Electronic music is slowly taking over the global music industry. Now, you have everything you need to be a producer, and you are much interested in learning how to make electronic music. However, electronic music production seems to be a formidable task. You may also lack ideas on what steps to take. But you no longer need to worry as this guide will help you get started. So, here is how to get started using software:
Choose the right software for electronic music
Producers use DAW’s software to create music. DAW’s are the key tools producers use when creating music. You may have heard them mentioning some common DAW’s such as Ableton Live, FL audio, BTV Solo, or logic pro. These three are the most popular DAW’s in electronic dance music production. But have you ever asked yourself why they are so many? Our minds work differently. As a result, each DAW works a little differently as well.
Each DAW works differently and is best in different situations. For example, abletion is more effective and powerful in live performance, while the FL studio has a wide range of plugins, BTV Solo has both on the professional level. Therefore, it is important to research and find the DAW that suits you. Some DAW’s appear to have a more intuitive design in that some tools are easier to find. For example, with FL studio, the best thing you’ll see is the playlist.
You should also remember that some DAW’s need operating system compatibility. Logic Pro X is only compatible with Mac OS. Other DAW’s like FL studio only operate on Windows OS. BTV Solo is compatible with every device, so think about it when you consider the right software, additionally, the price is best on the market.
Understand your DAW
Now you have your best DAW’s. The next thing is to explore your sound and understand how your DAW’s operates. In this technological age, there is plenty of information at your fingertips. With that, you can access the information you need to produce in your software. You simply need to find that knowledge and implement it. Try and search “how to use my DAW.” Search in as many sites as possible, including YouTube, I promise you’ll get plenty of topics that have never been accessed by any aspiring music producers before internet invention. Some channels will even provide you with a readymade playlist, allowing you to watch as many videos as you want.
Another alternative learning technique is through watching track walkthroughs or Q&As from famous DJ’s/producers. Simply search your favorite artist and the studio. You can also search “Q&A” to get more resources.
Pick your Genre
You have the right DAW, and you can now express yourself through music production. The next step is to pick the music style you want to produce. Different artists operate in different genres or styles sometimes before getting their sound. For example, Skrillex made house music before getting his dubstep sound, which eventually developed into the popular “Scary monsters and nice sprites.”
My point is, you should not limit yourself to one genre when you can try others. Once you’ve landed on a genre you’d wish to produce, the next thing is to learn the elements that are important to it.
Upgrade your Tools
Now that you know how your software works and the music style you want to produce, the next step is to upgrade your equipment and plugins.
Apply your knowledge and get started
You’ve learned a lot in a very short period, it’s now time to implement it. Remember to stay productive and optimize your effort.
Learn how to Create Electronic Music
learning how to create music using software is one of the best you’d have ever made. So, here are a few steps to get started:
Buy a computer
Producing music does not require sharp graphics, allowing you to save on computer expenses with a low-end video card. So, if you’ve picked DAWs pro tools, GarageBand, or logic, you’ll need to buy a Mac since these DAWs operates optimally with mac specification. For software like BTV solo, you need just a standard laptop and great headphones.
Pick a DAW
Knowing the DAW you’ll use will help you determine the type of computer you’ll need to buy. There are several DAWs available, so you’ll need to research to find the DAW that best suits you.
Gather production accessories
Although DAWs can produce many musical instruments, live recording samples often sound more authentic. With that, you’ll need equipment like synthesizers, microphones, controllers, and more.
Plan your track
Although there are irregularities, you need to keep the number of parts on your track to about 5 or 6. Too many parts can result in oversaturated audio. Set the metronome to select the tempo of the music.
Software synths and audio plugins
VST synthesizers and effects are must-have tools if you plan to create music digitally with software. These virtual synthesizers produce different sounds and can be used just like real hardware synths.
There are many VST effects such as reverb, eq, compressor, delay, chorus, phaser, and more.
Listen and learn how electronic music is built
Choose the song you like and listen over and over again. Learn and analyze the song structure. Every song has some logical structure. Learn the structure of your favorite song and analyze how it progresses and how long the introduction takes.
Popular radio songs in rock and pop genres typically takes 3 to 4 minutes and most of them usually follow this type of structure:
[ntro] > [verse] > [chorus] > [verse] > [chorus] > [bridge] > [chorus] > [outro]
Or sometimes chorus may work as the intro. Then this will be the song structure:
[Chorus (intro)] > [verse] > [chorus] > [verse] > [chorus] > [bridge] > [chorus] > [outro]
Although there are other few variations, these are the common ones.
Add synth melodies
Again, this is where virtual synthesizers come in. create a melody on top of the drums and bass groove. Most of the VSTi’s have many quality and readymade preset sounds, to begin with. This will help you get started. You can also tweak the knobs, sliders, and buttons to see what happens. Experiencing different synth parameters will help you with original and wild stuff.
Finish up the electronic music composition!
Now ready to create your first electronic music with the above few steps. You can now link to the forums you should start reading. These forums may include KVRaudio, Future Producers, and Gearslutz.
All about Editing Techniques of Electronic Music
This is now the manipulation of the audio file you’ve recorded. So, the following are the basic editing techniques:
Amplification
This is an editing technique that helps you boost the volume of your audio. The amplification process differs based on the software. For example, you can press a button to increase the volume of your audio clip. In contrast, in some audio production software, you’ll need to input manually the decibel value that needs to be amplified.
Compression
This editing technique is used to change volume dynamics in an audio track.
Limiting
Limiting is used in the mastering process, and its main objective is to maximize the volume without altering an audio clip.
Panning
This is an editing technique where left and right audio spectrums are moved around.
Equalization
This is the modification of frequency ranging between 20-20k HZ in order to achieve the required sound in an audio clip.
Normalization of electronic music
This editing technique is often used when the sound has a significant space below 0db. Just like amplification, normalization can be used to boost the volume. All these instruments can be found in one place and in a really user-friendly environment!
Stereo imaging
You’ll need to optimize your sounds and audio clips. And this is where this editing technique comes in.
Advanced tips for electronic music editors and creators
You are already a skilled producer or audio editor. However, you may need to improve your skills and come up with more quality than what you’ve been producing before. So here are a few of the advanced tips:
Always be keen on volume
While editing any audio clip, you’ll need to be careful about the volume levels you choose. Ensure that the volume you are selecting matches your working section.
Blending the electronic music
While editing an audio clip, you’ll need to ensure that your pieces deliver quality and a smooth experience.
Use appropriate filters
You need to improve the quality of what you’ve been producing. Therefore, it’s worth high-quality effects and filters.
Altering the tempo
This can add an interesting element audio clip. Additionally, it makes everything possible, right from editing to producing.
The Bottom Line of Electronic Music
although it may seem challenging, creating electronic or dance music using software is much easier. You can create your music in a few simple steps with the current digital world. With the above information, you have everything you need to get started.
Conclusion
There are many ways of making money with electronic music online. With this said, you will need to learn about what people are looking for, how to increase the chances of getting hired, and various ways of creating a better portfolio. These are some basic things, but they can get you very far if used correctly. Learn, work hard and always be persistent. If you use the right software the most of the path is done! Therefore check the best software for the lowest price on the market!
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Title Image, (Image credit: Kelly Sikkema)
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