Debate: Obsessing Over a Single BPM Number Makes No Sense
Before we get to the main topic, let's go over BPM. We hope this helps DJs and producers understand what BPM is for, and how not to get too hung up on the number whenever they play music or make any track in the future.
What is BPM?
BPM (beats per minute) is a unit that measures the tempo of a piece of music. For example, 60 BPM means one beat per second (in 4/4 time, one bar holds four quarter notes, which equals four beats), so in one minute we get 60 beats played in that 4/4 time.
Today, BPM is used everywhere – even people who don't play music come across it. BPM has become a standard unit in music. Drummers need to be able to tell the tempo as soon as they see the BPM, and that's a skill that takes a long time to develop.
Too focused on BPM? The view of Jono Grant, one third of Above & Beyond
A debate about BPM broke out again recently when Jono Grant – one third of Above & Beyond – shared his view on people who are “obsessed” with BPM. Jono said:
“The obsession with a single BPM (138) is really absurd and misses a lot of the point. Our earliest records ranged from 134 to 140. Plenty of tracks are at 138 too, but so what? If you want to heat up and sweat, 138 is one of the best ingredients around.
Of course BPM matters, and it changes what you do. But being completely obsessed with one specific number doesn't mean anything at all.” What do you think about this BPM debate? Leave your thoughts below! Source: Loop Central
