Templates

What Are Templates?

Templates in BeatBlocks are structural blueprints that define how your generative music composition will be arranged. They provide a framework for how stems are selected, combined, and sequenced to create a complete musical piece.

Unlike traditional linear arrangements, BeatBlocks templates allow for dynamic, generative compositions that can create unique but reproducible musical experiences based on seed values and generation rules.

Template Structure

A BeatBlocks template consists of an array of section definitions, each specifying how a particular section of the composition should be generated:

"template": [
  {
    "length": 4,
    "layerCount": 3,
    "inclusions": ["drums", "bass"],
    "exclusions": ["fx", "vocals"]
  },
  {
    "length": 8,
    "layerCount": 5,
    "inclusions": ["drums", "bass", "melody", "fx"],
    "exclusions": []
  },
  {
    "length": 4,
    "layerCount": 2,
    "inclusions": ["drums", "fx"],
    "exclusions": ["bass", "melody"]
  }
]

{
  "length": 8,
  "layerCount": 5,
  "inclusions": ["drums", "bass", "melody"],
  "exclusions": ["vocals"]
}

How Templates Generate Arrangements

When a BeatBlock is initialized with a template and seed value, the generation algorithm follows these steps:

1. Section Processing:

   For each section in the template, the algorithm selects stems based on the section's requirements.

2. Stem Selection:

   Stems are chosen based on inclusions, exclusions, and mutex constraints, using the seed value for deterministic randomness.

3. Layer Count Enforcement:

   The algorithm ensures that exactly the specified number of layers are selected for each section.

4. Arrangement Creation:

   The final arrangement is created by sequencing the selected stems according to the template structure.

"arrangement": [
  {
    "length": 4,
    "layers": [
      {
        "id": "kick_pattern_1",
        "loopLength": 2,
        "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
        "loop": true,
        "volume": 1,
        "alignment": "start"
      },
      {
        "id": "bass_pattern_2",
        "loopLength": 4,
        "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
        "loop": true,
        "volume": 0.9,
        "alignment": "start"
      },
      {
        "id": "hi_hat_pattern",
        "loopLength": 1,
        "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
        "loop": true,
        "volume": 0.8,
        "alignment": "start"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "length": 8,
    "layers": [
      // Additional sections with their selected layers
    ]
  }
]

Template Design Strategies

Advanced Alignment Techniques

One of the most powerful features of BeatBlocks is the ability to precisely control how stems align within bars. By strategically using alignment properties, you can create sophisticated musical effects and transitions.

// Template section with transition elements
{
  "length": 2,
  "layerCount": 3,
  "inclusions": ["transition", "fx"],
  "exclusions": ["drums", "bass", "lead"],
  "layers": [
    {
      "id": "reverse_crash",
      "loopLength": 1,
      "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
      "volume": 1,
      "loop": false,
      "alignment": "end",  // Will end exactly at the section boundary
      "groups": ["fx", "transition"],
      "mutex": ["impact"]
    },
    {
      "id": "riser_synth",
      "loopLength": 2,
      "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
      "volume": 0.8,
      "loop": false,
      "alignment": "end",  // Will build up to the section boundary
      "groups": ["fx", "transition"],
      "mutex": ["riser"]
    },
    {
      "id": "impact_hit",
      "loopLength": 1,
      "path": "/content/<INSCRIPTION_ID>",
      "volume": 1,
      "loop": false,
      "alignment": "start",  // Will hit exactly at the start of the next section
      "groups": ["fx", "impact"],
      "mutex": ["impact"]
    }
  ]
}