Honestly, for a while I havent had any problems thanks to you! I did have a problem with mastering but one quick video from you helped me a lot! Thanks a lot!
Coming up with original ideas, is my biggest roadblock. However, i’ve just realised I may be trying to “eat the whole elephant” rather than breaking it down into parts, or having too high expectations of myself too early on. Perhaps if I selected several reference tracks, pick the best parts to my taste emulate them without straight copying them (although for personal development purposes, that can work too) to develop my sound, similar to the process you mentioned… I’ll take this away and get back to you 😂
Oh and mixing and mastering on headphones. My appartement doesn't allow for monitors due to thin walls and neighbours. Should I just use more reference tracks?
Getting stuck in an 8bar loop is definitely the number one. Its so easy to either start listening what is wrong, or you just like your beat so much that listening it over and over again renders it meangingless.
Hilarious intro 🙂 .. Back in the 80s I learned to finish every song I started on, sometimes several at the same time .. ahh, back then when MIDI was young and the gear solid 🙂 - so, after 30+ years I decided to re-record 800+ tracks just to prove who I am 🙂
It's a massive task, Lars, but with time and dedication totally can be done! Good luck with this awesome project, sounds like you'll have a lot of fun this year 🙂
:3 I didn't have carpel tunnel from using computers since Windows 3.1 as a kid in the 90s, born in 89, but inverted mouses look nicer, it feels good, and it's better for you. I've been using one for a year or so now. Hehe. Shalom.
Liked the video before i even get past the ads... Edit : i just finished the video and just in case anyone needs a extra tip.. Stop wasting your time over processing things in the production stage... Just get the sounds and the main vibes in.. You can do some basic stuff like high passing instruments that needs it... Or adding some spatial effects... But generally you wanna leave the more advanced stuff for the mixing stage
Originally, I've come to your channel for How-to-make-music-like-videos. And of course, I still like them. And there is stuff like this video. We all can observe that you are still learning if we compare this video with older ones discussing the same topics. In Germany, we have the saying "Was kümmert mich mein Geschwätz von gestern? Es kann mich doch niemand daran hindern, jeden Tag klüger zu werden." - English: What do I care about yesterday's gossip? Nobody can stop me from getting smarter every day. - And i think this fits best 😄 - Have a marvelous weekend, Will.
Cheers, Henning! I indeed still learn very day and what I learn I try to share (if I believe it's worth sharing, of course!) As usual, thank you for watching and supporting the channel :)
I didn't have carpel tunnel from using computers since Windows 3.1 as a kid in the 90s, born in 89, but inverted mouses look nicer, it feels good, and it's better for you. I've been using one for a year or so now. Hehe. Shalom.
1. Use shortcuts. 2. Use templates. 3. Keep samples organized. 4. Have a plan. Use constraints. Use reference tracks. Don't over-listen to your track. 5. Don't get distracted. 6. Create a process.
For me now, the hardest part of music production is drawing a line under a track and telling myself, "OK it's finished". I have wasted a lot of time by tweaking parts of my mix that is not going to make any difference and is only delaying me finding it a home. I can for sure say that your guidnace has significanly helped me as a producer. Thanks, mate.
I need to try the reference track cause so far i build plenty of the drum and groove of my track XD but I need more reference :P to do the rest and actually finish it
@6:41 "Don´t forget to blink" Hello Will. I also know what it's like when you stare at the screen as if hypnotized and then your eyes get tired and burn the next day. But there are still a few important things that tend to be overlooked. The computer monitor should fit the workflow (not too small, but not too big either) I also think that a 32:9 monitor is very good for working with a DAW. And then something else for glasses wearers (and non-glass wearers) Have your vision checked regularly by an optician. DO NOT use progressive lenses when working on the DAW! I have special work glasses that have a significantly larger field of vision at close range. The glasses also have a special feature that I can recommend, which is also good for non-glass wearers and should be standard: Glasses with a “blue filter” This makes it possible to work significantly better and longer on the screen. And your eyes still feel better afterwards. But regular breaks from the screen are also fundamentally important. Nothing is more distracting when producing than fatigue, poor visibility and headaches ;) Keep up the good work with your content. I love it. greetings from Germany Kurt
Not really, as the variation comes mostly from the composition. Think about your favourite tracks ever, and I guarantee the structure is the same as dozens of others!
What great information! Been producing for 35 years and many of these tips I wish I knew before- I do have my own library of sounds but wondering where I can preview sounds quicker using logic audio pro X-I always went outside the DAW into my computer folders To listen, Big time waster!
Will, you are probably the last producer standing that is not caught up in this stupid paid promos. I dumped a lot of good channels because they all turned their priorities to paid proms vs. Providing solid tutorials. And i am with you forever, probably the first subscriber ever 😊
Thank you so much, Jack, I really appreciate the kind words of support! I do tend away from promos, and only do them if I actually use the product and belive it's of high quality and can help others. Same goes for software and plugins :)
Will, great tips. I use a template with my hardware synths, but I think I made it too complicated. I will take your advice on this and keep it lean and mean. For me the most challinging part is to be creative at the moment when I have time to produce in addition to family live, work and tiredness. When I waas young and still lived at my parents house I love to work on a track till late. Nowadays I'm glad to jump into my bed instead of producing. Not really a topic for a video, but it is reality 🙃.
It is indeed the reality for a lot of people! I say treat it like any other commitment - be strict to yourself, book time off in advance and don't accept any excuses.
Good point about the trackball. I had wrist pain when I first started using a mouse back in the 80s which went away after switching to a trackball. My sister had to have surgery for carpal tunnel though in her case she taught hearing-impaired children so it was all the repetitive hand signs that caused it for her.
As someone who has taken up producing in the past year, and there being so much to learn, your channel has been such a positive force for my ongoing learning - it has had a huge impact towards my ability to continue making (hopefully improving) music. Thank you so much for your hard work and amazing knowledge! :)
Thank you sir. Can you make a video on, how to keep the song interesting throughout the arrangement? Or if there's already one on your channel. Let me know. Thank you.
Thank you sir. Can you make a video on, how to keep the song interesting throughout the arrangement? Or if there's already one on your channel. Let me know. Thank you.
That’s the thing, it’s not about doing it faster and pumping out everything that comes into your head and publishing it. That’s what’s wrong with music these days, mainstream is so guilty of it and their templated music.
@@EDMTips Id say new album to keep it new and fresh. Being they just smashed it at the Brits. Im old enough to own and know there old old stuff. Any any any bruv lol. Legend thank you so much.
It was as succinct a description as I could find! Your tutorials are brilliant, unfortunately i’m a lazy bugger, i’m my own worse problem/procrastinating/distraction. That said i’ve come to realise this so perhaps I can get on with developing myself a bit!? ❤
Finishing tracks feels so dirty. You have heard the track 1000 times at that point. Last 2 weeks I finished 3 tracks and honestly I'm glad I was done with them and could move on 😂
Will your thumbnail says don’t loop and indicates a drum sample. I’ve watched the video and see you mean don’t get stuck playing your loop, but I’m curious about the thumbnail. Do you really advise against looping your sample / midi / audio or whatever and dragging it out across the project? And if so why? Thanks! 🙏
@@EDMTips Yes I understand. I was more so revering to your acquired ambidextrous Mouse/Trackball handling skills. You could successfully operate two trackballs simultaneously.
I can’t remember these commands and it totally ruins my workflow by creating constant errors too by not entering them correctly. I’ve tried forcing myself to use them but it doesn’t work for me. I basically hate typing. Too many interfaces really depends on this clunky method. A touch screen would be better but every one loves being a typewriter jockey so we will stay stuck using querty forever which totally pisses me off so I stick with the stupid mouse . Obviously this is all you do so and how you work too bad for the folks who hate this mess. 😖
@@EDMTips I think a better idea is for all these daw people to start investing more into AI so we can enjoy and Ai mix assistant which as far as teaching goes by watching it make choices to a track we create would eventually do two things 1) act as an instructor that by participating in your own productions will in a much more hands on way and by watching it mix a track we create. 2) help talented people who wouldn’t otherwise wise be able to release perfectly produced tracks mixed mastered and ready for release. The folks at several companies are already working on this as we speak. But for all the talk and advances that Ableton does they still require you to use a stupid typewriter and short cuts . How long do you think something created in the 1800s will go into the future with us ? Do you see Spock using a typewriter? Nope he simply “ speaks “ to it ! “ Computer “ do a spectral analysis and tell me the composition of this craft we are looking at .” Right ? Typewriters need to die ! ✌️👽🙏
@christoroppolo8742 geez man. Are you going to let the daw dominate you or are you going to dominate your daw? It seems you don't want to learn anything and don't love producing. Just saying it, specially when you say "typewriters need to die". Take your time and learn, don't let anything come to you by luck because you can be stuck forever it you just wait
@@MatheusBiele no I instead take my time and use Logic with a mouse on the computer. There is no iOS version of live probably because developers don’t want to pay to code a version that doesn’t work with the QWERTY. It’s not my fault a typewriter bound person codes everything too. So it’s stuck in that gear forever🫤
⚡Let's hear it: What's the hardest part of music production for you? Let me know and maybe I'll be able to help! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Honestly, for a while I havent had any problems thanks to you! I did have a problem with mastering but one quick video from you helped me a lot! Thanks a lot!
Coming up with original ideas, is my biggest roadblock. However, i’ve just realised I may be trying to “eat the whole elephant” rather than breaking it down into parts, or having too high expectations of myself too early on.
Perhaps if I selected several reference tracks, pick the best parts to my taste emulate them without straight copying them (although for personal development purposes, that can work too) to develop my sound, similar to the process you mentioned…
I’ll take this away and get back to you 😂
For me it's sound selection. They sound fine in a loop with everything playing together but individually they often sound meh
Oh and mixing and mastering on headphones. My appartement doesn't allow for monitors due to thin walls and neighbours. Should I just use more reference tracks?
Getting stuck in an 8bar loop is definitely the number one.
Its so easy to either start listening what is wrong, or you just like your beat so much that listening it over and over again renders it meangingless.
Hilarious intro 🙂 .. Back in the 80s I learned to finish every song I started on, sometimes several at the same time .. ahh, back then when MIDI was young and the gear solid 🙂 - so, after 30+ years I decided to re-record 800+ tracks just to prove who I am 🙂
It's a massive task, Lars, but with time and dedication totally can be done! Good luck with this awesome project, sounds like you'll have a lot of fun this year 🙂
@@EDMTips I'm well underway .. a bit slower after a stroke last year .. visit some day, I'm only a click away 🙂
:3 I didn't have carpel tunnel from using computers since Windows 3.1 as a kid in the 90s, born in 89, but inverted mouses look nicer, it feels good, and it's better for you. I've been using one for a year or so now. Hehe. Shalom.
80s,* time. Ahh,* then,* years,* am.*
@@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked 80s-is-the-key :)
Liked the video before i even get past the ads...
Edit : i just finished the video and just in case anyone needs a extra tip.. Stop wasting your time over processing things in the production stage... Just get the sounds and the main vibes in.. You can do some basic stuff like high passing instruments that needs it... Or adding some spatial effects... But generally you wanna leave the more advanced stuff for the mixing stage
Great tip, thank you for sharing! :)
or like Rusko said, give your other half £20 to go down the nail bar. (possibly needs adjustment for inflation)
Truth 😎
Thanks for the tips man! They always come in handy!👍👍
You're welcome, Brendon, glad you found this helpful! 🙂
Originally, I've come to your channel for How-to-make-music-like-videos. And of course, I still like them. And there is stuff like this video. We all can observe that you are still learning if we compare this video with older ones discussing the same topics. In Germany, we have the saying "Was kümmert mich mein Geschwätz von gestern? Es kann mich doch niemand daran hindern, jeden Tag klüger zu werden." - English: What do I care about yesterday's gossip? Nobody can stop me from getting smarter every day. - And i think this fits best 😄 - Have a marvelous weekend, Will.
Cheers, Henning! I indeed still learn very day and what I learn I try to share (if I believe it's worth sharing, of course!)
As usual, thank you for watching and supporting the channel :)
*my gossip of yesterday
It's refreshing to see a channel using modern, fast paced UA-cam editing techniques without the obnoxious subtitles or shouting intro 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you, I am still adjusting the balance but I am glad we are getting there :)
Same
Agree.
Amen.
I didn't have carpel tunnel from using computers since Windows 3.1 as a kid in the 90s, born in 89, but inverted mouses look nicer, it feels good, and it's better for you. I've been using one for a year or so now. Hehe. Shalom.
Thanks for the tip, I will check them out!
Cool, turn off the internet, drinks and snacks at the ready, 4 hours later and the world disappears. This is my favorite tip.
Thanks!
1. Use shortcuts. 2. Use templates. 3. Keep samples organized. 4. Have a plan. Use constraints. Use reference tracks. Don't over-listen to your track. 5. Don't get distracted. 6. Create a process.
Cheers for the recap, Johnny
Gold advice! The breaking up sessions + avoid looping will be tough but I can see the benefit
Absolutely! I highly recommend doing both :)
A few years ago, I turned off ALL notifications on my computer. The difference it made was MASSIVE.
Great tip, I do this myself and the difference is indeed huge :)
For me now, the hardest part of music production is drawing a line under a track and telling myself, "OK it's finished". I have wasted a lot of time by tweaking parts of my mix that is not going to make any difference and is only delaying me finding it a home. I can for sure say that your guidnace has significanly helped me as a producer. Thanks, mate.
Cheers Ian! Yes, I know that struggle. Ultimately hard, externally imposed deadlines work best for me
big thoughts ! but we always return to the same distractions and end up wasting time, human nature haha
I need to try the reference track cause so far i build plenty of the drum and groove of my track XD but I need more reference :P to do the rest and actually finish it
Go for it, Ditcherwaker, finish that track!
@6:41 "Don´t forget to blink"
Hello Will.
I also know what it's like when you stare at the screen as if hypnotized and then your eyes get tired and burn the next day.
But there are still a few important things that tend to be overlooked.
The computer monitor should fit the workflow (not too small, but not too big either)
I also think that a 32:9 monitor is very good for working with a DAW.
And then something else for glasses wearers (and non-glass wearers)
Have your vision checked regularly by an optician.
DO NOT use progressive lenses when working on the DAW!
I have special work glasses that have a significantly larger field of vision at close range.
The glasses also have a special feature that I can recommend, which is also good for non-glass wearers and should be standard:
Glasses with a “blue filter”
This makes it possible to work significantly better and longer on the screen. And your eyes still feel better afterwards.
But regular breaks from the screen are also fundamentally important.
Nothing is more distracting when producing than fatigue, poor visibility and headaches ;)
Keep up the good work with your content. I love it.
greetings from Germany
Kurt
Great advice, Kurt, thank you for sharing!
Some great tips there Will. The trackball might help me. I get aches and pains.
Thanks, Gazza! Yeah, it takes some getting used to, but then it’s great
@@EDMTips Cheers for that!!
The arrangement idea is great, but while its a tried and tested method, don't you risk everything sounding the same?
Not really, as the variation comes mostly from the composition. Think about your favourite tracks ever, and I guarantee the structure is the same as dozens of others!
Would love to see a project template of what yo just mentioned in your videos
Great idea, Diego, perhaps I will share it in my future videos :)
In the meantime, thank you for watching and supporting the channel 🙌🏻
Did the trackball trick myself, pain gone.
Stoked to hear that! Trackball all they way :)
solid advice as always!🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks! 😎🙏
Hey Will! can you do a tutorial of how to make a track in the style of Shall Ocin (Upperground Label) ? i appreciate that . Cheers!
Thanks for the suggestion, I will add this to my list and let's see how many peolpe will vote for it! :)
@@EDMTips Thanks Will! 🫶
What great information! Been producing for 35 years and many of these tips I wish I knew before- I do have my own library of sounds but wondering where I can preview sounds quicker using logic audio pro X-I always went outside the DAW into my computer folders To listen, Big time waster!
Will, you are probably the last producer standing that is not caught up in this stupid paid promos. I dumped a lot of good channels because they all turned their priorities to paid proms vs. Providing solid tutorials. And i am with you forever, probably the first subscriber ever 😊
Thank you so much, Jack, I really appreciate the kind words of support!
I do tend away from promos, and only do them if I actually use the product and belive it's of high quality and can help others. Same goes for software and plugins :)
@@EDMTipsU are a legend Will
Will, great tips. I use a template with my hardware synths, but I think I made it too complicated. I will take your advice on this and keep it lean and mean.
For me the most challinging part is to be creative at the moment when I have time to produce in addition to family live, work and tiredness. When I waas young and still lived at my parents house I love to work on a track till late. Nowadays I'm glad to jump into my bed instead of producing. Not really a topic for a video, but it is reality 🙃.
It is indeed the reality for a lot of people! I say treat it like any other commitment - be strict to yourself, book time off in advance and don't accept any excuses.
I have a to do list, estimate is 10hrs to complete my production in time for friday release date. I'm watching this video as motivation. great stuff!
Love it!
Good point about the trackball. I had wrist pain when I first started using a mouse back in the 80s which went away after switching to a trackball. My sister had to have surgery for carpal tunnel though in her case she taught hearing-impaired children so it was all the repetitive hand signs that caused it for her.
Trackball is the way! And I am sorry to hear about your sister, hope she's better now.
These were great tips, thanks!
You’re welcome!
As someone who has taken up producing in the past year, and there being so much to learn, your channel has been such a positive force for my ongoing learning - it has had a huge impact towards my ability to continue making (hopefully improving) music.
Thank you so much for your hard work and amazing knowledge! :)
You’re very welcome! I’m glad I’ve been able to help!
Great tips. A DAW template using a carefully curated set of plug-ins (and removing the crap ones from loading) is huge.
I agree!
great channel. BG music was a tad loud and distracting for me made the whole delivery busy with no dynamics
Ok, thank you for the feedback!
I'm the same. Had to basically retrain myself to use my left hand completely. No mice anymore.
Trackball is the way forward 🙌🏻
For me vocals is the thing that slows me down, I don’t like using splice vocals so hiring singers is the killer
Once you find a good vocalist, hold on to them!
loving your tips and videos: i was wondering which keyboard (the piano ;-) you are using right now in this video
I have a link to it in the description of the video :)
I really hope I can stick to producing this time as your videos are the best I found so far and finally makes it accessible to me. You are great!
Thank you very much! Keep at it!
The reference track thing is the best tip here. Never thought of doing that but I think it will help!
100%! Give it a go and let us know how it works for you :)
Thank you sir.
Can you make a video on, how to keep the song interesting throughout the arrangement?
Or if there's already one on your channel. Let me know. Thank you.
I have several videos about that, so I recommend checking them out :)
Thanks for watching and supporting 🙂
Thank you sir.
Can you make a video on, how to keep the song interesting throughout the arrangement?
Or if there's already one on your channel. Let me know. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Great tips! Thank you
Really glad you enjoyed it! Any point in particular you found useful?
@@EDMTips honesty just about all them. But the ones about arranging sooner than later and having clear constraints!
Solid Will, thank you. Listening over and over is my Achilles.
You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful 🙌🏻
That’s the thing, it’s not about doing it faster and pumping out everything that comes into your head and publishing it.
That’s what’s wrong with music these days, mainstream is so guilty of it and their templated music.
In which case, ignore all these tips! (Or some of them, at least)
Great Vid, with good advices. Thanks Maestro :)
Thank you so much, glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Thank you for all your vids. Just wanted to see if you would think of Chase and Status at some point? Maybe. 👍
You're welcome, thanks as always for supporting the channel!
Maybe in the future, yes. What's your favourite song of theirs?
@@EDMTips Id say new album to keep it new and fresh. Being they just smashed it at the Brits. Im old enough to own and know there old old stuff. Any any any bruv lol. Legend thank you so much.
Legend!
Cheers, I really appreciate the kind words of support 🙏🏻
It was as succinct a description as I could find! Your tutorials are brilliant, unfortunately i’m a lazy bugger, i’m my own worse problem/procrastinating/distraction.
That said i’ve come to realise this so perhaps I can get on with developing myself a bit!? ❤
Finishing tracks feels so dirty. You have heard the track 1000 times at that point. Last 2 weeks I finished 3 tracks and honestly
I'm glad I was done with them and could move on 😂
Finishing tracks feels so dirty. - This should be a quote of some sort 😆
@@EDMTips Hahah totally agree!
Always inspiring, thanks for that will
You're very welcome, glad you found useful 🙂
I hesitate to turn on ableton sometimes because I know once I do I will lose 5 hours.
Lose or spend wisely? :)
i would love to produce without having to deal with Mac Sonoma issues lol
I have none :)
@@EDMTips software crashes. crash crash crash
Will your thumbnail says don’t loop and indicates a drum sample. I’ve watched the video and see you mean don’t get stuck playing your loop, but I’m curious about the thumbnail.
Do you really advise against looping your sample / midi / audio or whatever and dragging it out across the project? And if so why?
Thanks! 🙏
No, sorry if the thumbnail was confusing….i just meant what I said in the vid!
Now that you have learned to use a mouse with the left hand use a mouse with both hands.
I still find that a trackball is a better and less painful way to live :)
@@EDMTips Yes I understand. I was more so revering to your acquired ambidextrous Mouse/Trackball handling skills. You could successfully operate two trackballs simultaneously.
Came for the music tips, stayed for the humor, personality and the music tips.
Thank you so much, really appreciate the kind words of support! 🙂
Bro why i choose ableton live over than other daws pls ❤
Great question! I personally believe that DAW is a personal choice :) Choose whichever works best for YOU.
I need 4 months 😅😅😅
If this track takes you 4 months, the next one can take three....and so on! Keep on grinding, Jo!
@@EDMTips thank you
I can’t remember these commands and it totally ruins my workflow by creating constant errors too by not entering them correctly. I’ve tried forcing myself to use them but it doesn’t work for me. I basically hate typing. Too many interfaces really depends on this clunky method. A touch screen would be better but every one loves being a typewriter jockey so we will stay stuck using querty forever which totally pisses me off so I stick with the stupid mouse . Obviously this is all you do so and how you work too bad for the folks who hate this mess. 😖
Perhaps a cheatsheet that you can keep close to you will help?
@@EDMTips I think a better idea is for all these daw people to start investing more into AI so we can enjoy and Ai mix assistant which as far as teaching goes by watching it make choices to a track we create would eventually do two things 1) act as an instructor that by participating in your own productions will in a much more hands on way and by watching it mix a track we create. 2) help talented people who wouldn’t otherwise wise be able to release perfectly produced tracks mixed mastered and ready for release. The folks at several companies are already working on this as we speak. But for all the talk and advances that Ableton does they still require you to use a stupid typewriter and short cuts . How long do you think something created in the 1800s will go into the future with us ? Do you see Spock using a typewriter? Nope he simply “ speaks “ to it ! “ Computer “ do a spectral analysis and tell me the composition of this craft we are looking at .” Right ? Typewriters need to die ! ✌️👽🙏
@christoroppolo8742 geez man. Are you going to let the daw dominate you or are you going to dominate your daw? It seems you don't want to learn anything and don't love producing. Just saying it, specially when you say "typewriters need to die". Take your time and learn, don't let anything come to you by luck because you can be stuck forever it you just wait
@@MatheusBiele no I instead take my time and use Logic with a mouse on the computer. There is no iOS version of live probably because developers don’t want to pay to code a version that doesn’t work with the QWERTY. It’s not my fault a typewriter bound person codes everything too. So it’s stuck in that gear forever🫤
@christoroppolo8742 wait did you just say there's no live (ableton) for iOS? I'm confused
If you pull out a dinosaur on me again, we’re gonna have problems, mate. 😑
😂
Sounds like a threat 😬😂
@@EDMTips 😂