Why MOST Producers Can't Finish Songs

Summary

In this video, Alex from SOUTHCOM shares insights on how producers can organize their songwriting process for better results. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear, structured approach to creating music, from planning the song's structure on a whiteboard to writing it in one go. Alex suggests dividing the process into distinct phases, including songwriting, mixing, and mastering. He encourages producers to separate their creative and technical roles to avoid creative block and ensure songs get completed. The key takeaway is that an organized, step-by-step approach leads to more finished tracks and better results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Song creation can be challenging, especially when producers struggle to finish their projects. The key issue is often disorganization and a lack of clear process.
• 😀 Finishing songs requires a structured approach, with a focus on systematic planning and organization from the start.
• 😀 A common pitfall in song creation is getting stuck on one creative element (e.g., a sample or chord progression) and losing motivation to finish the song.
• 😀 Visualizing the song’s structure using tools like whiteboards or post-it notes can help map out the song’s flow and ensure all parts are covered.
• 😀 Having reference tracks helps guide the creation process, providing inspiration without directly copying, to understand how elements like drums and melodies are introduced.
• 😀 Producers should break the song creation process into different stages, such as songwriting, mixing, and mastering, and approach each stage with the appropriate mindset.
• 😀 Writing the song quickly and from start to finish is important to capture the initial creative energy, without focusing too much on perfection during the songwriting phase.
• 😀 The mixing engineer's role comes later, focusing on improving the sound quality and transitions, and fine-tuning the song without disturbing the creative flow of the songwriter.
• 😀 Writers and mixing engineers have different personalities and mindsets, so it’s important to separate these roles and avoid mixing them up during the creative process.
• 😀 The key to finishing songs is maintaining focus, organizing the workflow, and not letting disorganization or creative blocks prevent progress. Knowing when to switch between creative and technical roles is crucial.
• 😀 Successful songs are often created through short, organized bursts of effort, with a clear direction and timeline in mind, rather than long, unorganized sessions.

Q & A

Why do many producers struggle with finishing their songs?

Many producers struggle with finishing their songs because their approach to creating music is often unorganized. Without a clear process, they tend to get stuck on certain parts, like a melody or a chord progression, and the song remains unfinished.

How can a producer prevent creative block and complete songs more efficiently?

A producer can prevent creative block by organizing their approach into distinct phases. This includes planning the song's structure, writing the song first without worrying about perfection, and then focusing on mixing and mastering in separate sessions. This structured process reduces overwhelm and increases song completion.

What role does planning play in the song creation process?

Planning plays a crucial role in guiding the producer through the entire song creation process. By mapping out the song's structure (e.g., intro, verse, chorus, etc.), the producer has a clear vision of what they are working toward, making the process smoother and less confusing.

Why is it important for a producer to use reference songs?

Using reference songs helps the producer understand how different elements of a song, like drums, transitions, and melodies, are arranged. It serves as inspiration and guides the producer in structuring their own track while learning from what works in other songs.

What are the benefits of separating creative work from technical work?

Separating creative work from technical work allows the producer to focus solely on writing the song without being distracted by mixing and sound perfection. This prevents the producer from getting bogged down in details too early, which can hinder the song's progress.

What does it mean to build a song horizontally instead of vertically?

Building a song horizontally means creating the song from start to finish, moving through the entire structure without obsessing over perfecting individual sections. In contrast, building vertically refers to revisiting and tweaking one section repeatedly, which can lead to unfinished projects.

Why is it suggested to write the song in one or two sessions and then let it sit before mixing?

Writing the song in one or two sessions helps capture the initial creative energy and idea. Letting it sit before mixing gives the producer time to approach the track with fresh ears, making it easier to spot areas for improvement and avoid rushing into technical work too soon.

How should a producer balance the roles of songwriter, mixing engineer, and perfectionist?

A producer should separate these roles by scheduling specific times for each. The songwriter focuses on creating and finishing the song, while the mixing engineer refines the sound. The perfectionist role comes last, ensuring the track is polished and ready for release without interfering with the earlier stages.

What should a producer focus on when mixing a song after writing it?

When mixing the song, the producer should focus on refining the sound, adjusting levels, and ensuring smooth transitions. This is where they can swap out sounds, improve instrument choices, and enhance the overall production quality without altering the song’s core structure.

What is the final step in the production process according to Alex from SOUTHCOM?

The final step is mastering the song, which involves ensuring the track is polished and ready for release. This step is performed by a mastering engineer who ensures that the song sounds cohesive and professional across all platforms before it’s shared publicly.