Music production might seem simple at first glance—just open a program, start clicking, and voilà! But the reality is far more complex. It’s a journey of endless learning, combining technical skills with creativity, perseverance, and an almost obsessive dedication. For anyone looking to dive deeper into this world, here’s an honest breakdown of the stages, challenges, and mindset needed to truly master music production.
Music Production: A Complicated Hybrid Profession
When I first started, I thought that learning how to use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) would be enough to create great tracks. I was wrong. Music production is not just about knowing the software; it’s a hybrid profession that demands expertise in multiple disciplines. From sound design and melody writing to mixing, arranging, and even marketing—you need to wear many hats, especially in the beginning.
The process of making music is divided into several stages. Each stage requires its own unique skill set and focus, and skipping or rushing through any one of them can lead to underwhelming results. Developing an awareness of these stages and focusing on them individually is crucial for success.
Mastering the Basics
To start, you need to build a solid foundation. This includes:
Understanding audio and MIDI files.
Learning how to use return channels, FX, and group channels.
Gaining a working knowledge of your DAW.
Without these basics, it’s impossible to achieve your goals. Once you’ve mastered your tools, the next step is learning how to synthesize sounds, write melodies, and arrange them into cohesive tracks. This process isn’t just about creativity—it’s a technical skillset that must be developed over time.
The Journey to Mastery
They say it takes five years to master any craft, but music production doesn’t follow that timeline. I’ve been extremely dedicated, spending countless hours honing my skills, yet it took me 18 years to feel like I had finally “closed the circle” of knowledge. For years, my understanding felt scattered—like puzzle pieces that didn’t quite fit together.
Around 4-5 years ago, everything began to make sense. I realized that even if you have 98% of the knowledge, the missing 2% can leave the entire process incomplete. Without closing the circle, you’re left relying on luck and persistence rather than achieving consistent, intentional results.
Once the circle is closed, everything becomes clear. But reaching that point is a long, challenging path. This is why I started creating educational content—to help others navigate this journey more efficiently than I did.
The Importance of Focus
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of focusing on each stage of the process. For example, when you’re arranging a track, don’t interrupt the flow by mixing or creating new sounds. Give your full attention to the task at hand and follow the track’s flow. This focused approach leads to better results.
You can practice this by creating a plan for your track. Start by stepping into the role of a producer—not just an executor, but a director with a clear vision. Write down the concept of the track you want to create. For instance, if you want to make a dark, hypnotic track, describe the mood, energy, and elements you envision.
Planning and Execution
Once you have a plan, you can begin collecting elements. This includes creating a beat, choosing the right kick and bass, and researching scales that fit the mood of your track. With these foundational pieces, you move into the writing stage, where you combine music theory with your personal creativity.
Sound design plays a crucial role here. For example, if you’re crafting a spooky melody, you might detune certain sounds or apply an LFO to the pitch to exaggerate the emotion. This deliberate approach ensures that every element aligns with the track’s mood.
Without a plan, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using your “best-sounding” kick and bass, even if they don’t match the track’s emotion. This is a common issue in the psytrance scene, where many producers rely on similar kicks and basslines, limiting the emotional range of their tracks.
Arrangement and Storytelling
After collecting your ideas, spend a few days jamming and refining them. For a hypnotic track, for example, you might avoid too many breaks to maintain a consistent flow. The arrangement stage is where your choices can set you apart as an artist. By developing a sense of storytelling, you’ll create tracks that stand out.
This stage also involves composition—controlling the track’s energy, ensuring smooth transitions, and crafting a cohesive narrative.
Reviewing and Refining
Once the arrangement is complete, it’s time to refine the track. At every stage, the producer (you) must review decisions to ensure they align with the original vision. The producer’s role is irreplaceable. While you can outsource tasks like mixing or sound design, the creative direction is uniquely yours.
Beyond the Studio
Success in music production requires more than technical skills. You need management and marketing knowledge to gain attention for your work. Additionally, having the right mindset and studio setup is essential for achieving your full potential.
Join E-Cademy
These are the stages and strategies that have shaped my journey as a music producer. If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, I’m launching E-Cademy—a 3-month training program for a limited group of participants. Running from March 11th to the end of May, this program is designed to help you close your own circle of knowledge.
For more information, visit eclipmusic.com/e-cademy. Let’s take this journey together and unlock your full potential as a music producer!
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