How to Create a Reggaetón Track with Producer Tainy (J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Anuel AA) | Pitchfork

Tainy, a music producer best known for working with artists like J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Anuel AA and Ozuna, walks us through how he produces a reggaetón song. Tainy deep dives into the track that would eventually become "FALTA," and explains what techniques and plug-ins he uses to achieve the classic "reggaetón" sound.
Artist/Producer Tainy caps a groundbreaking year with a Grammy nomination for best pop duo/group performance for "Un Dia" and launched his latest EP highlighting his label NEON16's stellar roster of artists.
------
SUBSCRIBE to Pitchfork.tv: bit.ly/yK2Fbp
------
LISTEN to the Pitchfork Review podcast: link.chtbl.com/p4k-ytc-desc
------
FOLLOW Pitchfork.tv on Twitter: bit.ly/KJ2PhP
------
For more videos from Pitchfork TV: bit.ly/M1lvs8
Like Pitchfork on Facebook: / pitchfork
Follow Pitchfork on Instagram: / pitchfork
Listen to Pitchfork’s playlists on Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/pitchfork
Listen to Pitchfork’s playlists on Apple Music: / pitchfork
How to Create a Reggaetón Track with Producer Tainy (J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Anuel AA) | Pitchfork

[@grod805]

I like how this guy's been running the global music business for years but at a party he'd probably be low key guy on the corner

[@HimuraBattosai101]

Exactly 🥇

[@libra7556]

Nothing wrong with that

[@xfontanetox]

I doubt that :D

[@thefallofoscar]

always better this way tbh

[@-.sirmustard.-2422]

Thats probably the case for most producers

[@Coronaboii88]

Tainy's been around for years. Since them Luny Tunes days. Shout out to the legend.

[@DeymarEsco808]

Factss bro reggaeton producers were the first to like do shout outs in their songs and I remember when Luny tunes would do that i was a lil kid at the time tainy makes some good music frfr

[@TheUrbinas]

Wasn't he like 13 years old when he got discovered?

[@alexaespino4028]

@@TheUrbinas yes. He started producing at such a young age!!

[@mariaalfaro9290]

Amante del reggaeton dale like y disfruta de lo Nuevo 😋♥️♥️🎧kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3_EkIBqrdqbgq8

[@losthijomaveano6394]

whatt

[@prod.chrisae1445]

Tainy low key created all the vibe that new artists are using

[@losthijomaveano6394]

ohoo

[@losthijomaveano6394]

I am good new singer's And youtuber and many more

[@BETOX004]

Low Key.... ummm what you really mean is that he did completely.

[@Leksiar]

That’s a very controversial statement, if you don’t know the reggaetón roots and history you should be giving that position to some older artists, the Tum pa Tum pa is way older than him, he definitely did his part in the reggaetón history but you need to get your facts about the vibe we are producing today, Colombian reggaetón style is the vibe we are actually stepping out today into the new style of Tum pa Tum pa is coming and he did not create that vibe! 😃 neither the Tum pa Tum pa!

[@losthijomaveano6394]

@@Leksiar I don't know what is reggaeton and I know ozuna, maluma,farruko,bunny, rauw, Anuel, myke, Yatra and others

[@justcallmesando]

I am not a reggaeton guy but when I hear so many musicians calling it a cheap and terrible genre I always think of how Tainy is the kind of producer that keeps things interesting and they should listen to him better. The guy is actually playing and creating with groove, feel and mood and that’s what make his tracks hypnotic. The guy knows his stuff like none else.

[@milim3135]

He started producing professionally at the age of 16 lol

[@arturor5205]

Tainy creando himnos desde los dosmiles@@milim3135

[@mdowdican]

This whole video is him scrolling through presets my guy

[@alejoalegria69a]

The hidden gem here is the drum processing, how to make the kick and snare create that back and forward feel. Also he started using already good drum samples. Cool vid!

[@adriansanchez4875]

Factz, i've been hearing this in songs he produced . Lol , I finally know how to do it

[@aldistoteles2919]

Yup

[@deadolphinsounds5689]

@@adriansanchez4875 how?

[@adriansanchez4875]

@@deadolphinsounds5689 alternate the notes of the kick , and alter the pitch of the snare, like the first one is lower than the main one , also having your snare under the kick , chopping the loop , etc. Also if you're not using a loop , you can just route everything to a drum bus to achieve that same punchy feel with compression

[@eliv.o7105]

@@deadolphinsounds5689 for this type of dembow pattern, you’ll use three kicks: first is the Tom-like punchier kick, second is a rounder heavier kick, both layered with a sub or underlaying kick. Then on every kick beat (1and 3) add a hi hat/shaker. The first and second kick will naturally have different frequencies and tones but what gives it its drive, the “four-on-floor” feel is the bass kick and shaker. The main snare is what gives it the bounce and usually stays the same within the pattern, but this can be layered to give it a different feel. The rim shots or “palitos” is what gives it movement, and can vary depending on vibe or feel. The drum pattern he uses here is found in Splice, and you can hear what I’ve just describe.

[@zxcvbnmmasdfghjkl]

Tainy is the like Zaytoven of Reggaeton, he been around and a legend of the streets

[@lto7668]

relax

[@Losabias111]

He's better

[@EspinalCarlos1]

@@lto7668 ok fine he the metro boomin then 😂😂😂

[@azma775]

I love that comparison

[@geo1885]

No, Zaytoven is the tainy of trap

[@pablol.stetzkamp5259]

Respect for a pro explaining things at a beginner level. Takes humility.

[@eftalya190]

he actually explained it pretty nicely just took a lil time

[@DanielQillaw]

Wild thing about Tainy is that by age 16 he was already co-producing Mas Flow 2, quite possibly the most iconic various artists' reggaeton album to come out in the early 2000s. That album defined the production sound of reggaeton for the next two decades. He was among the top top producers at the time, already getting credit. The fact that he produces all your favorite reggaeton albums today gives so much meaning to the Mas Flow 2 album and what it meant for reggaeton.

[@young_rican800]

Tainy is a big inspiration in the Music industry, the way he breaks down everything is unique.. like no one out there has ever sit down and said to them self, hey ima sit down today and record my self making a video for those young rookie producer out there. In fact Tainy has done it and in my own opinion is the best explanation that I"ll ever see. so Thank you tainy for explaining how to be simple and do a great beat that has the big potation of being a big Hit !!! MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT.

[@MVenk]

I'm a rock guy but respect to this man for his producer skills

[@omarmunozcastorena4466]

X2

[@andrewblanco2657]

Wish everybody was like you

[@bbymariposa5908]

U can like rock and reggaeton mane I’m a black metal guy and I still like reggaeton

[@foulelements]

@@bbymariposa5908 music is music. alot of people like almost everything

[@MVenk]

@@bbymariposa5908 true. So many elitists in rock and metal

[@gatorsanchez1584]

I grew up listening to Luney tunes, Wisin&Yandel OG reggeaton 2000’s . I never knew who was Tainy until recent years . I remember Wisin all the time saying “Tainy” at the end of the songs. Lol Now as a father i do my research to see whos this music producer they shouting out 😂

[@LuisGarcia-nw6tu]

The Young Legend Tainy. Killing it since he was 16 and still killing today 🔥🔥🔥

[@eliezerlopez4769]

1:18 melody 3:02 drums 5:18 bass 7:22 effects 8:49 artist

[@toxicavenger7073]

I lived in Puerto Rico right before Gasolina dropped and omfg it exploded and the world was all about reggaeton I still love it

[@Brandino75]

Mans reppin a blink182 shirt!!

[@erickalvarez6486]

He looks like a rockstar lmao-

[@pantsnjacket381]

I DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL I READ THIS COMMENT

[@robotlazar]

Ya blinks trending again didn't you hear

[@casketman14]

He’s a man of culture

[@josesantos-km6hj]

We Latinos appreciate rock too, and is a big inspiration for some reggaeton producers ands singers

[@ChuchoAlbarran]

Something I always thought would be cool is if Tainy produced an entire album with lots of artists he’s worked throughout the years. Kinda how like Metro Boomin did

[@aaryanp9]

That would be 🔥🔥

[@athenaproductions3569]

He already did two eps like that

[@ChuchoAlbarran]

@@athenaproductions3569 yeah but Metro Boomin had big artists like travis, 21 savage, drake, swae lee, etc. so if Tainy made one that included J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Yandel, etc. then that’d be fire 🔥 because the artists Tainy has had are more lowkey

[@feliperibon1349]

@@ChuchoAlbarran I'm just watching this video today and saw your comment... you basically predicted what Tainy is about to do now

[@juanpablo8886]

That is how the genre started. The producers where the starts and they would get the top artist to hop on their production. Check the classic like, The noise, Gargolas, DJ dicky, Dj Blass, Playero

[@estebanduvanzzDelgado]

I admire Tainy as well as Musicologo, the mastermind behind Daddy Yankee

[@jumpman2346]

musicologo El libro?

[@carlosduty_]

@@jumpman2346 no, Musicologo de Musicologo y Menes (MYM, los de la Nazza)

[@yavianlio]

The mastermind of Gasolina is El chombo

[@joaquinmg445]

@@yavianlioque hablas, Luny Tunes son los productores de gasolina

[@yavianlio]

El que hiso la pista de gasolina fue el Chombo búscalo en KZbin el ya está retirado pero ese productor es el duro y el si lo hiso si quieres búscalo y verás......

[@JOSEDELACRUZ-no3pq]

those breaks when he pronounces reggaeton are fantastic for a spanish speaker

[@fernanluis176]

Funny to me how I as a puertorican living on the island and my fellow latin american have seen the earliest days of reggaeton, to its golden era and its globalization and NOW is that american media has noticed the genre. Literally missed the best parts

[@LucianoClassicalGuitar]

The best period was around 2003 - 2004

[@8325A]

So true!

[@pantsnjacket381]

@@LucianoClassicalGuitar 2003-2007

[@rickcollingwood8828]

True (I assume) but for someone like me who’s English it’s allowed me to find a genre of music I now can’t believe I didn’t know before a few years ago, for me music is to be shared, Reggaeton opened up a new world to me. Genuinely if the best parts have been missed, tell us, I’d love to have more music to listen to that I might not know (won’t know realistically!) I’m Jealous I didn’t get to grow up with it.

[@yungbape7194]

@@LucianoClassicalGuitar Yes

[@felipeamiranda]

*Tainy : El que a los 16 años anda en Mercedes, más na' te digo* -Yandel 🔥🔥🔥

[@jensalbertt]

en donde dijo eso yandel?

[@felipeamiranda]

@@jensalbertt En la canción de Tony Dize, Permítame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4G2eKKFmNyCja8

[@bryanbravoa5113]

Ya cansa este comentario pendejo...

[@SuperPapitaz]

L E Y E N D A

[@megaajone1]

Ma na te digo 🙌🏽

[@diegorobles2405]

Uno de los mejores productores de la musica latina, ha hecho un gran trabajo a lo largo del tiempo.

[@marianboukraa3466]

The drum processing and the midi patterns were really interesting. Thanks.

[@adriansanchez4875]

Factz. I learned something

[@SLIC3R2]

@@adriansanchez4875 wait you never ever in your life separated all your different drum samples/midi into its own mixer track to mix them? You JUST learned this?

[@adriansanchez4875]

@@SLIC3R2 nah , not what I mean lol

[@David-hs1bu]

its just subtle EQ and levels.

[@elcompaavitia2844]

This man is a Legend.

[@LuvMasalaDosa]

Thank you Tainy & Pitchfork ! We need more of these ! 🙏🏻❤️

[@JimRivers1179]

One of my favorite producers! Uno de mis productores favoritos!! 🙏🏽

[@tavishsharmamusic]

So easy to understand and he made is sound so simple! This guy knows his art! Respect!

[@digittunzzrecordsllc]

Much respect to Tainy finally the true geniuses behind the scene emerges.

[@coscorrodrift]

Bro this is an actual good video with some actual dope tips and naming names and specific plugins, and also some of the process. Nice

[@xdemn1090]

Respect for the Blink182 Tee🙌🏾

[@syntropiqueTV]

I really love his delivery. Thanks Tainy and thanks Pitchfork.

[@dontyouwonder]

i love these recent pitchfork videosss!

[@seanhsjung]

Tainy always dropping the gems 🐐

[@isabelladossantos5738]

Tainy is taleeeented!!

[@jonathangomez277]

I'm not gonna lie. I live in South Texas and the most popular genre here is reggaeton. For years, I didn't like the genre. I was more focused on House music and EDM, but after playing clubs and seeing how Reggaeton moves a crowd, I fell in love with it. So much I'm here to learn how to produce my own reggaeton records. Beautiful genre and I finally understand why people love it so much :)

[@lukeyz8437]

Dude is so knowledgeable in his craft..appreciate you sharing 🙏

[@cyberpge3232]

You're a DOPE Producer Tainy! Can't wait to hear more! LEYENDA!!!

[@PluckDaBass]

Thank you for sharing Tainy! Validated Validated what I thought I was hearing. Continued success to you!

[@brunomirandasiles4897]

We need more videos like this!!! Tainy gracias por todo

[@kennethjohnson9816]

This has been the best explanation and example of how reggaeton is made! Yo I’m inspired to learn this style now

[@CheloScotti]

que buen corazon tiene Tainy, ta iluminao!

[@xcvii7110]

I'm happy to seeing this. Tainy change the game in many ways.

[@jaagrit7911]

Tell him he’s the reason for all the soundtracks to my life .. love u tainy

[@dubfire51]

You are legit and hardcore a true music pro Mann. Hands down greatness🤙

[@ODWILL-co1vo]

Eaaa! El Tainy rompiendo con la camiseta de Blink! 🔥🔥🔥

[@realgilla108]

What a legend, he inspires me to push the boundaries on sound

[@mr.alexenlasnubes9857]

me too man

[@azabachezapata6816]

Q bkn ver a Tainy en Pitchfork

[@zjwilson14]

This was crazy useful, thank you!

[@bgga4139]

Muchos aplausos bro!! que bien te mentalizas y éxito en tu carrera liberal creativa y gozante, una vida con buen alma bro wow!! 👍👍👍

[@isidroantonio1522]

This guys is great. A scientist of sound tbh.

[@j.parquet1672]

The Legend! The mind behind all my “perreo” memories and other anecdotes

[@snowgirl125]

Love your music. Keep bringing your talent ❤

[@dha369]

Tainy es un ejemplo a seguir, puro respeto

[@ivancisneros6822]

Tainy is a living legend. Que viva el fuckin’ Reggaetón!! I live for this music!

[@Bettie_Rage]

0% Auto Sample 0% AutoTune 0% Sexism 100% Talent

[@Bettie_Rage]

Aka Reggaeton

[@elfrancesbeats6138]

The transitions made this perfect video even more perfect

[@magnusjmvc8895]

¡Muchas Gracias por el excelente vídeo! 🤙

[@histeriari]

He’s awesomeeee Tainy no sé cuántas veces he bailado a tus producciones en las farras jaja ♥️

[@iannike22]

This man deserves mad respect haha the young bucks don’t even know.

[@btandayamo]

I love your passion for the music man. Shout-out to Tainy

[@djdannyiLL]

Gracias Tainy. This is FUEGO!

[@fabianestrada7243]

Tainy we need a masterclass ASAP!!!

[@JonathanRoyer]

He’s just a master mind at this 🙌🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@andresgualdron]

Musicologist here: this is actually great content! keep up with it!

[@ericacasallas2587]

yooo this is so helpful, my background is latin American and I really wanna create reggaeton music! im a singer and love that you've broken this down!

[@ASAPFENIX]

I love how many people don’t know who he is even tho he’s been around for like 10+ yrs

[@ursulaynoa0518]

so what

[@ricokillsofficial2607]

Didn't know the origin of "Dembow" was actually a Shabba Ranks Reference. I always though it was a Spanish speaking thing. Mind Blown!!!!!

[@ardopat]

Raggaeton is spanish hip hop !

[@mrdeangray]

Your mind would be even more blown if I played you some 80s and 90s dancehall then played some recent Reggaeton. The beat plus vocal flows are blatantly copied.

[@ardopat]

More like borrowed and enhanced 😂😂 hip hop right ?

[@andres70183]

Then you will die when you know are African rhythms 😛

[@ardopat]

@@andres70183 na dude that bring me to life diverse tunes is life 💯💯

[@jensen_chuah]

And he turned this beat into a million plus viewed hit, legend!

[@RIZZA278]

Eres un freaking genio y te vez como una persona bien humilde. Congratulations on being the best.

[@BeingTiffany]

so dope, me encanta el reggaeton! 🔥🔥🔥

[@CeDel2]

I’m trying to produce my first reggaeton beat and a lot of my struggles is finding the right sounds to make what I want.

[@FrescoRVC]

Hey man, I could pass you some drum kits if you need help on that.

[@RIXGUNN]

Heyy Tainy I'm Big Fans Reggaeton LATINO GANG MALAYSIA here,, Ozu,Anuel,J balvin n more!! Thnks bro for the melody sound tempo u make very lit.. Favorite forever...

[@Radsnark-]

Love the breakdown. Can’t wait to be featured in Pitchfork some day ;)

[@renecaraballo3497]

Sendo master y pa los que dicen que ableton es más que para house.. nada que ver!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥🇵🇷

[@Stereomusicrecordsbeats]

Tainy bro your the best my inspiration ✊🏽❤️

[@cccefeeee44]

a really good video, thanks!

[@miguelignacio8670]

Gracias Tainy por compartir tu conocimiento.

[@sickbeatsproductions6664]

I love this guys production on bad bunny records. I don't understand the lyrics but the production is very good.

[@yasirfinkenthal2265]

If you learned a little Spanish you would be mesmerized by the lyrics. Bad bunny’s lyrics are always straight heat. Also, Mora helps him write a lot of his music so you know Mora makes great music as well💯

[@rojastashanae]

He fine with or without the chains 💜💜

[@jaydye-ubs]

Great info and well presented. Thanks for the upload! 💯

[@nelidafernandezlua1187]

Tainy te amo, gracias por tanto ❤

[@threewintersleft]

me encanta que lleve una cami de blink 182

[@arcgo_]

Such a legend! This guy’s a genius

[@SaucemanSauceman]

Good info! Thanks. Always loved reggae reggaeton but have the hardest time creating it.

[@VpioTv]

so dope! Tainy is killin the game!

[@gavinoishim5142]

A shout out to tainy for being a genius

[@jaacsbeats790]

El productor con el que sueño trabajar con el o compartir aunque sea un día es un duro y una razón e inspiración por lograr tus sueños

[@eugeniarosario6060]

De donde eres?

[@jaacsbeats790]

@@eugeniarosario6060 Venezuela por temas económicos y personales no e seguido en la música desde hace como 7 meses o un año

[@luckystrke]

Thx for sharing dude

[@Gabriel-zc1qy]

My inspiration! Grande Tainy! 🙏

[@Saqumba]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. What plug-ins do you use for vocals?

[@Flair.forever]

Dem bow dem bow them bow

[@aliensuperstar634]

amamos a un hombre talentoso

[@HighMito317]

Probably my favorite reggaeton producer.

[@carolinaolavarria8436]

Tainy ya es leyenda 🔥 palos desde los 16

[@christianv.v.4259]

Donde aprendió inglés este man o se crió en USA? Lo habla muy natural...

[@erickalvarez6486]

@@christianv.v.4259 Lleva toda su vida en USA siendo rico y con fama con artistas top, ni modo que no se le pegue un buen inglés.

[@carolinaolavarria8436]

@@christianv.v.4259 Tainy se crió en P.R, la gran mayoría de los boricuas tienen una buena pronunciación del inglés. Es nuestro segundo idioma, el 95% de la población lo habla

[@josec9827]

DaniLiegh killed this beat! 🔥🔥🔥🔥... tainy at 16 was killing it!!! What a legend.

[@boribori7640]

🇵🇷🔥💯

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

Very interesting! Thank you for this.

[@mariajenfernandez3951]

Tainy is a genius. Keep it up. I am one of your biggest fan.

[@LtDMT]

Get Luny Tunes Dj Nelson Noriega on here Tainy fire though

[@Cwaays]

Yo tainy still super young tho he was having hit records when he was like 14

[@JarardKenneth]

Thank you so much for acknowledging the origin of the dembow drum pattern! 3:30

[@SSLaMole]

Great inspiration Tiny!🔥🔥🔥🔥