Creating music is like sculpting a piece of art. It’s not just hitting the record button; it’s a process. Here’s how I, step-by-step, breathe life into my musical ideas.
01
Planning
Great tracks don’t pop out of thin air. I constantly jot down ideas in my notebook. I sketch song structures and write lyrics. I’ll create a rough demo. Pre-production is my blueprint. It’s the roadmap for where I’m headed in the studio. This stage often entails rehearsal time too, where I’m ironing out kinks and refining my vision.
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02
Tracking
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. In the studio, I lay down the backbone of the record first. This usually means drums, bass, rhythm guitars, and sometimes piano. I then progress to vocals (starting with lead, then harmonies), followed by any other melody instrument, such as lead guitar. I’m aiming for the best performance possible at this stage.
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03
Editing
It’s clean-up time. Sometimes, in the heat of recording, there are slip-ups. A note out of time or a click that shouldn’t be there. I go through the takes and polish them. Comping is the process of selecting the best runs of a given track. I also use this stage to erase any unwanted noise or frequencies. Editing helps to make sure each track is tight and clean.
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04
Mixing
During mixing, we balance and enhance the elements of the recording as a whole (unlike editing, which is track-by-track). It’s like cooking, where each ingredient should be in just the right amount. I make sure that all essential elements can be heard, and the track feels cohesive. It’s also where I add effects to give the song depth and space.
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05
Mastering
Mastering is like adding a final coat of polish. It ensures that my track sounds great, whether it’s played on a massive sound system or tiny earbuds. I ensure that volumes are consistent and give it that final “sheen.” Don’t confuse mastering with mixing. Each is distinct and incredibly important. Also, I find it very difficult to master in my home studio. It’s the one part of the process I will forever outsource.
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06
Distribution
Now, my track is ready to fly. But how does it get to listeners? I export the final version and distribute it to music platforms. Spotify, Apple, Amazon, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp – among many others. I use the distribution services provided by TuneCore, which provides me with everything I need. This step is also where I engage with my audience, sharing my creation and hoping they connect with it.
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The Wrap
And there you have it. My journey from concept to creation. Music production is both an art and a science; each step is crucial. Seeing (or hearing) your ideas come to life is beautiful.
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