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If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at the 0:28 mark of the song, and now you’re wondering how to recreate it in your own music. Don’t worry—this effect is easier to achieve than it might seem!
Let’s break it down and take inspiration from a famous producer who’s a master of this technique: Skrillex.
First things first: you need a vocal sample that you want to stutter. The ideal vocal clip should have a clear, distinct sound, whether it’s a single syllable or word. In the song you referenced, the stutter occurs on the phrase “heee.” The key is to isolate this part of the vocal.
Once you have your vocal sample isolated, it’s time to create that stutter effect. There are two main ways to do this:
Skrillex’s ApproachSkrillex is known for his aggressive and innovative use of vocal stutters in his music. In tracks like "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," Skrillex masterfully chops and repeats vocals to build energy before the drop. He often combines manual stuttering with plugins, using precise timing to create a glitchy, rhythmic burst of sound that leads into the next section. His creative manipulation of vocals is what makes his stutter effects so memorable.
After creating the stutter effect, you can elevate it by adding additional effects:
Skrillex’s ApproachSkrillex doesn’t just stop at stuttering the vocals; he enhances them with a range of effects. He often applies pitch-shifting to make the stutter feel more fluid and evolving, while using filters to sweep through the sound, creating anticipation. This layering of effects adds complexity and depth to his music, making each stutter feel like an integral part of the track’s energy.
One of the most critical aspects of a successful vocal stutter is its timing and placement in the song. In build-ups, the stutter should create anticipation and tension, leading to the drop. The timing should be in sync with the tempo and rhythm of the track.
Skrillex’s ApproachSkrillex is a master of placing stutters at the perfect moment in his tracks. He uses the technique to add rhythmic interest and build tension before the drop. His stutters are always precisely timed, ensuring they fit seamlessly within the beat while driving the energy forward.
There’s no right or wrong way to create a vocal stutter, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try varying the length of the stutter, layering different effects, and playing around with pitch and timing. The more you experiment, the more unique your stutters will become.
Vocal stutters are a powerful tool for creating energy and anticipation in your music, especially during build-ups. Whether you choose to manually chop and arrange your vocal samples or use plugins for automation, the key is to experiment and tailor the effect to suit your track’s vibe.
Start with a strong vocal sample, manipulate it through sound design, and apply effects to bring it to life. As you practice, you’ll develop your own unique style, just as Skrillex did, using vocal stutters to build excitement and drive his tracks to new heights.
Have you tried creating vocal stutters in your tracks? Share your tips or challenges in the comments below!