Adding fills
Adding drum fills to your song or music production can be a great way to add energy and excitement. However, drum fills are not something that should be added randomly, as they should fit the context of your song and enhance it in some way. As such, understanding when to add drum fills is key for any drummers and producers looking to bring their compositions to the next level.
Fills and your DAW
When adding drum fills in a DAW or music production, it is important to take into account the tempo and the structure of your song. Drum fills are usually added during transitions between sections of a song, such as when transitioning from a verse to a chorus. This allows drummers to add excitement and anticipation before the change in the song or before introducing a new musical theme. It is important to match drum fill tempos with the tempo of your song, as this will help to make sure your drum fill fits and sounds natural.
Fills for introducing sections of music
In order to create drum fills that fit in with a certain section of a song, it’s important to consider how each drum sound will interact with the other instruments and sounds within the composition. Different drum sounds can create different levels of energy, and it is important to pay attention to this when adding drum fills into your DAW or music production. For example, a snare drum fill may create more energy than a hi-hat fill for certain sections. A sense of the drums building as the track moves along can add an often much needed dynamic element to a track.
Stick with the pattern
It’s also important to consider the drum pattern that you are using. If you’re playing a basic drum pattern, it’s best to stick to drum fills that don’t stray too far from the main drum groove. However, if your drum pattern is more complex and intricate, you can get away with adding drum fills that are slightly different from the main drum groove. This will help to create an interesting drum fill and add more energy and colour to your song.
Dynamics
Consider the dynamics of your drum fills when adding them in a DAW or music production. Dynamics refer to how loud or soft a drum fill is played - playing too loudly can disrupt the flow of the song, whereas playing too softly can make a drum fill lose its energy. Matching the dynamics of your drum fill with the other instruments in your song will help to ensure that it fits in and adds the right amount of energy.
By understanding when to add drum fills in a DAW or music production, drummers can bring their drumming to the next level. Keeping these tips in mind will help drummers to add drum fills that fit the context of their song and add energy and excitement to it. With a bit of practice, drummers can create drum fills that sound professional and are sure to make any song stand out.
In conclusion
Drum fills are a great way to add energy and excitement to your songs when used properly. When adding drum fills in a DAW or music production, drummers need to take into account the tempo of their song, the drum sounds they are using, and the dynamics of their drum fill. By understanding these aspects, drummers can create drum fills that fit the context of their song and add energy and excitement to it. With a bit of practice, drummers and producers can create drum fills that sound professional and are sure to make a positive difference to your musical creations.