Music production is a magical journey filled with creativity, challenges, and moments of pure inspiration. Whether you are just starting or you've been in the game for a while, there are always valuable lessons to be learned along the way. As someone who has navigated through the twists and turns of the music production world, I'm writing this as I didn't have anyone to guide me on this journey until recently. So here are 15 things I wish I knew when I started. So, grab your headphones and let's dive into this musical odyssey together!

1. Patience is Key

When I first started producing music, impatience was a major hurdle. I didn't fully understand what a finished mix should sound like and often used looped samples without any modifications. It's crucial to take your time to learn and refine your skills rather than rushing through the process.

2. Quality Over Quantity

When I first started producing music, I had this misconception that pumping out as many tracks as possible was the way to go. Little did I know that quality always triumphs over quantity. Take your time with each track, refine it, and let your creativity shine through. Your listeners will appreciate the effort you put into crafting a masterpiece.

3. Learn the Basics

Don't underestimate the power of mastering the basics. Understanding your DAW inside out, music theory, sound design, and mixing techniques will set a solid foundation for your productions. Early on, I didn't reference songs much or in a good way. Take the time to study these fundamentals; they will be your guiding pillars as you progress in your music production journey. Also don't forget to master your stock plugins they are very easily overlooked tools that are actually powerful and budget friendly

4. Embrace Feedback

Feedback is a gift, even if it's not always easy to hear. Embrace constructive criticism from fellow producers, mentors, or even your audience. Feedback provides valuable insights that can help you grow and improve your craft. Remember, every critique is an opportunity for growth..

5. Balance Creativity & Technical Skills

Balancing creativity with technical skills is crucial. Work on songs when you have a clear idea; otherwise, you might waste time. Let inspiration guide your creativity, and use technical skills to bring your ideas to life. If you're willing to work on your music without an idea and are looking for inspiration, just browse through your looped samples. I myself have made a few records that were a result of sample flips. Or if you aren't, just work on skills outside music, or do transitional activities like taking a walk or reading a book.

6. Trust Your Ears

In the realm of music production, your ears are your best tools. Train them to distinguish between different sounds, frequencies, and nuances in your tracks. Trust your instincts and let your ears guide you in making decisions during the production process. Remember, a perfect mix is a myth, but you can emulate the quality of the pros by training your ears and referencing songs well. Also take care of your ears and have your Vitamin B12 for better auditory health

7. Managing Plugins

Don't overcrowd your plugin collection; focus on utilizing stock and 3rd party plugins effectively. Too many plugins can overwhelm and clutter your storage. Organize plugins by function, experiment with different ones, and identify reliable choices. Streamline your tools, explore, and discover what suits your work best.

8. Understand the Business Side

As much as we love creating music, understanding the business side of the industry is equally important. Educate yourself on music licensing, royalties, copyright laws, and marketing strategies. Early on, I lacked networking and marketing skills. Knowing the business aspects will help you protect your work and make informed decisions for your musical career.

9. Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout

Avoid forcing yourself to produce music when you're not motivated or inspired. Engage in other productive activities when you're not feeling creative. When inspiration strikes, dive back into music production with renewed energy and fresh ideas. Creating reels and content can help attract potential fans. Understand what type of content resonates with your audience and consistently produce it to grow your fan base.

10. Build Genuine Relationship

Networking and collaboration are key in the music industry. Build genuine bonds with other producers and artists rather than using people for personal gain. Strong relationships can lead to valuable collaborations and opportunities.

11. Learn Skills Beyond Music Production

Expand your skill set beyond music production and mixing. Learning about video editing, graphic design, and marketing can be invaluable for promoting your music and creating engaging content for your audience.

12. Develop a Content Strategy

Hesitation in creating content to promote your music can hinder your progress. With millions of songs released daily, it's increasingly challenging to reach the right audience. To stand out, develop a content strategy that features regular updates, captivating visuals, and sneak peeks into your creative journey. Consistent and engaging content will help you build and keep a devoted fan base.

13. Experiment with Sound Design

Creating unique sounds using synths is essential but remember that unique sounds alone don't define your style. It's about how you use those sounds to convey your musical identity. Don't be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of your sound design.

14. Take Breaks to Stay Fresh

Remember to take breaks from music production to avoid burnout. While it's essential to rest your mind and ears, if inspiration strikes, use your phone to send yourself voice notes for later. Stepping back from your projects gives you fresh perspectives and nurtures your creativity. Your art will flourish with a well-deserved pause.

15. Follow along with the tutorial as it is being presented

Previously, I had theoretical knowledge about the basic effects on sound but struggled with knowing when to use them. A friend advised me to practice applying what I learned from courses or YouTube tutorials as they are explaining their concepts to gain experience and become more comfortable with the concept.

So, turn up the volume, let the melodies flow, and remember that the most beautiful symphonies often begin with a single note. Happy producing!

By following these 10 valuable insights, your music production journey will be enriched, and your skills will continue to flourish. Embrace the lessons, learn from experiences, and let your creativity soar. Here's to an exciting and fulfilling music production adventure ahead!

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