Glitch is a catch all term for Electronica that uses lots of odd computer glitch type noises. Wild, and/or bizarre drum tracks are also common.

Although any noises can be used, and I have produced a large number of my own glitch sounds, the noises typically used are those of technology going wrong.

The best way to create your own Glitch tracks is to find some free distortion software, and create a track using your normal methods then apply the distortion effects to various parts of the track. Particularly the drums.

You should also experiment with making the music sound like its skipping, getting scratched or otherwise getting “glitched”.

Its a fun area of Electronic music to work in, just keep your volume down, and I recommend applying a compression filter, to keep out of control sounds from destroying your speakers or ears.

Compression software limits the volume of tracks you are working with. Since some distortion effects can send volume levels way out of control, using Compression is a good safety method. I have hurt my hearing making glitch sounds, so be careful.

On the other hand, you’re not a real producer till you’ve experienced the pain of piercing high DB sound.

Back to glitch music.

Try dragging your mic along a floor, then using a distortion effect to get a nice stuttering, crunchy effect. Layer some electronic sounds on top of that, and you have a glitch element.

Maybe pull out your old Game Player and record some of the sounds it makes, then mess them up.

Power tools also make a good source of noises.

Glitch is not for everyone. It can be an abrasive and annoying style of music. It’s music for people that like the sounds machines make when they are not working correctly.