Top 5 things beginners miss in music production

Summary

In this video, Andrew Huang shares five key elements often missing in beginner music productions, which can help elevate tracks. He emphasizes the importance of adding groove percussion, subtle ear candy, and dynamic transitions to create fuller, more engaging music. He also suggests experimenting with vocal harmonies and varying sections of the song to keep it interesting. By incorporating these techniques, beginners can avoid flat, repetitive productions and make their music more professional and captivating. This advice is demonstrated using his song 'Julian,' featuring Tom McGovern and Gabi Rose.

Takeaways

• 😀 Groove percussion adds depth and rhythm to a track. Beginners often overlook the importance of background elements like tambourines or claves.
• 😀 Subtle ear candy can elevate a track without being the main focus. This includes atmospheric sounds like reverb effects or arpeggiated synths.
• 😀 Transitions between sections should be dramatic to maintain listener interest. Experiment with building up or breaking down elements and using effects to enhance these moments.
• 😀 Vocal harmonies should vary in rhythm, note length, and layering. Playing with different approaches to harmonies keeps the vocals dynamic.
• 😀 Repeating sections of a song can be predictable, but slight variations in each repetition can make the track more engaging.
• 😀 Effective transitions can involve adding new sounds, changing existing ones, or altering effects to create contrast between song sections.
• 😀 Incorporate more layers during transitions. For example, adding ear candy or using effects like delay and reverb can make the change more impactful.
• 😀 Experiment with multiple layers of vocals to create variety. Having some vocals held out longer or starting earlier can add interest.
• 😀 Don't copy and paste sections in a song. Varying the sections, even slightly, helps keep the track fresh and engaging.
• 😀 Keeping a balance between predictable and surprising elements in your music will make the track more dynamic and replayable.

Q & A

What is groove percussion, and why is it important in beginner music productions?

Groove percussion refers to subtle background elements like tambourines, shakers, or claves that add texture and rhythm to a track. It's important because it fills space and adds energy to the beat, helping to make the track feel fuller and more engaging, something often missed in beginner productions.

How can ear candy enhance a music track?

Ear candy consists of subtle sound effects that support the track without drawing too much attention. These can include swells, sparkles, or filtered sounds that create atmosphere and momentum. It adds layers of interest to the track, making it feel richer, even if the listener isn’t directly focusing on those elements.

What role do transitions play in music production?

Transitions are essential for creating smooth changes between sections in a song. They help maintain energy and interest. By adding effects, filtering, or varying the dynamics between sections, producers can make these transitions feel dramatic and intentional, enhancing the overall flow of the song.

How can variations in vocal harmonies make a song more dynamic?

Vocal harmonies can be varied by adjusting when and how they appear in the song. Instead of simply doubling the lead with a basic harmony, experiment with different rhythms, or have harmonies only come in on certain words or phrases. This creates a more dynamic and engaging vocal arrangement that keeps the listener’s attention.

Why is it important to vary each section of a song?

Varying each section keeps the song from becoming repetitive or predictable. Small changes in instrumentation, energy, and vocal arrangements can make each section feel fresh, maintaining listener interest throughout the track. This adds life and replay value to the song.

What is meant by 'subtle ear candy,' and how does it differ from more attention-grabbing ear candy?

Subtle ear candy refers to background elements that provide atmosphere without drawing attention. Unlike ear candy meant to be front and center, subtle ear candy supports the song's vibe and momentum without distracting from the main elements like vocals or drums. It’s more about subconscious impact than overt focus.

How does using transitions creatively affect the listener's experience?

Creative transitions help build anticipation and emphasize the shift between sections of the song. By adding effects like reverb, delays, or automation, producers can make transitions feel more dramatic or surprising, keeping the song exciting and engaging.

What are some common mistakes beginner producers make when creating vocal harmonies?

Beginner producers often rely on basic third or fifth harmonies that repeat the lead vocal rhythm. A more dynamic approach involves experimenting with different vocal rhythms, creating harmonies that come in at different times, or introducing harmonies that vary by section to maintain interest.

What is the role of background percussion in creating a track’s groove?

Background percussion, like tambourines, shakers, or claves, adds a rhythmic layer that enhances the overall groove. It’s not as prominent as the main drums but helps to fill out the sound, providing an additional rhythmic texture that makes the track feel more lively and less empty.

How can a producer ensure their transitions don’t sound abrupt or jarring?

Producers can avoid abrupt transitions by gradually building up or cutting out elements, using effects like filters, delays, or reverbs to smooth the transition. Thoughtful automation of these effects can create natural-sounding shifts that guide the listener smoothly from one section to the next.