3 answers
Javier
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
247 views
How difficult is it to produce a song ?
how difficult is it, and how do u learn and improve about how to make music
3 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Musician
60
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hi Javier, I'll try to explain production, or at least in my process, and that will hopefully show how difficult it is. I started playing piano at age 4 and started singing at age 7. I started writing poetry which was the start of songwriting for me in 7th grade and started production in my sophomore year of high school. I use all these skills in my production process because production and songwriting go hand in hand in my music (most of the time at least). By using these skills I need to use basic music theory- chord structure, melody writing, harmony on vocals, counterpoint (sometimes), rhythm, meter, keys, and how to structure a piece. This was for the beat. Now that the beat is done, you want it to sound good- this involves knowledge in EQ, Compression and other plugins. You can also find plugins that do specific things to the audio- though once you practice with them and know how they work this becomes second nature. Now that the beat is mixed and lyrics are written you want to record. You will want basic knowledge is latency, inputs/ outputs, channel routing, and vocal production. After all that you will have a finished, polished track.
I realize that there are a lot of steps, I was definitely not good at ANY of them when I started putting everything together. It will take time to learn this stuff and takes even longer to master, and even after knowing what to do, each song is different and therefore may need different techniques. I think anyone can do it, it's mainly about the amount of time you put into it. Don't just start something and stop because you don't like it anymore. Work on things in small increments of time and decide what you're going to work on. This will allow you to learn more if you focus on one thing.
I learned by listening to professional work and trying to recreate it. This is a good way to learn because you are't following something done on YouTube- you're doing it yourself. You need to pick one thing to work on at first before doing everything all at once. Take a music theory class and maybe lessons on an instrument if you haven't already. After that, start experimenting in Digital Audio Workstations and with audio interfaces. Once you get comfortable with that, learn how to mix what you made to make it sound even better- this will also be when you learn about good levels and how to keep the audio sounding crisp.
I realize that there are a lot of steps, I was definitely not good at ANY of them when I started putting everything together. It will take time to learn this stuff and takes even longer to master, and even after knowing what to do, each song is different and therefore may need different techniques. I think anyone can do it, it's mainly about the amount of time you put into it. Don't just start something and stop because you don't like it anymore. Work on things in small increments of time and decide what you're going to work on. This will allow you to learn more if you focus on one thing.
I learned by listening to professional work and trying to recreate it. This is a good way to learn because you are't following something done on YouTube- you're doing it yourself. You need to pick one thing to work on at first before doing everything all at once. Take a music theory class and maybe lessons on an instrument if you haven't already. After that, start experimenting in Digital Audio Workstations and with audio interfaces. Once you get comfortable with that, learn how to mix what you made to make it sound even better- this will also be when you learn about good levels and how to keep the audio sounding crisp.
Robert Watts
MusicProducer
3
Answers
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I found that producing a song is easy because I take the short steps to music composition. I take music as frequency that can effect the mind and the energy flow. I have written music for many 'T.V shows and I have composed music for my myself as a EDM Artist, below are some short cuts I use to make intricate music composition easy.
Use chord progressions that have resonance with your subject matter.
Study past hits and what music keys they were composed in.
Make your melody from your chords.
Use Minor and Major chords to give tension and release in the music.
Reverse engineer a popular song, learn what it takes to move the emotion of the listner.
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Nur Hadirah Johari
1
Answer
Updated
Nur Hadirah’s Answer
Hey Javier!
As a beginner, you may find it more challenging to make a song than an experienced musician or producer. However, with practice and effort, even beginners may make stimulating and meaningful music. These are the challenges you may encounter:
1. Finding the Right Sounds: It may take some trial and error to choose the correct instruments, tones, and effects to get the ideal sound for a song.
2. Vocal Performance: It can be difficult to capture an engaging and passionate vocal performance if your music has vocals. To do this, the appropriate tone, pitch, and delivery must be used.
3. Problems with Collaboration: It might be difficult to coordinate with other musicians, singers, or producers, particularly if they are in various places. Scheduling and effective communication are important.
4. Time management: Writing a song takes a lot of work, and it can be difficult to set aside time for the creative process, particularly for people with hectic schedules.
It also depends on personal taste, cultural background, and individual in generating outstanding music. You can use these several criteria to reach that level:
1. Melody and Harmony: A piece of music can become more captivating and memorable by combining a powerful, enduring melody with skillfully written harmonies.
2. Rhythm and Groove: The capacity to move and make music danceable depends on having a strong rhythm and groove.
3. Lyrics (if applicable): A song's emotional impact and depth can be enhanced by thoughtful, well-written lyrics. But instrumental music may also be a very powerful tool for expressing feelings.
4. Arrangement and Structure: The listener is assisted in moving through the song by a well-structured arrangement that includes distinct sections (such as verses, choruses, and bridges).
5. Instrumentation and Sound Design: A composition's general tone and atmosphere can be significantly influenced by the selection of instruments as well as how they are combined and arranged.
All the best!
As a beginner, you may find it more challenging to make a song than an experienced musician or producer. However, with practice and effort, even beginners may make stimulating and meaningful music. These are the challenges you may encounter:
1. Finding the Right Sounds: It may take some trial and error to choose the correct instruments, tones, and effects to get the ideal sound for a song.
2. Vocal Performance: It can be difficult to capture an engaging and passionate vocal performance if your music has vocals. To do this, the appropriate tone, pitch, and delivery must be used.
3. Problems with Collaboration: It might be difficult to coordinate with other musicians, singers, or producers, particularly if they are in various places. Scheduling and effective communication are important.
4. Time management: Writing a song takes a lot of work, and it can be difficult to set aside time for the creative process, particularly for people with hectic schedules.
It also depends on personal taste, cultural background, and individual in generating outstanding music. You can use these several criteria to reach that level:
1. Melody and Harmony: A piece of music can become more captivating and memorable by combining a powerful, enduring melody with skillfully written harmonies.
2. Rhythm and Groove: The capacity to move and make music danceable depends on having a strong rhythm and groove.
3. Lyrics (if applicable): A song's emotional impact and depth can be enhanced by thoughtful, well-written lyrics. But instrumental music may also be a very powerful tool for expressing feelings.
4. Arrangement and Structure: The listener is assisted in moving through the song by a well-structured arrangement that includes distinct sections (such as verses, choruses, and bridges).
5. Instrumentation and Sound Design: A composition's general tone and atmosphere can be significantly influenced by the selection of instruments as well as how they are combined and arranged.
All the best!
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