Aim for a mix that highlights the raw energy of the samples and beats, with mastering that allows the track to stand strong across various listening environments.
Step 5. Creative Approaches to Phonk
While staying true to phonk’s roots is important, don’t shy away from injecting your personal style into your music. Play with tempos, introduce unexpected samples, or experiment with effects to find a sound that’s uniquely yours.
Step 6. Promot Your Phonk Music
Once you’ve created your phonk track, it’s time to share it with the world. Platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp are popular within the phonk community, offering a space to connect with listeners and other artists. Utilize social media to build your presence and engage with the phonk music scene.
Part 3. How to Make Phonk Music in 1 Click
Creating phonk beats might seem complex due to its layered beats and atmospheric sounds, but with AI technology, it’s possible to start making phonk music with just a click. Mubert, an innovative AI free music generator, simplifies this process, making it accessible for anyone interested in exploring the phonk genre. Here’s a quick guide on how to use Mubert to create your phonk track:
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Phonk Music with Mubert:
Step 1: Start by creating an account on Mubert. You can do this by visiting their website and signing up for access.
Step 2: Once logged in, navigate to the music generation of Mubert. Enter the music prompts or upload an image to describe the music track you want to generate. Then customize your track by setting the type, duration, or moods, etc.
Step 3: With your preferences set, hit the “Generate track” button. Mubert’s AI will then process your inputs and create a phonk track tailored to your specifications. Wait for a moment, your track will be generated successfully. Once satisfied, you can download your custom phonk track, ready for listening, sharing, or further production work.
Note: All the music tracks that you generated are free to download and use. But you will need to buy one of the plans if you want to listen or use the music without trademark after downloading the track.
Is Mubert Worth It?
Yes, Mubert is worth it for several compelling reasons, especially for those venturing into the realm of music production or seeking innovative ways to create AI-generated music effortlessly. Here’s why:
Accessibility and Ease of Use: Mubert democratizes music creation by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical background or technical skills. This opens up possibilities for creators, content producers, and enthusiasts to experiment with music production without the steep learning curve typically associated with traditional music software.
Time-Saving and Efficient: For individuals or professionals on tight schedules, Mubert offers a quick and efficient solution to generate music. Whether you need background tracks for videos, soundscapes for gaming, or ambient music for various projects, Mubert can produce quality music in a fraction of the time it would take to compose manually.
Customization and Variety: Despite being AI-powered, Mubert provides a range of customization options that allow users to influence the music generation process. You can choose from different genres, moods, and styles, ensuring the output is aligned with your creative vision or project requirements.
Royalty-Free Music: All tracks produced with Mubert are royalty-free, eliminating concerns over copyright issues or licensing fees. This aspect is particularly valuable for commercial projects, enabling users to utilize their creations freely across various mediums and platforms.
Create Phonk Music For Free Now:
Conclusion
Learning how to make phonk music is a journey through a genre that embraces both the past and the present. By understanding its roots, experimenting with samples and beats, and finding your unique voice within the genre, you can create phonk music that captivates and endures. Also, you are free to use Mubert to create Phonk music. Embrace the process, experiment boldly, and join the ranks of phonk producers who are keeping the spirit of this distinct sound alive.
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