Justsnippet: A Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Music Producer
We have prepared a step by step guide to becoming an electronic music producer:
1. You should begin with good quality samples. It’s impossible to make good tracks from a poor original. Give preference to WAV instead of mp3.
2. Learn from other musicians. Listen to their tracks and try to understand the structure of each mix and the place of each element in the composition, such as kick, bass, snare, hats, etc. I prefer listening with my eyes closed, using headphones and trying to think of nothing but music. Then I’ll do the same with my own track and try to find out what should be changed or improved.
3. Use reverb. It will help you create space and enhance the sound. Anyway, it should be used carefully.
4. Don’t hesitate to experiment. Thus you will find your own way in creating exclusive tracks. If something works for ones, this doesn’t mean it will work for others! You can use the VST/DAW technique as a beginner, but do not stop searching for your own direction.
5. Prepare to work long hours and days in order to become a successful music producer. There is no wizard who will make you famous in an instant. It can take you several years before you reach a peak. All you need is patience and hard work.
6. Have some rest. You will get tired of listening to the tracks again and again, and with time they’ll sound differently. Even if you are satisfied with what you’ve created, leave it for several days and then listen again. You’ll certainly find several things to be corrected or reworked.
7. Use different devices when you listen to your tracks. The more headphones and speakers you use, the better overview you have. You’ll see where it is too loud or too silent, etc…
8. When cutting frequencies, IMO EQ is used more effectively, as it allows the elements to fit in the mix. It can be imagined as a jigsaw puzzle, and overlapping elements can be equalized in their own frequency range. You can start with googling “musical frequency ranges” and lots of information will come out. It can be used as a guide in your practice of creating various tracks. Use Spectrum and Frequency analyzers which will show you peaks in freq and help you boost or cut where necessary. But in this case, you should mostly use your ears, not your eyes.
9. Be ready to spend some money if you want professional and quality sound. Of course, a free VST can sound great, but good things cost more for a reason. Think of using native instruments.
10. Create for yourself in the first place. Don’t think if someone will like it or not. Learn to create food for your soul in the first place. It’s not all about money.
11. Don’t forget about the acoustic treatment of your music studio. It’s one of the important steps on your way to making high-quality tracks. There are lots of online tutorials which will be of help for you.
12. Feedback matters! Use www.justsnippet.com to upload your first track and wait for the feedback from the best electronic music community.
Enjoy the process, don’t stop creating. Think of reaching new levels and opening new possibilities for your creativity.
Peace and Love
Justsnippet
