HOW TO MAKE CATCHY PHONK MUSIC
Creating catchy phonk music requires balancing the genre's dark, atmospheric style with elements that will make your track stand out and get stuck in the listener's head. Phonk, with its roots in Memphis rap, lo-fi hip-hop, and underground trap, relies on hypnotic rhythms, gritty samples, hard-hitting 808s, and eerie, yet memorable melodies. To make your phonk track catchy, you’ll need to incorporate a combination of musical, production, and arrangement techniques.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a catchy phonk track:
1. Start with a Strong Sample or Melody
A key to creating catchy phonk is using samples or melodies that grab the listener’s attention. Phonk often borrows heavily from older soul, funk, and rap records, but you can add your own twist to make it unique.
Sampling:
- Find Soul/Funk/Old Hip-Hop Samples: Look for vocal samples or instrumental loops from 90s Memphis rap, soul, jazz, or funk records. Classic Memphis artists like Three 6 Mafia, Tommy Wright III, and DJ Smokey are known for using old-school, often eerie samples.
- Chop and Flip: Once you have a sample, chop it up and manipulate it by pitch-shifting, slowing it down, or reversing it. Phonk music often uses chopped-and-screwed techniques to make the sample more hypnotic.
- Create a Catchy Hook: If you don’t want to use a sample, craft a melody using minor scales (which gives a dark vibe) and try to keep it simple, memorable, and repetitive. Use synths, pads, or keys to create a smooth yet eerie atmosphere.
Example:
- Start with a melancholic piano loop or soulful vocal sample that creates a sense of nostalgia and adds emotional depth to the track.
- Rearrange or stretch the sample to make it feel fresh and unique, and experiment with different pitch shifts to make the melody stand out.
2. Craft the Drum Pattern
The drums in phonk are usually punchy and hard-hitting, providing the backbone of the track. For a catchy rhythm, focus on the following elements:
- 808 Bass: The 808 bass is crucial in phonk. Use a distorted 808 that cuts through the mix and gives the track a gritty, weighty feel. Keep the bassline simple but groovy. A simple 808 pattern with slides or pitch bends will add character.
- Kick Drum: Make sure the kick is punchy, deep, and present. The kick should hit hard and accentuate the 808 bass.
- Hi-Hats and Percussion: Hi-hats in phonk music often have a triplet feel, meaning they move in groups of three beats instead of just two. This gives the rhythm a flowing, syncopated vibe. Use fast hi-hat rolls and stutter effects to keep the rhythm interesting. Layering some rimshots or claps will add punch.
- Snare: Snare drums in phonk tracks are often loud, with a sharp, snappy sound. Make sure your snare stands out in the mix, giving the rhythm structure and drive.
Tip for Catchiness:
- Focus on the groove of the drum pattern. A phonk track doesn’t need a lot of complicated rhythms, but it should have a driving force that makes the listener want to move.
- Layering a clap or snare on every second beat helps maintain rhythm while also giving a strong backbeat.
3. Add Vocal Samples or Chopped Hooks
Catchy phonk tracks often feature repeated vocal phrases or chopped and screwed vocals. These hooks act as a signature element that sticks with the listener.
- Use Repeated Phrases: Find a catchy vocal sample (a phrase or lyric from old-school rap, soul, or movie clips) and repeat it throughout the track to create a memorable hook.
- Pitch Shifting and Chopping: To make your vocal sample sound more phonk, pitch it down and use effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to create an atmospheric, eerie vibe. You can also chop up the sample to emphasize certain words or phrases, giving it more rhythm.
- Create an Anthemic Hook: If you’re recording your own vocals, repeat key phrases or words that have a strong emotional impact, and experiment with layering or harmonizing to make the vocals more captivating.
Example:
- Take a vocal from a soul sample or a spoken word line and loop it throughout the track. You can also reverse the vocal, pitch it down, or chop it up to give it a hypnotic quality.
- Use ad-libs or layered background vocals to add depth to the hook.
4. Keep the Arrangement Simple but Dynamic
Catchy phonk tracks often have a minimalistic arrangement, but you can still make it dynamic by building tension and creating variation.
- Intro: Start with a simple melody or vocal sample to set the mood. You can build this up gradually to create anticipation.
- Verse/Chorus: Create contrast by introducing the full beat (with 808s, claps, etc.) when the chorus or hook hits. This helps the listener engage with the catchy elements.
- Bridge or Breakdown: Add some variety by stripping back the beat in the middle section, removing the drums, or simplifying the melody before bringing everything back for the final drop. This creates a sense of progression and keeps the track from feeling repetitive.
Example:
- Start with a simple piano or pad loop with a haunting vocal sample. In the second half of the track, bring in the full drums and 808 bass for impact, then strip back for a breakdown before the final chorus.
5. Add Atmospheric Effects
Phonk music thrives on its atmosphere—a dark, mysterious, and often nostalgic vibe. To make your track catchy, use atmospheric effects that make the listener feel something.
- Reverb and Delay: Use heavy reverb on your melodies, drums, and vocals to create an ambient, spacious feel. Delay can add movement and make the track feel more alive.
- Vinyl Noise and Tape Hiss: Use vinyl distortion, tape hiss, or crackles to give the track an old-school, lo-fi vibe. This is a hallmark of phonk, and it helps create a nostalgic or vintage feeling.
- Sound Effects: Add background ambient noise, such as city sounds, movie dialogue, or street sounds to add texture to your track. This gives it a more immersive, atmospheric quality.
6. Master Your Track for Impact
Even with a simple arrangement, the key to a catchy phonk track is how it hits when it’s played. When it’s time to master the track:
- EQ the Bass: Make sure your 808s are punchy and well-defined in the mix without overpowering other elements.
- Dynamic Range: Maintain a healthy dynamic range—don’t squash all the life out of the track. Phonk thrives on contrast between quiet and loud sections.
- Loudness: Use a limiter to bring up the overall loudness without losing too much dynamics, but avoid clipping. You want your track to hit hard without distorting.
7. Focus on the Flow and Vibe
Ultimately, phonk music is all about creating an engaging vibe. If your track feels natural and flows effortlessly from one section to the next, listeners will naturally find it catchy. Make sure your sounds match the vibe you want to create—whether that’s eerie, energetic, or nostalgic.
Final Thoughts:
To make catchy phonk music, focus on:
- Memorable hooks: Whether it’s a vocal sample or a melody, repetition and simplicity can make your track stick.
- Hard-hitting drums and bass: Your beat should be strong and groove-worthy.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Phonk thrives on a unique, often dark atmosphere that enhances the catchiness.
By blending these elements thoughtfully, you'll be able to create phonk tracks that are not only atmospheric and moody but also infectious and easy to remember.
