Mar 19, 2012 by strat - Comments Off on NEW VIDEO: “Centrefold” by RLG (@RLGMusic)
Being a music producer is very fulfilling. I get to work with many artists and guide their musical directions, as well as getting to make rap beats, rnb beats or pop beats all day. This site is more than just a place to buy beats online. I will be featuring hot new artists on here all the time, both from my hometown and internationally.
As I mentioned, I do a lot more that just a make and sell rap beats online. I recently started my own indie label and I’ve got a good crop of artists from my home country Barbados that I work with. This is the first video handled by the label. It’s a track called “Centrefold” by 4 members of a crew called RLG: Jonny K, Chuck Larry, Trizzy and Jay-Tremaine. The beat is produced by yours truly and the videography and editing was done by Scenes Entourage (also from right here in Barbados). This is just a testament to the way my movement is moving.
To all the artists out there, this is an example of the kind of hip hop instrumentals you can get here at StratCarter.com. So if you are looking to buy beats online or you need rap beats custom built, check out my beats page or drop me a line at strat@stratcarter.com
Mar 16, 2012 by strat - Comments Off on INDUSTRY TALK: Why Soundclick is Great for Artists
If you buy beats online or promote your music online and you haven’t heard of Soundclick.com, either you’re a new born, a Martian or just plain clueless. It is one of the most popular and enduring artist/producer communities on the web and has ushered in the cult-like popularity of some of the best young beatmakers/producers in urban music such as Johnny Juliano, Vybe Beats, SuperStar O and Beats Planet. However, even though the producers tend to dominate, Soundclick is always bubbling with activity from recording artists as well. If you’re going to have a presence on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Reverbnation or even MySpace (is that still there?), then you HAVE to add Soundclick to your list.
Here is why I believe Soundclick is great for artists:
It is a tried and tested site, which has been around for years. You will be sure that you have a large potential audience for your music, since the Soundclick community is huge.
The beats. Soundclick producers offer amazing, industry standard beats for non-exclusive license at prices ranging from $15 to $25. Soundclick beats are usually high quality and it is better to spend a little for a license to use a beat rather than illegally use a copyrighted “industry” beat
Soundclick offers html ready widgets and players that you can post on you own website, other community sites, or forums. Again a great way to maximize your exposure.
Facebook and Twitter integration. Every time you post a new song to your page, you can share it with just one click.
The few drawbacks I’ve found with Soundclick are that the on site promotional tools are somewhat expensive if you’re on a limited budget (as a lot of indie artists and up coming producers are), and that many of the producers just tend to copy the prevailing trend in terms of the style of rap beats they offer. In other words, if trap beats are hot then you will find the majority of producers pushing trap beats. Though this may be annoying for an artist looking to buy beats online, it’s an obstacle which can be overcome either by searching deeper within the site or seeking an alternative for hot rap beats, as there are many.
Soundclick is definitely a great online tool both for producers and recording artists. If you take your music career seriously, get online and get active in the communities that can give you the exposure you need.
Mar 02, 2012 by strat - Comments Off on Make Music Outside the Box
It’s 2012 and the music industry is in its most interesting state ever, in my opinion. On the one hand, we have artists who are purely about musicianship and raw talent i.e. Adele and on the other we have gimmick artists like Nicki Minaj. Both successful but from two totally different perspectives. One is crafted solely by the engine of the industry and panders to whatever trends are hot while the other has brought back that feel of true artistry.
I want to encourage artists, producers and beatmakers to think. Think not just about what sells currently or what is the next shock value gimmick that can be employed for the sake of remaining relevant, but instead try to craft your songs, beats and videos with a kind of cutting edge creativity. Here are some examples of what I mean, little things that may make a difference:
Song structure. The usual intro, verse, chorus, verse chorus blah blah blah is cool but maybe try switching it up a bit. Try a simpler hook or maybe even verses where the hook line of the song is at the end of each line of the verse. Bridges are cool but try using them in an unorthodox spot in the song, or maybe have the bridge come at 2 points in the song.
Rap groups should try being more integrated on tracks, e.g. in the case of a 3 man crew, instead of 3 verses and a couple hooks, have 2 verses and have each member play parts in both. This creates a real crew vibe and is very interesting to the listener.
Try weird things in your beats. Sample household implements or things that you wouldn’t normally associate with music. For producers who compose more often than they sample (like me), avoid monotonous loops throughout the song. Use your chops to create different movements and mini bridges within your beats. It makes them more appealing to artists who are looking to buy beats online or otherwise.
Look at the success of Odd Future (OFWGKTA). Even though a lot of their music is filled with what I like to call shock value content, which in itself may be seen as a gimmick, they certainly get an A for effort. They are unique and as such have garnered a cult following.
Think outside the proverbial box. Boxes are stifling….and square.
Feb 26, 2012 by strat - Comments Off on Helping Artists Buy the Best Beats Online: Rocbattle review
This article is meant as a simple guide to assist independent artists who scour the internet in search of good original beats to buy for their mixtapes, albums, demos and videos. If you are asking the question “how do I get signed?”, right now is the best time in music industry history to be an independent artist. Though you may not have access to the mighty financial prowess of the major label, the internet has become an invaluable resource which can allow you to promote and sell your music by building strong movements on the social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Youtube. More and more these days, the ideal of being signed to a major label, while still alluring, is fraught with danger i.e. the notorious 360 deal. An indie artist can diligently build a fanbase through social media and sell on iTunes or in his/her local area (while booking gigs) and make a comfortable living without having to deal with record label politics.
One site which has become a leader in providing rap and r&b beats for indie artists is Rocbattle.com. The site is hosted by legendary grammy award winning producer Rockwilder and has over 80,000 members. Admittedly it is a very good site in many ways. The biggest feature is the producer battles, which basically gives producers a way to gain visibility (by winning battles) and customers a way of finding the hottest beats (those that win the most battles). The site has a wide selection of producers and beats of all kinds of varying styles and genres, a nice mobile version for listening to and buying beats on the go and a feature which allows customers to send in a request for a specific type of beat to the producers on Rocbattle.
While Rocbattle is a cool site with a good reputation, it is by no means the be all and end all when looking to buy beats online. Here are some potential cons to the pros listed above:
The customer has to join the site in order to buy beats. From checking it out myself, having to go through the entire process of signing up to the forum and setting up a profile seems like to much hassle if you are basically looking to lease a couple of beats.
The large quantity of producers at times takes away from the personalized service a client may need. There is such as thing as too much choice.
The site’s layout is a bit complex and a first time buyer may take a while to get their bearings.
The site seems more geared towards attracting new producers than attracting new beat buyers.
While not taking anything away from Rocbattle, there are alternatives which offer beats that are just as hot while not having the same cons. One such alternative to Rocbattle is StratCarter.com. Here clients get personalized customer service, no need to create a profile, an informative newsletter, special coupon deals for being on the mailing list, instant downloads after purchase, bulk purchase discounts and easy interaction with the producer, where you can email him directly about custom built beats and exclusive licensing. The site layout is very easy on the eyes and navigation is simple. StratCarter.com is very into personalized customer service and the rates are extremely competitive.
In conclusion, Rocbattle is a leading beat selling site with many advantages over others in terms of professionalism and design. However its biggest downfall may be that it has grown too big and complicated in terms of the beat buying process. If you are an artist looking to buy beats online and you want a viable alternative to Rocbattle, click the preceding link(s) and check the vibes!
Please note the song in the video above was produced an mixed by yours truly, Strat Carter!
Feb 26, 2012 by strat - Comments Off on Five STUPID Things to Avoid When Becoming a Recording Artist
INDUSTRY TALK: Five STUPID Things to Avoid When Becoming a Music Artist
I come into contact with aspiring artists all the time, as I am a music producer. While i’m not as successful as Timbaland or Dr. Dre in terms of international acclaim and exposure, my experience and associations are rich, strong and go back for many years. Now there are certain things I find to be common among inexperienced artists. The ones I’m about to talk about in particular just PISS ME OFF! These are 5 common ways I’ve seen artists take an epic tumble towards NOWHERE in terms of their music careers:
Claiming to be too broke to invest in your music, yet you always have the latest Jordans. Seriously. What the f*ck. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard an artist say that he/she can’t afford to pay for studio time or even spend $15 to lease beats online. If you don’t show that you are serious and willing to invest in yourself and your chosen career, how can you expect someone else to do it?
Trying to get ‘signed’. In this day and age every unsigned artist should be educated enough about the present state of the industry to know that it is futile to sit and wait for a magical deal to appear simply because simply because they sent in a demo. (A demo? Really? Who the f*ck does that?). Begin to grind on your own and establish your own real movement. Use the social media tools at your disposal and MAKE people notice you.
Creating in your own little bubble. Ok so just because you think it’s epic doesn’t mean the world will always share your view. No man is an island (a cliche but a truth). I’ve found that drawing real inspiration from around you is vital, whether it be other artists music, people around you or just your natural environment. Open and expand your mind and understand what makes things and people tick. That will help make you a better artist.
Procrastination. That’s a no brainer. Seize opportunities and avenues when they show themselves. Makes no sense to sit and say ‘I’ll catch that when it comes around again’ because it just might not.
Last but not least (drumroll please): Using WACK ass beats. Obviously, everyone won’t like the same type of beats and what’s regarded as good can be a matter of opinion. However, there is a certain standard one should adhere to and there are beats that make you go ‘who produced that sh*t? elmo?’ Listen to the trends in music and understand the styles that garner the most positive attention. If you’re into hip hop then you should know what feels hot when you hear it. Now comes the shameless self promotion. You can solve this particular problem by going to the best place to buy beats online, my site Stratcater.com.
This is Strat signing out. Hope this helped at least one person! Blessings coming to you live from the Stratosphere.
