Limitations Help Creativity
When I first started out, I really got caught up thinking I needed the latest synth, VST or piece of hardware. There is an endless array of options for producers when they start out. What happens is that all of these options end up making you anxious and less likely to finish tunes. If you think that you need a certain synth to sound a certain way or to finish a track, that’s garbage. You don’t. Learn and master what you are using currently, whether it’s Garage Band, FL Studio or an app on your phone. Become a master of what you have, understand every setting, read the manual and be content with what you have. In fact, the more options that we have, the harder it is to create. The more limitations and constraints that we place on ourselves, the more creative we become. So don’t get caught up into this hype around getting the latest and greatest thing that’s being sold to you as a musician; it’s not worth it. In fact, it limits you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Different
One of the best pieces of advice that I ever got from a producer was to “do me” — be original and be unique. Don’t chase the latest and greatest sound in the club or on the radio or in your friend’s car. Make music that you love. This makes it easy to be proud of the art you’re creating while not feeling cheap because you are imitating another producer or artist. Early on I got caught up in trying to sound like other people and I ended up making music that was tired and cookie cutter. The fact is, if you’re mimicking and trying to sound like the latest producer or the latest tune, by the time you get your music out there to the public, that sound is dead and old. It’s great to mimic music that’s current and that you enjoy when you are starting out — to look under the hood and see how it’s being made — but then it’s time to move on and find your sound. Chances are the music you like someone else is gonna like, so you do you and don’t be afraid to be different.
Learn How Sound Is Made
Understand the concept of synthesis is another way that you can sound different and create a sound that’s your own . I really wish I took the time to dig in and learn how to design sound/make my own sounds early on. To be able to go up to any synthesizer and be confident about how to work it, as well as bend it to my will and make the sound that is in my head — this is very satisfying. Understand what oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation can do to sound; take a class, course or private lessons; and don’t soley rely on presets. While great starting points, you want to be able to have the confidence and speed to create your own sounds. Sound design is extremely important in music today and is one of the most enjoyable parts of making music.
Yes. Music Theory is Important
Understanding basic music theory is another way to help you get to where you want to go faster. Basic concepts like rhythm, melody and harmony; rhythm, tempo, notes, scales and chords; and formulas for chords and progressions. You can even understand how to make a song sound sad or happy through music theory. Being a functional musician requires you to understand fundamental music theory knowledge. Find another producer, a keyboard player or a musician that understands those concepts, and work with them or ask if you can shadow them. Over time you will pick up concepts that will increase your speed and quality.
Three Reasons to Learn Music Theory
- It will help you get the idea in your head out faster.
- It will help you intelligently communicate with other musicians about what you’re doing, and where you are going.
- It will help you analyze and deconstruct music that you like, so you can apply those concepts — like key, chord progression or arrangement — into your own music.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
Finally, listen to all kinds of music — not just the genres you produce. Inspiration and creativity will come from the craziest of places. It’s no wonder genres are all merging together and we are hearing influences from all over the world. People are inspired by other genres. Don’t be that producer that says, “I only listen to deep tech Tropicana,” or “I don’t listen to country.” Expose yourself and be open to different kinds of music: it will keep you creative; it’ll give you fresh ideas; and it will help you sound different.
What Do You Wish You Knew?
These are just five things (there’s more) that I wish I knew when I first started to produce, and now I’d love to hear from you. If you are a veteran producer, what are things you wished you knew? If you are new to producing comment and let me know some of the questions or frustrations you have about starting out in music.
