You Will Suck at Music Production

So you have been making music for a while now and yet you still cant get to that level that the people you listen to sound like. You watch courses and copy tutorials. You read about compressors and mastering, you try to learn chords and how to create texture within your music but it still sounds flat.

Well to you it does anyway and you probably have only played it to a handful if any of your friends and the people around you. Why? Because you are afraid to hear any criticism or comments that are not to your liking. That is perfectly normal and we all hate to hear attacks upon things we have personally created as a labour of love.

The internet is full of trolls and haters, and they are always going to be around no matter how much you don't want them to be. But here's the truth about those people. They have nothing better to do with their time other than pull others down, otherwise if they had fulfilling things on their own hands to take care of, they would not be lingering around the comments box waiting to pounce.

So think about this for a moment. You release a track online in some way, whether that is an actual release on Spotify or if you just put it on your Soundcloud. You know that somebody who is critical will be hearing it but they wont say anything to you directly, but yet you know behind the scenes they are mocking you in some way to another person.

Or they are thinking that you suck, but here's the point, they are only thinking those things and never saying them, so why waste time worrying about what people who don't hold you in high regard think when it comes to critique of your music.

So the point here is to just put those tracks out and keep going, no matter how imperfect they are, no matter how weak you may think they will sound in 6 months time, and that's a valid point there. The more you make and release your music to the wider world, the more in 6 months from now you will get better and listen to how much you have progressed.

Only ever compare yourself to yourself and the work you have already recorded. Forget the comparison of your favourite producer, that will only cripple you even further. WHY? Simply because they are at level 10 whilst you are on level 2. So let that idea go and compare your own work against your own work only. Period.

I have been making music for 30 years now and have gone through the use of multi track tape recorders to samplers with an Atari ST computer right on through to the modern day PC with the best software known to man. I have seen it all and I have sucked at it every step of the way. I still suck today even now after several hit records and successful releases.

I still am not to where I want to be, and neither will you be if you hold back and don't release your music at the level of where you are at now. Stop waiting for the perfect summers day. Get those tracks out in the coldest winter and build up to that summer. You will never progress if you sit on music for fear of looking amateur. Remember your hero was also an amateur once too. But they kept going and focused on their path.

On the internet there are many many courses and tips and tricks and yes many are so obvious we often forget them. Even I sometimes refer back to my own courses for tips and tricks. I even follow my own advice and use my tips in my own releases.

Below I have created a top 10 list below of things to do in micro steps each day or weekly that will help you get better at music.

These are steps and challenges you can try in small or large doses, so don't be afraid to step outside of your zone and taste different things once in a while.

If you feel that you need any help or guidance with music production, then contact me and book your FREE 30 minute consultation where we can discuss what you want to achieve and develop so that you can progress as an artist. Click the image below.

Study and analyze music: Listen to a wide range of music in your favourite genre and pay attention to the production techniques used. Analyze the arrangements, sound design, and mixing. This will help you understand different approaches used by others but only in terms of the arrangement and sounds used. Remember you are not comparing yourself at their level.

Learn music theory: Having a solid foundation in music theory can greatly enhance your production skills. It will enable you to create more interesting melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions. Understand scales, keys, intervals, and basic music notation. Try to learn slash chords also which are very common in electronic music.

Master your tools: Become proficient with your digital audio workstation (DAW) and the plugins you use. Don't overload yourself with too many plug ins. Keep a small amount of tools at your disposal and don't waste money buying lots of plug ins you will not use. Learn the shortcuts, workflows, and features that can streamline your production process. Experiment with different effects, virtual instruments, and sound libraries to expand your sonic palette.

Study tutorials and courses: Take advantage of the wealth of online tutorials and courses available for music production. Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and of course the free Waxadisc courses on You Tube or through this website offer a variety of resources taught by experienced producers. Focus on specific topics of interest and gradually build your knowledge.

Collaborate with others: Working with other musicians and producers can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Collaborations allow you to learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses, exchange ideas, and push your creative boundaries.

Deconstruct existing tracks: Select tracks that you admire and try to recreate them in your DAW. Analyze the structure, arrangement, sound design, and mixing techniques. This exercise will help you understand how professional tracks are constructed and give you hands-on experience in achieving similar results. I once did a reconstruction video of my remix of the Fonda Rae classic. You can see that HERE and try for yourself. It is always good practice.

Experiment and be creative: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Experiment with different genres, techniques, and production approaches. Embrace your creativity and take risks to develop your unique style and sound.

Seek feedback: Share your work with trusted friends, fellow producers, or online communities to receive constructive feedback. Feedback can highlight areas for improvement and provide fresh perspectives on your work. Don't take criticism personally but rather use it as an opportunity to grow.

Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time for music production and commit to a regular practice routine. Even short daily sessions can be more beneficial than infrequent long sessions. As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll become. But remember also if it is not happening and you cant get a flow. Dont feel bad for walking away and taking a break.

Trust your ears: While technical knowledge is important, ultimately, music production is an art form. Train your ears to discern subtle nuances in sound, develop your intuition, and trust your instincts. Your ears will guide you in making creative and technical decisions.