Danny L Harle's Top 7 Production Tips (In Under 1-Minute)

Summary

In this insightful episode, the speaker shares valuable advice for artists, highlighting the importance of experimentation through side projects and discovering one's true creative identity. They stress the significance of supporting and believing in emerging talent early on, drawing parallels to iconic collaborations like Timbaland and Missy Elliott. The speaker also discusses their own creative process, emphasizing simplicity, the discovery of music through chord progressions, and the importance of template files in the studio. Additionally, they delve into technical aspects, such as automation and pitch-shifting effects, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and methods they use to shape their sound.

Takeaways

• 😀 Side projects are important for creative freedom and experimentation, helping artists discover new elements of themselves.
• 🎶 Building early relationships with people who believe in you can be key to success, just like Timbaland and Miss Elliott's story.
• 📝 The songwriting process is more about discovery through creating chords and melodies than realizing an existing idea.
• 🎛 Automating effects, like tuning lead synths and adjusting expression, is essential for enhancing the human-like quality of music.
• 📁 Having a ready-to-go template in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for quick recording is useful for capturing ideas on the fly.
• 🎙 Using microphones that can record in the room without delays or feedback allows for seamless recording when inspiration strikes.
• 📱 Tapit, an iPhone app for musicians, offers features like recording from the lock screen, adding notes, and creating shared playlists for co-writers.
• 🔊 Pit shifting, a common effect in Danny's production, can be achieved using software like Audacity and Logic’s very speed function.
• 🎹 When using synthesizers, it's important to understand internal effects and start with the raw sound before adding external effects.
• 🎧 Early on in a music career, it's crucial to experiment with multiple projects and maintain a creative playground, even if no one listens to them.
• 🔄 Listening to earlier versions of your music can be a great way to identify the essence of a song, even if it feels difficult to return to a simpler version.

Q & A

What is the importance of side projects for creative experimentation?

Side projects offer a creative playground where artists can experiment freely without pressure, allowing them to discover new elements of their creative process. This freedom can lead to unexpected discoveries and growth, which ultimately influences their main work.

Why is it essential for artists to believe in others early on in their careers?

Believing in others early on, especially those just starting to find their voice, can create strong collaborative relationships. It helps to build trust and mutual support, fostering growth and success for both the artist and their collaborators.

How does the production process described in the transcript differ from traditional songwriting?

The process described in the transcript emphasizes discovery rather than realization. Instead of having a fully formed song in mind, the artist explores and builds the song through experimentation with chords, melodies, and sounds. This is more organic and fluid compared to a traditional approach of writing out a song from the start.

What is the significance of automating effects in music production?

Automating effects, like the tuning of a lead synth or controlling expression through filters, adds nuance and movement to the music. For example, microtonal tuning can give a lead synth more human-like presence and make it stand out in a track.

How does having a template file in your DAW help with productivity?

A template file with pre-set instruments and sounds allows for quick recording and idea exploration. It saves time, providing an immediate setup for various musical elements, which is especially helpful for spontaneous creation or when inspiration strikes.

What is the role of dynamic microphones in the recording process?

Dynamic microphones can record audio directly into the room, which is useful for capturing spontaneous ideas quickly. This avoids the need for complex setups and allows artists to just press record and start singing or playing immediately.

How does the software Audacity help with pitch shifting in Danny’s production process?

Danny uses Audacity to apply pitch shifting by slowing down the track by a few semitones, recording it at a slower speed, and then speeding it back up. This method helps achieve a sped-up vocal effect without distorting the song’s key or BPM.

What is the advantage of using very speed in music production?

The very speed function in production allows for changing the tempo of the track without altering the song’s key or causing unwanted distortion. This helps achieve specific effects, such as pitch shifting, while maintaining the integrity of the music.

What advice is given about dealing with the first version of a song?

The advice is to listen to the first version of a song, despite it being painful at times, because it often contains elements that are simpler and more effective. This helps the artist make decisions about whether to keep or refine the initial ideas.

How did Michael Jackson’s team handle mixing his songs according to the transcript?

Michael Jackson’s team went through 98 different mixes of a song before landing on the second mix. This highlights the importance of exploring various versions and mixes of a song to ensure the final product is the best it can be.