How to make phonk music in 2025?

Dec 10, 2025

To make phonk music in 2025, start with distorted 808 basslines and pair them with hard-hitting trap drums or drift phonk's signature cowbell patterns. Layer chopped vocal samples from Memphis rap or sample packs, then apply heavy distortion, reverb, and lo-fi effects to create that gritty, raw aesthetic. Use sidechain compression to balance your bass and kick, and don't be afraid to push compression hard across the entire mix to get that signature squashed, aggressive sound. Modern producers can work in any DAW like Ableton, FL Studio, or even free options like BandLab, using plugins for saturation and distortion alongside sample libraries from Splice or Loopcloud to speed up your workflow.

Phonk production requires mastering multiple technical skills at once, from sound design to mixing to arrangement. Futureproof Music School offers a dedicated 'How to Make Phonk' course that breaks down every element of the genre step by step, plus you get feedback on your actual tracks from Kadence (Futureproof's AI music coach) and live guidance from Futureproof Mentors who understand the current sound.

What sample rate and bit depth should I use for phonk production?

Stick with 44.1kHz and 24-bit for phonk music. This gives you plenty of headroom for processing those heavy 808s and distorted samples without unnecessary file sizes that slow down your workflow.

Should I use sidechain compression on my phonk 808s?

Yes, sidechain your 808 to the kick with a fast attack (1-5ms) and medium release (50-100ms). This creates the punchy, separated low end that defines modern phonk without losing that aggressive bass presence.

What BPM range works best for different phonk subgenres in 2025?

Memphis phonk typically sits at 130-150 BPM, while drift phonk pushes faster to 150-170 BPM. Cowbell phonk usually lands around 140-160 BPM, giving you that aggressive energy without being too fast to groove.