We've created a beat in the style of 50 Cent so that anyone who needs beats can download and enjoy.

Here's something to think about. Are you a perfectionist with your music? Do you agonize over each instrument and zone in to analyze each note you sing?

Despite the popular notion that you must aim for perfection to succeed, I'm going to give you a different view point.

More often than not, it is perfectionist that achieve way less than the "doers". Aiming for perfection is somewhat akin to missing the wood for the trees, in other words, most things do not require ultimate perfection, they require action.

A song is made up of three parts; the music, the vocal tune and the lyrics. 

A "Topline" writer is the word used to describe someone who writes the vocal tune and the lyrics. I'm not sure where that name originated but it seems to have stuck and is now a standard within the songwriting community.

There is a whole industry ready to match Topliners with producers (who only make instrumentals). 

Do you "Topline", sing or rap? If so, this is your chance to show your skills and win a full years subscription on the artist discovery site, Audio Rokit!

I recently produced a song for one of our clients using our online music production service. After I finished producing the track I was offered a role in the video. Never one to shy away from an opportunity, I took the role!

Have you noticed how some musicians get ahead, whilst other hard working musicians just don't get a 'break'? A lot of musicians, songwriters and bands tend to "chase their tails" and just get frustrated.

As a long time admirer of Quincy Jones, I thought it might be nice to share some of his wisdom. I want to look at his thoughts related to success in the music business in particular. Having said that, not many people know that his musical success represent only a fraction of what he's achieved over the last six decades. 

Hey all, Darren here from Apple Beam and I wanted to give you all a heads up about a radio interview I just did for Best of British! Listen to the Apple Beam studios radio interview and find out about recording studios and how you can improve (interview starts at 40 minutes and 40 seconds).

Several of our clients secured recording contracts in 2010 and we try and keep up to date withthem and follow their careers. Recently we started work on De-Ghosty's second album and wanted to remind ourselves of the first single we did with him (video above).

The debut single called "Ni Yayin" was co-written and produced at Apple Beam Studios and we were delighted when he secured a record deal with Shabba Records soon after.

When working on the chorus vocal melody, it can be very tempting to start with the root note of the chord and simply sing an octave higher. But beware, you may be losing out on a far richer harmony!

Why not try making the first note of the chorus something other than the root note of the chord. Try starting the chorus vocal melody on the 7th, that always sounds sweet.

When the listener anticipates the chorus he is expecting something great .. don't disappoint,  you have a duty to deliver awesomeness!