Unlock the Secrets to Create Groove in Underground House and Techno!

[@ambientsounds1416]

So do you not create your own top loops, I have thins thing about using loops, just feels wrong...

[@dilbydj]

I definitely don't think it's wrong. I tend to use a combination of single drum samples and loops. When using loops I often heavily edit them or isolate one or two sounds. But that's not for any moral reason, it's mainly because I find stacking a bunch of top loops doesn't give me the punch I am looking for and limits my control. If I get the results I am looking for and I feel the finished track represents me then I don't see any reason to place arbitrary limitations on myself. Part of that result is that I'm comfortable with the process, for example I wouldn't just chop the drum track from the start of somebody else's track as I feel that's not in line with my morals. Some people do this and in fact it was super common in the 90's. The fact is almost all of the top producers are using loops and nobody gives a shit, especially on the dancefloor.

[@ambientsounds1416]

@@dilbydj yes, but then why stop there, why not get loads of midi files and loads of loops, I doubt anyone would care.

[@dilbydj]

@@ambientsounds1416I make music I am proud of and it resonates with people. It has got me to the point where most of my heros regularly play my music and I have released on almost all of the labels where I have set a goal to do so. I am the most charted artist on Beatport for the niche genre I mostly write (deep house). I do what I love for a living. I sometimes use top loops and that has never made one person leave the dancefloor when my music is playing or made a single label reject a demo I sent them. It hasn't stopped djs playing my tracks or people from buying or streaming them. I'm pretty comfortable using a top loop here and there and so are my peers (other professional djs and producers). This boring argument has been going on since long before I started producing house music and it will continue forever. The following has been rolling around the internet for at least a decade and pretty much sums up the flaws in the "loops is cheating" thought process. "I thought using loops was cheating, so I programmed my own using samples. I then thought using samples was cheating, so I recorded real drums. I then thought that programming it was cheating, so I learned to play drums for real. I then thought using bought drums was cheating, so I learned to make my own. I then thought using premade skins was cheating, so I killed a goat and skinned it. I then thought that that was cheating too, so I grew my own goat from a baby goat. I also think that is cheating, but I’m not sure where to go from here. I haven’t made any music lately, what with the goat farming and all." You do you. I'm not telling you that you should use loops, but imagine what you could achieve if you spent a bit less time judging people on the internet and a bit more time writing tunes 😉.

[@ambientsounds1416]

@@dilbydj But like I said why not use melody samples/midi, imagine how much time that will save?! It's not about cheating, but about expression of you and your inner self. All pros use loops where's hobbyists do not see the point in it. Quantity for pros who earn money, eventually all pro tracks sound pretty much the same.

[@dilbydj]

@@ambientsounds1416 very Interesting take. How about Daft Punk and countless who created their music primarily by combining loads of melody samples? How about a track like Jay Dee - Plastic Dreams, is that trash und uncreative because he used the drums from Armand Van Helden's U Don't Know Me for the beat? The Prodigy, Fat Boy Slim, Chemical Brothers... All trash right!? Jungle? Not even a real genre because all the drums were sampled? I think my point is pretty clear. It's not about where you source your sounds from, but how you manipulate the sounds and what you create in the end. On the other side of the coin, there was a group called Klangkarussell who made a massive hit called Sonnentanz by combining the stems from a sample pack construction kit demo track and arranged it. I have no respect for that. And furthermore, it's not reproducible which is why they were a 1 hit wonder. That's why I gave context in my original response by saying that as long as I am proud of the results and the process then how I got there is secondary. You seem to be of the opinion that if someone uses a top loop, or even worse, a melody or midi loop, then whatever they've made with is is instantly devoid of creativity or any artistic value. It could be, as per the example I gave above. But depending on how those elements are utilized and what the end result is, it may be very creative and have plenty of value, regardless of what went into it. There is plenty of terrible music created from scratch everyday and the fact that it's somehow more "pure" is inconsequential to the listener when they skip the song. I see the process of applying arbitrary rules like "you can't use top loops" as limiting creativity and artistic expression, not enhancing. Also, the argument that in order to be a professional you somehow have to compromise your integrity, so a true artist remains a hobbyist is laughable. It seems like a story someone tells themselves in order to justify their situation, ie an excuse... Anyway, you up for a challenge? Let's see you put your money where your mouth is. Drop your Spotify, SoundCloud, etc so we can check out the loop free gold nuggets and bask in all their chin stroking glory. 😉

[@TheMikeBernard]

So stoked to see your music getting attention. Always appreicate your whole approach to music and teaching.

[@dilbydj]

I appreciate that!

[@ryancole3462]

Grooviest beats? Dennis Cruz & Nick Curly! Great insights Dilby, very grateful for the sharing of knowledge.

[@user1756]

Videos about basic techniques are always appreciated. You always learn something new. Thanks!

[@stacystacksbeats999]

No you don’t want to add swing to a bunch of drum sounds with the same velocities and simple placement That’s a robotic sound all over again. You aren’t listening to the teacher correctly.

[@johnny-kaoss]

Great work demystifying groove and swing... MR.G would be someone that springs to mind with heavy groove.

[@dilbydj]

Mr. G is a BEAST!

[@sanderschat]

Man, you did a great job of explaining and building up a pattern!

[@dilbydj]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ck2035]

My Favs in terms of Groove are your „Lens Flair“ und „Addicted“. Great work! Other producers are doing relaxt well with this kind of deep House grooves are Mihai, Pornbugs, Gorge and Homm.

[@dilbydj]

Some of my favourites too 😉

[@stacystacksbeats999]

This is great! I’ve noticed Metro Boomin and Murda beats have certain groove. Which makes their beats stand out. Your music is iconic! It has a Wonderful groove and feel. I can really feel your music. Thank you

[@michaelfernandes1841]

Thanks for this video bro, i’m from Brazil and i’m to gratefull for this tips.

[@dilbydj]

Happy to hear that!

[@nomorel7884]

This video is Gold! Thank you. So well explained. Great groove!

[@meilstone]

Great video! A really systematic breakdown/buildup...

[@dilbydj]

Glad you liked it!

[@dylanscott3279]

This video is gold thank you so much!

[@dilbydj]

You're so welcome!

[@damndylan484]

thanks for the info. great sounds btw

[@dilbydj]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Richard_P_James]

Carl Cox always manages spectacular groove in his sets. The man knows his rhythm!

[@willievaughn6474]

I love Carl Cox's style. I used to watch him in Chicago when I was growing up at the crowbar nightclub

[@Richard_P_James]

@@willievaughn6474 Nice!!

[@davideangelini3675]

cool basic tutorial, nice job man

[@dilbydj]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheAlchemistje]

Really helpful vid.. thank you

[@dilbydj]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HumanThoughtExpression]

Another great tutorial Dilby 🙏 Off the top of my head, Jimpster has to be up there for groovy beats, very exciting hi-hats in particular.

[@dilbydj]

Jimpster's a Boss!

[@mnmj]

Great video overview and explainer! Appreciated!

[@dilbydj]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ElectroCouture]

Great video! Thank you sir!

[@dilbydj]

My pleasure!

[@Hypnos_Official1]

Thanks for the detail 😎

[@richardjames111]

Great video!!!! Thanks very much!!!! :)

[@dilbydj]

Glad you liked it!

[@Gino_567]

love your vids bro. Layout looks mint and the topics you cover are 🤌

[@dilbydj]

Thanks bro, I appreciate that.

[@MarkusVisa]

Great tutorial ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@dilbydj]

Glad you think so!

[@brucemillar]

Cheers Dolby. Class as always, some handy tips.👍

[@dilbydj]

Happy to help

[@ThemisGeorgoudis]

Thank you so much! Great video simply explained!

[@dilbydj]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sabansabanovic9750]

People still search for perfect drum machine and yet its here last 40yrs

[@substratec]

Man that was a very clean explanation! 1st vid of yours ive come across and very impressed, subbed!

[@dilbydj]

Awesome, thank you!

[@davidbaker231]

Nice video. One thing, though: you should shrink or move or temporarily remove the inset camera shot in post so we can see what you're doing in the part of the screen it covers. In this video it was totally covering the groove pool controls. I would like to have known what swing values I was hearing when you did the swing on/off comparison.

[@dilbydj]

Thanks for the feedback. I took it onboard and have mad some adjustments.

[@stef2282]

great video. It really is an art creating good groove.

[@VerticalEditz]

Great stuff

[@dilbydj]

Cheers

[@flint4859]

Спасибо, друг. Очень помог!

[@lastsonofktn]

I learned alot thank you

[@darren4640]

this is class mega helpful

[@dilbydj]

Nice one mate ✌️

[@djtranceporter855]

take a shot, every time you hear groove :D Well made video👍 thanks for the info

[@dilbydj]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@simonbusshart1463]

great video thank you :)

[@dimamovila2318]

Thank you for this video and for your work in general, I'm going to watch a lot of your videos! Just one question cause I'm a beginner and I didn't get how you created those "ghost" notes with the bass

[@dilbydj]

what time in the video?

[@joshuajohnson5589]

Great vid👌👌

[@dilbydj]

Glad you think so!

[@FluidITGuy]

I love this. I find that I can only finish tracks that have a vocal and I'm struggling to finish instrumental tracks. Any suggestions on how to get my act together regarding instrumentals?

[@chuedrick]

love this video ! whats the name of the sampler selector / editor you were using ?

[@dilbydj]

Loopcloud

[@raakam52]

Great work keep up :)

[@angelos808]

thank you!

[@dilbydj]

You're welcome!

[@victorarrudadj]

This headphones doesn't have a delay? because normally wireless have this kind of issue. Thanks for the attention

[@dilbydj]

Not noticeable delay. It's pretty amazing. They have a special device that you connect to the headphone output so it's not Bluetooth, it's something AIAIAI have developed.

[@gustavopompeo4517]

Amazing!!

[@dilbydj]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lukebeswickmusic]

Appreciate the content g, would be interested to see a video on K-Meter / staging when mixing, something I’ve seen mix engineers using but I’ve not fully dived into myself

[@dilbydj]

I don't use it myself

[@vladtirla8801]

Top❤ big like

[@dilbydj]

Big thanks

[@Tr18Music-hl8qq]

Brilliant

[@DavidScottColeMusic]

Great vid! Thanks. What's that track playing at 00:15? Assuming/hoping it's one of yours. Would love to hear the whole thing.

[@RyanSignett]

Hey Dilby, just listened to all of your tracks on Apple Music! The drive home from work has been epic… keep the bangers coming. I love you track from 2019 Rio Grande is there any chance of doing a track walkthrough. The bass line in that track is awesome I’d love to know how to replicate 🙌🙌🙌 also if you had to recommend 1 sample pack for drums what would it be?

[@dilbydj]

Could be a good one, let's see :)

[@anthonymicha7079]

Whats the app/vst that he used for the TopLoops? And while we are on it, is it worth Splice for that purpose?

[@xavierguerrero2712]

Would it be better to set different grooves to different elements of the music

[@unklmic]

Amazing timing! I was literally just about to buy the Sennheiser studio headphones! IMO, the convenience of wireless would be worth some theoretical deficiency I would probably not even notice - but do you think they are good enough to mix on? They look like they are closed-backed and most people seem to suggest open-backed for mixing?

[@dilbydj]

I have Sennheiser HD650 which are amazing but the aiaiai are in the same ballpark. They come with a special ultra low latency wireless system. I am super impressed by the whole thing. I thought the wireless would be a bit of a gimmick but it's actually really low latency.

[@chris-tq4fi]

Le groove c est l'accentuation du premier temps. Peu importe ce qui ce passe ensuite. Il faut juste accentuer le.premier temps avec un hh ouvert par exemple. Juste un kick sur chaque temps et un hh sur le premier et c est gagné. Pas besoin d en rajouter encore et encore.

[@dilbydj]

I agree about keeping it simple. For my music what you are suggesting is a bit too striped back, but if it works for you that's great. I like to have a bit of a tribal feel to my drums so a bit more percussion and shakers is usually nessesary.

[@chris-tq4fi]

@@dilbydj i understand . You can find a youtue vidéo, where Bootsy Collin show how make a groove bass line , with one single note .

[@samuelallenmusic]

Bro, awesome as. You sound like you are from NZ. Do you happen to do lessons in Ableton? Also, what was the program you were using for the loops on top? Chur bol

[@dilbydj]

Yeah mate, from NZ. I was using the Loopcloud from Loopmasters. It's super useful. You can check my website to book private sessions. www.wkndaudio.com

[@samuelallenmusic]

Dope bro, appreciate it. You are awesome man, loving all the tips. Chea

[@fly_byscotsfree8481]

how to mix sub bass on headphones?

[@dilbydj]

Search my videos for how to mix kick and bass. Good luck 👊

[@Karl_Hogarth]

Gold

[@drydessert4198]

All the variations in this video seem to be 4 bars then repeat. My approach is to have different length loops (not sample loops but in this case midi based loops). Some 4 bar loops but also some 2 bar, 1 bar, 1/2 bar, 1/4 bar loops.

[@dilbydj]

Yeah, for sure. It's a great strategy. Not really the subject of this video, but always a good idea to expand your loop to 8 or 16 bars with some elements as it helps things feel less repetitive. I also like to have some elements that loop on a weird timing so they change constantly. Like 3 bars, 1.5 bars, 5 beats, etc. That can be a very powerful way to make really simple tracks feel like they are evolving a lot.

[@unalyum4344]

thahks a lot

[@alexjofer]

One question here! You apply the same swing to every track, so all the elements groove together right?!

[@MohammedAliIsmailAlshaikh]

Good question,

[@frandevereaux]

the groove pool is annoying me a lot. I grouped everything same as you. then I dropped the groove on the group and nothing changed. I then dropped the groove on an individual track, still nothing. then I selected it and pressed commit, yes it moved the notes but sounded really rubbish but then it can't be undone. what am I doing wrong.

[@dilbydj]

Not sure mate. Hard to know exatly what the issue is. There are some amount values in the groove pool. So say you had a groove applied but the amount was set to 0% it wouldn't change anything.

[@frandevereaux]

@@dilbydj never actually thought to see if it had a value that could be tweeted. That could be the issue. Thanks

[@fabiofreitas2782]

What’s the brand of the headphones ? Tried to look online but the ones I find is not similar to those 😅

[@dilbydj]

AIAIAI TMA-2 Wireless+

[@willievaughn6474]

So Precious, you are greatly appreciated. I have a question if you don't have a swing on your DAW, what's a better way to do? Thank you for your time

[@dilbydj]

Just move the 16th notes off the grid by hand. But what DAW are you using? It probably has it but it may be implemented in a different way.

[@willievaughn6474]

@@dilbydj okay thank you you're a great teacher. I'm using MPC beats. I mean I do have Ableton 11 I believe, but it always says my files are too big from MPC beats.

[@danmar9169]

Hi Dilby, i have a little longer question. It is still not easy for me to find the right balance between bassdrum and for example the lead synth. When i have my mixdown set f.e. to -0,3db without any limiting or anything else on the masterbus it sounds good in my ears. But the average loudness is in this case about -11LUFS... So when i Turn up the volume to something between -9 and -8 LUFS everything gets louder and in the end i have the feeling that the bassdrum is a littlebit too loud. When i start regulating the bassdrum f.e. 1 db quieter the mix is losing punch. So is there any possibility except mixing at maybe -11 to -14db to get sure the bassdrum will not end up to loud? Or just trying? What Max Peak shout the bd have at maybe 50/60hz in the end compared to the rest when approaching the -8 LuFS? I know that there a not real Rules for that but maybe some expiriences. Your tracks always sound perfect. Thanks Dan 🍻🐣

[@markuselipka]

that`s the point: as long as beats are quantized, there will be no `groove` at all. not even the velocity or ternary rhythms will make it.

[@dilbydj]

😵‍💫

[@micart671]

Thanks so much for a top tutorial. As a Logic Pro user I got a little lost in the swing section. Does the midi swing template act on every loop or just the channel where it was applied? Thanks again.

[@xannyed]

just the channel

[@dhruvnagdev_]

Hey, anybody can help me out as to how get these rms meter on the session view which is not default

[@dilbydj]

Did you try staging the meter larger? I'm not a are of a setting but I know something changes when you expand the meters.

[@jenkorh8297]

Yessir

[@dilbydj]

✌️

[@jdm473]

song of intro?

[@dilbydj]

www.beatport.com/release/under-your-skin/4020246

[@real.demesure]

Do you have any latency from the wireless headphones ? Or are they just revolutionary ?

[@dilbydj]

They come with a special ultra low latency wireless system. I am super impressed by the whole thing. I thought the wireless would be a bit of a gimmick but it's actually really low latency. Pretty mind blowing. If you can test somewhere do it. They are not cheap, which is the downside.

[@MoldManMotionGrafix]

@@dilbydj what’s the model?

[@dilbydj]

@@MoldManMotionGrafix TMA2 Wireless+

[@StayFunKey]

Please pay attention that video and audio is in sync. Especially if you are explaining the different positions of the midi notes. Still I liked it. 😃

[@dilbydj]

I do my best mate. I can send you over the footage if you want to have a go at editing it better. Drop me your email.

[@StayFunKey]

@@dilbydj 😂, no you just keep doing that man. 👍🏻

[@boydw1]

This is a great video BUT... Your sound to video sync is off - the sounds start playing about when the play position bar is at the end of the notes, and it's a significant headfcuk to watch. Makes it hard to focus on the techniques you're describing.

[@dilbydj]

Because of the screen recording and a few other factors, there is quite a bit of latency in the system. I do my best but sometimes this stuff happens. I spend a lot of time filming and editing every video, but I have to weigh up the value of trying to make something perfect or just get it out there to help people. I choose to release regular videos. Maybe they could be slightly more polished but that is the sacrifice I make. If it's hard to focus then don't watch, it's your choice. And remember, this is free content buddy so perhaps just make the most of it... But thanks for the feedback. Have a good one!

[@boydw1]

@@dilbydj Don't get me wrong, I WANT to watch this - otherwise your content is really good - it's just harder to reconcile the visual pattern with which sound that pattern is actually triggering, when they don't happen at the same time. It does seem to be a recording issue, as the offset appears to be the same throughout all the screengrab . In which case, you should be able to align the audio for all your screengrab footage as a whole in one go, before you start editing it ;)

[@VselennayaMoyBog]

I didn't hear the difference between a normal beat and swing. webcam closed daw

[@VselennayaMoyBog]

@@dilbydj I don't understand your answer. what good is the closed part of the interface and the fact that you can not hear the difference?

[@dilbydj]

@@VselennayaMoyBog I have no idea what you're talking about dude 🤣

[@flossless200]

@@dilbydj he is trying to say the webcam view of you superimposed over ableton was blocking what you were doing with swing from view. so he struggled to tell the difference of when swing was and wasn't applied because he could not visually see when you turned it on or off.

[@dilbydj]

@@flossless200 Ah, ok. It makes sense. Yes, I need to try to remember to more the image when I am doing something in that area. Thanks for clarifying it.

[@MoldManMotionGrafix]

This guy the voice of Rocco? 😂

[@Pacador]

its up beat not off beat 7:44

[@Odihmantich]

much more robotic feel

[@rajeshmirage]

❤❤❤❤

[@VselennayaMoyBog]

unwarped hats magnifier sound cacophony. no exact synchronization

[@dilbydj]

No idea what you're trying to say here mate 🤣

[@VselennayaMoyBog]

@@dilbydj such a google translator. strange, other people understood me.

[@TheJalba66]

@@dilbydj

[@dilbydj]

@@TheJalba66 😘

[@joshandrus]

@@dilbydj I understand that they don’t understand what to listen for when listening for groove 🤌

[@carloscorona2423]

your face is covering the swing window.... =/

[@dilbydj]

@@carloscorona2423 MPC 16 Swing 57

[@genuezia]

It feels more like you just promoting your samples and patreon. Really annoying

[@dilbydj]

Yeah, I can see that and I understand how annoying that must be. The thing is I have this really unusual situation which I hope you can understand. The guy who owns the apartment I live in wants money, and not just once, he wants it every month! It seems totally unreasonable, but I really don't know what to do. He says if I don't pay his ransom every month he will kick my family and I out on the street. The guy is an absolute monster and completely extorting me. What's even worse, the people who own my studio are doing the same thing... every month! It's a total nightmare. I don't want to come across as a victim, but things are bad man. Everyone is just in my pockets the whole time, taking advantage. Really annoying. I went to the grocery store to taker some free food and they asked me for money too. It's out of control. Really annoying. You seem to have a really good grasp on the way the world works so maybe you have some advice about how I can deal with all these bullies taking advantage of me. I'm sorry my free content is so annoying so let's get this sorted out so I can make something you can consume without having to endure me promoting anything. If you can help please send me a DM on Patreon (you'll need to sign up first). Much appreciated my friend. 🙏

[@genuezia]

​@@dilbydj Sorry bro^ now i get it. Comments actually is not my strong side. to be more constructive, what i trying to say is, me, personally me - is ok about product placement, and is great to have an opportunity to share and sell somehow your content for the people around the world. I respect this. but while im watching some educational content, i am trying to focus on important things. why you just not made advertising at the intro/outro of video? at the one moment i was having a feeling that you keep advertising after almost every sentence)))) anyway only love bro! keep creating your great product! cheers

[@dpevoav]

@@dilbydj Such a great response. Best response on YT ever IMO. 😉

[@krisclarke3000]

​@@dilbydj savage reply😂