Groovin’ with LiamKillen’s Analog Rytm Adventure

LiamKillen kicks off his Analog Rytm MKII session by diving straight into Drum and Bass grooves. He jokes about the classic amen break but promises something fresh by using one-shots. It’s all about understanding the intricacy of DnB rhythms, like picking out your favorite taco at the street food market. He’s got his hands on Project 909 samples—a goldmine for crafting those iconic beats.

With the tempo set to a juicy 170 BPM, Liam delves into his beatmaking process. Starting with kick drums on step one and twelve, he layers hi-hats on the odd steps, creating a basic rhythm. He adds an LFO to the hi-hats, tweaking their sound to keep things fresh, much like adding a little hot sauce to your favorite dish. Liam’s approach is thoughtful yet spontaneous, using ghost notes on snares and layering different per-step parameters. This section dives deep into the technicalities, reminiscent of crafting a mixtape with all your favorite samples just perfectly aligned. He’s pulling out all the stops, experimenting with syncopated rhythms and layering sounds to build a solid Drum and Bass backbone.

Ever heard of re-triggers? Liam shows how they can add dynamic flavor to a beat. With a deft touch, he turns ordinary beats into complex rhythms by re-triggering steps with 32nd notes. It’s like juggling flaming torches—exciting and a bit risky. He’s also not shy about swapping out samples for 909 hi-hats, tailoring each sound like a custom suit. This section is a masterclass in balancing chaos and control, a deep dive into how flexibility and creativity can transform standard beats into something extraordinary.

Adding that final sizzle, Liam layers in basslines to enrich the beat. The decay is cranked to full, ensuring the bass hits like a basshead’s dream. He pieces together the rhythm section, layering kicks, claps, and snares like a gourmet sandwich—it’s all about texture and flavor. This part wraps up the instrumental crafting, showing how each element comes together to form a cohesive groove. His analog toys definitely sound like they’re ready to rock the block, but Liam leaves us pondering if the Analog Rytm truly fits in. It’s the million-dollar question that’s left hanging, like an encore waiting to happen.