23 Music Production Tips Every Producer Should Know | LANDR
Summary
TLDRIn this insightful video, Patrick offers a wealth of mix and production tips for music creators. He emphasizes the importance of diversifying one's DAW knowledge, trusting instincts, and overcoming the 'demo-itis' mindset. Patrick advises against bashing mainstream music, encourages using loops and samples, and suggests experimenting with different genres to find the best fit for a track. He also covers technical tips on synth sounds, chord choices, and workflow efficiency, advocating for a balanced approach to mixing and mastering, and the value of music theory in enhancing production skills.
Takeaways
- 😀 Diversify your DAW knowledge to be prepared for various sessions with different software.
- 🔧 Trust your instincts when creating music; there's no wrong way to be creative.
- 💊 Cure 'demo-itis' by rerecording and elevating the song beyond its initial demo stage.
- 🎵 Avoid bashing mainstream music; learn from its popularity and apply insights to your work.
- 🔊 Get music out there and create feedback loops to understand what resonates with listeners.
- 🎼 Challenge the notion that loops and samples make you a 'fake' artist; they're industry standards.
- 🔄 Experiment with new DAWs, melodies, and keys to break out of production habits.
- 🎹 Fatten synth sounds by stacking octaves or using distortion and saturation for harmonic content.
- 🎹 Integrate familiar instrument sounds with unique synth textures to help listeners connect.
- 🎹 Use chord functions in DAWs to explore new voicings and enhance chord choices.
- 🎼 Utilize arpeggiators to add tension and resolution to chord progressions effortlessly.
- 💻 Commit and bounce tracks during sessions to manage CPU load and maintain workflow efficiency.
- 🎶 Demo tracks in different genres to find the best fit for a song's potential.
- 🔄 Remix your own tracks without getting caught up in the details; focus on creative momentum.
- 🔊 Track loud to catch imperfections and ensure EQ is effective at higher volumes.
- 📁 Organize tracks with clear naming conventions including date and purpose for easy retrieval.
- 🛠️ Set up session templates for efficiency, such as sidechain compression on vocal buses.
- ✂️ Apply the 'less is more' principle by muting tracks to identify essential elements.
- 🎼 Learn music theory to communicate more effectively and improve your productions.
- 🔧 Conduct thorough pre-production to resolve any issues before recording sessions.
- 👂 Listen in context when applying EQ or compression to ensure elements blend well together.
- 🤚 Know when to stop tweaking;细微差别通常不会被察觉,信任你的第一判断。
Q & A
What is the main advice Patrick gives for overcoming the 'DAW snob' mindset?
-Patrick advises diversifying your knowledge of different digital audio workstations (DAWs) instead of believing that one is inherently better than the others. He suggests getting comfortable with various DAWs to be prepared for any session.
What is the term 'demo-itis' mentioned in the script, and what is its cure?
-Demo-itis refers to the phenomenon where artists become overly attached to the sound of a demo version of a song. The cure is to rerecord and elevate the song with new parts and recordings, focusing on what the listener will experience rather than the demo's sound.
Why should producers avoid bashing mainstream music?
-Producers should avoid bashing mainstream music because it is listened to by millions of people, and there is much to learn from its popularity and production techniques. It's important to keep an open mind and learn from all types of music.
What is the purpose of using loops, samples, and presets in music production according to Patrick?
-Loops, samples, and presets are widely used in the industry and are not signs of being a 'phony' or 'fake' artist. They are tools that can help in creating music efficiently and effectively, without the listener caring about the specifics of how the sound was created.
How can forcing oneself into a new DAW or starting with a melody instead of a drum section help in production?
-Starting with a new DAW or a different approach, such as beginning with a melody, can push a producer into a new headspace. This can lead to experimentation and learning, even if it's more difficult initially, as it breaks old habits and encourages creativity.
What is a simple technique to fatten synth sounds without relying on EQ?
-Instead of using EQ to boost bass, stacking octaves or a fifth above and a fourth below the fundamental note can thicken the sound and give it a more mature texture. Adding distortion can also provide more harmonic content and saturation.
How can using a fundamental instrument like an electronic piano help with a wacky synth sound that doesn't fit in a mix?
-Using a fundamental instrument and blending it with the synth sound can provide a familiar harmonic structure for the listener to attach to. This allows the unique synth texture to be appreciated while ensuring the sound fits into the mix.
What is the benefit of using chord functions in a DAW for producers who find their chord choices bland?
-Chord functions in a DAW can help producers break out of their usual voicings and discover new chord structures that they might not have considered, leading to more interesting and varied chord progressions.
Why is using an arpeggiator a good idea to complement chord progressions?
-An arpeggiator can add movement and interest to chord progressions by playing single notes that create tension and resolution within the chord structure. This can be done without overthinking, making it a useful tool for enhancing tracks.
What is the workflow tip Patrick suggests for managing CPU-intensive sessions with many plugins and VSTs?
-Patrick suggests committing and bouncing some of the stems out to manage CPU load. This keeps the workflow going without the risk of a session crashing due to high CPU usage.
Why is it beneficial for songwriter-producers to demo a track in a different genre?
-Demoing a track in a different genre can help songwriter-producers explore different sounds and styles that might suit the song better. It's like trying on different outfits to see what fits best.
What is the importance of setting playback volume correctly during the production process?
-Setting the playback volume correctly helps in tracking by allowing the producer to hear imperfections that need correction. It also helps in mixing by ensuring that the sound is not irritating at higher volumes, indicating poor EQ settings.
Why should producers not resist learning music theory?
-Learning music theory is beneficial because it allows producers to be more specific with their recommendations and suggestions. It improves understanding of rhythm, harmony, and melody, leading to better productions.
What is the significance of doing proper pre-production before recording in a studio?
-Proper pre-production ensures that all parts of the song are well-rehearsed and any issues are ironed out before recording. This prevents the microphones from picking up on any inadequacies in the song structure or performance.
Why is it important to listen to elements in context when applying EQ or compression?
-Listening to elements in context helps in achieving a cohesive mix. It ensures that each element contributes to the overall sound rather than just sounding good on its own.
What is the advice Patrick gives regarding knowing when to stop tweaking EQs and compressors?
-Patrick suggests knowing when to say when, implying that if a mix is 99% there, it's better to stop rather than over-tweaking. The small differences are unlikely to be noticed by listeners.
Outlines
🎙️ Overcoming DAW Snobbery and Embracing Creativity
Patrick, the speaker, emphasizes the importance of diversifying one's knowledge in digital audio workstations (DAWs) to adapt to various sessions with different software. He advises against the notion of one DAW being superior to others, suggesting that all tools have similar processes. Patrick encourages trusting one's instincts in music production, as there's no wrong way to create. He also discusses 'demo-itis,' a tendency to favor early versions of songs, and the importance of re-recording and improving tracks for the final release. Patrick urges producers to avoid bashing mainstream music, as there's much to learn from its widespread appeal, and stresses the importance of sharing music for feedback to foster a conversation around it.
🔊 Production Techniques and Workflow Efficiency
This paragraph delves into various production tips, starting with the argument against the belief that using loops, samples, and presets makes one a 'phony' artist, highlighting their widespread use in the industry. Patrick suggests experimenting with different DAWs and starting production with different elements to break out of habitual patterns. He offers advice on fattening synth sounds through octave stacking and distortion, and blending unconventional synth sounds with more familiar instruments for better listener engagement. Patrick also touches on using chord functions in DAWs to explore new voicings and the utility of arpeggiators for adding interest to chord progressions. He stresses the importance of committing tracks to free up CPU during sessions and encourages trying different song structures to find the best arrangement. The paragraph concludes with workflow tips like setting playback volumes for tracking and mixing, and using templates for efficiency.
🎼 Composition Insights and the Value of Music Theory
Patrick shares composition tricks, advocating for 'less is more' by muting tracks during playback to assess their contribution to the song, leading to a cleaner and more focused mix. He advises learning music theory to improve communication and precision in studio sessions, covering rhythm for better drum programming and harmony for stronger melodies and chord progressions. Patrick also emphasizes the importance of thorough pre-production to address any remaining issues before recording. He discusses the value of listening to mixes in context rather than soloing elements, to ensure they contribute to the overall song. The paragraph ends with a reminder to know when to stop tweaking mixes, as minor differences may not be perceptible to listeners, and the suggestion to compare previous and recent mixes to gauge improvement.
📢 Engaging with the Audience and Encouraging Questions
In the final paragraph, Patrick introduces himself as a representative of Lander and encourages viewers to engage with the content by subscribing to the channel, liking, sharing, and asking questions in the comments. He reiterates the importance of avoiding 'demo-itis' and maintaining an open line of communication with the audience for feedback and questions, ensuring a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡DAW
💡Demo-itis
💡Mainstream Music
💡Loops and Samples
💡Synth Sounds
💡Chord Functions
💡Arpeggiator
💡Bounce and Print
💡Songwriting Producers
💡Mixing Volume
💡Music Theory
💡Pre-production
💡Listening in Context
💡Knowing When to Say When
Highlights
Diversify your DAW knowledge to be prepared for various sessions with different software.
Avoid the mindset of one DAW being superior; all tools and processes are similar.
Trust your instincts in music creation; there's no wrong way to create.
Cure 'demo-itis' by rerecording and elevating the song beyond the demo phase.
Don't bash mainstream music; learn from its popularity and apply insights to your work.
Put your music out there and create feedback loops for a conversation with your audience.
Dispel the myth that using loops, samples, and presets makes you a fake artist.
Experiment with new DAWs or starting points to break out of production habits.
Fatten synth sounds by stacking octaves or adding distortion and saturation.
If a synth sound doesn't fit, combine it with a fundamental instrument for familiarity.
Use chord functions in DAWs to break out of standard voicings and discover new sounds.
Incorporate arpeggiators to complement chord progressions and create tension/resolution.
Commit and bounce plugins during a session to maintain CPU efficiency and workflow.
Demo tracks in different genres to explore their potential fit and adjust song structure.
Remix your own tracks without needing the 'DJ' title; focus on creative process over mix details.
Set playback volume loud during tracking to catch imperfections and poor EQ choices.
Use descriptive names for tracks including date and purpose for better organization.
Create templates for different session types to streamline your workflow and efficiency.
Apply the principle of 'less is more' by muting tracks to identify essential elements.
Learn music theory to improve communication and precision in studio sessions.
Conduct thorough pre-production to ensure readiness for studio recording and polish the track.
Listen to elements in context rather than soloing them to ensure they work together in the mix.
Know when to stop tweaking;细微差别通常不会被察觉,信任你的第一感觉。
Transcripts
everyone I'm Patrick and I'm gonna give
you some mix and production tips so
everyone's either met one or been this
for a minute you know the DA snob and
I've been there
I would used to say X is best but
ultimately I cannot recommend anything
more than diversifying your dog
knowledge because you'll run into a
session where someone comes in with a
logic session or an Ableton session or
Pro Tools session and you just don't
know what you're doing so what I really
recommend is to get over this hump this
idea that there's one dog that's better
than the next
you know dabble around with a bit of
everything and realize that all the
tools are relatively similar all the
processes are you know more or less the
same and and to just move on from this
elite mindset so really diversify your
knowledge and make yourself more of a
Swiss Army knife in a session super
simple tip all you have to do is trust
your instincts because honestly there's
no wrong way to create I don't know if
you guys have heard of this but there's
like a really common disease that goes
around in studios and it's called demo
itis but the good news is there is a
cure if your artist falls in love with
some sort of like tiny sound or a
particular take that happened in a demo
or in a pre-production session you know
you really got to help people move past
that and help them realize that the
listener ultimately is not gonna
remember what the demo sounded like so
rerecord it and and really elevate the
song with this new part this new
recording and move on here's a tip get
your mind out of the musical gutter and
quit bashing on mainstream music because
it's not helping anyone except your ego
the reality is millions of people out
there are listening to this music
and there's maybe something that you can
learn from it so have a listen take a
look but don't ignore it just like any
other craft you won't know if you're
making anything good until you get it
out there so don't be afraid to put
yourself out and to have people listen
to your music and create feedback loops
because music is a conversation and you
got to give people something to talk
about
this tips for all the haters out there
that still say loops and samples and
presets make you phony or fake artists
because the reality is everybody in the
industry is using them right now and if
you really really want to know what your
listener is asking they're asking
themselves whether or not your tracks
laps they don't really care that you
penciled in the hi-hat roll so get in
there use some loops use some samples
and just have fun with it
this production tip is to help you get
out of your production zone because we
all know that old habits die hard so
what I tend to do is I force myself into
a new da or I'll start with a melody
instead of a drum section maybe I'll
write in major instead of minor and
ultimately what happens is I get into a
new new headspace although it might be
more difficult I try to push through
because I know that if I'm experimenting
and failing I'm always learning here's a
production tip to fatten your synth
sounds instead of reaching for an EQ to
turn up the bass try stacking octaves or
a fifth above and a fourth below this is
gonna ultimately like thicken the sound
and give it a more mature texture if
that's still not working you can try
adding a little distortion which is
gonna give it some more harmonic content
and a little bit of saturation and if
that's still not working at that point
you might just want to try stacking
another synth sound underneath it here's
another tip for your wild and wacky
synth sounds if you really can't get
your synth sound to fit into a mix a lot
of the times it's because the sound is
too out there and there's nothing that
the listener can really attach to so
what you can try is using a more solid
fundamental instrument like an
electronic piano or a Wurlitzer or even
a classic piano and fold that into the
synth sound that familiar harmonic
structure is going to give your listener
the opportunity to really like tune in
and catch on to what you're trying to do
while still having this like super wacky
flyed texture on top of it in the synth
if you're finding your chord choices a
little bland these days I really really
suggest that you check out the chord
functions that come with most DAWs these
days it's gonna help you break out of
the voicings you usually use and maybe
come up with something that otherwise
you have never been able to play if
you're looking for that extra sweetener
for your track try using an arpeggiator
to complement your chord progressions
what's really nice about in our pajetta
is you can play single notes that are
going to flurry up and down they can
usually create tension and resolution
within your chord structure without
having to overthink it here's a workflow
tip that is sure to save your skin in an
upcoming session so a lot of the times
you get halfway through a session and
you've got a whole bunch of plugins and
VST is loaded up and it's starting to
get a little bit CPU intensive so don't
forget to commit bounce and print some
of these stems out because that way you
can keep your workflow going and not
have to worry about a session crashing
while the artist is working here's a
production tip for your songwriter
producers out there you think you may
have a pop gem on your hands but try
demoing the same track in a different
genre after all genres are just like
colors or like outfits so try them on
see what fits see what looks right you
might find that that pop gem is actually
a Down tempo R&B jam so back in the day
it would have been really hard to be
constantly splicing tape to move
choruses and bridges and song structures
around today it's easier than ever and I
highly highly recommend that if ever
you're in a session and you're not
feeling like the song is popping just
try and move the chorus or the hook or
the pre-chorus maybe put the bridge in
front of the second chorus to see how
that's going to change things up there's
no reason that you need to have DJ in
front of your name to be able to remix
your own tracks don't get caught up in
the mix details as you're creating
generally speaking if you spend an extra
hour throughout your session doing
mixing you're probably going to go back
and undo it after your creative process
anyways so start with strong sounds that
already fit in your production and just
keep moving forward here's a production
tip about setting playback volume most
people will tell you to mix quietly so
you can focus on balance and have the
freshest ears for the longest time but
personally when I'm tracking I like to
track relatively loud for a couple
different reasons number one I can
really hear any of the imperfections in
the sound that need to be corrected
before we continue the session and
secondly if the sound is really
irritating at the tracking volume I know
that the EQ is poor to begin with so
I'll move the mic or I'll change the
instrument a little bit I tend to mix
quiet and record loud so this is my last
final last last final most finished last
production tip for you all stop naming
your tracks like that use the date and
maybe even add a purpose like mix or
demo or mastering session that way
you're organized and you can find that
session that your client is referring to
here's another workflow production tip
for you set up templates for the various
types of sessions you're going to run
for example I'll have a delay that's
side change to the vocal bus that way
ducts when the vocalist is singing but
comes back up when they're not this
prevents me from having to write on the
fly and ultimately saves me brainpower
throughout the session so here's a
composition trick for you producers out
there less is always more
so try muting the tracks as you're
listening back to see if the element
that you've muted is really carrying or
blurring the song because by removing
these extra elements you're going to
have a cleaner tighter more focused
track and you'll ultimately be able to
push up the faders on the important
stuff so that your track has the
Headroom to really make all of the
elements shine the way they should
don't resist learning music theory music
is a language and ultimately the more
specific you can be with your
recommendations and suggestions the
healthier the discussion is in the
studio session itself
so by learning a little bit of basic
rhythm you can improve your meaty drum
programming and if you learn a bit of
harmony you'll be able to come up with
stronger melodies and better chord
productions for your next tracks do your
pre-production make sure that you're
ready to record the song before you step
into the studio it's one thing to get
the gang together and to play the song
in a rehearsal space and hit all the
cues it's a whole other thing once you
turn the microphones on they're
essentially going to be a microscope for
all of the little hiccups and
inadequacies that might be remaining in
the parts so by doing the proper
pre-production you'll be able to
straighten out all those kinks and make
sure that you come out with a really
good track here's a production tip about
listening in context so instead of
always soloing elements when you apply
EQ or compression remember to listen to
things as a whole because ultimately
when you mix you're trying to glue
things together not make sure that every
element sounds awesome by itself know
when to say when if you're still
tweaking EQs and compressors and you
feel like you're 99% of the way there
just stop because ultimately no one's
gonna be able to hear the difference if
you want to test it take one of your
previous mix downs and put it up against
your recent one and have your friend
listen to it and ask them if they can
hear the difference they might say they
feel something different but generally
speaking they won't be able to pinpoint
something so just know when to say when
hey everyone this is Patrick at lander
and if you like what you just saw
consider subscribing to our channel
liking or sharing this video and if you
have more questions about production go
ahead and ask some questions in the
comments below and we'll do our best to
try and answer them don't get demo itis
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