Planning
For this task, I was required to research, ideate, design, conceptualize, and originate a hybrid genre EP that fuses elements from different genres. Working in a group with Dawn, We structured the approach by taking on roles required for the project, including production, beat-making, vocal composition, creative input, and technical tasks such as mixing and mastering. This allowed us to fully explore and develop ideas while ensuring every aspect of the project aligned with our vision.
After establishing the scope of work, we moved on to thinking and defining the genres that would form the foundation of the hybrid EP. The assignment required drawing influence from at least two established genres and using these to conceptualize and define the new hybrid genre. This stage i would spend time reflecting on my musical influences, favourite artists and the styles I was passionate about. My influences range from rock, pop, hip hop, and reggae which naturally guided the direction of our project.
We would also consider what the definition of a hybrid genre would mean. Would it be a song with both elements fused together? or would it involve a specific arrangement where one genre starts and transitions into another? We would also think whether a sub-genre could be considered a hybrid genre as many sub-genres have stemmed from established genres but incorporate elements from other styles creating unique fusions. This led us to reflect on how these ideas could influence my creative approach and the technical implementation of our hybrid concept. We was aware that merging two genres directly could cause major clashes due to differences in drum arrangements and timing. Therefore we decided it would be best to transition between the genres incorporating elements like melodies or small additional compositions to create a seamless blend.
As we was planning my 1st genre I reflected on my love for rock music which was shaped by my experiences working at Glastonbury and my background as a session guitarist. This inspiration led me to develop a rock-based production for my linear project and The track itself would be the 1st genre in our hybrid production.
1st Genre
Rock
The rock song I created for my linear production was inspired by my experiences at cider festivals and my time working at Glastonbury. Attending these events left a strong impression on me, particularly the energy of Glastonbury. I remember once my shift was over rushing to the pyramid stand and watching Coldplay perform as the sun was setting. The crowd’s excitement built as the first track started with heavy, stomping drums and expansive guitar. The vibe was uplifting and full of life typical of indie rock bands at the festival. This inspiration led me to create a song that mirrors that atmosphere of pulsing drums, spacious guitar arrangements and an overall indie rock feel. The track became a reflection of those memorable festival moments and the energy I hoped to capture, particularly since I have missed attending Glastonbury for the past 3 years.
2nd Genre
Hip-Hop
I chose hip-hop as the second genre because its impact on my journey in music and sound. The rhythmic and percussive elements that define its sound I love and the cultural aspect it has had on society. The strong beats and grooves in hip-hop naturally complement the energy of rock making them a good fit for blending together. The fusion of these genres has been done many times before often creating sub-genres in the process For instance artists like Jay-Z have worked with rock artists such as his collaboration with Linkin Park creating hits such as Numb/Encore, Method man and Limp Biscuit, demonstrating how these genres can merge seamlessly. This blending has also led to the creation of sub-genres that combine the raw power of rock with the rhythm of hip-hop.
As I began the point for the transition by slicing audio and making space, i was experimenting with the various forms of transition for blending the two genres to create the hybrid. I explored techniques such as sweeps, rises, and swells and would also link my MIDI controller to effect plugin parameters such as filters and sweeps allowing me to control them via automation for a more hands-on approach. However after experimenting I found that many of these transitions felt too drastic for my 2nd genre I chose to blend. in the end I opted for a smooth riser and a gentle fall to create a subtler and more seamless transition as what would follow would be lower in volume which be an audible indication of the change of music style.
The transition from rock to hip-hop in my hybrid production starts with a riser that sweeps up before dropping into a more percussive, conga-style drum pattern.
This percussion is similar to the kick and tom patterns in rock, but with a softer, more mellow approach, creating a sense of anticipation as the music shifts. The feel here is subtle, almost like something new is being introduced.
As the track builds, I layer in more hip-hop elements, starting with the hi-hats and hi-hat rolls. Another riser follows, and when it drops, the full hip-hop drums kick in with heavy 808s, kicks, claps, snares, and the original rock guitar elements. This progression allows the track to smoothly merge rock’s intensity with hip-hop’s rhythmic energy, creating a dynamic hybrid feel that evolves through the transitions.
Once the basic structure was in place, I adjusted the volume levels to ensure everything blended smoothly. The goal was to make the fusion of the genres seamless, so I also removed any elements that clashed or didn’t complement the overall sound. For instance, if certain parts, like the drum hits, worked well together, I kept them, but if there were elements like extra toms or kicks that created unnecessary conflict, I removed them to ensure the two genres fused seamlessly.
After finalizing the edits, I would consolidate all my tracks into one full audio stem and save the file, preparing it for mixing in either Pro Tools or Reaper.
Summary
Looking back on the process I’ve gained valuable skills and learned techniques that will benefit me in future projects involving merging genres or using elements from each. For example I had a much better understanding of transitioning between contrasting sounds of each genres to maintain a seamless flow which would help ensuring both elements complement each other. Working in a group was challenging as i would ensure to support in areas needed and vice versa to reach the end goal as a group.
I encountered challenges such as figuring how to maintain the energy and mood of the full composition such as the rock section transitioning to the hip-hop section. This required careful consideration of arrangement, timing, and sound design to ensure the sections fit seamlessly and to not lose listeners engagement with the song.
Click here to view the Full Production.
