One of the more peculiar things that many DJs have noticed recently is the ever-increasing number of EDM tracks that are set at 128 bpm.
As EDM (electronic dance music) has generally been labeled as part of the “house” genre, it is a bit odd to see this tempo show up more often than any other. House music is often registered as anything between 115 and 135 bpm.
Yes, the 128 bpm does register within that area, it still seems a bit strange that most of today’s electronic music producers seem to “solely” focus in that area and not expand to other tempos.
So what, if any, is the reason that 128 seems to be the magic number for so many producers out there? Well, as it turns out, there is a reason. There are a few reasons that the 128 bpm tempo has become the norm.
Why Are So Many Songs 128 BPM (in short)
I bet some of you didn’t even notice but yes, many tracks seem to be 128 BPM. And there are a few reasons. Number One. 128 BPM is a very popular tempo and many producers are accustomed to working with this BPM. Next up, number 2. Due to its popularity, 128 BPM is super convenient for DJs to mix with. Finally, number 3. Producers find it a clean and easily predictable number to work with.
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Reason #1. 128 BPM is a Popular Tempo
Yes, this is a very real and very quantifiable reason why people are flocking to the 128 bpm model. Most starting DJs and producers, they’re more likely going to use the tempos that they initially used in their tutorials.
After all, that is the tempo they were first made accustomed to.
It only makes sense that they would stick with what they know over trying to experiment.
It also doesn’t help that the 128 bpm tempo is normally an excellent mid-energy option for music and dancing.
As it is also great for ensuring that tracks more easily mix into one another, more and more people just stick with what they know while capitalizing on all of its strengths.
Reason #2. Convenience
This kind of a draw from the first reason.
Not only is 128 bpm a popular tempo to play at, but it’s also very convenient for music producers. Because the tempo is so popular, it is often the same tempo used by other popular tracks.
This makes it super convenient for DJs to mix without needing to add in additional beatmatching.
Reason #3. Clean and Easily Predicatble
The 128 bpm is also super convenient for producers as they can divide 128 beats per minute by 4 beats in a bar.
This comes up to exactly 32 bars per minute.
As a music producer, having such clean numbers can be super handy, as it is incredibly easy to predict (every minute, there’s going to be a major change-up in the song).
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128 BPM: Takeaway
Ultimately, there is a reason that people are flocking to the 128 bpm tempo and it isn’t quite as mysterious or strange when you think about it.
However, just because it makes sense to use 128 bpm doesn’t mean it’s the only thing any of your tracks should ever use.
Even small changes to the bpm can have real discernable differences.
For example, putting your tempo out at 125 bpm, while fairly similar to 128, gives your music enough space to allow the “groove” to better flow between the different beats.
Not only that but having only one tempo can make your music grow stale and boring. Generally, DJs start slowly before working their way up. You can’t do that if your tempo stays the same across all of your tracks.
Overall, while there are some great reasons why you should switch to 128 bpm, there are just as many reasons why you shouldn’t.
Instead of making any hard and fast rules, it’s better to assess what you want in your situation to see which music tempo is the best for you at that time.
It might be 128 bpm one day and it might be 140 bpm the next.
Get out there and play around with your music to find out.
