I Composed 600 Music Tracks: This is What I Learned

Summary

In this video, a composer reflects on the process of creating 600 music tracks for production libraries over six years. Key lessons include the importance of regular composition habits, the balance between creativity and technical work, and the need for clear deadlines and focus. The composer emphasizes finishing multiple tracks simultaneously, learning from reference tracks, and transcribing music for growth. Other insights include minimizing distractions, setting up a productive workspace, and maintaining physical and mental health. Overall, it's a detailed guide for aspiring music creators in the production music industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish a regular composing routine—don't wait for inspiration. Schedule dedicated time to compose every week.
• 😀 📝 Consistency is key! Writing little and often is better than trying to compose in long, irregular bursts.
• 🎶 Separate creative work from technical tasks. Focus first on the creative flow, then return to the technical details later.
• 😌 Avoid letting emotions cloud your judgment when assessing your music. Keep a clear, objective mindset.
• 📅 Plan your compositions in advance. Have a clear idea of the mood, instruments, and structure before you begin.
• 🛠️ Use templates when appropriate to save time, but be mindful not to fall into repetitive patterns.
• ⚡ Focus on finishing multiple tracks rather than perfecting just one. Progress comes from finishing, not perfection.
• 🎧 Use reference tracks for comparison, but don’t be too hard on yourself if your work doesn’t match the same level.
• ✍️ Transcribe music to learn and understand the techniques used by other composers. It’s slow but incredibly valuable.
• ⏰ Set deadlines for yourself to stay productive and prevent procrastination. Having artificial deadlines keeps you on track.
• 📱 Minimize distractions by keeping your workspace organized and training family or friends to respect your work time.
• 🚶‍♂️ Incorporate physical activity during your workday. Take breaks to refresh and allow your mind to process ideas.
• 🥗 Prioritize sleep and nutrition. A well-rested body and mind lead to more efficient and creative work.
• 🔊 Focus on learning a few high-quality sample libraries rather than spreading yourself too thin with numerous sounds.
• 📈 Keep the big picture in mind. Don’t let short-term setbacks discourage you from your long-term goals.
• 🌱 Create a calm, inspiring workspace. Your physical environment plays a big role in your creative mindset and productivity.
• 📂 Work on multiple tracks simultaneously to prevent getting stuck or bored. Manage different tracks at varying stages of completion.
• 🧠 Accept that finishing a track is often harder than starting it. Stay persistent through difficult phases for better results.

Q & A

What is the most important habit when composing music?

Establishing a regular composition habit is essential. Waiting for inspiration to strike isn't enough. Scheduling specific times in your week to compose and sticking to it helps build a productive routine and keeps the creative muscle active.

Why is it better to write a lot of tracks rather than focus on perfecting just one?

Writing and finishing multiple tracks leads to more overall progress. Focusing on perfection in a single track can cause mental blocks and slow progress. It's more effective to finish many tracks, even if they're not perfect, to keep improving your skills.

What is the benefit of separating creative work from technical tasks?

Separating the creative and technical processes helps maintain a flow state. Focusing purely on composition first, without worrying about sound design or mixing, allows you to stay in the creative zone. You can then return later to handle the technical details.

How can emotional states affect your music composition?

Your emotional state can cloud your judgment about the quality of your music. When you're in a bad mood or tired, it’s hard to be objective, while a great mood can lead to overestimating the quality of your work. It’s important to separate emotions from the music-making process for clearer decision-making.

What role do templates play in the music production process?

Templates can save a lot of time, especially when you're working on multiple tracks with similar instrumentation. They help set up your basic structure, like a string section or drum kit, so you can focus on composition rather than repetitive technical setup. However, it's important to avoid getting stuck using the same sounds and setups repeatedly.

How do reference tracks help a composer?

Reference tracks are helpful in guiding the sound, mood, and structure of your composition. Comparing your track to professional examples can offer learning opportunities, such as identifying how mood shifts are created or how arrangements are structured.

What is the value of transcribing music and how does it help a composer grow?

Transcribing music or reverse-engineering tracks is a slow but incredibly valuable learning tool. It allows you to analyze music in-depth—learning about chord progressions, orchestration, and structure—which helps to develop your own composition skills.

How does setting deadlines impact your music production?

Setting deadlines is crucial to staying on track and avoiding procrastination. Self-imposed deadlines help ensure that you finish your tracks rather than getting caught up in perfectionism. Writing multiple tracks in a set period, such as two per week, helps maintain productivity.

What strategies can you use to minimize distractions during work?

Minimizing distractions involves setting boundaries with your family, turning off notifications, and avoiding checking your phone. Creating a distraction-free workspace and training those around you to respect your work hours is key to maintaining focus.

Why is physical exercise important for a composer?

Physical exercise is important because it helps clear your mind, re-energize your body, and maintain focus. Short breaks for walking or stretching can also provide moments for subconscious problem-solving, which often leads to breakthroughs in the composition process.

What is the importance of sleep and good nutrition for composers?

Good sleep and nutrition significantly impact creativity and productivity. Getting enough rest helps you stay sharp and focused, while healthy eating fuels your body and mind. A lack of sleep can negatively affect your work quality, so maintaining a balanced routine is crucial.

What should a composer prioritize when selecting sample libraries?

It’s better to have a few high-quality sample libraries that you know well, rather than many libraries that you rarely use. Learning the ins and outs of your best libraries will help you produce better music and develop a more consistent sound.

How can a composer stay motivated during difficult times in their career?

During challenging times, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Focus on long-term goals, such as writing a certain number of tracks over several years. Remembering your overarching plan helps push through rough patches when motivation wanes.