13 Production Tips To Get You Started

Okay, maybe you’re not ready to go full-throttle down the education highway. In that case, here are 13 tips to get you started today:

1. Stay persistent

No one was born amazing at what they do — the biggest Music Producers today had to earn it with hard work and an openness to learn.

2. Go with your gut

Authenticity beats people-pleasing every time. If you’re bobbing your head to your own track, that’s a good sign. Chances are, other people will like it too.

3. Record every single idea you have

Are you hearing a theremin solo on that one song? Do anything you can to make that happen. If it doesn’t end up working, at least you tried and didn’t just wonder whether or not it would work.

4. Make sure all instruments are tuned up

and vocalists are warmed up.

5. Double up instruments to make your song sound fuller

Record acoustic guitar in stereo, add two layers of that drum machine, add a chorus of vocals.

6. Listen to lots of music

You can’t pull anything up from the well if it’s dry.

7. Invest in knowledge, not super expensive equipment

Once you get recording equipment that’s good enough to make professional music, spending loads of cash on higher-tier equipment is not worth it. At that point, it’s better to invest in gaining knowledge.

8. Plan for multiple income streams

Today’s music industry is a place that often requires musicians, Producers, and Audio Engineers to have more than one source of income. Audio Producers often work with musicians, record audiobooks, and do freelance audio editing.

9. Title every track in your DAW

You have to work quickly and efficiently, and you don’t want to forget where that fourth harmony went.

10. Start simple

When building an audio foundation, keep things simple. You can always get more complex later on.

11. Learn basic music theory

Even if you’re not a musician and if you just want to focus on producing audio, it can still be really helpful to know some basic music theory. After all, you will be dealing with musicians every day. You may have to speak their language.

12. Mix at low volumes

When the volume is low, the main features of a song will still be audible, giving you a better idea of what listeners will hear. Plus, it will be easier on your ears.

13. Take breaks

For the sake of your ears, take a break from all noise for 15-30 minutes every two hours.

If you start with these basic production tips, practice a lot, and then consider furthering your education, you’ll be on the right track.

Lastly, remember to never stop learning. Even though I wrote this article and I produce music nearly every day, I still learn about production all the time.