23 Music Production Tips Every Producer Should Know | LANDR

Summary

In 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.