This might be the most insightful producing channel on UA-cam. One of the hardest things for me while writing Folk or Country style is trying to get my vocal mix to sound less poppy and this is super helpful. Thx mate.
Just heard the the Make Believe MBSI I use a ton in this video is actually coming out later today, probably around noon! So definitely check it out when it releases!
I love these tutorials. So helpful and concise. Thanks Austin for breaking everything down step by step and not leaving much out. It’s so helpful for a new producer who’s still piecing everything together to ride along through your workflow.
Happy to find a prod that record everyhing himself. Others here don't use real instruments to build this kind of production, just pick samples (that is ok if the song need that) but here we have an acoustic track where definitely need the organic playing from the beginning. Also write the lyrics or the main ideas for the song, 18:28
Great stuff. Thanks for making a pop country mix. I have Metric Halo stuff, so I'll add the MBS and I just added the Country Hitz using your link. Keep up the great work Austin!!
Really nice video. You have such a great ear. Good job on those lyrics too. The only thing that you might add is an 8th note tambo on the chorus. That’s always a pop county staple sound.
F rom nothing to full blown country pop track, but best of all you made it look so damn easy, if only... Keep up the good work, lot of good, sensible easy to understand learning coming from this
This is huge! Thank you! For years I have been struggling getting any sort of decent output on computer. I can play all of the instruments but when I don't have access to all of them I am struggling to get the guitars to sync and especially drums. Do I just need a better pack or is there some secret sauce I am missing? I am not even trying to do anything too complex. Just very basic licks to start from.
Hey Austin, Can you do one that has more lows and mid notes like Colter Wall (Sleeping on the blacktop) or Jamie N Commons (Lead me home)? I’m not sure where that style of guitar is supposed to sit in the mix with competing bass sounds or how to incorporate multiple guitars playing 8th/16th notes at the same time. Hope that makes sense. Love your channel!!!
Hey man ! Amazing video 😍😍 One question : I recorded my guitar twice and pan it on the left and the right, but I got some Phases issues, do you have some tips to avoid it ? Thanks a lot man, amazing video !!!
I record my chord progression once, then I do it on second time 😉. Then I quantize it a little bit, I am playing triplet. But when I put my correletion meter, I can constate than I am out of phase most of the time. When I zoom on the waveform I can see that I am in phase at some moment but some other time I am out of phase. Would you recommend some plugin to help ?
Dude I love your video, I got 2 questions : do you have a Guitar rig preset that is equivalent to the one you used from Neural DSP ? Do you share your Cubase session from your "How to Make" series on YT ? Congratulation again dude, very good job, I'm learning a lot from you.
I don't have a specific preset. Search for some of the country presets in Guitar Rig. AC Box, High White, and Tweedman would be good starts. I don't share the sessions from these videos because sometimes artists come along and want to use the song and they need to be able to retain the rights and masters (which gets complicated if thousands of people have the session files)
@@MakePopMusic Thanks a lot dude, yeah you're right I definitely understand. Last question : do you make some review with your community, do you have a discord server or something ? Thanks to you I'm making my own country song with my own guitar recorded and stuff. It could be good to get some feedback on it. I got stuck on my pre-chorus but I finally found something. It could be good to get some personalize tips, if you do that. But anyway, thanks again for your work man.
This is just ridiculous dude! That silent part right before the chorus where you go "they take me back to" actually gave me chills! Insane to watch how fast you come up with the lyrics and melodies. From start to finish, how long would you say this whole session took? Was the 16 hours referencing the other song you did or this one?
The course is 16 hours because I’m working slower so I can explain, but I also track tonsss of vocals, mix live drums, do all my edits, track tons of elements for the song, mix it, master, etc. it’s literally EVERYTHING for the song. This is just make making a quick half day demo for a track. If I were going to finish it I’d put about 8 more hours into it.
@@MakePopMusic Gotcha! Thanks for clarifying. Honestly the fact that you can churn out this demo in less than 4 hours is a testament to your speed and expertise. Always high caliber too!
Summary of this video using AI: "How to Make a Modern Country Song: A Step-by-Step Guide" In recent years, country music has been taking over the mainstream music scene with artists like Post Malone, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, Kane Brown, and HARDY dominating the charts with their unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences. This fusion of genres has resulted in infectious hits that have won over fans of all musical backgrounds. And if you've ever wanted to create your own country song in this style, you're in luck! In this article, we'll break down the key elements and give you the step-by-step guide on how to make a modern country song that will have everyone tapping their feet and singing along. Step 1: Start with an Acoustic Guitar One of the signature sounds in modern country music is the use of acoustic guitars. So it's only fitting that we start our songwriting process here. Grab your acoustic guitar and strum some simple chord progressions to get started. Don't worry about lyrics or melody just yet - we'll get to that later. For now, focus on creating a catchy riff or chord progression as the foundation for your song. Step 2: Layer on Some Drums Next up, add some drums to your acoustic guitar track. To get that modern country sound, use one-shots from a country drum kit. These kits typically contain kicks, snares, and hats with a more pop or rock-inspired sound. Once you have your drum track down, add some room reverb to give your drums that full and natural sound. Step 3: Add Some Bass The bassline is what ties everything together in a song, and in modern country music, this element is often influenced by rock or pop. So instead of a traditional country bassline, experiment with using a deeper and heavy bassline that will groove along with your drums. Step 4: Incorporate Melodic Guitars To add some depth to your song, bring in some melodic guitars. These can either be electric or acoustic, depending on the feel you're going for. Experiment with incorporating slides and bends to create a unique sound that will make your song stand out. Step 5: Build Up to the Chorus A crucial element in any song is the pre-chorus - the part that builds anticipation before the big hook. In modern country songs, this is usually where the lyrics start to get more reflective and emotional. So use this as an opportunity to write some heartfelt lines that will draw listeners in and prepare them for the chorus. Step 6: Make Your Chorus Stand Out The chorus is the most memorable part of a song and where all the emotions are brought to the forefront. To make your chorus stand out, make use of all the elements you've introduced so far - the drums, bass, guitars, and vocals. Keep it simple and catchy, and don't be afraid to experiment with different melodies until you find one that hits just right. Step 7: Arrange Your Vocals Now it's time to add in your vocals. For modern country songs, use a mix of singing and rapping to give your track a unique edge. Play around with vocal melodies and harmonies until you find something that fits perfectly with your instrumental track. Step 8: Polish Up Your Mix Once you have all your elements in place, it's time to mix and master your song. Use EQ, compression, and other effects to make sure each instrument and vocal is sitting well in the mix. Pay special attention to balancing out the levels of each element to create a cohesive sound. Step 9: Final Touches Don't forget about the small yet significant details that can elevate your song from good to great. Add in some background vocals, extra guitar fills, or even a banjo to give your track that true country feel. These little touches can make all the difference in creating a memorable song. Congratulations! You've now successfully created your own modern country song in the style of some of the biggest names in the industry. But before you hit the studio or post your song online, here are some final tips to keep in mind: - Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles to find your unique sound. - Keep your lyrics relatable and honest - country music is all about storytelling. - Use modern production techniques to make your track stand out among traditional country songs. - Collaborate with other musicians to bring new ideas and perspectives to your song. - Always trust your instincts and have fun with the creative process. Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, it's time to create the next big country hit. So grab your guitar, gather some inspiration, and get ready to make some modern country magic!
I don't mean to cause any grief, but (if you use it. I don't know how your recording system processes), you may want to dial back the auto tune a bit. It's cutting in enough that it's noticeable. Maybe something like 5 to 10% reduction should allow it to just do what it needs without being super noticable. I do have to use auto tune frequently, but I don't apply anything over 15% as the snappy note recognition starts to cut through. I use just enough to keep me as close as I can to on key without having to endure the note snap. Sometimes letting your voice go slightly out of tune can add your own flair and signature. Consider your voice as your handwriting. No one can copy it, so enjoy the flairs and drawbacks your voice has. Overall, good job! You sound nearly identical to Rascal Flatts, even though that wasn't your intention. 😁
This was on 25 retune but the vocals for these videos are pretty quick and rushed so it probably just wasn’t full dialed in. For Pop I normally stay between 18-30 retune. Country id probably go more like 40 normally.
Excellent song and production and vocals and melody-vocals ! The only thing is that it's midheavy mix because of the electric guitars. Maybe another version with less crunchy electric guitars would free some mid space and let the mix breathe a little bit more. It's a matter of taste
hey, could you do a similar vid like this but with soundtrap? thanks! or Im all so looking for a producer cuz I'm wanting to get into making country music but if you could do this let me know!
I actually use multi kits a ton. I have the Mixwave stuff, SSD, superior, we even make multi kits for Make Pop Music. Sometimes I just need a superrrr fat one shot though and this was one of those instances.
putting the c*nt in c*ntry 🤠
I love how Austin just makes radio SMASHERS casually while doing tutorials
This might be the most insightful producing channel on UA-cam. One of the hardest things for me while writing Folk or Country style is trying to get my vocal mix to sound less poppy and this is super helpful. Thx mate.
this was perfect timing, the country band I drum for is starting to produce music, so this will help me so much in helping get our album/ep ready!!
unironically one of the best country tracks i've heard in a while, super catchy
Just heard the the Make Believe MBSI I use a ton in this video is actually coming out later today, probably around noon! So definitely check it out when it releases!
This video has come at the perfect time. Currently writing a lot of country, lots of rock blues elements. Thanks Austin
YEE HAW BABY!
Where can I find your music? I’ll be a fan
@brydon07 I really appreciate that but I'm currently not releasing music. I'm writing songs for other artists
@@Sam-cs3mi who r u writing this song for? A big name?
I love the way u breakdown every single nuances in detail.. Just saw ur video and am on my way to make 2 new songs now.. man this is literally crazy..
Bro. This a smash hit. Like you really need to put this out. 🔥🔥🔥🔥. See you at the Grammys next year. SMASH HIT
Yeeeah! Finally a Post Malone one bro. I have been waiting for this. Thanks!😊
I love how you just winged this and came up with something that beats 70% of what's on the charts. You made it look so ez!
I love these tutorials. So helpful and concise. Thanks Austin for breaking everything down step by step and not leaving much out. It’s so helpful for a new producer who’s still piecing everything together to ride along through your workflow.
You're so talented at writing melodies and vocals dude
Happy to find a prod that record everyhing himself. Others here don't use real instruments to build this kind of production, just pick samples (that is ok if the song need that) but here we have an acoustic track where definitely need the organic playing from the beginning. Also write the lyrics or the main ideas for the song, 18:28
That intro guitar is basically “I Had Some Help” transposed to A Major haha still a great video.
I’ve legit heard that song once hahaha I thought my riff sounded familiar but it’s basically just a simple arpeggio
@@MakePopMusic it sounds great regardless.
Your videos are so insightful! You both inspire me and make me want to quit at the same time. Great job, man! 🙌
Man I’m so impressed with your work , your composition and your singing.. so wish I could sing like that.. super cool stuff.
HOW TF is this channel not at millions of subscribers!?
this is pure gold!
Best YT Channel, love your videos. Your how to make... videos are awesome
Wow! That was amazing. It sounds like a full, radio ready production in just a few minutes.
god damn i don’t even like country but this is so catchy. incredible
Bro you're a literal genius! Do you do production for people by any chance? This was fire!
Yeah! I’m a full time producer and songwriter! The UA-cam channel and Make Pop Music are a side quest for me 😂
While we're branching out, I would LOVE to hear you do a breakdown of making a Lord Huron style song!
Bro I knew you were gonna say that was the Nathan Chapman lapsteel splice samples. I’ve used those a ton as well. Soooo good 🔥
Fantastic song and tutorial man 👍🏼 I would love to see more drum programming tutorials using the Mix Wave products 🥁
Dude this song is so sick, I’d love to hear a finished full song!
That song is legit FIRE bro!
I love this video. So inspiring bro. This song's gonna be stuck in my head all day.
Such a great video. You know your stuff. Really helpful and insightful for non music producer musos
Great stuff. Thanks for making a pop country mix. I have Metric Halo stuff, so I'll add the MBS and I just added the Country Hitz using your link. Keep up the great work Austin!!
This song slaps too, dude. New sub here. Thanks for the vibes, wisdom and knowledge
Appreciate you!!
been waiting YEARS for this one! 🤘🏼
Thank you, I'm stoked 🔥
Really nice video. You have such a great ear. Good job on those lyrics too. The only thing that you might add is an 8th note tambo on the chorus. That’s always a pop county staple sound.
F rom nothing to full blown country pop track, but best of all you made it look so damn easy, if only...
Keep up the good work, lot of good, sensible easy to understand learning coming from this
Great Video! Would love to see a Foo Fighters/Green Day one!
Reference alcohol. Check. Reference a pickup truck. Check. Reminisce about the good ol' days. Check. This is a certified country classic
Really great lesson, can't wait to get home, and work through this myself.
you killed those vocals you should release this one🔥🔥🔥
Great video man, so good! Now I want a Lauten Audio Eden!
This is incredible!
ive been craving this tutorial for a long timeee, thanksss
Banger bud. Great tut as always.
You did well recreating “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Almost identical.
Not really lmao
@@weatherboy4647 It is really similar
Yeah the acoustic part is barely different. Harmonic & melodic rhythm is exactly the same.
wow thank you o much for this video there aren't many UA-cam channels I care so much about Every video or even watch them twice in 2 days
this one is amazing please make this whole and release this!!!:)
Need the full track!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
This is huge! Thank you!
For years I have been struggling getting any sort of decent output on computer. I can play all of the instruments but when I don't have access to all of them I am struggling to get the guitars to sync and especially drums. Do I just need a better pack or is there some secret sauce I am missing? I am not even trying to do anything too complex. Just very basic licks to start from.
Nice! Great job. Sounds really good.
Cool ! You should finish the track and make a soundcloud or something you also need one of those country hats for your album cover. 🤠
Hey Austin, Can you do one that has more lows and mid notes like Colter Wall (Sleeping on the blacktop) or Jamie N Commons (Lead me home)? I’m not sure where that style of guitar is supposed to sit in the mix with competing bass sounds or how to incorporate multiple guitars playing 8th/16th notes at the same time. Hope that makes sense. Love your channel!!!
That's just an acoustic guitar pretty forward in the mix. Bass is just supplementing low end. Just a levels thing
This is amazing!
Holy Ghost! ❤️🔥🙌🏼
This is like a mix of "Last Night" & "I Had Some Help" By Morgan! Cool.
How about a song like Lawrence? You are the 🐐
Hey your vocals are so good
Have been making some beats but tired of making good vocals
How did u record your vocals?
Incredible beat! Very nice!
Awesome. Was really looking for something like this.
Can you please make another video on how to make a song like The Weeknd, maybe one on Less than Zero
Would love to hear a finished version of this
Great music to learn by! Thank you.
If you want something less rocky, the Pridgen kit from MixWave is 🔥
You sounds like MJ when you were drafting the melodies, INSANE!!
Can you do a Willie Nelson/Roger Miller/Merle Haggard type mix next?
Can you make a video of vintage jazz
Thanks for this. I’m sharing with my song writing friend.
Spread the love!
I feel like guitar rig is great when you don’t want the guitar as the focus. Neural stuff works in the opposite way.
Austin, how much time did you spend on this song to be done? 23:18
This sounds so good
bro this song is fire
Hey man ! Amazing video 😍😍
One question : I recorded my guitar twice and pan it on the left and the right, but I got some Phases issues, do you have some tips to avoid it ?
Thanks a lot man, amazing video !!!
They might be too similar. Are they edited at all?
I record my chord progression once, then I do it on second time 😉.
Then I quantize it a little bit, I am playing triplet.
But when I put my correletion meter, I can constate than I am out of phase most of the time. When I zoom on the waveform I can see that I am in phase at some moment but some other time I am out of phase.
Would you recommend some plugin to help ?
Dude I love your video, I got 2 questions : do you have a Guitar rig preset that is equivalent to the one you used from Neural DSP ?
Do you share your Cubase session from your "How to Make" series on YT ?
Congratulation again dude, very good job, I'm learning a lot from you.
I don't have a specific preset. Search for some of the country presets in Guitar Rig. AC Box, High White, and Tweedman would be good starts.
I don't share the sessions from these videos because sometimes artists come along and want to use the song and they need to be able to retain the rights and masters (which gets complicated if thousands of people have the session files)
@@MakePopMusic Thanks a lot dude,
yeah you're right I definitely understand.
Last question : do you make some review with your community, do you have a discord server or something ?
Thanks to you I'm making my own country song with my own guitar recorded and stuff. It could be good to get some feedback on it.
I got stuck on my pre-chorus but I finally found something. It could be good to get some personalize tips, if you do that.
But anyway, thanks again for your work man.
Dude we should put out a country EP ;)
This is just ridiculous dude! That silent part right before the chorus where you go "they take me back to" actually gave me chills! Insane to watch how fast you come up with the lyrics and melodies. From start to finish, how long would you say this whole session took? Was the 16 hours referencing the other song you did or this one?
Thank you! This song was about 3 and a half hours all in
The course is 16 hours because I’m working slower so I can explain, but I also track tonsss of vocals, mix live drums, do all my edits, track tons of elements for the song, mix it, master, etc. it’s literally EVERYTHING for the song. This is just make making a quick half day demo for a track. If I were going to finish it I’d put about 8 more hours into it.
@@MakePopMusic Gotcha! Thanks for clarifying. Honestly the fact that you can churn out this demo in less than 4 hours is a testament to your speed and expertise. Always high caliber too!
Summary of this video using AI:
"How to Make a Modern Country Song: A Step-by-Step Guide"
In recent years, country music has been taking over the mainstream music scene with artists like Post Malone, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, Kane Brown, and HARDY dominating the charts with their unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences. This fusion of genres has resulted in infectious hits that have won over fans of all musical backgrounds. And if you've ever wanted to create your own country song in this style, you're in luck! In this article, we'll break down the key elements and give you the step-by-step guide on how to make a modern country song that will have everyone tapping their feet and singing along.
Step 1: Start with an Acoustic Guitar
One of the signature sounds in modern country music is the use of acoustic guitars. So it's only fitting that we start our songwriting process here. Grab your acoustic guitar and strum some simple chord progressions to get started. Don't worry about lyrics or melody just yet - we'll get to that later. For now, focus on creating a catchy riff or chord progression as the foundation for your song.
Step 2: Layer on Some Drums
Next up, add some drums to your acoustic guitar track. To get that modern country sound, use one-shots from a country drum kit. These kits typically contain kicks, snares, and hats with a more pop or rock-inspired sound. Once you have your drum track down, add some room reverb to give your drums that full and natural sound.
Step 3: Add Some Bass
The bassline is what ties everything together in a song, and in modern country music, this element is often influenced by rock or pop. So instead of a traditional country bassline, experiment with using a deeper and heavy bassline that will groove along with your drums.
Step 4: Incorporate Melodic Guitars
To add some depth to your song, bring in some melodic guitars. These can either be electric or acoustic, depending on the feel you're going for. Experiment with incorporating slides and bends to create a unique sound that will make your song stand out.
Step 5: Build Up to the Chorus
A crucial element in any song is the pre-chorus - the part that builds anticipation before the big hook. In modern country songs, this is usually where the lyrics start to get more reflective and emotional. So use this as an opportunity to write some heartfelt lines that will draw listeners in and prepare them for the chorus.
Step 6: Make Your Chorus Stand Out
The chorus is the most memorable part of a song and where all the emotions are brought to the forefront. To make your chorus stand out, make use of all the elements you've introduced so far - the drums, bass, guitars, and vocals. Keep it simple and catchy, and don't be afraid to experiment with different melodies until you find one that hits just right.
Step 7: Arrange Your Vocals
Now it's time to add in your vocals. For modern country songs, use a mix of singing and rapping to give your track a unique edge. Play around with vocal melodies and harmonies until you find something that fits perfectly with your instrumental track.
Step 8: Polish Up Your Mix
Once you have all your elements in place, it's time to mix and master your song. Use EQ, compression, and other effects to make sure each instrument and vocal is sitting well in the mix. Pay special attention to balancing out the levels of each element to create a cohesive sound.
Step 9: Final Touches
Don't forget about the small yet significant details that can elevate your song from good to great. Add in some background vocals, extra guitar fills, or even a banjo to give your track that true country feel. These little touches can make all the difference in creating a memorable song.
Congratulations! You've now successfully created your own modern country song in the style of some of the biggest names in the industry. But before you hit the studio or post your song online, here are some final tips to keep in mind:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles to find your unique sound.
- Keep your lyrics relatable and honest - country music is all about storytelling.
- Use modern production techniques to make your track stand out among traditional country songs.
- Collaborate with other musicians to bring new ideas and perspectives to your song.
- Always trust your instincts and have fun with the creative process.
Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, it's time to create the next big country hit. So grab your guitar, gather some inspiration, and get ready to make some modern country magic!
I don't mean to cause any grief, but (if you use it. I don't know how your recording system processes), you may want to dial back the auto tune a bit. It's cutting in enough that it's noticeable. Maybe something like 5 to 10% reduction should allow it to just do what it needs without being super noticable. I do have to use auto tune frequently, but I don't apply anything over 15% as the snappy note recognition starts to cut through. I use just enough to keep me as close as I can to on key without having to endure the note snap. Sometimes letting your voice go slightly out of tune can add your own flair and signature. Consider your voice as your handwriting. No one can copy it, so enjoy the flairs and drawbacks your voice has.
Overall, good job! You sound nearly identical to Rascal Flatts, even though that wasn't your intention. 😁
This was on 25 retune but the vocals for these videos are pretty quick and rushed so it probably just wasn’t full dialed in. For Pop I normally stay between 18-30 retune. Country id probably go more like 40 normally.
Gotcha! I don't sing often myself, so take my ideas for a grain of salt if you'd like.
Guess I'll pivot to country then 😭
That's what I'm trying to do
Great vedio ❤
So dope 🫡
Excellent song and production and vocals and melody-vocals ! The only thing is that it's midheavy mix because of the electric guitars. Maybe another version with less crunchy electric guitars would free some mid space and let the mix breathe a little bit more. It's a matter of taste
Honestly I thought the same and then I referenced and EVRRY country track was even significantly more mid heavy than this one. I was shocked lol
Avicii's Wake Me Up & Hey Brother are a good example of Country Pop.
Not in 2024
those song’s aren’t country pop music. both those songs are part of dance-pop
@@Jaxon_Knight13 bruh go search what genre is wmu and hey brother comes in. Those are considered in folktronica and country pop or house
hey, could you do a similar vid like this but with soundtrap? thanks! or Im all so looking for a producer cuz I'm wanting to get into making country music but if you could do this let me know!
@makepopmusic where did you get the lamp lighting up the juno behind you? looks awesome
It’s actually a clamp LED light that people use for their computers normally. I clamped it to my synth stand so it can be a work light!
Full version?
Hey! Austin can I buy this production❤
I notice you tend to use one shots a lot when there are so many multi-velocity drums out there. Is there any reason for that?
I actually use multi kits a ton. I have the Mixwave stuff, SSD, superior, we even make multi kits for Make Pop Music.
Sometimes I just need a superrrr fat one shot though and this was one of those instances.
Is there a way to make a sound with out knowing a how to play anything
“That’s pretty much it, so…”.
Writes one of the catchiest country songs ever. Nbd.
How to make slide guitar? thus really awesome
I got the ls208. Would you recommend me getting a newton channel or a 511 with 535 seperate in a 500 rack?
the newton has been my go-to but I haven't run the 208 through the 511 or 535
@@MakePopMusic I'll go for the Newton then
Im boutta start doing covers I can’t think of lyics to save my life
Wow bro u so good
Awesome as usual
I'm just trying to figure out what watch you're wearing..
Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 😁
It'd be awesome if you share the stems!
I can't until I see if this song ends up going to an artist.
Nice tutorial
Thanks!
how did you get this blues fuzz preset?
You're a beast... whew!
FL Studio or Reaper?
Only been asking for YEARS, haha
Sensei!