Music Production: What You Need to Know to Get Started

Thanks to the latest technology, music production is not as daunting as it used to be. In fact, most musicians today have a home studio where they produce music.

But what really is music production?

Well, this is a process where an artist or producer develops, creates, and refines recorded music before presenting it to the public. Simply put, a complete lifecycle a piece of music goes through before it gets to the masses.

That being said, these are what you need to know before you start producing music.

Ensure You Have a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

Without DAW, you will not be able (or, rather, find it hard) to record, master, mix, arrange, or edit your music. It is powerful software highly needed to produce music in the modern era. DAWs are divided into two; paid and free-to-use.

Learn Sound Design

When it comes to learning sound design, the learning process normally differs from one person to another. However, the vital concepts always remain the same. As an aspiring music producer, you will have to be well conversant with effects. You will also have to learn about Chorus, Reverb, and Saturators, among others.

Understand Mixing and Mastering Concepts

There is no better way to learn about mixing and mastering than to take the two concepts step by step. First, learn how to level your mix, and then learn EQ or Equalization. Under EQ, be sure to know how to deal with frequency charts and dynamics.

Learn Music Arrangement

There are two common ways to arrange music: Subtractive and additive. Subtractive arranging is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy. Additive arranging, on the other hand, may not be easier to pull off. Nevertheless, it offers a stunning way to make a super interesting and engaging arrangement.

Make Sure You Know About Files and Export Settings

When it comes to files and export settings, you need to focus on basic settings. These include bit depth, file type, and sample rate. If you are just getting started, we recommend that you go for 24-bit exports. With that said, ensure it is set up as required in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Learn How to Write and Compose Songs

Modern producers must understand the basics of song composition and writing. Before you produce a song, you need to ask yourself whether it has the right tones and effects. You should also check the song structure since it determines whether your song will be boring or not.

Summary

Before you start producing music, you need to have a DAW, learn sound design, understand mixing and mastering, and learn music arrangement, among others.