This year could be the year you release your best music ever. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been producing for years, staying focused on a few key principles can help you hit your goals. These five tips are based on lessons I wish someone had shared with me when I started producing music at 15 years old. Let’s dive in!
1. Collaborate!
Music isn’t a solo sport. Collaborating with other musicians, producers, and engineers can elevate your music to new heights. Working with others brings fresh ideas, improves your skills, and creates a network of support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people online or in your local scene—you’ll learn more than you ever could on your own.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re working remotely, services like Musiversal and SoundBetter make it easy to access world-class musicians and engineers. Get creative with your partnerships!
2. Use Frameworks & Formulas
Don’t reinvent the wheel every time you start a new track. Using tried-and-true frameworks and formulas for song structure, chord progressions, and melodies can save you time and help you focus on the emotional impact of your music.
Example: A classic pop structure might be: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. Start with a formula, then tweak it to fit your style.
Frameworks don’t stifle creativity—they give you a solid foundation to build something unique.
3. Editing/Arrangement Over Mixing
While mixing is important, the real magic happens during editing and arrangement. A well-arranged track can shine even with minimal mixing, but no amount of mixing will save a poorly arranged and edited song.
Focus on:
- Tightening up performances
- Cutting unnecessary elements
- Ensuring transitions flow smoothly
Great arrangement and editing make your music engaging and memorable.
4. Gear Isn’t Your Problem
It’s easy to blame your lack of progress on not having the latest gear. But the truth is, great music comes from great ideas, not expensive equipment. Most of today’s top producers started with basic setups and honed their skills over time.
Takeaway: Master the tools you have before upgrading. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with a minimal setup.
5. Music Isn’t Your Identity
This is a big one. While music is a passion, it doesn’t define your entire worth. Putting too much pressure on yourself can lead to burnout and creative blocks.
Remember:
- Your value isn’t tied to how many streams or likes you get.
- Taking breaks and finding balance in life will improve your creativity.
When you approach music with a healthy mindset, you’ll produce better work and enjoy the process more.
Final Thoughts
Producing and releasing your best music is within reach, even with limited resources. Focus on collaboration, using frameworks, and prioritizing editing over gear. Most importantly, keep a healthy perspective on your music journey.
This year can be the one where you achieve your music goals. Start today, stay consistent, and don’t let anything hold you back. The world is waiting to hear your sound!
