Edited and Revised By Ariana Meyers
Facebook has recently launched BARS – an app that allows up-and-coming rappers to easily compose songs using pre-made professional beats which they can later share online. The app aims to give artists a fun space to create music while avoiding the expensive fees traditionally charged by recording studios.
NPE Team member DJ Iyler explains how the pandemic and artist’s small budgets led to the creation of BARS:
“I know access to high-priced recording studios and production equipment can be limited for aspiring rappers. On top of that, the global pandemic shut down live performances where we often create and share our work”.
This is the second app launched by the Facebook NPE team – a division of Facebook Research and Development focused on creating innovative app experiences. NPE’s first release was their Collab app – which launched last May and helps aspiring music artists collaborate with each other online using hassle-free audio and video syncing.
BARS – on the other hand – focuses on music creation: with a huge collection of pre-made beats at their disposal, aspiring artists come up with their own lyrics to rap over. Then – they can film a rap video of up to 60 seconds which they can share to a Tik-Tok style feed or to other social media platforms. BARS also has cool features such as Challenge Mode – where the app provides “auto-suggested word cues” that rappers must make a rap to, creating an educational, game-like experience.
Jai-Yun – a rap artist that uses BARS – shares why BARS is a game changer for him:
“I love rapping on BARS because I don’t have to do anything but write and record my raps. I don’t have to go look for a beat, they’re all right there. Everything is in one place! I enjoy rapping as a hobby and this app is perfect for me to get my fix without having to spend a ton of time and money creating something great. The community on BARS is unique because everyone there is also an aspiring rapper and wants to hear your flows. Usually, people don’t go out of their way to listen to you rap unless you’re established. This app has a supportive community that has helped me feel more confident and grow as an artist”.
It is clear that BARS is already attracting a plethora of early adopters. Moreover, BARS is a strong example of how the music industry has had to adapt to the changing landscape caused by COVID-19. Musicians – who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic – must find new ways to create, collaborate, and share their music while lockdowns persist.
If you are interested in downloading the app, you can do so here. While it’s too early to say whether BARS will be a success, it will definitely inspire copycat apps that create communities of rappers looking to support other rappers.