Ape Drums

Ape Drums

If you don’t already know his name, you’ve almost certainly heard Ape Drums’ music. The Mexican-American producer/DJ has an extensive catalog encompassing a wide range of genres, from EDM to Latin to Hip Hop and more. Notably, he’s also a member of the immensely successful trio Major Lazer, along with Diplo and Walshy Fire. Ape Drums, who has worked with a plethora of superstars such as Pitbull, J Balvin, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, is also a proud FL Studio user, and we’re excited to welcome him to our Power User roster. Read on to learn more about his background and process.

Ape Drums – Delete ft. BEAM

Tell us about yourself and how you got into music.

I’ve been into music my whole life. When I was a kid, I noticed myself picking apart music/sounds in my head, listening closely to how rhythms were used, as well as drums & melodies. I also started dancing at a young age, which went hand in hand with understanding music better. From then on, I decided I wanted to try to make my own music, and here we are.

How did you start using FL Studio & what does it mean to your productions?

I think at the time (2005), ‘Fruity Loops’ was the most popular DAW for making hip hop/club kind of stuff — especially for someone like me who was looking up and learning everything via the internet. It was easier to use because of the drum pattern/sequencer which made it easy to make ideas or ‘beats’.

Eventually, I started learning about using audio files instead, and just developed a whole different workflow. I also believe FL Studio has the best engine — we use it to bounce mastered files from time to time!

Major Lazer, J Balvin – Que Calor ft. El Alfa

Tell us about your work and some of the artists you have worked with.

Although I released a lot of EDM based productions early in my career for myself as an artist, I’ve also produced/worked with artists all over the world such as Lil Uzi Vert, Denzel Curry, Randy (Jowell Y Randy), Diplo/Major Lazer, J Balvin, El Alfa, Pitbull, Anitta, etc.

My most viral song was with Randy in the Latin market, titled “23”. This was my first and only reggaeton record to date, and it has now been honored as one of the top 100 reggaeton songs of all time (via Rolling Stone)!

Tell us about your production environment and the gear you use.

I’ve always had a room with a view set up at my place with Focal Monitors, a movable desk for my laptop and a MIDI keyboard stand. Simple.

But after traveling so much the last few years, I’ve grown accustomed to just using my MacBook Pro with AirPod Pro Max’s. That’s pretty much all I use nowadays!

Randy x Ape Drums – 23

What is your top FL Studio tip for up-and-coming producers?

Although the drum pattern/sequencer is easy & fast for coming up with grooves, I’d suggest using audio files for arrangement/mixing advantages. It will take more time, but I believe there’s a lot more you can do that way!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I just wanted to add that everyone around me is always trying to make me switch over to other DAWs, but I’ve stood strong and LOVE FL Studio. I’m also STILL learning new things about it every day.

Ape Drums Links:

Spotify – Ape Drums

Spotify – Major Lazer

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