How to Make Phonk Music: A Journey Through the Shadows of Sound

How to Make Phonk Music: A Journey Through the Shadows of Sound

Phonk music, a genre that emerged from the underground scenes of the Southern United States, particularly Memphis, is a unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and lo-fi aesthetics. It’s characterized by its gritty, distorted beats, haunting melodies, and a general sense of nostalgia that often feels like a trip through the darker corners of the internet. If you’re looking to dive into the world of phonk music production, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

1. Understanding the Roots of Phonk

Phonk music is deeply rooted in the Memphis rap scene of the 1990s. Artists like Three 6 Mafia, Tommy Wright III, and DJ Spanish Fly laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into phonk. The genre borrows heavily from the dark, atmospheric beats of Memphis rap, often incorporating elements like slowed-down vocals, eerie samples, and heavy basslines. To make authentic phonk, it’s essential to understand and respect these origins.

2. Choosing the Right Tools

To create phonk music, you’ll need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Popular choices include FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro. These DAWs offer a wide range of tools and plugins that can help you achieve the lo-fi, gritty sound that phonk is known for. Additionally, investing in a good set of headphones or studio monitors is crucial for accurately hearing the nuances of your mix.

3. Sampling: The Heart of Phonk

Sampling is a cornerstone of phonk music. Producers often dig through old vinyl records, obscure YouTube videos, and even video game soundtracks to find unique sounds that can be manipulated into something new. When sampling, look for loops, vocal snippets, and atmospheric sounds that can add depth and character to your track. Remember, phonk thrives on the unexpected, so don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional sources.

4. Crafting the Beat

The beat is the backbone of any phonk track. Start by laying down a simple drum pattern using a drum machine or sampled breaks. Phonk beats typically feature a slow tempo, ranging from 70 to 100 BPM, which gives the music its signature laid-back, hypnotic feel. Layer your drums with heavy 808 basslines, and don’t shy away from adding distortion or bit-crushing effects to give your beats a raw, gritty edge.

5. Incorporating Melodic Elements

Melodies in phonk music are often dark and haunting, with a strong emphasis on minor scales and dissonant chords. Use synthesizers or sampled instruments to create eerie, atmospheric pads and leads. Layering these elements with your beat can help build tension and create a sense of depth in your track. Experiment with reverb and delay effects to give your melodies a spacious, otherworldly quality.

6. Vocal Manipulation

Vocals in phonk music are often heavily processed. Slowed-down, pitch-shifted, or chopped-up vocal samples are common, adding to the genre’s eerie, dreamlike quality. If you’re working with a vocalist, consider recording their voice and then applying effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to create a unique sound. Alternatively, you can sample vocals from old rap tracks or even movies to add a nostalgic touch to your music.

7. Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering are crucial steps in the production process. Phonk music often has a lo-fi aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the quality of your mix. Pay attention to the balance between your drums, bass, and melodic elements, and use EQ to carve out space for each component. Compression can help glue your mix together, while saturation and distortion can add warmth and grit. When mastering, aim for a loud, punchy sound that still retains the genre’s raw, underground feel.

8. Experimenting with Visual Aesthetics

Phonk music is as much about the visuals as it is about the sound. Many phonk producers create music videos or visualizers that complement the dark, nostalgic vibe of their tracks. Consider experimenting with VHS-style effects, glitch art, and retro imagery to create a cohesive aesthetic that enhances your music.

9. Building a Community

Phonk music thrives in online communities, particularly on platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube. Engage with other producers, share your work, and collaborate with artists who share your vision. Building a network of like-minded individuals can help you grow as a producer and gain exposure for your music.

10. Staying True to the Vibe

Finally, remember that phonk music is all about the vibe. It’s a genre that celebrates the raw, the gritty, and the unconventional. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds and techniques. The most important thing is to stay true to the spirit of phonk and create music that resonates with you.


Q: What are some essential plugins for making phonk music? A: Some essential plugins include distortion tools like FabFilter Saturn, lo-fi effects like iZotope Vinyl, and synthesizers like Serum or Omnisphere for creating atmospheric sounds.

Q: How do I find good samples for phonk music? A: Dig through old vinyl records, explore obscure YouTube channels, and even check out video game soundtracks. The key is to find unique, unexpected sounds that can be manipulated into something new.

Q: Can I make phonk music without sampling? A: While sampling is a big part of phonk, it’s not strictly necessary. You can create original melodies and beats, but you’ll need to focus on achieving the same gritty, lo-fi aesthetic that defines the genre.

Q: What’s the best way to promote my phonk music? A: Share your music on platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube. Engage with online communities, collaborate with other artists, and consider creating visual content that complements your music.

Q: How do I achieve the lo-fi sound in phonk music? A: Use effects like bit-crushing, distortion, and tape saturation to degrade your sounds. Additionally, experiment with lowering the sample rate and applying heavy reverb and delay to create a spacious, lo-fi atmosphere.