The Benefits of Producing your Own Music

The old way of Music Production. Midi Cable Nightmares

In order to gain international recognition as a DJ these days, it’s essential to produce your own music. Not only does this get you more success, it also gives you a competitive advantage by having your own tracks & a unique sound that no one else has.

Thankfully the days of having to spend tens of thousands of pounds on buying hardware synthesisers, mixing desks and hundreds of Midi Cables are long gone. Technology has made making music more accessible, affordable and easier to make, thanks to the evolution of Virtual Studio Technology (VST’s), Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) and YouTube tutorials. A track can now be made completely ‘in the box’ using only a computer.

David Forbes Studio At Groove City Radio

While it may be tempting to let the world hear your first attempts at music production, it is much more beneficial to truly learn everything about your DAW and VSTs. This will involve lots of trial and error messing with parameters, settings and may even involve reading a user manual! Remember that Youtube is a new producer’s best friend. There are thousands of hours of tutorials from unknown and established producers which provide valuable tips and insights on learning how to produce music. Practice makes perfect and be aware that producing your own music takes time and a lot of patience.

The Award Winning Skapade Studios 

If self-study sounds like too much hard work then there are companies and individuals who can help you with 1-2-1 hands on tuition. Being in a studio environment with an established producer is more fun and can enhance your learning by giving you insider secrets when it comes to the art of music production. Companies such as Skapade Studios, SM Studios and Groove City Radio provide various services that cater for all of your music production needs regardless of your ability.

The Addiction Of Music Production

Having fun should be your first priority when making music. Once you know what you are doing and find your own sound, the payoff is well worth the time and effort that you have invested.

Till next time…

How to Start Playing Out in Clubs

Hit Me With Those Laser-beams.

You have the equipment, you have the tunes and you have (hopefully) put the hours in and are now confident in your DJing ability. Now you are ready for the next step: to show off your talents in a club setting.

Hands In The Air!

There is no better feeling as a DJ to share the music you love and to play to a venue full of people. However, when you are starting out you need to be realistic. It is highly unlikely that you will be playing at peak times in the bigger venues, therefore you need to set expectations when it comes to playing out for the first time. You will probably be doing the first set and not be paid as its good for your profile.

Soundcloud

Firstly you need a sound-cloud account so you can share your mixes online & on social media. This way you can build fans and people will be aware of what music style that you play.

Networking Is Important.

It is important to target smaller nights that play a similar style of music to you and most importantly support these nights by attending the events that they put on. Network by introducing yourself to the DJ’s and Promoters (without pestering them). Promoters are much more likely to listen to your mix and give you a gig if they know your face and that you actually attend the nights that you are hoping to play for rather than being a random DJ who is just hunting for a gig.

Dark Spaces Complete Me.

Playing smaller nights builds your confidence and hones your skills as a DJ. The majority of people that attend these nights are people who are really passionate about the music and DJ’s playing and are more critical of a DJ’s performance. While this may be off-putting to some if you do your job and put in a good performance then you may be invited to play at other nights which can lead on to bigger and better things.

Good luck!