
Welcome back to the Pen and the Drum. On this weeks episode Tha 5th Element is not with us but instead we are joined by Andy, Scott and Rory from LANDR. We talk about bit about their online, automated mastering service and then we discuss their No-Bullshit Musician’s Guide to Self-Promotion. We also hear music from Adam and Cuth, Lzu, Mike Holmes, AVerma and Edgar Cards. Enjoy!Adam and Cuth (u/cuthmakesbeats) - Wasted TimeMHH ThreadNo-Bullshit Musician's Guide To Self-Promotion (u/andylacroix)Armies of Grassroots Followers Are Built with Trust, Credibility, and AuthoritySet Up a Mailing ListBuilding an AudienceYour WebsiteSocial MediaLzu - Eu não sou mais um querendo te fuder, eu gosto de vocêFrom the ablum, Abstrações de você on u/Ridgewell ‘s label, Haju Tapes.Press Kits: The Ultimate Calling CardReaching Out To Blogs and Other Outlets for ReviewsMike Holmes (u/SupImHolmes) - The Last Invasion (prod. BIGOsSoul) (/u/SooWooMaster)Winner of Best Song - GHH 22MHH ThreadDebuting New MusicPlaying LiveAVerma (u/AVerminator007) - ReminiscenceWinner of FTC 85MHH ThreadBudget Your Promotion TimeOutrothepenandthedrum.comMakingHipHop.com@[email protected] Song - Vitamin C - Johann SebastianLANDR - landr.comNew free sample database from LANDR: wavy.audioJohann Sebastianwww.JohannSebastian.net - @JS_BeatsSandurzBeat BreakdownFruit Deluxe by Banana PeelsBulk Spices by DWHBEdgar Cards (u/edgar_cards) - FarewellMHH Thread
Feb 12, 2016
1 hr 11 min

We're back with another episode of the Pen and the Drum. Thanks to everyone for listening! This week we discuss NPR's Tiny Desk competition, some e-digging resources, a helpful tutorial about making 808s hit hard, vocal warm up techniques for rappers, and using drum breaks in your beats. We also hear music from host, Johann Sebastian, Andrew Clay, AVerma, Sunrey, Mezzo, BigOsSoul and Ozwell. Enjoy!Johann Sebastian (u/jbachman) - Fell for YouFTC 84 WinnerMHH ThreadNPR Tiny Desk Competition (u/nprben)MHH ThreadAndrew Clay (u/akitter) - OxymoronCypher 51 winnerMHH ThreadSample Blog List (u/Cdirk)MHH ThreadAVerma (u/AVerminator007) - OKC11OKC 11 WinnerMHH ThreadHow To Make 808's Hit Hard With Layering (u/GabrielHawk)MHH ThreadSunrey (u/sunnyhiphop) - HungerCypher 1 WinnerMHH ThreadR.A. The Rugged Man Demonstrates Voice Training Techniques (u/krakrocks)MHH ThreadMezzo (u/TrueMezzo) - OKC 10OKC 10 WinnerMHH ThreadHow Many People Still Use Drum Breaks (u/TheTrueNakedBatman)MHH ThreadBigOsSoul (u/SooWooMaster) - You Are a ToyFrom the irCloud TapeMHH ThreadFlip the Script Beat Fighter UpdateOutrothepenandthedrum.comMakingHipHop.com@[email protected] - Kings County Light HausTheme Song - Vitamin C - Johann Sebastian● SandurzBeat Breakdown● Johann Sebastianwww.JohannSebastian.net - @JS_Beats● Tha 5th ElementGet 5th’s beats at D3 In the BuildingOzwell - Pray for the GodsBeat Fighter Quarter Final Round 3 winnerMHH Thread
Jan 15, 2016
56 min

The Ugly Sweater Party was a google hangout we did last week where a group of MakingHipHop members were encouraged to bring their worst song they’ve ever made and play them for the group. Thanks to everyone who participated!www.thepenandthedrum.com
Jan 5, 2016
2 hr 2 min

In this episode Sandurz is out on vacation and Hoodrow Trillson fills in as guest host along with Tha 5th Element and Johann Sebastian. Hoodrow is the host and organizer of the popular online beat battle series, Beat Fighter. We talk about how Beat Fighter came to be and a bunch of other threads brought up on the forum such as tips for online collaboration, how to make tracks more aggressive and how awesome the IRC is. Hoodrow Trillson / Beat FighterChris Wright & Ace Jr - Bury 'Em (prod. Hoodrow Trillson & J MegaStar)Winners of GHH 21MHH ThreadOnline CollaborationHobbes Duende (u/HobbesDuende) - Son, No StarFrom his new beat tape, Audible Heat. Also available on Bandcamp MHH ThreadSC - hobbes-duendeBC - https://hobbesduende.bandcamp.com/How do I make a track more aggressive? (u/8bitcrocodile)MHH ThreadThe Virus (u/Liam_Cunt) - Don’tTalkJustListen Pt 1 feat KamiyadaFrom the DTJL: Live On VHS (Trilogy) EPMHH ThreadThe Virus FB - https://www.facebook.com/thevirusuk/The Virus SC - https://soundcloud.com/the-virus-uk Kamiyada SC - https://soundcloud.com/kamiyadaTW - @spacegodkamiRecording: Tracked out or Pre-rendered beat? (u/kvdence)MHH ThreadReptillian (u/sash7) - BlessedFrom his project, Spaced Out InstrumentalsMHH Threadhttp://www.prodbyreptilian.comSC - thareptilianTW - @ReptilianBeatsYT - sashworldTop Cuts: Year End Top 10 (u/BOOF_RADLEY)MHH ThreadTPATD Ugly Sweater EpisodeReleased on 12/30Ragnarok (u/Ragnatronik) - Mirin’Winner of OKC 8MHH ThreadSC - schaabmartHousekeepingJoin the MHH chat conversation on the MakingHipHop IRCPlease and Vote on Competitions and Upvote for visibilityOutroThe Pen and the Drum WebsiteMakingHipHop subreddit - r/makinghiphopThe Pen and the Drum Twitter - @[email protected] TrillsonTW - @Beat_FighterTwitch - beatfighter.tvHoodrow Trillson TwitchJohann Sebastian (@JS_Beats)www.JohannSebastian.netExcellent ReceptionTha 5th Element (@Tha5thElement)D3 In the Buildingplcmt (u/PHtreester) - liifeFrom his new beat tape, sierraMHH ThreadIG - @rbgilmoreSC - https://soundcloud.com/plcmntBC - https://plcmnt.bandcamp.com/
Dec 16, 2015
1 hr 1 min

Razor Boomerang (u/razorboomarang) - MathFrom their debut project, Back to SchoolRazor Boomerang is RexRiot (vocals) & Jeff Milnazik (production)Math VideoMHH ThreadSC - razor-boomarangTW - @RazorBoomarang"Rhythm Roulette" - Large Professor (u/Sushieatinbeast)MHH ThreadRyko (u/Polarbear36) - BalanceFrom his beat tape, Feng / ShuiMHH ThreadTW - @RKolczaskiBC - https://ryko1.bandcamp.comHow Important Is It to Listen to Old Hip Hop and Learn about the Old Greats? (u/googleplexus2)MHH ThreadDex Amora X Golden Beets (u/tgoldenbeets) - idntfrontFrom their collaborative album Ai Level.MHH ThreadBC - https://everydejavu.bandcamp.com/album/ai-levelGolden Beets TW - @goldenbeetsDex Amora TW - @DexAmoraMaking a Beat Less Repetitive (u/Ubereem)MHH ThreadEnding Beats (u/TheTrueNakedBatman)MHH ThreadNoise Witch (u/noisewitch) - The ConjurerWinner of OKC 5MHH OKC5 Voting ThreadMHH OKC5 Original ThreadMaster Your Beat before or after Vocals? (u/kvdence)MHH ThreadJeepz (u/jeepzondabeatz) - Blu MoonFrom his album, Soul Spins [The 50th Beat Tape!]MHH ThreadBC - http://jeepzondabeatz.bandcamp.comTW - @jeepzondabeatzIG - @iamjeepzhttp://iamjeepz.comFuture of Production in Hip Hop (u/Puntang_Crusher)MHH ThreadAlliswell (u/Ozwel) - Death WishWinner of FTC 80. Original sample: Do a Thing by Herbie HancockMHH FTC80 Voting ThreadMHH FTC80 Original ThreadOutroTha 5th ElementSandurzJohann Sebastian
Dec 3, 2015
59 min

IntroThe Pen and the Drum - thepenandthedrum.comMaking Hip Hop - thepenandthedrum.comBeat FighterYLXA (u/Dysaniaj) - Don’t WantFrom his beat tape, Cafe Con LecheFree download on Bandcamp. $5 Painted CasseteMHH ThreadSoundCloud - ylxaFirst Show Experience (u/sirDIGGY_)MHH ThreadSoundCloud - sir-diggyTwitter - sirDIGGY_Andrew Clay (u/akitter)- Day Job (MTC6)From his Life Alert EPMHH ThreadSoundCloud - andrewclayWhat Does It Mean to Be Cheesy? (u/blk_out_music)MHH Thread Reeg (u/ReeG)- It Don't StopCypher Vol 44 - Theme: First TimeOrig ThreadVoting ThreadTwitter - TheRealReeGHeadphone Roundup (u/CircleMeth)MHH ThreadSony MDR-7506 ($80)Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($100)Audio‑Technica ATH M50X ($150)AKG K240 MK II ($150)Beyerdynamic DT 770 Closed ($150)Beyerdynamic DT 990 Open ($200)Beyerdynamic DT 880 Semi-open ($250)Reptilian (u/sash7) - Spaced OutFTC Vol 77Sample: Howard Shore - The Silence of the LambsTwitter -ReptilianBeatsQuestion about Singing/Rapping on the Beat (u/AtlasAtlasAtlas)MHH ThreadKhan-Ji - Hank HillSingles ThreadInstagram - paul.cuhResourcesProgram to Organize Your Drum Kits (/u/agggile)MHH Thread with instructionsTwo Versions:Advanced - You determine the file patterns and their respective foldersDumbed-Down - You select a drumkit and it will use a set of pre-determined patterns and folder names for organizing500mb Free Samples from Prime Loops (u/PrimeLoops)PrimeLoops DownloadMHH ThreadGrady K (u/GradyK) - AmbienceOKC WinnerSoundcloud - grady_kBALLAS (u/Darellissa) - Central SpiritFrom his Office Beats: An iPhone MixtapeSoundcloud - ballasbeatsOutroTwitter: @TPATD_PodcastEmail: [email protected] to us on iTunes: The Pen and the Drum by The Pen and the Drum on iTunesRate and Review us on iTunesPlugs and ShoutoutsJohann Sebastianwww.JohannSebastian.net - @JS_BeatsAaron Dowd - The Podcast Dude - http://thepodcastdude.comTha 5th ElementGet 5th’s beats at D3 In the BuildingHoodrow Trillson - Beat FighterSandurzBeat BreakdownBeat Show on 11/18 at Friends of Sound RecordsAbleton 9.5 and Push 2BLACK DAVINCI - $econd Motion (MTC6)From his Razor Bumps Vol 8MHH Thread
Nov 18, 2015
49 min

The Pen and the Drum Episode 6: The Last Big DigWelcome to Episode 6 of the Pen and the Drum. In this episode we talk about some new upgrades to the podcast, discuss some advice u/TheHound585 wrote about on the sub, and give a goodby (for now) to the Dig This Challenge.Announcements:You can now reach The Pen and the Drum at www.thepenandthedrum.comYou can now reach r/MakingHipHop at www.makinghiphop.com You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes now at Cypher 42 - Andrew Clay - Refreshed Point Blank Music School Deconstruction of Roots Manuva - Witness (1 hope) w/ Ski OakenfullDaniela Andrade - Hotline Bling (Alliswell edit)Some Advice for Beginning ProducersJohnny Rocket - Peter Irontail Prod. by MeezFlip This Challenge 76 - Radaghast - Gigin’ the SkyBeat FighterRIP Dig This Challenge - The Last Big DigConstrobuz - The Death Of BenkeiOutroFollow us on twitter: @TPATD_PodcastEmail: [email protected] to us on iTunes: The Pen and the Drum by The Pen and the Drum on iTunesPlugs and ShoutoutsTha 5th ElementGet 5th’s beats at D3 In the BuildingListen to Reeg - Heavens (feat NDGO, prod BigOsSoul)SandurzWatch all of Sandurz stuff at Beat Breakdown including his Hotline Bling breakdownWatch the Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire - Ice Cups b/w Anthony Mason prod. by Constrobuz official video.Johann SebastianCome see me rock a beat set on 11/12 at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia, opening for the Bul BeyListen to Semi Hendrix - Breakfast at Banksy’sReeg - Heavens (feat NDGO, prod BigOsSoul)
Nov 4, 2015
46 min

This week, it’s a listening party. We listen to, enjoy and critique various tracks from the subreddit. Come hang.Time's Progression - Agee Flame & Mowgli (prod. Keithpetersen7 & Alliswell) - Voted best song of Game of Hip Hop 19 Agee Flame - https://soundcloud.com/imaquickscopaMowgli - https://soundcloud.com/lilmo2407Keith Peterson - https://soundcloud.com/keithpetersen7Ozwell - https://soundcloud.com/alliswe11Old School Flow - Jay J from Critical ConditionNever 2 Late - Verism X YLXA from pcp.n.glxiesVerism - https://soundcloud.com/verismYLXA - https://soundcloud.com/ylxaThe 5ifth Awakening - Johann SebastianFreckle Bae - Riley Urbano - from Butterface InstrumentalsFFXIII - BigOSoul - Winner of the Flip This Challenge Week 72Shaolin Slum - Black DaVinci from Razor Bumps Vol. 7MakingHipHop Mixoff ContestA new mixing competition with a $50 cash prize from the artist.Darker Duende - Hobbes Duende from Expression CatharticTell Em - Chit Maker - Winner of the Flip this Challenge 73New Neighbors - Sandurz - Winner of Cypher 39 (prev. season)Good Day - Mowgli - Winner of Cypher 40One Kit Challenge Volume 1 - New production challenge where competitors produce tracks from the same set of samples OKC Challenge No 1 - OystaSoothin Boomin’ - Tha 5th ElementFTC75 - ALXFTC Week 74 Challenge - KRUPAThanks for hanging!
Oct 21, 2015
54 min

Booking Live ShowsHow to Book ShowsWhy Play Live Shows?Helps build your fan baseHelps develop your flow and skillsFinding the Right ShowFind a show that matches your experience, following and skill levelYou are going to have to play for free at firstYou are going to have to open up shows at firstYou are going to have to play weekday shows at firstYou might have to travel if your right show doesn’t happen in you townGet creative about meeting other artistsKinds of ShowsOpen Mics - A safe place to developPay to Play Showcases - A bad idea (mostly)Organizing Your Own Show - A lot of work and moneyDr. Bobby Banner's Step by Step Guide to Booking a ShowUnconventional ShowsOpening for a Local - A good opportunityVenuesLook for venues that throw the kind of show you could get onGo to some shows and introduce yourself to the owner/managerFacebook event subscriptions for venues near youArtistsGo to some shows with local talent and meet people"Where Are You from?" Threads on MHHPromotersPrimary bookers at some venuesPromoters are often genre specificSubscribe to Promoters or Venues events on FacebookElectronic Press KitHow to Prepare for Your ShowGet Details21+PriceTimes / ScheduleSet lengthPrepare Your InstrumentalsPractice Your SetPromoteIt is your responsibility to promoteMake a facebook eventThe Night of the ShowShow up on TimeSet Time aside in Your Day for the ShowPerform in a Sober State of MindWork with the Staff Not against ThemBe Ready for Your Set TimeHave a Set List PreparedDON’T CUP THE MICAsk for Adjustments from Your Sound TechIntroduce YourselfRespect Your Set LengthGet off the Stage Quickly When Your Set Is OverStick around and Meet PeopleInvite Someone to Photograph or Shoot Video of Your ShowFollow UpThank Your Fans on Social Media for Coming OutShare Some Photos of the ShowThank the Booker / PromoterMixtape / Beattape PostsLabel your beattape/mixtape posts and provide descriptive contentPosting projects is for recently active members onlyPlugs
Oct 10, 2015
1 hr 35 min

Badtouch (aka u/cesarjulius / Noho Fidel)MHH origins. Early music and collaborations. Atlanta -> NYC -> LAhttps://soundcloud.com/badtouchhttps://nohofidel.bandcamp.comBulletproof Tux (f. Sum, P.U.D.G.E., Felix) by Malkovich MusicNoHo Fidel / New MusicGear Particulars. Cool Edit Pro -> Acid -> Protools & MaschineThe Middleman by Noho FidelBeat Fighter - First MHH online 3 hour beat battle. Thanks u/theBRAVEstNoob for putting this together!plastic, jerry! plastic! by SandurzBuying lotto tickets / SuccessU Kno by ReptilianCyphers 35 & 36 / Lyrics & FlowHome by MowgliMatching samples in different keys and tempos25 bucks (Instrumental) by Danny BrownTrap Successor - Don’t chase anythingNative Locals by Noho FidelThe Pen TakeQ by Space PeopleWarbeats File ArchiveOutroWhose Booda (f. Sum, Chris Clarke, Ali Baba Abnormal) by Malkovich Music
Sep 18, 2015
55 min
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