Develop technical skills before moving to creative production
Problem: creative block due to lack of technical skills
Learning the technical aspects of mastering and mixing first allows you to build a strong foundation before moving into the more creative aspects of production. This approach ensures that when you start composing and…
A structured curriculum with sections on mastering, mixing, and producing
Problem: lack of structured learning path
The program includes a detailed curriculum with nine sections each on mastering, mixing, and producing. This structured approach ensures that learners cover all essential topics in depth, allowing them to build a…
Don't skip learning DJing if you're a producer
Problem: producers unprepared for live performance
Many producers who skip learning DJing end up unprepared for live performance, leading to embarrassment and failure on stage. Learning DJing is an essential skill for any producer who wants to perform their own music…
Vocal production is a creative role that informs the entire project
Problem: vocal production seen as purely technical
The engineer explains that vocal production decisions (comping, effects, ad-libs) influence both the vocal and instrumental tracks. This highlights the importance of vocal producers as collaborative partners who shape…
Prioritize intuitive, on-the-go decisions during production
Problem: overthinking leading to creative blocks
The producer admits to making many decisions 'on the go' without overthinking, trusting their instincts. This workflow emphasizes speed and spontaneity, allowing ideas to flow naturally. While this approach may lack…
Address low-end masking during production phase
Problem: Last-minute low-end fixes during mixing
Adjusting the 808's attack during production (not just mixing) can prevent low-end masking issues. This proactive approach saves time during mixing and ensures better separation between kick and bass. The speaker notes…
Prioritize groove programming over immediate mixing fixes
Problem: over-reliance on mixing fixes
Producers often skip fundamental MIDI programming steps (velocity/humanization) and jump to mixing fixes like compression/EQ. This leads to lifeless grooves that require excessive processing later. Professional producers…
Iterative production approach for track development
Problem: over-reliance on instant results
The speaker emphasizes a process-driven workflow, stating the goal is to 'show the entire process' rather than focus solely on the end result. This mindset encourages experimentation and incremental improvements, even if…
Use placeholder elements for structural planning
Problem: overcommitting to early decisions
The producer uses temporary, imperfect elements (like a rough drop) as placeholders during arrangement. This allows for iterative refinement without premature perfectionism. The approach emphasizes flexibility in early…
Use high-quality drum samples from Splice
Problem: low-quality drum samples in the track
The producer references using drum samples from Splice, emphasizing the importance of using professional-quality samples for a polished sound. This is a practical tip for producers looking to enhance their tracks with…
Use opinionated atmospheric pads to establish emotional direction
Problem: struggling to find emotional direction in early stages
Opinionated pads create an emotional foundation early in production, helping to inspire lead sound choices. They act as a mood-setting tool that bridges the gap between initial ideas and fully realized tracks. This…
Replace initial atmospheric pads with custom-made versions later
Problem: over-reliance on pre-made samples
While opinionated pads help in early stages, they should eventually be replaced with custom pads that create stronger emotional connections. This ensures the track's unique identity and deeper emotional impact, avoiding…
Focus on arrangement and lead elements rather than sample memorability
Problem: overemphasizing sample uniqueness
Listeners remember tracks based on arrangement and lead elements, not background samples. This mindset encourages producers to prioritize originality in key elements rather than relying on sample uniqueness for impact.
Master lead element design to create unique sonic identities
Problem: lack of unique sonic identity
The ability to design original lead elements is crucial for creating memorable tracks. While samples can provide inspiration, true differentiation comes from crafting unique sounds that resonate emotionally and…
Prioritize musical context over layering for cohesion
Problem: Over-layering leading to muddiness
The video emphasizes that cohesion comes from adding elements that provide musical context (e.g., call-and-response pairings) rather than simply layering more sounds. This approach avoids muddiness while strengthening…
Start with high-quality initial sounds
Problem: track diverges from original idea
Choosing strong foundational sounds prevents the track from diverging into unintended genres. Weak initial sounds force compromises in other elements, leading to a final product that may not match the original vision.…
Transform orchestral elements into high-energy EDM tracks
Problem: limited creative approaches
Using orchestral elements (like sad string pieces) as the basis for high-energy EDM tracks is an unconventional but effective creative approach. This technique allows for emotional contrast and unique sonic textures. By…
Experiment with unconventional percussion (shakers, cowbell)
Problem: predictable or generic percussion
Using non-traditional percussion like shakers and cowbell adds character to chillwave beats. The speaker explicitly suggests these as viable options, noting that 'shakers work really nicely' for this style. This approach…
Technique: Automating parameters for melodic interest
Problem: Melodies sound flat or unchanging
Modify parameters (e.g., filter cutoff, volume, panning) of the same sound to keep the melody dynamic. This avoids static delivery and maintains listener engagement even with repetitive melodic phrases.
Reinforce melody rhythm with other elements
Problem: Unfamiliar rhythm when melody enters
Use bass, percussion, or other instruments to play the melody's rhythm before the melody itself enters. This primes listeners' expectations and makes the melody feel familiar when it arrives. Works well in transitions…
Avoid relying on recycled FX samples for tension
Problem: overuse of generic FX samples
Instead of using standard riser samples or effects, focus on creating tension from within the track's existing elements. This approach makes the tension feel more personal and organic, as it emerges from the musical DNA…
Duplicate elements for break transitions
Problem: inconsistent break transitions
Copying and adapting existing sound design ideas (e.g., lead phrases, effects) for the break ensures continuity while introducing variation. This streamlines workflow and maintains thematic cohesion.
Save vocal effect presets in Shaperbox library for reuse
Problem: time-consuming effect setup, lack of consistency
Saving custom presets in the Shaperbox library (e.g., under 'chop and gate' or 'pitch' sections) streamlines workflow and ensures consistency across projects. This practice is especially useful for vocal effects like…
Focus on vibe and atmosphere over perfection
Problem: overthinking or over-polishing
The speaker emphasizes that the goal is to create a compelling atmosphere and vibe rather than over-polishing the track. This mindset is crucial in Afro House, where emotional resonance often takes precedence over…
Avoid single baked drum loops — use individual one-shots
Problem: lack of control over individual drum elements
Keeping drums on a single loop limits control over individual elements (e.g., adjusting reverb on hi-hats or volume on claps). Rebuilding drums with separate one-shot tracks allows precise processing and customization.…
FL Studio: Match one-shot root note to project key for pitch accuracy
Problem: one-shots are out of key with project
Right-clicking a one-shot in FL Studio and selecting 'Match to Root Note' ensures the sample aligns with the project's key. This is critical for maintaining harmonic consistency in Future House arrangements with layered…
Use chord progression tools like Scaler for efficiency
Problem: inefficient chord creation
Leverage chord progression tools (Scaler) to quickly generate minor progressions. This workflow tip helps avoid overcomplicating arrangements while maintaining emotional depth in Afro House tracks.
Mastering isn't always the fix — composition, mixing, and sound selection matter most
Problem: Misattributing poor mastering results to the mastering process itself
The host emphasizes that many producers blame mastering for poor results when the issue often lies in the mix or arrangement. A well-produced track with good sound selection can have a master that 'takes care of itself.'…
Mastering cannot fix poor production quality
Problem: relying on mastering to fix poor production
The speaker stresses that mastering tools (including AI) cannot salvage a poorly produced track. This concept highlights the importance of focusing on pre-mastering production quality. The problem is relying on mastering…
Use placeholder vocals from Splice for quick production, then replace with original vocals
Problem: time-consuming vocal selection and commissioning
Using placeholder vocals from Splice is a time-saving technique for producers who want to quickly test the feel of a track. However, it's important to note that many labels may not accept Splice vocals for official…
Organize drums for better workflow
Problem: drum elements hard to manage, workflow inefficient
Grouping and organizing drum elements (kick, snare, claps) improves workflow efficiency. This is a crucial practice in trance production to maintain clarity during complex arrangements. Proper organization allows for…
Finish tracks by making it a repeatable process
Problem: unfinished tracks due to lack of structure
Create a workflow formula (e.g., 'intro → build → drop → breakdown → outro') to ensure completion. This combats the 'infinite revision' trap and provides structure for producers who struggle to finish projects. The…
Don't get stuck — move fast and make decisions
Problem: paralysis from overthinking or indecision
Produce with urgency to avoid overthinking. This mindset prevents perfectionism and keeps the creative flow going. The key is to make decisions quickly and refine later, rather than getting stuck in the 'perfect' phase.
Use velocity mapping for sample triggering
Problem: Inconsistent sample triggering
Disable velocity-to-volume mapping in the sampler and assign different velocity ranges to each vocal chop. This allows playing multiple samples at the same volume by varying note velocity, effectively turning vocal chops…
Render and freeze tracks for efficient sound design iteration
Problem: cluttered or inefficient workflow
Freezing tracks and rendering them allows for quick experimentation with processing chains. This workflow tip streamlines the sound design process by isolating elements for further manipulation, such as chopping and…
Iteratively enhance the arrangement as it progresses
Problem: stagnant or unrefined arrangement
Alex suggests making small changes and enhancements as the arrangement develops. This workflow approach ensures the track evolves naturally, avoiding overcomplication. It's particularly useful in trance and…
Copy and modify sections for arrangement variation
Problem: repetitive or monotonous arrangement
Alex demonstrates copying a section of the arrangement and modifying it for subsequent parts. This workflow tip helps maintain consistency while introducing variation. It's a practical approach in trance and…
Use advanced filters in samplers for precise sound selection
Problem: Inefficient sample selection
Sampler plugins with advanced filters allow precise selection of sample types (e.g., hi-hats, synths) based on parameters like length and timbre. This streamlines workflow and ensures accurate sound design.
Duplicate and edit for arrangement variety
Problem: repetitive, boring arrangements
Duplicating sections of the track and editing them (e.g., removing elements) helps maintain interest over time. This workflow tip ensures the arrangement avoids repetition and keeps the listener engaged throughout the…
Revisit projects after breaks for improvements
Problem: missing improvements due to fatigue
The producer mentions returning to the project 'a day or two later' and identifying improvements. This workflow tip highlights the importance of taking breaks to gain fresh perspective, a common practice among producers…
Use velocity, automation, and layering for melodic expression
Problem: flat or lifeless melodies
Varying velocities, using automation, and layering instruments can add nuance to melodies. This technique allows for dynamic expression beyond just note selection, enhancing the emotional impact of a melody.
Use chord progressions to support and enhance melodies
Problem: melodies lacking harmonic foundation
Chord progressions provide harmonic context that makes melodies more compelling. Tools like Captain Chord simplify building progressions, allowing producers to focus on melodic ideas while ensuring harmonic support. This…
Adopt C-based arrangement for track completion
Problem: inability to complete tracks
A structured approach to arrangement (C-based) helps producers finish tracks by providing a framework for organizing sections. This technique addresses common creative blocks by offering a systematic way to build and…
Create a beat in 10 minutes to start practicing
Problem: procrastination or fear of starting a project
The speaker encourages beginners to experiment by making a simple beat quickly, emphasizing that even basic ideas can be developed into full tracks. This approach reduces intimidation and helps producers build confidence…
Use fewer notes for fast BPMs (150+)
Problem: muddy, cluttered bass at high BPMs
At high BPMs, fewer notes prevent the bassline from becoming too busy. This is crucial in drum and bass and dubstep where clarity is essential. The technique ensures the bassline remains punchy and doesn't clash with…
Structure tracks with pre-drop sections for build-up
Problem: lack of dynamic build-up in tracks
Ethan plans a pre-drop section to create tension before the main drop. This structural approach is essential in dance music for guiding the listener's energy and ensuring dynamic contrast. The technique emphasizes the…
Add swing to dotted eighth rhythms for groove
Problem: rhythms feel stiff or lifeless
Kygo enhances the dance pluck section by applying subtle swing to the dotted eighth rhythm, creating a more human and danceable feel. This technique is crucial in EDM to make rhythms feel organic rather than mechanical,…
Start with track structure before adding melodies or details
Problem: unfocused production leading to creative blocks
The speaker advocates sketching the track structure first (e.g., intro, build-up, drop) to avoid getting stuck during production. This approach ensures a clear roadmap for arranging elements like percussion, bass, and…