It’s very easy to go around in circles when it comes to Music Production. You can quite easily spend hours in the studio and come away from the session having not really achieved much.
Here are our 5 top tips from Toolroom HQ on how to make sure your studio time is efficient and worthwhile…
This is imperative when producing as it will help you to avoid ear fatigue and creative burn out. There is only a certain amount of time you can work before these things begin to filter in. Taking yourself out of the studio environment will help you to come back with a fresh and focussed mind. This could be going for a quick walk or getting some refreshments from the kitchen.
What is it you’re looking to achieve in your session? Write it down before you begin.
Once you have identified what needs doing, prioritize them by importance and urgency. Make sure you refer back to the list throughout the session to avoid going off track.
If you have studied with us previously, you will know how much we swear by using references in your project. It’s a big part of how we work on our interactive courses.
Pick out a couple of records that are of a similar ‘vibe’ to what you are looking to make. These can be super helpful when you find yourself getting stuck because if you ever get stuck, you can use the references to see how other artists have tackled the problems you are encountering.
We’ve all done it, where you go to just ‘check’ your phone and before you know it you have wasted 2 hours in a social media rabbit hole without even moving from your sofa!
It’s so important to not let this happen when you’re trying to produce. We recommend putting your phone out of reach or turning it off so you can really focus on the tasks at hand without your attention being taken away from them.
Keeping your sample library lean is one of the best bits of advice you can receive as producers. This is a tip often mentioned when we ask Toolroom Artists for advice. Ellis Moss and Tony Romera are advocates of this to name a few.
We don’t want to be looking through 100’s of samples when we need a clap for our record.
Keep your collection small, only containing sounds you actually use and that fit the style of music you’re trying to make.
A top tip is to create a ‘favourites’ folder. Save any samples you find yourself using frequently in it so you then have easy access to them when you next need them.
At Toolroom, we understand that every producer encounters roadblocks along the way. That’s why we’ve designed a diverse range of interactive programs tailored to suit all levels of production abilities.
Whether you’re just starting out or have a bit more experience under your belt, we believe that embracing a fresh approach to production can make a world of difference. Our courses are specifically designed to provide you with the inspiration, techniques, and knowledge needed to break through creative barriers and elevate your music to new heights.
